Key Consideration:
- It is a trip for two people for a short, relaxed trip.
- Originates and ends in Guwahati. So travelers have to reach Guwahati a day early for this trip.
- The recommendations are for some hotels, but travelers must validate the rate and availability for the travel dates using Expedia Group.
Day 1: Arrive in Guwahati and take a taxi to Shillong (approx. 3 hours). Check into your hotel and leave your luggage. In the evening, visit the Don Bosco Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Khasi and Jaintia tribes.
Hotel recommendation:
- Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillong
- Courtyard by Marriott Shillong
- Rockski Boutique Bed and Breakfast
- Woodland Hill Stay
- The Golf Retreat, Shillong
Food recommendations:
- Marba Khasi Food Stall
- Khasi Food
- JADOH STALL
Day 2: Visit the Umiam Lake, a beautiful artificial lake located about 15 km from Shillong. You can go for a boat ride, take a walk along the lakeshore, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. In the afternoon, visit the Ward’s Lake, a smaller lake located in the heart of Shillong. You can also visit the Lady Hydari Park, a beautiful park with a variety of flowers and plants.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Cherrapunjee (approx. 1 hour), one of the wettest places on Earth. Visit the Nohkalikai Falls, the Seven Sisters Falls, and the Mawsmai Cave.
Day 4: Take a taxi to Jowai (approx. 3 hours), the headquarters of the Jaintia Hills district. Visit the Nartiang Monoliths, a collection of megalithic stones dating back to the 12th century. You can also visit the Krang Suri Falls, a beautiful waterfall located about 10 km from Jowai.
Hotel recommendation:
- Jaintia Hills Hotel
- Jowai Regency Hotel
- Hotel Jaintia Grande
Food recommendations:
- Jaintia Food Stall
- Ialong Restaurant
- Nongthymmai Restaurant
Day 5: Take a taxi to Tura (approx. 4 hours), the headquarters of the Garo Hills district. Visit the Nokrek National Park, a beautiful park with a variety of flora and fauna. You can also visit the Siju Cave, a limestone cave with a variety of stalagmites and stalactites.
Hotel recommendation:
- Hotel Heritage
- Hotel Hillock
- Hotel Tura Regency
Food recommendations:
- Garo Food Stall
- The Heritage Restaurant
- The Hillock Restaurant
Day 6: Take a taxi back to Shillong (approx. 4 hours). In the evening, visit the Police Bazar, a popular market in Shillong where you can buy souvenirs and handicrafts.
Day 7: Depart from Guwahati.
This is just a suggested itinerary and you can customize it to fit your interests and budget. For example, if you are interested in hiking, you could spend more time in the Nokrek National Park or the Siju Cave. If you are interested in culture, you could spend more time in Cherrapunjee or Jowai.
Here are some additional tips for planning your trip:
- The best time to visit Meghalaya is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant.
- Meghalaya is a relatively safe place to travel, but it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
- English is widely spoken in Meghalaya, so you should not have any problems communicating with the locals.
- The currency of India is the Indian rupee (INR). You can exchange currency at banks, hotels, and currency exchange bureaus.
- Credit cards are accepted at most major hotels and restaurants in Meghalaya. However, it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially if you are planning to visit smaller towns and villages.
Please customize this itinerary to your preferences and interests. Ensure you check for any travel advisories, entry permits, and COVID-19 guidelines before your trip. Hotel names and phone numbers can be found through online booking platforms or travel websites closer to your travel date.
Shopping:
Some of the essential items are listed below. Get it from Amazon. Suggested items as per the climate and the place you are visiting. Avoid shopping if you are unsure how to bargain, considering language limitations. You are better off shopping in places that clearly state fixed prices.
Things you might need: