Meghalaya is one of India’s most beautiful surprises. Hike down to the double-decker living root bridge, float over the clear Umngot river at Dawki and visit Mawlynnong, often called Asia’s cleanest village.
Highlights
- Double-decker living root bridge at Nongriat
- Dawki and the Umngot river
- Mawlynnong village
- Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters falls in Cherrapunji (Sohra)
- Shillong’s cafés and music scene
What to eat
- Jadoh (rice with pork)
- Dohneiiong
- Tungrymbai
Where to stay
Shillong as a base; homestays in Sohra and near Dawki.
Getting there
Fly to Guwahati (3 hours by road to Shillong) or into Shillong airport.
Tips
- The root-bridge hike has thousands of steps: budget a full day.
- Monsoon brings spectacular waterfalls but slippery trails.
- Dawki’s river is clearest in winter.
Best time to visit
Jun-Apr. See what else is good in October and our best time to visit India guide.
Temples and shrines near Shillong & Meghalaya
- Kamakhya, Guwahati Goddess Kamakhya, one of the most important Shakti Peethas
Places to see in and around Shillong & Meghalaya
14 places within 40 km. Tap I’ve been to add them to your India passport.
- Umiam Lake Lake, 8 km
- Nohkalikai Falls Waterfall, 39 km
- Madina Mosque, Shillong Mosque, 2 km
- Bishop Falls Waterfall, 3 km
- Elephant Falls Waterfall, 8 km
- Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Shillong Temple, 1 km
- Ward's Lake Lake, 1 km
- Thadlaskein Lake Lake, 30 km
- Wah Kaba Falls Waterfall, 34 km
- Sweet Falls Waterfall, 7 km
- Nartiang Durga Temple Temple, 32 km
- Mawmluh Cave Caves, 40 km
- Wei Sawdong Falls Waterfall, 39 km
- Ka Likai Waterfall, 40 km
Food to try in and around Shillong & Meghalaya
Meghalaya favourites to look out for.
- Jadoh
- Tungrymbai
- Ki kpu
- Minil songa
- Sakkin gata
- Khasi Mandarin GI: fruit
- Memong Narang GI: fruit
The full food passport, state by state.
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