Meghalaya Tourism And Travel Guide

Meghalaya, being a part of the seven sister states, is abundant with clouds floating through and rivers passing by. The lush greenery and the heavy monsoons mark some of its distinctive characteristics. The range of mountains with shrouds of mist and clouds make it nothing but marvelous. Shillong is the capital and is enchanting in every nook and corner. The state has a huge list of equally stunning hill stations and there is a lot to explore for the nature lover instilled in you, such is the tourism in Meghalaya. Read through this travel guide to Meghalaya and get ready to pack and shoot.

If you have chosen Meghalaya as you travel destination then expect a lot of adventure and serenity in equal measures. The places in the state will not only enthrall your senses but will rekindle your spirit in every possible way.

By Air:

The nearest airport is Umroi, which is 35 km from Shillong. Only Air India operates from this airport. There are bus and taxi facilities from the airport to Shillong. You can also try Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati which is a well-connected airport to rest of India. There are many taxi and buses which run from the airport to Shillong.

By Train:

The nearest railway station is again Guwahati. You should take a taxi or a bus to reach your destination in Meghalaya. The train journey is equally recommended if you are someone who loves the railways. The scenery is quite enchanting and you will rejoice this journey. Put your thinking caps to rest and just get going. Meghalaya is here to offer you some of the finest moments. 

By Bus:

You can either take a bus from Guwahati to Shillong or hire a taxi. There are many government buses and private buses at regular intervals. The drive is very beautiful and you will really enjoy it.

Meghalaya is also called the adobe of clouds and that explains the feel of the state. It receives maximum rainfall in the country. Even though the best time to visit the place is between June and October, you can still go during winters as well.

Summer (April-June):

It is an ideal time to visit Meghalaya during summers when the temperature ranges between 12°C and 30°C. It is very pleasant during the morning and evening, but the afternoon might be sweltering. Many local festivals like the Shad Suk Mynsiem and Chad Sukra are celebrated in April and must not be missed. 

Monsoon (June-October):

Monsoon in Meghalaya is not an ideal time to visit the place. It receives maximum rainfall during monsoon. It has two places, Mawsynram and Cherrapunjee, which are called the wettest cities in the world. You may not be able to visit any during this season, but if you want to just spend some rejuvenating time in the hills, monsoon could be an ideal time.

Winter (October-Feb):

The temperature ranges between 3°C and 15°C. It is very pleasant during the day and bit cold in the night. Even though the temperatures are moderate, you will be able to visit all the important tourist hotspots. Plan your visit as per what you wish to see and what you wish to do as Meghalaya has plenty of things to offer.

Take the trek to double-decker living root bridges:

The three-hour trek in the forest will take you to the double-decker Living Root Bridges in Nongriat. The Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya is an innovative way of using nature for connectivity. The roots keep growing out every year and entwining the trunk and the bridge is elongated to the desired destination taking 10-15 years to complete. You can spend some time exploring the brilliant structure of roots and the beautiful surrounding after the mind-blowing trek.

Take a boat ride in Dawki:

Dawki is a small border town between India and Bangladesh. It is more famous for the boat ride in the river Umngot. A boat ride in the river gives the experience of seeing the crystal clear water and the riverbed underneath surrounded by high cliffs all around. The city is flooded by tourists during spring to see the boat riding competition on the Umngot River. The beautiful Suspension Bridge is also worth a visit.

Enjoy the street food in Shillong:

Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya. It is the most beautiful and well-developed city in northeast India. The Police Bazar in Shillong is very famous for street food in the evening, which you should not miss while you are there. This Bazar also houses many shops selling Traditional handicrafts from Meghalaya. It is heaven for people who are looking for ornaments and apparel, but be ready to bargain.

Spot the rare species:

Located in Garo Hills, this park shares proximity with the border of Bangladesh. Spread across a massive zone of 200 sq. km, the thick range of forest is home to some of the rarest species of flora and fauna. The park is known for elephants, tigers, wildcows, hornbills and many more.

Laitlum Canyon:

Laitlum means the ‘end of the hills’. Take a look at the unending gorges from here and your belief in the vastness of nature will be reinstated. Being one of the ideal trek trails, this range will challenge your adventurous spirit and satiate your hunger for mountain ranges. The lean uneven roads with various houses on the edges, offer an ever-changing scenic landscape that you can relish.

Visit the Monoliths:

All along the Khasi and Jaintia hills, the monoliths stand with an unperturbed calm. These monoliths come with their own rich history. They have been erected in remembrance of the Jaintia kings. They have a range of stories around them which makes this even more interesting. Most of them can be found near Nartiang village. 

If you are a foodie, then Meghalaya puts forth a range of delicacies that will soothe your appetite. The staple food is rice and you can relish some interesting dishes such as Jadoh, Pumaloi and more. The state also indulges in a lot of pork meat which gives away some interesting recipes of signature dishes such as Doh-Neiiong, Tungrymbai etc. The fermented rice beer here is known as Kyat and is served generously all throughout the state. Jiva veg, Orange Roots, Dylan’s cafe are some of the interesting eating places you could visit to taste the local cuisine. 

If you have the taste for traditional bamboo items then Meghalaya will mesmerize you. Various artifacts made out of cane, silk, pineapple fibre etc are to be found here. Shillong, in particular, attracts a lot of tourists and has ample to provide when it comes to shopping. From shawls to keep you cozy to organic products, you can explore your choices and your budget. You can take a stroll in Police Bazaar and discover all the buying options you wish to.