8D/7N
Shillong - Mawlynnong - Nongriat - Cherrapunji
Trip Overview
Visit the charming hill-station of Shillong – The Britons call it ‘the Scotland of the East’.
the village life of the Khasi people at Mawlynnong, one of the cleanest villages of Asia.
Visit Cherrapunji, the rainiest place on earth, where the rain has carved the landscape.
Guwahati - shillong
After arriving at Guwahati airport, drive to Shillong (3 hours), the capital of Meghalaya. It is a historic hill station established by the British and is also referred to as 'Scotland of the east'. Shillong was also the former administrative capital of the entire north-eastern region, then known as Assam during British rule, and still has an old charm. On the way, halt at the scenic Umiam Lake, also locally known as Barapani. One can enjoy boating in the pristine lake surrounded by beautiful pine forests of the Khasi hills. The panoramic vista of the lake is spectacular from the viewpoints on the highway. Reach Shillong and check-in at a boutique colonial-style bungalow or a luxurious heritage property of the former royal family of Tripura.
shillong
Explore the charming town and enjoy local sightseeing, visit places such as Lady Hydari Park, Ward's Lake, and old churches. The Don Bosco Museum, the largest cultural museum in India is also worth a visit for those interested in learning about the indigenous cultures of Northeast India. Later, visit Shillong Peak, the highest point in the Khasi hills which offers a panoramic view of the town. Also visit the majestic Elephant Falls nearby, whose cascades resemble large elephants. If time permits, witness the Siat Khnam archery, which is a unique way of local gambling where Khasi men shoot arrows in a haystack. The evening will be at leisure to explore the upbeat Police Bazar market where you can buy handicrafts and souvenirs from the handloom emporiums.
shillong - mawphlang/mawsynram - shillong
Go on a day trip to Mawphlang (1 hour) to hike on the David Scott Trail. It is a heritage trail named after David Scott, one of the earliest British explorers of the region who tried to find a route from Bangladesh to Assam through the Khasi hills. The 14km long trek is suitable for travelers of all age groups. One can also explore the Sacred Grove Forest which is protected by the villagers and has many myths associated with Khasi culture. The age-old forest also has many historic monoliths which mark important events in local history. On Sundays, visitors can witness Siat Khnam archery in the Khasi Heritage Village. It is a traditional form of betting which is enjoyed by the locals in the afternoon.
OR
Drive to Mawsynram (2 hours), the rainiest place in the world. Perched atop a ridge on the Khasi Hills, it offers a beautiful view of the surrounding valleys which are green due to the abundant rainfall. The word Maw in the native Khasi language refers to rocks as this place is also well known for its unique rock formations. Visit the Mawjymbuin cave which has a natural structure that resembles a Shivalinga. The cave also has a dome-shaped rock with a flat top called the Symper Rock. Dwarksuid is another site to enjoy nature. The rock formations here are referred to by the locals as the Devil's Doorway. Return to Shillong by evening.
shillong - dawki - mawlynnong
Leave early to the beautiful picnic spot of Dawki (3 hours) near the Bangladesh border. Enjoy a ride in country boats in the clear turquoise waters of the Umgnot River which is surrounded by steep gorges. Then, drive to Mawlynnong (1 hour), considered to be Asia’s cleanest village. Mawlynnong is a little hamlet that became famous as the 'Clean Village' due to the collective efforts of its local community. The villagers have beautifully maintained their village, which attracts numerous visitors and is also known as the Garden of God. Later, leisurely explore the village and interact with the Khasi villagers. One can also experience their Khasi cuisine in the little food stalls. Also, visit the Balancing Rock of Mawlynnong and the Living Root Bridge at Riwai village nearby. Enjoy the panoramic view of Bangladesh plains from the Skywalk viewpoint. Your stay will be in a family-run guest house with basic amenities.
mawlynnong - cherrapunji
Proceed to Cherrapunji (2 hours), renowned as one of the wettest places in the world and is well known for its serene landscape. It was historically known as Sohra, the land of oranges in the native Khasi dialect, and was once the capital of the region during the British era. Later, explore the beautiful waterfalls and caves, which are the main attractions of Cherrapunjee. Visit the Seven Sisters Falls, Dainthlen Falls, and Nokhalikai Falls. Also, visit the stalagmites of the intriguing Mawsmai caves, visit Ka Khoh Ramrah monolith, landscape viewpoints, and the Eco Park. Bonfires can be arranged in the evening. Your stay will be at a hillside lodge with small cottages offering standard amenities.
cherrapunji
A leisurely day to explore the more of the attractions and secrets of Cherrapunji. Visit Janialar Falls, Prut Falls and Wei Sawdong Falls where you can enjoy a swim in the natural pools with turquoise blue waters. Lunch at Jiva Resort is a popular stop amongst tourists. Afternoon can be spent at Thankalang Park from where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Bangladesh plains below. Evening at leisure. You can request a bonfire.
cherrapunji - nongriat - cherrapunji
You will be making the hike to Nongriat and return by afternoon. The extremely scenic 3 hour steep downhill hike, crosses forested hills, cascading waterfalls, streams and native hanging bridges, to arrive at the village of Nongriat, home to a very happy and sustainable community of Khasi peoples. The village is especially famous for its double decker living root bridge which keeps travelers in awe. You can hike to the nearby Rainbow Falls for a swim. After lunch, hike back to Cherrapunji. Evening at leisure.
cherrapunji - guwahati
After breakfast, transfer to Guwahati airport (5 hours) for departure. End of tour.
Where you will stay?
When you travel with us, we make sure that you stay in the best available accommodations in the places you visit, especially since many areas in Northeast India are remote and do not have many options to stay.
These properties are highly reviewed by our team of experts and are aesthetic in nature when possible.
Our itineraries are flexible, highly customisable, and you can always choose a different property depending on budget and style.
holiday resort, cherrapunji
RATING: standard
STYLE: guesthouse
Blissfully located in the high plateaus of Cherrapunji with grand vistas of the Bangladesh plains and run by an enthusiastic hospitable family, Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort is a nature based guesthouse more than a resort where visitors can stay in fairly modern rooms and comfort.
homestay, mawlynnong
RATING: standard
STYLE: homestay
Homestays are part of the responsible tourism process practiced in Mawlynnong, Asia’s prettiest village. For visitors, it means close interactions with host Khasi families and lifelong bonds with new friends. Rooms are cozy, fairly standard, providing basic comforts suitable for the village life.
cafe b&B, shillong
RATING: luxury
STYLE: bed and breakfast
Cafe Shillong Bed & Breakfast is a standard boutique property housed in a typical old British India bungalow, offering a charming stay to visitors who come to the ‘Scotland of the east’. Belonging once to the Kharpuri family, the place has colorful character and rooms and facilities are updated to the comforts of modern hospitality. There’s a front-yard garden, a quiet spot for a morning tea or an evening drink.
The tours listed in this website are our own well-researched itineraries that come with a great degree of flexibility and customization. Each tour is therefore individually costed around your requirements and budget. This provides you with a sense of choice and reliability, and also helps us meet customer expectations much more closely, making your travel experience all the more memorable.
Please fill out the form below to tell us more about the tour you are interested in and a response with costs and information will be sent to you.
