Hello everyone, I am Kirti! Since we began our travel journey, we’ve always strived to explore places differently. We avoid the usual touristy routes, always seeking adventure in our travels. Sometimes it works, other times we end up following the crowd, but we always aim to make each trip better than the last. When a friend mentioned exploring with a car equipped like a moving house, we couldn’t resist. We planned our trip with Camping Co to explore Meghalaya, and it turned out to be an incredible decision.
The pre-booking support from Camping Co was reassuring and confident, making us feel secure about our choice. Although we were used to staying in hotels or apartments, the idea of living in a car tent was intriguing. This unique experience of traveling through Meghalaya – the abode of clouds – gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, cook our own meals, and sleep under the stars. Despite the challenges of shared washrooms and skipping showers, the essence of travel lies in experiencing something new.
Getting There:
Guwahati in Assam is the nearest major transport hub. You can fly or take a train to Guwahati, from where taxis and shared cabs are readily available to Shillong, Meghalaya’s capital city. For a self-drive trip, Zoom Cars can be rented at the airport or online.
Meghalaya Travel Itinerary:
We decided to skip the crowded and touristy Shillong, starting our adventure with the lesser-known places in Meghalaya. However, we did make a pit stop to admire the beauty of the famous Ward’s Lake.
Day 1: Guwahati to Nongkhnum Island
Our first destination was Nongkhnum Island, the largest river island in Meghalaya and the second largest in Asia. Hidden from the general tourist crowd, this place perfectly matched our love for unconventional destinations. Located 100 km west of Shillong in the lush green West Khasi Hills, it offered us a serene escape.
Activities: Waterfall hopping (20 INR), river beach trekking (1000 INR), strawberry farm visit (8750 INR).
Not to be missed: Wenia Falls
Day 2: Nongkhnum Island to Cherrapunjee (Sohra)
Next, we headed to Cherrapunjee, a village perched on the edge of the Himalayas overlooking the plains of Bangladesh. Known for its massive monsoon rainfall, the road from Shillong to Cherrapunjee offers magnificent scenery, including a photogenic V-shaped valley.
Day 3: NohKaLikai Falls
In Cherrapunjee, we explored several waterfalls and caves, including the majestic Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India at 350 metres.
Things to do: Waterfall hopping, caving (1500 INR), trekking, hiking
Places to explore: Dainthlen Falls, Wei Saw Dong Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Garden of Caves, Arwah Cave
Not to be missed: Wei Saw Dong Falls, Nohkalikai Falls
Stay Recommendation: Beautiful homestays with locals for warm hospitality and delicious food.
Day 4: Double Decker Root Bridge
The next day, we visited the Double Decker Root Bridge, a natural marvel in the dense tropical forests
of Meghalaya. The hike to the bridge involves crossing several suspension and root bridges along a scenic trail, making it an adventurous journey.
Activities: Hike and trek to Rainbow Falls, Single and Double Root Bridges
Stay Recommendation: Serene Homestay, Nongriat
Day 5: Nongriat to Kong Thong (Whistling Village)
Kongthong is a unique village where each child has a song name composed by their mother. Although the village wasn’t very welcoming, it was an interesting experience.
Stay Recommendation: Traveller’s Nest (basic facilities and limited parking)
Day 6: Kong Thong to Mawlynnong (Asia’s Cleanest Village)
Mawlynnong, known as “God’s Own Garden,” was awarded the title of the cleanest village in Asia. With its hundred percent literacy rate and progressive outlook, it was a delightful place to explore.
Activities: Visit churches, interact with locals, try local cuisines, Single Root Bridge, Balancing Rock, Bangladesh View Point.
Day 7: Mawlynnong to Dawki and Camp at Paradise Adventure Camp
Dawki, a small hamlet on the India-Bangladesh border, is famous for its crystal-clear river waters. We camped at Paradise Camp, enjoying the serene beauty of the river and the surrounding hills.
Activities: Boating (500 INR), riverside camping (400 INR per person), international border visit, swimming, hiking.
Not to be missed: Phe Phe Waterfalls
Day 8: Drive Back to Guwahati
On our final day, we drove back to Guwahati, stopping to visit Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Temple (the smallest river island in the world), and shopping at Fancy Bazar before flying back home
Budget Expenditure:
Transportation:
- Taxi/Shared Cab: Approximately 2,000 INR per person
- Renting a Car: Approximately 3,000-4,000 INR per day
Accommodation:
- Cherrapunjee (Homestays): Approximately 1,500-2,500 INR per night
- Nongriat (Double Decker Root Bridge): Approximately 1,000-1,500 INR per night
- Kong Thong: Approximately 800-1,200 INR per night
- Mawlynnong: Approximately 1,000-1,500 INR per night
- Dawki: Paradise Adventure Camp, Approximately 400 INR per person per night
Activities:
- Nongkhnum Island:
- Waterfall Hopping: 20 INR
- River Beach Trekking: 1,000 INR
- Strawberry Farm Visit: 8,750 INR
- Cherrapunjee:
- Waterfall Hopping and Caving: 1,500 INR
- Nongriat (Double Decker Root Bridge):
- Hiking and Trekking to Rainbow Falls and Root Bridges: Free (self-guided)
- Mawlynnong:
- Visiting Churches, Single Root Bridge, Balancing Rock, and Bangladesh Viewpoint: Free (self-guided)
- Dawki:
- Boating: 500 INR per person
- Riverside Camping: 400 INR per person
- International Border Visit: Free (self-guided)
- Swimming and Hiking: Free (self-guided)
Food:
- Estimated Food Cost: 500-1,000 INR per person per day
Overall budget for 2 people: 60000 INR
Our overlanding trip across Meghalaya was an unforgettable adventure. From the serene beauty of Nongkhnum Island to the unique experience of the Double Decker Root Bridge and the pristine waters of Dawki, every moment was filled with awe and wonder. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Meghalaya or looking for a new way to explore, this itinerary offers a comprehensive guide to ensure a memorable experience.
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Happy traveling!
