Meghalaya Alive!
Six days in Meghalaya at an easy pace, staying in the best properties in the state — a cliffside resort at Cherrapunji, lakefront cottages above Umiam Lake, and days out to the root bridges, the Umngot river and Shillong.
An unhurried, comfortable way to see the high plateau of Meghalaya. The trip starts in Guwahati, the gateway city on the Brahmaputra, with its old temples, museums and a sunset cruise on the river. From there you cross the Khasi Hills to Cherrapunji, on the southern edge of the plateau above the plains of Bangladesh, a land of waterfalls, caves and natural pools. A day out takes you down to Mawlynnong, often called the cleanest village in Asia, the living root bridge at Riwai, and the clear turquoise Umngot river at Dawki, with a swim at a quieter waterfall on the way. The trip ends in Shillong, the old British hill station, with its lakes, museums, markets and cafes. Throughout, you stay in the best properties the region has to offer, from cottages on stilts above the lake to rooms with plunge pools on the cliff edge.
Traveling with Greener Pastures means hassle-free, insightful journeys in the hands of passionate experts. All our naturalist guides are from the region and have deep knowledge of the local wildlife, terrain, and communities. Every tour can be tailored to your interests and fitness level.
At a Glance
Luxury Stays
Lakefront cottages, a cliffside resort, and a city hotel in Guwahati.
Enchanting Landscapes
Cherrapunji, the rainiest place on earth, where the rain has carved the land.
Hill Station Charm
Shillong, the old British hill station known as the Scotland of the East.
Day by Day
Guwahati
Arrive at Guwahati airport and check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for the city: the Kamakhya, Umananda and Navagraha temples, the state museum and the Brahmaputra Heritage Centre, a sunset cruise on the river, and the emporiums in the evening.
Guwahati
Arrive at Guwahati airport and check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for the city: the Kamakhya, Umananda and Navagraha temples, the state museum and the Brahmaputra Heritage Centre, a sunset cruise on the river, and the emporiums in the evening.
Guwahati - Cherrapunji
Drive up to Cherrapunji (5 hours), one of the wettest places in the world, known historically as Sohra, the land of oranges. On the way, stop at Umiam Lake for a boat ride and, if time allows, at the silk-weaving village of Umden to meet the weavers.
Guwahati - Cherrapunji
Drive up to Cherrapunji (5 hours), one of the wettest places in the world, known historically as Sohra, the land of oranges. On the way, stop at Umiam Lake for a boat ride and, if time allows, at the silk-weaving village of Umden to meet the weavers.
Cherrapunji
A full day around Cherrapunji: the Seven Sisters, Dainthlen, Kynrem and Nohkalikai falls, the Mawsmai and Arwah caves, and the eco park. Quieter stops include the Garden of Caves and a short hike to the Wei Sawdong falls. Lunch at a good local resort, and late afternoon at Thangkharang Park for the view over the Bangladesh plains.
Cherrapunji
A full day around Cherrapunji: the Seven Sisters, Dainthlen, Kynrem and Nohkalikai falls, the Mawsmai and Arwah caves, and the eco park. Quieter stops include the Garden of Caves and a short hike to the Wei Sawdong falls. Lunch at a good local resort, and late afternoon at Thangkharang Park for the view over the Bangladesh plains.
Cherrapunji - Mawlynnong - Dawki - Shillong
An early start for Mawlynnong (3 hours), often called Asia’s cleanest village, along the deep Pynursla valleys. Walk the village and take the short hike to the living root bridge at Riwai. After an early lunch, on to Dawki for a country boat on the clear turquoise Umngot, and a short hike to the Bardaw falls for a swim. Late afternoon, drive to Shillong (2 hours).
Cherrapunji - Mawlynnong - Dawki - Shillong
An early start for Mawlynnong (3 hours), often called Asia’s cleanest village, along the deep Pynursla valleys. Walk the village and take the short hike to the living root bridge at Riwai. After an early lunch, on to Dawki for a country boat on the clear turquoise Umngot, and a short hike to the Bardaw falls for a swim. Late afternoon, drive to Shillong (2 hours).
Shillong
A day in the old hill station: Lady Hydari Park, Ward’s Lake and the old churches, the Don Bosco Museum and the butterfly museum, then Shillong Peak for the view and Elephant Falls. If time allows, watch Siat Khnam archery. Evening in Police Bazaar, with its handicrafts, cafes and restaurants.
Shillong
A day in the old hill station: Lady Hydari Park, Ward’s Lake and the old churches, the Don Bosco Museum and the butterfly museum, then Shillong Peak for the view and Elephant Falls. If time allows, watch Siat Khnam archery. Evening in Police Bazaar, with its handicrafts, cafes and restaurants.
Shillong - Guwahati
After a slow breakfast, drive to Guwahati airport (3 hours) for your flight. End of tour.
Shillong - Guwahati
After a slow breakfast, drive to Guwahati airport (3 hours) for your flight. End of tour.
Your Retreats
01Radisson Blu
Guwahati’s best-known five-star hotel, with warm modern rooms, an Asian restaurant, an all-day cafe and a bar. There is an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a gym and a spa.
“A proper city hotel for the night before the hills.”
02Polo Orchid Resort
A hilltop resort above the valleys of Cherrapunji, with sun-drenched balconies, wide corridors and flower-lined patios. The rooms look out over the waterfalls, and some have their own plunge pools.
“Balconies over the valley, with the falls in view.”
03Ri Kynjai
A quiet luxury property in the hills above Umiam Lake, outside Shillong. Airy rooms and cottages have living areas and balconies over the lake, and the red pine cottages on stilts add fireplaces, lofts and Khasi details. There is a restaurant and bar, and a spa with traditional Khasi treatments.
“Red pine cottages on stilts above Umiam Lake.”
Why Travel With Greener Pastures?
Curated Experiences
Our itineraries are one of a kind, carefully detailed from our own personal travel experiences — from choosing the best logistically correct routes to the most interesting stay options.
Native Guides
With guides native to the region, you get an insider view of local life and culture.
Experts in the Region
You are in the hands of a team who know and are passionate about Northeast India.
“By choosing us, we share together a pledge towards responsible tourism, and a belief that travel has the power to positively transform local livelihoods, cultures, and the environment.”
— The Greener Pastures Promise
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