Meghalaya (Shillong & Cherrapunji)
Editorial destination overview. Seasons and visit lengths are planning suggestions; check current weather, closures, permits, transport and prices before booking. Photos illustrate the destination and may not show current conditions.
Visit Time
4-5 days
Best Time
October - May
State / Union Territory
Meghalaya
About
Meghalaya, meaning 'Abode of Clouds,' is a northeastern Indian state known for its extraordinary natural wonders. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram hold records as the wettest places on Earth. The state's Khasi and Jaintia tribes have built remarkable living root bridges — grown over centuries from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees — that are now UNESCO World Heritage tentative sites. With stunning waterfalls, unexplored caves, crystal-clear rivers, and a refreshingly different culture, Meghalaya is India's most underrated destination.
Highlights
Double Decker Living Root Bridge — 3,000-step trek to Nongriat village
Nohkalikai Falls — India's tallest plunge waterfall (340m) near Cherrapunji
Dawki River — crystal-clear river on the Bangladesh border (boats appear floating)
Mawlynnong — 'Asia's Cleanest Village' with tree house viewpoint
Elephant Falls — three-tiered waterfall near Shillong
Krem Mawmluh — one of the longest caves in the Indian subcontinent
Weather & Climate
Summer
March-May: 15-25°C, pleasant, light rain begins
Monsoon
June-September: 15-22°C, EXTREME rain, waterfalls at peak but roads risky
Winter
October-February: 5-18°C, dry, clear views, ideal for trekking
How to Reach
Connections and journey times below are starting points for research, not live schedules. Confirm actual services for your dates with the operator.
By Air
Shillong Airport (Umroi, 30 km) — limited flights. Better: fly to Guwahati (100 km) with more connections.
By Rail
Nearest station: Guwahati (100 km, 2.5 hours by road). No railways in Meghalaya.
By Road
NH6 from Guwahati to Shillong (100 km, 2.5 hours). Shared taxis (Sumos) are the main transport within the state.
Traveler Tips
- 1Carry rain gear year-round — Meghalaya gets rain even in dry season
- 2Trek to the Double Decker Root Bridge early morning — 3,000+ steps each way
- 3Stay overnight in Nongriat village homestays for the full experience
- 4Visit Dawki in winter (Nov-Mar) for the clearest water
- 5Rent a car with driver — public transport is limited
- 6Try jadoh (pork rice), tungrymbai (fermented soybean), and kwai (betel nut)
Safety Notes
Important Safety Information
- •Trek with a local guide to living root bridges — paths are not well-marked
- •Check weather before driving to Cherrapunji — fog and rain can reduce visibility to zero
- •Carry warm clothes for Shillong evenings — it gets cold
- •Respect Khasi culture — ask before photographing people and sacred groves
Book Tours & Activities
Skip the line, book in advance
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, and local experiences in Meghalaya. Check the selected operator’s cancellation deadline, inclusions and refund terms before paying.
External booking services set their own prices and terms. JustArrived does not take bookings.
Check before booking
Confirm current entry fees, opening days, access permissions and booking conditions with the official attraction or tourism office. Foreign visitor fees can differ; do not rely on old price lists.
Official India tourism directory ↗Archaeological Survey of India: protected monuments ↗Add this destination to your planning shortlist →Nearby Places
- Shillong (city base)
- Cherrapunji (54 km from Shillong)
- Dawki (96 km from Shillong)
- Kaziranga NP (Assam, 280 km)
Book Your Stay
External booking service; compare final prices and terms.