Meghalaya: Waterfalls & Root Bridges

Umiam Lake, Cherrapunji's waterfalls, a living root bridge and the glass-clear Umngot river.

Your route

1. 1 Shillong 2 nights
2. 2 Cherrapunji 1 night

1. Day 1 Shillong

   Arrive Guwahati, Umiam Lake, Shillong.

   Arrive at Guwahati airport, where our driver meets you for the drive to Shillong, about three hours. Stop at Umiam Lake, ringed by pine hills, for photos or an optional boat ride. In Shillong, visit Ward's Lake, the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians and the Don Bosco Museum, a seven-storey museum of North-East cultures. Check in to your hotel and explore Police Bazaar in the evening. Shillong has a cool climate all year, so carry a light jacket. Overnight in Shillong.

2. Day 2 Cherrapunji

   Falls, caves and Eco Park.

   A full-day excursion to Cherrapunji, also called Sohra, one of the wettest places on earth. Visit Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India, the Seven Sisters Falls, the Mawsmai limestone cave and the Eco Park, with views over the plains of Bangladesh. The landscape is green and dramatic, especially in and after the monsoon. Carry an umbrella and good shoes. Check in to your hotel in Cherrapunji. The waterfalls are at their fullest from June to September. Overnight in Cherrapunji.

3. Day 3 Shillong

   Mawlynnong, root bridge, Dawki.

   After breakfast, drive to Mawlynnong, called Asia's cleanest village, and walk through its flower-lined paths. Visit the single-decker living root bridge at Riwai, grown by the Khasi people from the roots of rubber trees, and climb the bamboo Sky View. Continue to Dawki, near the Bangladesh border, to see the crystal-clear Umngot river, with an optional boat ride. Drive back to Shillong in the evening. Khasi villages follow a matrilineal tradition, where property passes through women. Bring cash, as cards are rare. Overnight in Shillong.

4. Day 4 Guwahati

   Drive back for departure.

   After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive back to Guwahati, about three hours, through the hills one last time. Our driver drops you at Guwahati airport for your onward journey. Please allow time for traffic near the city. Pick up Meghalaya's Lakadong turmeric, local honey or a handwoven stole as gifts. Lakadong turmeric is one of the richest in curcumin in the world. Keep your tickets and ID ready. Your short journey through the waterfalls and root bridges of Meghalaya ends here.

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