Welcome to India’s Northeast, where ancient rivers, monsoon-carved cliffs, and evergreen hills knit together two distinct worlds: Assam and Meghalaya. Assam, once known as Pragjyotishpur, grew along the mighty Brahmaputra and later the tea boom; Meghalaya—“the Abode of Clouds”—is home to Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities whose living root bridges have become global icons of ecological engineering.

In one week, you’ll glide on the Brahmaputra at sunset, explore the hill station of Shillong, and take day trips to Cherrapunjee (Sohra), Dawki’s glass-clear Umngot River, and Mawlynnong’s famed village. Back in Assam, choose a close-up rhino safari in Pobitora—perfect for travelers who can’t add a full Kaziranga overnight—and sip fresh tea in gardens skirting Guwahati.

Practical notes: The best time is Oct–Apr (post-monsoon clarity and active wildlife). Roads are curvy; start early and carry cash for rural stops. Meghalaya cuisine features jadoh (rice cooked in stock), smoked meats, and tungrymbai (fermented soybean); Assamese thalis balance mustardy fish tenga, bamboo shoot, and rice beer traditions. Respect sacred forests and bridges—no litter, no loud music.

Guwahati

Gateway to the Northeast, Guwahati blends temple legends and river life. The hilltop Kamakhya Temple is one of India’s most significant Shakti Peethas, while ferries buzz to tiny Umananda—an island temple set mid-Brahmaputra. Evenings glow along river ghats; markets at Fancy and Pan Bazaar spill with silk, tea, and spices.

• Top sights: Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Island, Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, Assam State Museum, Brahmaputra ghats.
• Dining you’ll remember: - Paradise and Delicacy for quintessential Assamese thalis (try fish tenga, pitika, and smoked pork). - Khorikaa (Ganeshguri) for grilled meats and bhoot jolokia chutney. - 11th Avenue Cafe Bistro (by Dighalipukhuri) for specialty coffee and breakfast bakes. - Terra Mayaa for a stylish rooftop and pan-Indian small plates.

Where to stay: Compare stays on VRBO Guwahati or browse hotels on Hotels.com Guwahati.

Getting in: Fly to Guwahati (GAU) from major Indian hubs—search fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Trains to Guwahati run from Kolkata, Delhi, and beyond—check schedules/prices on Trip.com Trains.

Shillong

Dubbed the “Scotland of the East,” Shillong pairs colonial-era cottages and pine groves with a thriving indie music scene. The city’s heart beats around Police Bazaar and Laitumkhrah, but quiet corners like Ward’s Lake and the Cathedral offer a gentler mood.

• Top sights: Ward’s Lake, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Don Bosco Museum, Laitlum Canyon, Umiam Lake (en route), and day trips to Cherrapunjee, Mawlynnong, and Dawki.
• Food to chase: - Trattoria (Police Bazaar) for Khasi pork with bamboo shoot and jadoh. - City Hut Family Dhaba for hearty North Indian and Khasi dishes—great with families. - Cafe Shillong and Dylan’s Cafe for coffee, burgers, momos, and occasional live music. - Street-side jadoh stalls in Laitumkhrah for a true local bite.

Where to stay: Browse hillside homes on VRBO Shillong or compare hotels on Hotels.com Shillong.

Getting from Guwahati to Shillong: Private taxi via NH6 is ~3–4 hours (₹3,500–5,500 for a sedan/SUV). Shared sumos run from Paltan Bazaar (~₹400–600 per seat). Start early to beat fog and traffic; stop at Umiam Lake viewpoint.

Day 1: Arrive Guwahati, Brahmaputra Evening

Afternoon: Land in Guwahati and check in. Shake off travel with coffee and a warm sandwich at 11th Avenue Cafe Bistro overlooking Dighalipukhuri tank.

Evening: Stroll the riverfront near Sukreswar Ghat. For dinner, pick an Assamese thali: Paradise is a classic; Delicacy’s fish tenga and duck with sesame are standouts. Nightcap at Terra Mayaa’s rooftop if you want city views.

Day 2: Temples, Islands, and a River Cruise (Guwahati)

Morning: Head to Nilachal Hill for Kamakhya Temple; arrive by 8 a.m. to avoid queues. Consider this insightful walk:

Private Heritage Walking Tour in Kamakhya Devalaya

Afternoon: Assamese lunch at Khorikaa (don’t miss pork with bamboo shoot). Ferry to Umananda Island for the hilltop Shiva temple and Brahmaputra panoramas.

Evening: Glide into sunset on the river. This city day tour bundles lunch and the cruise, great if you prefer a guided format:

Guwahati Day Tour with Assamese Lunch and Sunset River Cruise

Day 3: Scenic Transfer to Shillong, Lakes & Local Flavors

Morning: Depart Guwahati by 7:30 a.m.; pause at Umiam Lake viewpoint for photographs and pine-scented air. Check in at your Shillong stay.

Afternoon: Walk the loop around Ward’s Lake and rent a paddle boat if open; then visit the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. Snack on jadoh and dohneiiong (black sesame pork) at a Laitumkhrah stall.

Evening: Explore Police Bazaar’s lanes. For dinner, try Trattoria’s Khasi specials or City Hut Family Dhaba for comforting curries. Coffee and cheesecake at Dylan’s Cafe to end the night. Prefer a gentle neighborhood introduction? Join this short, story-rich walk:

Laithmukhrah Walk in Shillong (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)

Day 4: Cherrapunjee (Sohra) — Cliffs, Caves, and Nohkalikai

Morning: Start by 7 a.m. for Cherrapunjee (≈2 hours). Stop first at Nohkalikai Falls—India’s tallest plunge fall—before clouds roll in. Explore Mawsmai Cave (short limestone corridors) and, if you like quieter caverns, Arwah Cave with fossil-rich walls.

Afternoon: Lunch at Orange Roots (veg), then detour to Dainthlen Falls and Seven Sisters Falls. On clear days, the Bangladesh plains gleam from Eco Park.

Evening: Return to Shillong. Dinner at Cafe Shillong (order the pork ribs or pan-fried momos). For a well-organized day that includes meals and logistics, consider:

Pvt. Full Day Trip to Cherrapunjee (Sohra) with Lunch

Day 5: Mawlynnong & Dawki — Living Root Bridge and the Umngot

Morning: Drive to Mawlynnong (≈2.5 hours). Stroll bamboo walkways and climb the sky view tower for village-and-valley panoramas. Walk down to the single-decker living root bridge at Riwai; mind your footing on damp steps.

Afternoon: Traditional lunch at a local homestay (rice, dals, local veggies, and pork-on-request). Continue to Dawki (≈45 minutes) for a boat ride on the emerald-clear Umngot River; photographs here look surreal on calm days. Carry a government ID for the checkpost near the Indo–Bangladesh border.

Evening: Return to Shillong for dinner—try Trattoria’s smoked meats or City Hut’s tandoor. If you’d rather hand off all logistics, these guided options cover the exact route:

Day Trip to Mawlynnong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Shillong)

Day Trip to Dwaki (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Shillong)

Day 6: Back to Assam + Rhino Safari at Pobitora

Morning: Check out and drive Shillong → Guwahati (3–4 hours). Brunch in town—Delicacy’s thali or a quick coffee-and-eggs at 11th Avenue.

Afternoon: Head to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (≈1.5 hours from Guwahati) for an afternoon jeep safari. Pobitora has one of the highest densities of Greater one-horned rhinos—excellent chances for sightings, plus water birds in the marshes.

Evening: Return to Guwahati and celebrate with grilled meats at Khorikaa or a riverside stroll. For a turnkey experience with guide and lunch included:

Tour of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary from Guwahati with Safari, Lunch and Guide

Alternative (in season, Nov–Apr): If you can start pre-dawn and don’t mind a long day, swap Pobitora for Kaziranga. Consider a dedicated tour like the “Kaziranga Indian Big Five” or a private Kaziranga day trip; expect a 10–12 hour day including road time.

Day 7: Tea & Departure (Guwahati)

Morning: If time allows, visit a tea garden on the city’s edge to learn plucking and tasting basics, followed by high tea. The Amchong estate experiences are close to town.

Amchong Tea Estate + Factory Visit (with Hi-tea only)

Afternoon: Airport transfer for your flight. Search flights on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. If you’re departing by rail, check Trip.com Trains.

Practical Transport Notes

• City transfers: Guwahati ↔ Shillong takes ~3–4 hours by road (₹3,500–5,500 private car; shared sumo ~₹400–600 per seat).
• Local starts: Most day trips in Meghalaya begin by 7–8 a.m. to beat fog and traffic; carry rain gear and grippy shoes for cave/waterfall areas.
• Wildlife: Pobitora safaris run morning and late afternoon; November–April is peak. Park timings can change—confirm a day prior.

Where to Eat & Drink (Quick Picks)

• Guwahati: Paradise (Assamese thali), Delicacy (must-try fish tenga and duck), Khorikaa (grills), 11th Avenue Cafe Bistro (coffee/bakes), Terra Mayaa (rooftop).
• Shillong: Trattoria (Khasi home-style plates), City Hut Family Dhaba (multi-cuisine), Cafe Shillong (ribs, momos), Dylan’s Cafe (comfort food, desserts), jadoh stalls (Laitumkhrah).
• Cherrapunjee (Sohra): Orange Roots (veg), local dhabas near Mawsmai caves for hot tea and pakoras.
• Mawlynnong/Dawki: Simple village kitchens—ask for pork curry, dal, rice, wild greens; in Dawki, riverside shacks fry fresh fish.

In seven days, you’ll skim the Brahmaputra, savor Assamese thalis, breathe Shillong’s pine forests, and stand before the living root bridges that define Meghalaya. This route balances scenic drives with unhurried stops, so you leave with clear memories—not just a checked list.