Activities to Enjoy During an Assam & Meghalaya Trip (With Real Costs)

An Assam–Meghalaya trip is not about ticking off places—it’s about choosing the right activities based on your time, energy, and who you’re travelling with. Some activities are genuinely rewarding, while others look exciting on paper but may not fit every itinerary.

This blog lists the key activities we actually did, what we skipped, real costs we paid, and honest clarity on what’s worth your time.

(For overall trip flow and day-wise planning, refer to the complete guide here:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/2026/02/06/assam-meghalaya-trip-guide/)

Kaziranga National Park: Jeep Safari vs Elephant Safari

Kaziranga is known for its wildlife, especially the one-horned rhino. The two main safari options are Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari.

🐘 Elephant Safari (What We Skipped & Why)

• Cost: ₹1,200 per Person
• Happens early morning (around 6:00–6:30 AM)
• Limited slots, mostly in Bagori Zone
• Strict timing

We skipped elephant safari because:

• We reached Kaziranga very late at night
• We were travelling with kids
• Waking up extremely early wasn’t practical for us

🚙 Jeep Safari (What We Did)

• Cost: ₹3,500 per jeep
• Binoculars (optional): ₹300
• Duration: ~2.5–3 hours
• Zones: Kohora / Bagori recommended

Why jeep safari worked better:

• Flexible entry between 8:00–10:00 AM
• Comfortable with kids
• Easy spotting of rhinos (they don’t move much)

We spotted:

• Rhinos (multiple times)
• Elephants
• Deer, monkeys, birds

👉 Honest tip: Renting binoculars is not necessary unless you’re a serious bird watcher.

(Our full Kaziranga jeep safari experience is documented here:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/2026/02/02/assam-meghalaya-kaziranga-jeep-safari-experience/)

(Additional Kaziranga context within the Assam–Meghalaya route:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/2026/02/04/kaziranga-in-assam-meghalaya-trip/)

Umiam Lake Activities – What’s Worth It

Umiam Lake is often treated as a quick photo stop, but it offers more—if you manage expectations.

Activities Available

• Walking & cycling
• Boating
• Open garden space

Boating at Umiam Lake

• Boat rides: ₹2,500 to ₹8,000 per boat (based on type & duration)
• Parasailing is claimed to be available, but we did not see it operating

👉 Reality check:

• The garden is huge
• One hour feels rushed
• It’s better as a relaxed stop, not a packed activity zone

(Our stay and experience around Umiam Lake is covered here:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/2026/02/03/orchid-lake-resort-umiam-review/)

Dawki River Boating (Umngot River)

One of the most talked-about activities in Meghalaya.

🚤 Boating Packages (Real Cost)

• 45 minutes: ₹1,000 per boat
• 1 hour: ₹1,200 per boat

Both packages cover almost the same stretch.
The extra ₹200 mainly adds:

• Slightly more time
• A short island stop

You’ll also see:

• Bangladesh border area
• People across the river

👉 Important note:

• Around 300 stairs down + up from parking
• Consider fatigue if done after long treks

(Complete Dawki boating cost and experience here:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/2026/02/04/dawki-river-boating-cost/)

(This activity was part of our Dawki–Mawlynnong day:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/2026/02/02/assam-meghalaya-trip-dawki-mawlynnong-experience/)

Living Root Bridges & Trekking Activities

Single Root Bridge

• Entry: ₹200
• ~150–200 steps (at Mawlynnong side)

Double Decker Root Bridge (Nongriat)

• Guide: ₹1,000–₹1,800 (we paid ₹1,800)
• Stick rental: ₹30
• Time required: 5–6 hours

This is the most physically demanding activity of the trip.

✔ Worth it if you’re prepared
❌ Not ideal if you’re already exhausted or short on time

(Our detailed experience trekking with kids is covered here:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/2026/02/05/double-decker-root-bridge-trek-with-kids/)

(Day-wise experience of this trek:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/2026/02/02/assam-meghalaya-trip-day-4-double-decker-root-bridge-experience/)

Waterfalls, Caves & Short Walk Activities

• Mawsmai Cave: ₹80
• Arwah Cave: ₹100
• Seven Sisters Falls: Mostly viewpoint-based

These are short-duration activities, but most involve walking, not drive-in sightseeing.

(Shillong sightseeing context:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/2026/02/02/meghalaya-trip-shillong-sightseeing-experience/)

Adventure Activities: Ziplining & Bungee Jumping

On the Shillong–Cherrapunji route, you’ll find:

• Ziplining
• Bungee jumping

👉 We did not attempt these, and costs vary by operator.
If adventure is your priority, keep buffer time for these.

Summary: What to Prioritise

Worth Prioritising

• Kaziranga Jeep Safari
• Dawki River Boating
• Double Decker Root Bridge (if physically ready)

Optional / Depends on Energy

• Umiam Lake boating
• Caves & waterfalls
• Adventure sports

Final Takeaway

Assam–Meghalaya is not a fast-paced destination.
Every activity needs:

• Time
• Walking
• Energy

Plan fewer activities per day, and you’ll enjoy each one more.

(For a consolidated cost view across hotels, food, and transport, see:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/2026/02/05/assam-meghalaya-trip-cost-family/)