Meghalaya is one of the most stunning places on earth, not just in India. With an abundance of natural beauty, it has continued to foster every little gift of Mother Nature.

Apart from its numerous waterfalls and valleys, Meghalaya also has on offer the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes. The Living Root Bridges, which were the brainchild of the tribes, are known to be one of the humans’ finest creations.

Double Decker Bridge is one of a kind in Meghalaya © Journo Travellers

It is quite obvious that to reach a natural wonder, you need to go through some kind of a not-so-easy trail and Meghalaya was no different in this case. Almost every single waterfall and viewpoint made us work so hard to reach!

This is why we have curated a well-thought itinerary for a leisure trip through Meghalaya. It still includes a little adventure but that is something you’ll enjoy and it won’t tire you out. This itinerary would suit all kinds of trips, including the ones with kids and the elderly.

Things to do in Meghalaya: Here’s an 8-day itinerary (7 nights and 8 days)

Day 1

Reaching Guwahati and from there, travelling to Meghalaya is the most convenient option for most people. Check out the Umiam Lake. There is a viewpoint on the highway with the lake on one side of the busy road and mountains on the other. After that, there is an Umiam Lake View Point park, with a small entry fee.

Check out the Ward’s Lake and All Saints Church on reaching Shillong.

NOTE, Cherry Blossom Festival, Shillong: If you visit Meghalaya in the middle of November, you’ll be able to witness the gorgeous Cherry Blossom. While you’ll spot a lot of it everywhere in Shillong, the major spots are the Ward’s Lake, Golf Course and around Upper Shillong. The Cherry Blossom Festival usually takes place for three days.

Day 2

Take a day trip to Mawsynram, which recently replaced Cherrapunji as the wettest place on the Earth. It is around 60kms from Shillong. You may check out the Khreng Khreng Viewpoint, Khreng Khreng Falls, and Krem Puri cave.

Day 3

Visit Elephant Falls (includes a bit of climb but doable). Begin your journey to Cherrapunji. On the way, check out incredible views from various viewpoints: Mawkdok Viewpoint (It has a Maggi point as well) and Sky View Point. You may avoid the trails by taking a look at parking. The sights are unbelievable.

Sky Viewpoint © Journo Travellers
Mawkdok Viewpoint © Journo Travellers

Take a little detour to visit Kongthong, the Whistling Village. It became popular after it was nominated for the World Tourism Organization’s Best Tourism Villages award along with two other villages in India. Meghalaya has quite an elaborate cave system. You can check out Arwah cave and Mawsmai caves in Cherrapunji. People, who are claustrophobic, please avoid.

Day 4

Have a slow day. Relax in your homestay/hotel before heading out to witness two very beautiful falls. The waterfalls that do not need a tricky trail are Seven Sister Falls and Nohkalikai Falls.

The Nohsngithiang Falls (or Mawsmai Falls) is popularly known as the Seven Sisters Waterfalls because it has seven segments and is the fourth highest waterfall in India. There are two major viewpoints for these falls: Near Mawsmai cave and the Energy Eco Park. Seven Sister Waterfalls are massively rain-fed. You don’t get to witness the majestic falls during non-monsoon months.

Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji © Journo Travellers

The third-highest waterfall in India, Nohkalikai falls can be viewed from the parking area.

Day 5

Leave for Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia. We would suggest that you reach by 11. After resting, begin exploring the village. It’ll take about an hour, that’s all. The population is about 600. There are several small restaurants that are run by families living there. Be assured, you’ll get home-cooked food throughout your stay and at a very reasonable price. Don’t miss their Church Of The Epiphany, which is a century-old. Climb their treehouse. Doesn’t offer any great views but just for fun!

Welcome to the cleanest village of Asia © Journo Travellers
Epiphany Church © Journo Travellers
Mawlynnong’s treehouse © Journo Travellers

Check out the Living Root Bridge, which is near the village. There is a shortcut to the bridge. Ask a local about it. It took us hardly two minutes to get there from parking. Otherwise, from the main parking, the trail takes about 40 minutes.

The Living Root Bridge in Mawlynnong © Journo Travellers

Day 6

Head to Dawki, the last village before the India-Bangladesh border. The place is famous for boating on the crystal clear waters of the Ungmot River. On the way, check out Borhill Waterfalls and the fencing area, showing Bangladesh on the other side. This is a point before the main border.

The beautiful Ungmot River in Dawki © Journo Travellers

NOTE: If you visit Meghalaya in the Monsoon season, the water of the Ungmot River won’t be as transparent.

Day 7

Soon after breakfast, leave for Shillong (Close to 80Kms). Before checking in at your hotel/homestay, visit Laitlum Canyon. It is about 20 kms from Shillong. The word Laitlum literally translates to ‘End of Hills’. The hills on which the canyon lies, end right here, leaving a jaw-dropping drop over the edge.

Laitlum – the canyon in Meghalaya © Journo Travellers

Day 8

After a memorable trip and tons of memories, the day to say goodbye to Meghalaya arrives! Sadly. We suggest you end your trip in Shillong, even if you have started your journey from here to avoid any last-minute hiccups.