Meghalaya, one of the seven sisters of the East, is one of the most scenic states in India. Mawsynram and Sohra( erstwhile Cherrapunji) in Meghalaya are among the wettest places on the planet, receiving over 11,000mm of rain annually. It is a relatively small state, in terms of physical size as well as population.
Travelling into and within Meghalaya
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong has an airport and Indigo/Air India flies from Kolkata. Not sure if any other city is connected to Shillong. But by and large, most prefer to fly into Guwahati which is better connected by air to other parts of India and travel by road to Shillong.
From Guwahati, Shillong is less than 100kms away, and the driving time is less than 3 hours. Shared cabs are also available, apart from buses.
Kaziranga to Shillong is a 250km drive and takes about 6 hours. The drive from Kaziranga took me close to Guwahati on NH27 before taking a deviation onto NH6. There was lot of heavy traffic on the NH6 Shillong route, slowing me down.
The nearest railway station is Guwahati.
Within Meghalaya, the best way to commute is to hire a comfortable car with driver cum guide. Given the heavy rainfall, the road conditions can be bad at times. Buses do ply and shared cabs are also available.
What to do in Shillong
At 5,000 ft. above sea level, Shillong is a picturesque hill station and a very nice place to stay for 2-3 days. Often called the Scotland of the East, possibly for the lush green hills, the meandering roads, numerous lakes and 2 major music festivals.
Shillong is mostly about nature. You can spend some peaceful time at the following locations:
Shillog peak, at 6450 ft, provides a great view of Shillong, the Himalayas towards the North and Bangladesh plains in the South. On a clear day that is. Often covered in fog.
Ward’s lake is surrounded by lush gardens and is close to a botanical park.
Umiam lake, about 15kms from Shillong, got created when a Dam was built on Umiam river. A popular tourist spot, the lake can be also be visited when driving from Guwahati to Shillong. Tourists can enjoy water sports here. This is on the way from Guwahati to Shillong.
Lady Hydari park is another well maintained park
Elephant falls is also popular but it does not have the scale to excite me.
There are few scenic spots outside Shillong – Laitlum Canyons and Mawphlang. Do visit if you have time.
There are also few museums for those who are interested. For casual shopping and eateries, head to Police Bazaar. Blend of old and new. For street photography, Bara Bazaar merits a visit.
View from Shillong viewpoint, Meghalaya Ward’s lake, Shillong, Meghalaya Bara Pani or Umiang Lake, Meghalaya Umiang Lake, Meghalaya
How many days?
The attractions in Shillong can be easily covered in a day or two. In fact, several operators offer day trips to Shillong from Guwahati but I would suggest staying in Shillong for the following day trips. Overall, 4-5 days is good.
Day trips from Shillong
Cherrapunji – The key attractions are the numerous waterfalls, natural caves with stalagmite and Stalactite formations and the Living Root Bridges.
Mawlynnong and Dawki – About 80 kms away with a driving time of about 2.5 hours one way. Mawlynnong was once voted as the cleanest village in Asia and continues to be clean. Fascinating to learn how the villagers have come together to keep their surroundings clean. Only wish all villages in India adopt this model. Close to Mawlynnong, near Riwai village, is another easily accessible Living Roots Bridge. Umngot river in Dawki is one of the cleanest rivers in India. Few adventure sport are on offer in Dawki.
The road from Shillong forks near Mylliem. One leads to Mawsynram, one to Sohra and another one to Dawki.
Where to stay
Shillong has a few unique options – old cottages converted to boutique guesthouse, and Royal castle converted to hotel. Besides the regular hotels, resorts, guest houses and homestays.
I also stayed one night at Ri Kynjai, a beautiful resort near Umian Lake, or Bara Pani.
Cherrapunji has limited options.
Vegetarian Food
Rice and pork appear to be the staple diet. On the vegetarian side, other than Momos and Pukhlein dessert, not much of local vegetarian stuff. You can also try Kyat, a local beer made from fermented rice.
State government website
For more information, especially on caves and waterfalls, visit the state government website:
It contains detailed information on various caves and waterfalls but is silent about Living Root Bridges