Meghalaya
The 'abode of clouds' — waterfalls, living root bridges and crystal-clear rivers.
At a glance
Ideal duration
5–6 days
Best season
Oct–Apr (Jun–Sep for waterfalls)
Nearest airport
Guwahati (Assam); Shillong (Umroi)
Nearest railhead
Guwahati Junction
Inner Line Permit
Not required
Main languages
Khasi, Garo, Jaintia, English
Overview
Meghalaya is a green, rain-soaked land of rolling hills, plunging waterfalls and hand-grown living root bridges. The Shillong–Cherrapunji circuit, Dawki's clear Umngot river and Mawlynnong (often called Asia's cleanest village) are its highlights.
Best Time to Visit
October to April for pleasant weather; the monsoon (Jun-Sep) for thundering waterfalls.
How to Reach
Fly into Guwahati (Assam) and drive about 3 hours to Shillong; a small airport at Umroi has limited flights.
Permit Requirements
No Inner Line Permit required for Meghalaya.
Top Attractions
- • Shillong
- • Cherrapunji (Sohra)
- • Nohkalikai Falls
- • Dawki & Umngot River
- • Mawlynnong
- • Double Decker root bridge
- • Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Local Cuisine
- • Jadoh (rice & pork)
- • Dohneiiong
- • Tungrymbai
- • Pumaloi
Festivals
- • Shad Suk Mynsiem
- • Wangala
- • Nongkrem Dance
- • Behdienkhlam
Things to Do
- Trek down to the famous Double-Decker living root bridge near Nongriat
- Glide over the glass-clear Umngot river at Dawki
- Chase the waterfalls and caves around Sohra (Cherrapunji)
- Wander Mawlynnong, billed as Asia's cleanest village
- Walk the sacred grove of Mawphlang with a local guide
Know Before You Go
- The root-bridge trek is around 3,500 steps each way — wear proper shoes and start early.
- For the bluest Umngot water and clear waterfall views, come October–April.
- If you visit in monsoon (Jun–Sep), pack waterproofs and quick-dry shoes — Sohra is one of the wettest places on earth.
- Shillong is a comfortable base with good hotels, cafés and ATMs; the interiors have far fewer.
Packages for This Destination
Meghalaya Travel Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Meghalaya?
No Inner Line Permit is required for Meghalaya. You can travel freely, though some viewpoints and activities charge small local entry fees.
How many days do I need in Meghalaya?
Plan 5–6 days for the Shillong–Sohra–Dawki circuit, with a day for the Double-Decker root-bridge trek.
When is the best time to see the living root bridges and Dawki?
October to April gives pleasant weather and the clearest Umngot water; the monsoon is dramatic for waterfalls but very wet.
How do I reach Meghalaya?
Fly to Guwahati in Assam and drive about three hours to Shillong. The small Umroi airport near Shillong has limited flights.
Where do your Meghalaya tours start?
In Guwahati, with a pickup at the airport or railway station. Shillong is about 3 hours away by road, and Guwahati is well connected by air and rail from across India.
What is the best time to visit Shillong and Cherrapunji?
October to April for pleasant weather and clear views; June to September if you want Cherrapunji's waterfalls at their most powerful, though it rains heavily.
How far is Cherrapunji from Guwahati?
Cherrapunji (Sohra) is roughly 150 km from Guwahati via Shillong, about 4–5 hours by road.
Often Combined With
Plan your Meghalaya trip
Tell us your dates and travel style — we'll craft a custom itinerary with permits, stays and transport sorted.
