Weekend Getaway to Shillong and the Khasi Hills
A long weekend in the Khasi Hills — two nights’ easy base in Shillong, a day out to the falls and caves of Cherrapunji, and a day at the Umngot river, Mawlynnong and the living root bridge.
Sometimes a short break is all you need, and Shillong is one of the easiest and most charming hill stations in India for one. It sits in hills that get some of the heaviest rain in the world, and it was a favorite of the British in the days of the Raj. That old influence, mixed with the warmth of the Khasi people, gives the town a lively, friendly feel, with waterfalls, lakes and viewpoints all around it. A day in Cherrapunji, the wettest place on earth, shows how the rain has carved the land into caves, falls and green grassland. Another day takes you down to the Umngot river at Dawki and to Mawlynnong, often called the cleanest village in Asia, where the Khasi are Christian but still keep many old traditions, and on to a living root bridge that looks straight out of a fantasy novel.
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
Vibrant Hill Station
Shillong, one of the prettiest hill stations in India.
Gorgeous Landscapes
Waterfalls, caves and viewpoints around Cherrapunji, the wettest place on earth.
Village Walks
Mawlynnong, one of the cleanest villages in Asia, and its living root bridge.
Day by Day
Guwahati - Shillong
Arrive at Guwahati airport and drive up to Shillong (3-4 hours), the hill-station capital of Meghalaya. On the way, visit the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati, one of the great temples of the Shakti tradition. Evening at leisure.
Guwahati - Shillong
Arrive at Guwahati airport and drive up to Shillong (3-4 hours), the hill-station capital of Meghalaya. On the way, visit the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati, one of the great temples of the Shakti tradition. Evening at leisure.
Shillong - Cherrapunji - Shillong
An early start for Cherrapunji (1.5 hours), which with nearby Mawsynram is the wettest place on earth. See the Seven Sisters, Dainthlen, Kynrem and Nohkalikai falls, the Mawsmai cave, the Ka Khoh Ramhah monolith and the viewpoints. Back in Shillong by lunch for the Don Bosco museum, Lady Hydari Park, Ward’s Lake, the old churches, Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls, and Siat Khnam archery if the timing works. Evening in the markets and a good restaurant.
Shillong - Cherrapunji - Shillong
An early start for Cherrapunji (1.5 hours), which with nearby Mawsynram is the wettest place on earth. See the Seven Sisters, Dainthlen, Kynrem and Nohkalikai falls, the Mawsmai cave, the Ka Khoh Ramhah monolith and the viewpoints. Back in Shillong by lunch for the Don Bosco museum, Lady Hydari Park, Ward’s Lake, the old churches, Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls, and Siat Khnam archery if the timing works. Evening in the markets and a good restaurant.
Shillong - Dawki - Mawlynnong - Shillong
Leave early for Dawki (3 hours) on the Bangladesh border and take a country boat on the clear Umngot river between steep gorges. Then on to Mawlynnong (1 hour), Asia’s cleanest village, with its flower-lined lanes and the view over the Bangladesh plains, and the living root bridge at nearby Riwai. Back to Shillong for the evening.
Shillong - Dawki - Mawlynnong - Shillong
Leave early for Dawki (3 hours) on the Bangladesh border and take a country boat on the clear Umngot river between steep gorges. Then on to Mawlynnong (1 hour), Asia’s cleanest village, with its flower-lined lanes and the view over the Bangladesh plains, and the living root bridge at nearby Riwai. Back to Shillong for the evening.
Shillong - Guwahati
After a slow breakfast, drive to Guwahati airport (3-4 hours) for an afternoon flight home. End of tour.
Shillong - Guwahati
After a slow breakfast, drive to Guwahati airport (3-4 hours) for an afternoon flight home. End of tour.
Your Retreats
01The Heritage Club — Tripura Castle
The only heritage property of its kind in Shillong, built as a retreat for the royal family of Tripura and still run in that spirit. Half-timbered cottages sit in wooded gardens above the town, with period rooms, open fires, and tables laid outside when the weather allows.
“Garden tables under the pines, on the first evening.”
Snapshots from the road
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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