Meghalaya Tourism & Travel Guide 

By talesoftheroad

Tucked in the serene northeastern corner of India lies a mystical land called Meghalaya – aptly named the “Abode of Clouds.” Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a cultural explorer, Meghalaya offers a captivating experience with its cascading waterfalls, emerald-green hills, ancient caves, and warm hospitality. This Meghalaya Tourism & Travel Guide by talesoftheroad takes you through every detail you need – from how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, and which spots are unmissable.

Getting to Meghalaya: Flights, Trains & Road Trips

Option 1: By Air (Flight to Shillong or Guwahati)

The nearest airport to Meghalaya is Shillong Airport (Umroi), about 30 km from Shillong city. However, this is a small airport with limited connectivity. A better alternative is to fly into Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati) in Assam, which is well-connected to all major Indian cities.

Flight Costs:

• From Delhi to Guwahati (Round Trip):

  • Economy Class: ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 ($85 – $145)

• From Mumbai to Guwahati (Round Trip):

  • Economy Class: ₹9,000 – ₹14,000 ($110 – $170)

From Guwahati, you can hire a cab or take a shared taxi/bus to Shillong.

Guwahati to Shillong (by road):

• Private Taxi: ₹2,500 ($30) – ₹3,500 ($42)

• Shared Cab: ₹500 – ₹600 ($6 – $7)

• Bus (ASTC or Meghalaya Transport): ₹300 – ₹400 ($4 – $5)

Distance: 100 km | Travel Time: 3–4 hours

Option 2: By Train

There are no direct trains to Shillong. The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station.

Train Options:

• From Delhi to Guwahati (Rajdhani Express): ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 ($30 – $48) for AC tiers.

• From Kolkata to Guwahati: ₹1,200 – ₹2,500 ($14 – $30)

From Guwahati Railway Station, follow the road route to Shillong.

Option 3: By Road (Car or Bus)

If you’re up for a scenic road trip, driving to Shillong from Guwahati is a wonderful option. The highway is in good condition and offers lovely views of the hills.

• Car Rental (Self-Drive): ₹3,000 – ₹4,000/day ($36 – $48)

• Fuel for 100 km: Approx ₹800 ($10)

Best Time to Visit Meghalaya

• Winter (Nov to Feb): Cool and pleasant; best for sightseeing.

• Summer (Mar to May): Mild temperatures; great for outdoor adventures.

• Monsoon (Jun to Oct): Lush and green but with heavy rainfall; ideal for waterfall lovers and photographers.

For most travelers, October to April is the best window to explore Meghalaya comfortably.

Top Tourist Places in Meghalaya (With Entry Fees and Expenses)

1. Shillong – The Scotland of the East

The charming capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is known for its colonial-era architecture, music scene, and scenic views.

Must-Visit Spots in Shillong:

• Ward’s Lake: Entry ₹20 ($0.25)

• Shillong Peak: Free entry, great for panoramic city views.

• Elephant Falls: Entry ₹30 ($0.36)

• Don Bosco Museum: Entry ₹100 ($1.20)

• Police Bazar: Great for local shopping.

Total Daily Expense in Shillong:

• Transport: ₹500 ($6)

• Entry Fees: ₹150 ($1.80)

• Food & Misc: ₹700 ($8.50)

2. Cherrapunji (Sohra) – Land of Living Root Bridges

This magical land receives some of the highest rainfall in the world and offers jaw-dropping landscapes.

Things to See in Cherrapunji:

• Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Nongriat Trek):

  • Guide Fee: ₹800 – ₹1,000 ($10 – $12)

  • Entry Fee: ₹30 ($0.36)

• Nohkalikai Falls: Entry ₹30 ($0.36)

• Mawsmai Cave: Entry ₹20 ($0.25)

• Thangkharang Park: Entry ₹20 ($0.25)

Daily Expense in Cherrapunji:

• Local Transport: ₹800 – ₹1,200 ($10 – $15)

• Food & Entry: ₹600 – ₹1,000 ($7 – $12)

3. Mawlynnong – Asia’s Cleanest Village

Located near the Bangladesh border, this village is known for its cleanliness and eco-tourism efforts.

• Sky Walk (Bamboo Tower): Entry ₹20 ($0.25)

• Living Root Bridge (Single): Entry ₹30 ($0.36)

• Village Entry & Parking Fees: ₹50 ($0.60)

Stay in homestays: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000/night ($12 – $24)

4. Dawki & Umngot River – Crystal Clear Waters

One of the most Instagrammable places in Meghalaya, the Umngot River at Dawki looks like glass.

• Boat Ride (45 mins): ₹800 – ₹1,200 per boat ($10 – $14)

• Zip Lining (optional): ₹500 ($6)

Camping by the river: ₹1,200/night ($14)

5. Laitlum Canyons – The Grand Canyon of the East

A serene and less-crowded destination perfect for photography and trekking.

• Entry: Free

• Trekking Guide (optional): ₹500 ($6)

Where to Eat in Meghalaya – Best Food & Local Delights

Meghalaya’s cuisine is influenced by the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes. Expect flavors from smoked meats, bamboo shoots, and rice-based dishes.

Best Places to Eat in Shillong:

• Café Shillong: Live music and great Khasi food.

• Trattoria (Police Bazar): Best place to try local Khasi dishes like Jadoh (rice & meat), Tungrymbai (fermented beans), Dohneiiong (pork curry).

• ML 05 Café: Chill ambience, burgers, momos, and local snacks.

Must-Try Foods:

• Jadoh: ₹150 ($1.80)

• Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot: ₹200 ($2.40)

• Tungtap (Fish chutney): ₹100 ($1.20)

• Pukhlein (Sweet rice snack): ₹50 ($0.60)

Average Meal Cost (Local eatery): ₹300 – ₹500 ($4 – $6)

Where to Stay in Meghalaya

From budget homestays to boutique hotels, Meghalaya has options for all types of travelers.

Shillong:

• Budget: The Habitat Shillong – ₹1,500/night ($18)

• Mid-Range: Ri Kynjai – ₹5,000/night ($60)

• Luxury: Polo Towers Shillong – ₹7,000/night ($85)

Cherrapunji:

• Budget: By The Way Hostel – ₹1,000/night ($12)

• Mid-range: Cherrapunji Holiday Resort – ₹3,000/night ($36)

Mawlynnong & Dawki:

• Homestays: ₹800 – ₹1,500/night ($10 – $18)

Suggested Itinerary – 7 Days in Meghalaya

Complete Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Tips Before You Go

1. Carry cash: Not all places accept cards or UPI, especially in rural areas.

2. Weather-ready clothing: Carry a raincoat or umbrella; Meghalaya’s weather is unpredictable.

3. Good shoes: For trekking in Cherrapunji and Nongriat, shoes with grip are essential.

4. Eco-awareness: Meghalaya is clean and eco-conscious. Avoid plastic and support local businesses.

Why Meghalaya Should Be on Your Bucket List

From kayaking on crystal rivers to trekking through rain-drenched forests, Meghalaya is a destination that merges soul-refreshing nature with cultural authenticity. As talesoftheroad discovered, every curve of its winding roads and every whisper of its waterfalls holds a story worth telling. It’s not just a trip – it’s a journey into the clouds.

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