Meghalaya 6 Days 5 Nights Tour Itinerary: Shillong to Guwahati via Dawki & Cherrapunji
Pick up from Guwahati Airport, Head to Shillong
Upon your arrival at Guwahati Airport, our representative will warmly greet you. From there, embark on a scenic drive to Shillong, often referred to as the "Scotland of the East." The journey covers approximately 100 kilometers and takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, offering picturesque views of the changing landscapes as you ascend into the hills.
En route, you will visit the following captivating attractions:
- Umiam Lake (Barapani) – A serene and expansive artificial lake surrounded by lush green hills, perfect for a refreshing stop and some photographs.
After a beautiful drive, you will arrive in Shillong. Check in to your hotel and take some time to refresh.
Later in the day, explore some of Shillong's charming spots:
- Ward's Lake – A beautiful artificial lake with boating facilities, set amidst a botanical garden, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
- Police Bazaar – The bustling commercial hub of Shillong, perfect for experiencing local life, shopping for souvenirs, and enjoying street food.
The evening is at your leisure, allowing you to relax at your hotel or further explore the local market area.
Shillong Local Sightseeings
After breakfast, proceed to explore Shillong, the “Scotland of the East,” covering all major city attractions.
Sightseeing in Shillong:
- Laitlum Canyon - A breathtaking, deep gorge located about 25–30 km from Shillong. Known for its panoramic, 360-degree views, the site is a popular trekking, photography, and sunrise/sunset destination, often featuring dramatic mist and deep valleys.
- Ward’s Lake – A peaceful lake ideal for short walks and paddle boating.
- Lady Hydari Park – A Japanese-style park with gardens and a small zoo.
- Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians – A beautiful church known for its stained-glass interiors.
- Golflinks Golf Course – One of India’s most scenic natural golf courses.
- Don Bosco Museum – A multi-storey museum displaying North-East India’s tribal culture and heritage.
- Shillong Skywalk (New Shillong Viewpoint) – A modern glass skywalk offering panoramic views of Shillong’s skyline.
- Ever Living Museum – A private museum featuring tribal artifacts, fossils, and traditional collections.
- Elephant Falls – A popular multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by greenery.
- Air Force Museum – Exhibits aircraft models, uniforms, and historic displays (entry may vary).
- Shillong Peak Viewpoint – The highest point in Shillong offering sweeping city views.
- Police Bazar – Main market area for shopping local handicrafts, winterwear, and souvenirs.
Return to your hotel after completing sightseeing.
Note:
- Any sightseeing will be visited only once during the entire travel even if it is mentioned multiple times in the itinerary. In addition, no alternative sights or compensation will be arranged for the same.
- All the sights are listed above, but it is highly unlikely that these will be covered in a single day. As Driver operation hours are between 9-6 PM only. Driver would not stretch much from normal hours.
- Sights are listed so that you can choose the best among them as per your taste and time available.
Visit Mawlynnong and Dawki and Stay at Dawki
Begin your day with an early morning check-out from your hotel in Shillong, ensuring you've completed any last-minute sightseeing in the city. Your adventure starts with a scenic drive towards Mawlynnong, Asia's cleanest village. This journey covers approximately 90 kilometers and will take around 2.5 to 3 hours.
En route, marvel at the breathtaking Meghalayan landscapes.
Upon arrival in Mawlynnong, immerse yourself in the charm of this pristine village. Dedicate ample time to exploring its unique attractions before proceeding to Dawki.
Highlights in Mawlynnong:
- Living Root Bridge: Witness this marvel of bio-engineering, a natural bridge formed by the roots of ancient trees.
- Sky View Point (Balancing Rock): Climb the bamboo skywalk for panoramic views of the Bangladesh plains.
- Cleanest Village Experience: Stroll through the impeccably maintained pathways and learn about the local Khasi culture.
After a memorable visit to Mawlynnong, continue your journey towards Dawki. This leg of the trip is roughly 30 kilometers and takes about 1 hour to reach your final destination.
Upon reaching Dawki, the vibrant hues of the Umngot River will welcome you. Dawki is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and the picturesque Indo-Bangladesh border.
Attractions and activities in Dawki:
- Umngot River Boating: Enjoy a serene boat ride on the translucent waters, where boats appear to float on air.
- Dawki Suspension Bridge: Admire the iconic bridge offering spectacular views of the river and surrounding hills.
- Indo-Bangladesh Border: Visit the friendship gate and observe the unique cross-border trade activities.
As the day draws to a close, check into your pre-booked accommodation in Dawki, ready to unwind after a day full of discovery. Enjoy the tranquil evening beside the river, reflecting on the natural beauty you've experienced.
Head to Cherrapunji from Dawki
Embark on a captivating journey from the serene border town of Dawki to the misty, rain-soaked landscapes of Cherrapunji, renowned as one of the wettest places on Earth. The drive from Dawki to Cherrapunji spans approximately 85-95 kilometers and typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, offering scenic views of Meghalaya's rolling hills and valleys.
Depart Dawki in the morning, making your way towards the dramatic highlands. As you leave the turquoise waters behind, the landscape transforms, paving the way for lush greenery and cascading waterfalls.
En route, immerse yourself in the local culture and natural wonders:
- Mawlynnong Village: Often celebrated as "Asia's Cleanest Village," take a slight detour to experience its pristine environment, eco-friendly practices, and charming bamboo houses.
- Living Root Bridge (Riwai Village): A short walk from Mawlynnong leads to one of Meghalaya's incredible natural wonders – a bridge formed by intertwining the aerial roots of ancient rubber trees over generations.
After exploring these unique attractions, continue your ascent towards Cherrapunji. Arrive in Cherrapunji by early afternoon, ready to discover its breathtaking natural beauty.
In Cherrapunji, dedicate your afternoon to exploring its iconic sights:
- Nohkalikai Falls: Witness the majestic plunge of India's tallest plunge waterfall, surrounded by verdant cliffs and often veiled in mist.
- Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls): Admire this stunning ensemble of seven distinct waterfalls cascading side by side from a limestine cliff.
- Mawsmai Cave: Venture into the illuminated interiors of this ancient limestone cave system, marveling at its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.
- Eco Park: Enjoy panoramic views of the canyons and the distant Bangladesh plains from this beautifully maintained park, which also houses a green living root bridge.
Conclude your day in Cherrapunji, taking in the serene atmosphere and the dramatic landscapes that define this extraordinary region.
Cherrapunjii to Guwahati
Begin your day by ensuring any remaining sights in Cherrapunji, such as the Nohkalikai Falls or Mawsmai Cave, are completed before checking out from your hotel. Afterward, embark on a picturesque drive to Guwahati, the largest city in Assam. The journey covers approximately 150 kilometers and takes around 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic, especially while crossing Shillong.
En route, visit the following attractions:
- Dainthlen Falls: A majestic waterfall known for its captivating legends and serene surroundings, just outside Cherrapunji.
- Elephant Falls: A three-tiered waterfall near Shillong, famous for its lush greenery and natural beauty.
- Umiam Lake (Barapani Lake): A sprawling reservoir offering stunning views and a tranquil break, perfect for photo opportunities.
Upon arrival in Guwahati, check into your hotel and take some time to freshen up. The afternoon can be dedicated to exploring the city's significant landmarks.
In Guwahati, explore these key sights:
- Kamakhya Temple: A revered Shakti Peeth dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, perched atop Nilachal Hills, offering spiritual solace and panoramic views of the Brahmaputra River.
- Assam State Museum: Delve into the rich history and culture of Assam through its extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, sculptures, and tribal exhibits.
- Umananda Island (Peacock Island): Take a short ferry ride to this small, enchanting island in the Brahmaputra River, home to the Umananda Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
As evening approaches, consider a delightful Brahmaputra River cruise for a memorable sunset view over the river, concluding your day of travel and exploration.
Recommended Activities & Sights
Return to Your Hometown with unlimited memories
Your memorable journey concludes today as you prepare to return to your hometown. After a delightful stay, begin your day with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel in Guwahati. Following this, complete your hotel checkout formalities, ensuring you have gathered all your belongings and cherished souvenirs.
If any of the sights are pending you can cover them. Most important attractions of Guwahati are the followings:
- Kamakhya Devi Temple (Typically Need 3-4 hours time even with VIP tickets)
- Umananda Island Temple (At most 2 hours are required)
Depending on your flight schedule, you might have a brief window for one last, quick experience in Guwahati. Consider a final visit to a local market for last-minute purchases or simply enjoy a quiet moment reflecting on your trip before heading to the airport.
Proceed to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati for your flight home. The airport is approximately 20-25 km from the city center, and the drive typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions. Please ensure you arrive well in advance of your scheduled departure time to allow for smooth check-in and security procedures.
Recommended Activities & Sights
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