Photo: Amit Jain / UnsplashMeghalaya
Meghalaya, India
Living root bridges, some of the wettest places on Earth, and rivers so clear that boats seem to float on air. Meghalaya is lush, walkable, and still uncrowded.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹1,800–3,000
- Mid-range / day
- ₹6,300–10,800
- Best time
- October to April for clear rivers and dry trails; June to September for waterfalls
- Ideal length
- 5–7 days
Day by day
6-day itinerary
₹10,800–18,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong
Drive up past Umiam Lake; evening at Police Bazaar and a live-music café.
- 2
Day 2: Shillong to Sohra (Cherrapunji)
Laitlum Canyons on the way, then Nohkalikai Falls and Mawsmai Cave.
- 3
Day 3: Trek to Nongriat
About 3,000 steps down from Tyrna to the double-decker root bridge and the Rainbow Falls pools. Stay overnight in the village.
- 4
Day 4: Climb out and on to the south
An early climb back up, then drive to Mawlynnong and the Riwai root bridge.
- 5
Day 5: Dawki and Shnongpdeng
Boat on the Umngot river (clearest in winter), cliff jumping or kayaking at Shnongpdeng.
- 6
Day 6: Back to Shillong or Guwahati
Return for your onward travel, stopping at Elephant Falls if time allows.
When to go
- Jan★ Best
- Feb★ Best
- Mar★ Best
- Apr★ Best
- May—
- JunGood
- JulGood
- AugGood
- SepGood
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- Dec★ Best
October to April for clear rivers and dry trails; June to September for waterfalls.
Money notes
Public transport thins out beyond Shillong and Sohra, so many travellers share a taxi for Dawki and Mawlynnong. Village entry fees are small but add up; carry change.