Monday, January 29, 2024

Travel Guide: Meghalaya

The green rolling hills.

The abode of clouds.

The land of waterfalls.

Scenic beauty the mind can barely begin to appreciate.

Our Itinerary:

Day 1
Landed at Guwahti Airport in Assam. Flights here are more frequent and cheaper than flying to Shillong directly.
Shillong from Guwahti airport is approximately a 3 hour drive that is very scenic and crosses Umiam
Lake which in itself worth a visit.
You can get taxis at the airport or pre arrange a pickup from Shillong. Self drive cars are also easily available online with a bit research.
Enroute Umiam Lake, stop by for food or Pineapples at Nongpoh, Khasi food is recommended here.


We reached Shnongpdeng where we camped by the Dawki river.
There are numerous adventure activities one can indulge in here like Zip Lining, kayaking, Rock Jumping, night fishing and more
There are numerous companies that provide these facilities and its easy to find and book online.

Tent costs around Rs. 800 each and food is 200 to 300 per meal per head.
Adventure activities is from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 only
DON'T PAY MORE THAN THIS EVEN IN SEASON

Day 2
We headed out to Tamabil, The Indo-Bangladesh border which is an interesting experience. While its nothing like the fervor one may experience at the India Pakistan border at Wagah, the mere fact that a simple road separates 2 countries makes one wonder why a part of the country was banished away like that.
The Dawki river also runs between Meghalaya and Bangladesh and there is a Border Security force that's manning the river banks too.

Post Tamabil, we headed to Mawlyngbna  for our River Canyoning activity.  but first stopped over to visit a beautiful cascading waterfall, deep inside the hillocks. One has to drive off the main road for a km or so and then hike for about 10 minutes but the detour is absolutely worth it.

 Post that we moved on to our cottages in Mawlyngbna for the best hospitality we got during our trip and spent the rest of the evening relaxing and playing indoor games that we took along with us

Day 3.
The first of the 2 most unique experiences of our trip.
River Canyoning. I wont get into too much details as this one needs to be experienced more than described but rest assured its an adventure activity you would never have experienced before. One needs a certain will to be able to complete this course but the feeling at the end is one of absolute joy.

Post the River Canyoning we moved on to kayaking before breaking for lunch.
After lunch we moved on to Sohra to stay at Sai Mika resorts at Cherrapunjee to get ready for the Double Decker bridge trek.

Day 4
We started off with visiting Nokhalikai falls before proceeding to Nongriat the starting point of the Double Decker roots bridge. (I missed this due to a minor accident I had during the River canyoning activity but that was my fault and not a reason to alarmed as I was getting extra adventurous)




1st October - Sai Mika. Reach Monday night. Tuesday anWednesday we do the 2 treks, Double Decker bridge, watch the waterfalls, Caves etc. Possible

2nd and 3rd October - Nongriat  - The Double decker and other trek will be on tuesday and wednesdayYes

4th October - Mawphanlur - We reach here by thursday afternoon. Day time we can see this beautiful place, kayak and essentially admire Mother Nature and rest. Yes

5th October - Sha-ri-Loum/Lachumiere. Friday we reach Shillong by early afternoon and indulge in some sightseeing and stay the night. - Yes

6th October - Ashirwad Heritage - Saturday we reach here by evening / night. Do laitlum and Smit on this day, and then head to Guwahati.





C. Things that can be added on based on time - A visit to a hidden waterfall, Boating at Umiam Lake





C. Things that can be added on based on time - Zip Lining at Mawkdok, Elephant Falls, Mawphlang Sacred Groves

2nd and 3rd October
A. (Unchangeable things) - Stay at Nongriat, Guide for Nongriat Trek

B. Things you will definitely be experiencing - Cherrapunjee sightseeing which inlcudes Nokhalikhai Falls, Seven Sister falls, Arwah Caves, Laitmawsiang, Mawsmai Caves, Trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridges (Start this by 2:30pm max)

C. Things that can be added on based on time - You have all the time in the world. Go discover all the natural pools and find your spots. Forget about everything else. 

D. Things that are included - Your stay in Nongriat, Breakfast at Sai Mika, Guides

E. Things you will have to pay for separately - Lunch, Dinner and Snacks. Alcohol, Entry Points to Double Decker (Rs. 20 per person). 

F. Please ensure you pick up enough alcohol and munchies for two full days. You will be swimming a lot, and in water, you'd want to come back to nice munchies. Food options in Nongriat village are limited to chips, Maggi and meals. Also, please do carry a waste disposal bag with you to Nongriat and bring back all the alcohol bottles, chips packets, etc.

4th October
A. (Unchangeable things) - Stay at Mawphanlur

B. Things you will definitely be experiencing - Zip Lining at Mawkdok (if you missed out earlier), Comfort Food at Mawkdok.

C. Things that can be added on based on time - Anything you missed out on, on your first day in Cherrapunjee

D. Things that are included - Your stay in Mawphanlur, Guide, Vehicle, Breakfast

E. Things you will have to pay for separately - Lunch, Dinner and Snacks. Alcohol 

F. Re-stock your alcohol at Cherrapunjee market if required for the night.

5th October
A. (Unchangeable things) - Stay at Shillong, Guides

B. Things you will definitely be experiencing - Kayaking, Boating at Mawphanlur, Serene Spots in Mawphanlur

C. Things that can be added on based on time - Mawphlang Sacred Groves, Don Bosco Museum, Wards Lake, Shillong Peak

D. Things that are included - Your stay in Shillong, Breakfast, ChaloHoppo Guy, Vehicle

E. Things you will have to pay for separately - Lunch, Dinner and Snacks. Alcohol, Entry Points to sightseeing locations, if any

F. Visit the pubs and cafes of Shillong. There is likely to be a gig on the weekend.

6th October
A. (Unchangeable things) - Stay at Ashirwad Heritage

B. Things you will definitely be experiencing - Smit Village, Rice Beer, Laitlum Canyons

C. Things that can be added on based on time - Boating at Umiam, Brahmaputra Cruise in Guwahati, Mising Food in Guwahati

D. Things that are included - Your stay in Guwahati, Breakfast

E. Things you will have to pay for separately - Lunch, Dinner and Snacks. Alcohol, Entry Points to sightseeing locations, if any

F. Lots of wine shops in and around Guwahati. A nice pub to visit would be Shanghai Salsa, if you're looking to dance since you mentioned someones B'day - I'd say your best bet would be Taj, or Nyx

7th October
Drive to Guwahati Airport
Let me know if you have any doubts. Happy to get on a call.

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