Meghalaya—“the abode of clouds”—sits in Northeast India, where forested hills tumble into dramatic canyons and waterfalls ribbon off ancient plateaus. The state is famed for its living root bridges, Khasi heritage, and the glassy Umngot River at Dawki that looks like floating on air. This 5-day itinerary keeps things relaxed while still covering the big hits, ideal for travelers who want scenic drives, soft hikes, authentic food, and time to linger.

Base yourself in Shillong, a hill-station once called the “Scotland of the East,” and in Cherrapunji (Sohra), one of the wettest places on earth, where cliffs, caves, and cloud forests create cinematic landscapes. Expect clean mountain air, cool evenings, and a gentle rhythm—tea at roadside stalls, golden hour at lookouts, and unhurried markets.

Practical notes: no Inner Line Permit is required for Meghalaya (carry a government ID; foreigners should keep passport details handy). Roads are winding; monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain and occasional landslides—check local advisories. For the clearest Dawki river, aim October–April. ATMs are available in towns, but carry some cash for rural stops.

Shillong

Set around pine-clad hills and musical lanes, Shillong mixes colonial-era bungalows, vibrant Khasi culture, and a lively café scene. It’s your best base for markets like Police Bazar and Iewduh, serene Ward’s Lake, the panoramic Cathedral hill, and day trips to Umiam Lake and Laitlum Canyon.

• Top sights: Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Elephant Falls, Laitlum Canyon, Iewduh (Bara Bazar).
• Where to eat & drink: Trattoria (Police Bazar) for Khasi classics like jadoh and dohneiiong; Dylan’s Café (hip all-day spot with pancakes, burgers, and locally roasted coffee); Dejavu (pan-Asian; great momos); City Hut Family Dhaba (North Indian & tandoor); Smoky Falls Tribe Coffee (local beans); Na-I-Mei (Laitumkhrah; homestyle Khasi thalis).

Stay: Search well-rated mid-range stays and homestays on VRBO Shillong or compare hotels on Hotels.com Shillong. Expect $35–90 per night for comfortable rooms.

Getting there: Fly into Guwahati (GAU); browse fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Trains to Guwahati are frequent—check Trip.com Trains. From GAU, it’s a 2.5–3 hr drive to Shillong; private taxis are ~$35–50 (INR 3,000–4,200); shared cabs cost less.

Cherrapunji (Sohra)

Perched on a cliff edge over the Bangladesh plains, Cherrapunji is waterfall country. Here are the famous Nohkalikai Falls and Seven Sisters Falls, honey-colored limestone caves, and villages known for living root bridges woven from rubber tree roots—a centuries-old Khasi craft.

• Top sights: Nohkalikai Falls, Dainthlen Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Arwah Cave, Garden of Caves (Laitmawsiang), Wei Sawdong Falls (short but steep trail; go slow), sunset viewpoints over the plains.
• Where to eat: Orange Roots (pure-veg highway favorite; thalis and dosas), Café Cherrapunjee & Inn (old dak bungalow vibes; soups, sandwiches), Sa-I-Mika Park (homestyle Khasi meals; slow, scenic), resort diners attached to stay options.

Stay: Browse cabins, cottages, and inns via VRBO Cherrapunji or compare on Hotels.com Cherrapunji. Mid-range rooms typically run ~$45–95.

Getting from Shillong: It’s a scenic 2–2.5 hr drive (55–60 km). Hire a cab for ~$30–40 (INR 2,500–3,300) one-way, or arrange a car with driver for the day so you can stop at view points.

Day 1: Arrive Guwahati → Drive to Shillong, Lakeside Strolls, and a Foodie Welcome

Afternoon: Land in Guwahati and transfer to Shillong (2.5–3 hrs). Settle in, then stretch your legs at Ward’s Lake—a gentle loop, paddleboats, and gardens that glow at golden hour. Coffee and cake at Dylan’s Café or local-bean pour-overs at Smoky Falls Tribe Coffee.

Evening: Join a guided tasting to dive straight into Khasi flavors on the Shillong Food Crawl (2 Hours Guided Local Food Tasting Tour). Expect bites like jadoh (rice and pork), dohneiiong (black sesame pork), and rice cakes at beloved stalls—an easy, delicious intro to town.

If you prefer a sit-down dinner, try Trattoria for a Khasi thali or Dejavu for warm service and northeastern pan-Asian plates.

Day 2: Classic Shillong—Museums, Falls, Markets, and Sunset Views

Morning: Easy breakfast at Bread Café (pastries, omelets) or Na-I-Mei (hearty Khasi breakfast). Visit the Don Bosco Museum for a sweeping look at Northeast India’s cultures and textiles; ride up to the rooftop for the city panorama. Stop by the serene Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians for a few quiet minutes among its blue arches.

Afternoon: See highlights without rushing on the Best of Shillong (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car), typically covering Elephant Falls, viewpoints, and local neighborhoods with culinary tips from your guide.

Lunch at City Hut Family Dhaba (tandoori platters, dal makhani) or Lamee Restaurant (Indian-Chinese comfort favorites).

Evening: Shop for shawls, bamboo crafts, and spices at Police Bazar and, if time allows, the traditional market Iewduh (Bara Bazar). For dinner, head to Café Shillong (live music vibes; fish n’ chips, momos) or unwind at You & I – Arts Café in Upper Shillong for tea, views, and a slow evening.

Day 3: Easy Day Trip—Mawlynnong’s Living Root Bridge (Optional Dawki Add-On)

Morning: Depart 7:30–8:00 a.m. for Mawlynnong (~2.5–3 hrs), often cited as Asia’s “cleanest village.” Explore bamboo pathways and gardens, then walk 10–20 minutes to the Riwai living root bridge—a gentle, doable trail perfect for a relaxed pace.

Afternoon: Book the Day Trip to Mawlynnong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Shillong) for a smooth, curated experience with a local guide and air-conditioned car.

Lunch on local fare at Mawlynnong Bamboo Café or similar simple kitchens—try sticky rice, smoked meats, and seasonal veggies.

Evening: If you have the energy and your driver agrees, add a quick detour to a Dawki viewpoint. Prefer a full Dawki focus? Swap today’s plan for the Day Trip to Dwaki (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Shillong) to boat on the emerald Umngot River (typically 45–60 minutes; boats ~INR 800–1,000), visit nearby waterfalls, and enjoy glass-clear water in the dry months.

Back in Shillong, dinner at Dejavu or a comforting bowl of thukpa at a local momo house.

Day 4: Shillong → Cherrapunji Transfer, Caves and Waterfalls at a Relaxed Pace

Morning: Depart Shillong after breakfast for Cherrapunji (2–2.5 hrs). Drop bags at your stay, sip tea, and enjoy the cooler air. Start with Mawsmai Cave, an easy limestone walkthrough with dramatic formations—go slow to admire stalactites lit up in warm tones.

Afternoon: Continue to Nohkalikai Falls, among India’s tallest plunge waterfalls; the turquoise pool is mesmerizing in the dry season, thunderous in monsoon. Lunch at Orange Roots (veg thali, crispy dosas). If you’re up for one more gentle stop, head to Arwah Cave for a short forest stroll and fossil-dotted rock walls.

Evening: Watch sunset over the Bangladesh plains from a roadside viewpoint. Dinner at Café Cherrapunjee & Inn (soups, sandwiches) or at your resort diner. Early night with the sound of rain or crickets—Sohra evenings are wonderfully quiet.

Day 5: Waterfall Morning, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Optional early visit to Dainthlen Falls or the tiered Wei Sawdong viewpoint (short but steep; choose only if you’re comfortable—otherwise skip for a truly relaxing morning). Simple breakfast, check out, and drive back toward Guwahati for your afternoon departure.

Afternoon: Aim to be on the road by late morning to reach Guwahati Airport (GAU) in time (4–5 hrs from Cherrapunji with a quick Shillong stop). Search flights on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. If you’re extending by train, check Trip.com Trains for connections from Guwahati.

Where to Sleep Each Night (Budget ~50/100, Mid-Range)

• Nights 1–3: Shillong — Central guesthouses or leafy-hill homestays. Browse VRBO Shillong and Hotels.com Shillong.
• Nights 4: Cherrapunji — Cozy inns near viewpoints or countryside cottages. Compare on VRBO Cherrapunji and Hotels.com Cherrapunji.

Local Transport Tips

• Private car with driver is the most relaxing way to see Meghalaya. Expect ~$45–60/day from Shillong including fuel for local sightseeing; point-to-point transfers (Shillong–Sohra) ~$30–40.
• Shared cabs (Sumo/Bolero) run fixed routes and are cheaper but less flexible; ideal if you don’t mind schedules.
• Entry fees are modest: Don Bosco Museum (~INR 100), Ward’s Lake (~INR 20–30), Elephant Falls (~INR 30), Mawsmai Cave (~INR 20–40). Keep small change handy.

Handpicked Tours That Fit a Relaxed, Foodie Vibe

• Shillong Food Crawl — Guided nibbles and stories through local stalls and cafés.

  

• Best of Shillong – Half Day — Comfortable car tour for city highlights.

  

• Mawlynnong Day Trip — Asia’s “cleanest village” and an easy living root bridge walk.

  

• Dawki Day Trip — Boat the crystal-clear Umngot River and visit nearby waterfalls.

  

In five unhurried days, you’ll sample Khasi flavors, glide on mountain lakes and rivers, and stand before Meghalaya’s legendary waterfalls and caves. With Shillong’s markets and Cherrapunji’s cliff-edge drama, this itinerary keeps the pace calm while delivering the state’s signature sights—and plenty of delicious stops along the way.