As a solo traveler, Sai Reddy embarked on a thrilling adventure to the picturesque landscapes of Meghalaya. With the help of fellow creators’ blogs, it took me a good 2-3 days to plan my one-week journey. This is the story of my incredible trip.
Day 1: Journey Begins to Navigate the Abode of Clouds
I decided on the best mode of transportation, food, and accommodation. Starting with a direct flight from Pune to Guwahati, Assam, I found it to be the most convenient and time-saving option. Booking the flight two weeks in advance cost me around 5000 rupees, but the four-hour journey was worth it. On reaching Guwahati, I took a shuttle bus to Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati, and from there, a government bus to Shillong. This budget-friendly option costs around 200 rupees per person. Tempos are also available, but they take at least 4 hours to reach Shillong. In Shillong, I initially booked a female dormitory by mistake, which didn’t offer a refund. However, after wandering around a bit, I found a hotel for 700 rupees per night.
Day 2: Shillong – Don Bosco Museum
The next day, I used JustDial to find a bike rental for 600 per day. I explored the Don Bosco Museum with a Ticket of Rs.100, a seven-floor museum that provides deep insights into local culture. Videography has separate charges, so plan accordingly.
Mary Help of Christians Cathedral is another stop but was temporarily closed when I visited. Shillong Market, also known as Police Bazaar, is famous for wooden items, but it can be overpriced. It’s worth a visit if you’re collecting souvenirs.
Laitlum Canyons is ideal for photography and offers a military museum nearby with a ticket fee of 40 rupees. Shillong can be explored in a day.
Day 3: Cherrapunji- Where Rain Never Ends
Cherrapunji, around 55 kilometers from Shillong, was my next destination. Beware of scammers in Shillong who charge 2500-3000 rupees for a private cab to Cherrapunji. Opt for a shared cab at 200 rupees per person. I visited the iconic Seven Sister Waterfall on my way to Cherrapunji. Homestays in Cherrapunji are on the higher end of the budget, ranging from 1000 to 3500 rupees per night. Public transport is limited on weekends.
Bargaining is a must in Cherrapunji. I rented a bike for 700 rupees after some haggling. I explored the Arwah Cave in 1 day at Cherrapunji, which had an entry fee of Rs.50. Cherrapunji primarily provides non-vegetarian choices.
I suggested visiting the Dainthlen Falls, but it was closed due to social issues during my visit for 4 months. Enquire before planning.
Mawsawa Waterfalls with its clean water and natural pool are also worth exploring. Nohkalai Falls is another option.
Day 4: The Double Decker Bridge Trek
A trek of 3 hours leads to the famous Double Decker Bridge, and going further rewards you with the Rainbow Waterfalls. This excursion takes a full day.
Day 5: Dawki and Beyond
The 3rd destination is Dawki, a village on the India-Bangladesh border, and is best visited from November to March. It’s a serene place with crystal-clear waters. Dawki is the last village in Meghalaya connected to Bangladesh. From Dawki I visited Mawlynnong.
Mawlynnong, praised as the cleanest village in Asia, left me with mixed feelings. Shnongpdeng offered riverside camping and a variety of adventure sports, including kayaking, ziplining, and flip jumping.
The costs are as follows, you can bargain:
- Flip Jumping: 300 rupees per person
- Zipline: 500 rupees per person
- Camping: 800 rupees for one night
Day 6: The Last Day at Phe-Phe Falls
On my way back, I visited the Phe-Phe Falls, a must-visit. Finally, I headed back to Shillong, then to Guwahati, and boarded my flight to Delhi, which cost me 5000 rupees.
The food you must try in Meghalaya :
Cherrapunji mostly offers non-vegetarian options, but Orange Roots, a vegetarian restaurant, is a must-try.
Best Time to visit Meghalaya
The finest months to visit Meghalaya, often known as the “abode of clouds,” are October and June. The state’s tourist sites often experience temperatures of little more than 30°C, which makes it an ideal getaway during the nation’s summer, which runs from March to June. I visited in September.
Tips for Your Trip to Meghalaya
- There is no Airport in Meghalaya and Guwahati is near to Shillong.
- One can take Tempos to reach Shillong from Paltan Bazar, it will take the same time of 4 hours as a bus.
- I suggest opting for a dormitory at 500-600 rupees per night for a more budget-friendly experience.
- It’s recommended that one can use shared taxis with fixed dropping points for limited travel, but renting a bike is best.
- For families, renting a car would be a better option.
- There are network issues in the mountain so one has to take help from local people to travel.
- If you have less time to travel then they can skip Shillong and go directly to Cherrapunji.
- I recommend booking flights at least a month in advance for better prices. And with that, my incredible Meghalaya journey came to an end.
Meghalaya, the abode of clouds, offered breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. It’s a place where every mile tells a unique story, and I hope my travel tale inspires you to explore this hidden gem of India.
