A Magical Trip to Shillong, Cherrapunji & Dawki

Meghalaya, the “Abode of Clouds,” is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Northeast India. With its misty hills, lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers, a trip to Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Dawki is an experience of a lifetime—whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or in a group of friends.

In this guide, I’ll take you through how to reach these stunning places, where to stay, and what to explore, along with some interesting anecdotes!

How to Reach Shillong, Cherrapunji & Dawki

By Air

The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (Umroi), but flights are limited.
The best option is to fly to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, which is 130 km from Shillong.
From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi (₹2,500–₹3,500) or take a shared cab (₹500 per person).

By Train

The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station.
From Guwahati, take a taxi or shared sumo to Shillong (3–4 hours).

By Road

Shillong is well-connected by road from Guwahati via NH6.
Private and government buses run frequently from Guwahati to Shillong.

Anecdote: The first time I traveled to Shillong, I took a cab from Guwahati and stopped at Umiam Lake (Barapani) on the way. The breathtaking view of the serene blue waters, surrounded by pine-covered hills, made me fall in love with Meghalaya instantly. Our driver, a local Khasi man, smiled and said, “This is just the beginning, wait till you see the waterfalls of Cherrapunji!”

Where to Stay

Shillong (For City Comfort & Local Exploration)

✔ Budget: The Shillong Hills Guest House – Cozy and affordable.
✔ Mid-Range: M Crown Hotel – A stylish hotel in Police Bazaar.
✔ Luxury: Ri Kynjai – A gorgeous lakeside resort near Umiam Lake.

Cherrapunji (For Nature & Waterfalls)

✔ Budget: By The Way Hostel – Ideal for backpackers.
✔ Mid-Range: Polo Orchid Resort – Amazing views of Seven Sisters Waterfall.
✔ Luxury: Jiva Resort – A serene retreat with Khasi-style cottages.

Dawki (For River Views & Peaceful Stays)

✔ Budget: Lumthari Homestay – Simple and comfortable.
✔ Mid-Range: Betelnut Resort – A beautiful stay with great food.
✔ Luxury: Shaiti Homestay – Riverside cottages with a relaxing ambiance.

Anecdote: I stayed at a homestay in Dawki, and in the evening, our host invited us for a traditional Khasi meal. We had Jadoh (spiced rice with meat), Dohneiiong (pork curry), and Tungrymbai (fermented soybean dish). Sitting under the starry sky, listening to folk stories, was the perfect end to the day!

Best Places to Visit & Things to Do

1. Explore the Charming Shillong

✅ Ward’s Lake – A beautiful lake with swan boats and a walking trail.
✅ Shillong Peak – The highest point of Shillong with a panoramic view.
✅ Police Bazaar – The bustling market for shopping & street food.
✅ Don Bosco Museum – A fascinating place to learn about Northeast culture.
✅ Laitlum Canyons – A hidden gem offering breathtaking views of deep gorges.

Anecdote: At Laitlum Canyons, I met an elderly Khasi woman selling homemade pineapple pickles. When I asked if she had any other flavors, she laughed and said, “We even pickle bamboo shoots, but they’re not for the weak-hearted!” She wasn’t joking—it was the spiciest thing I ever tasted!

2. Witness Nature’s Wonders in Cherrapunji

✅ Nohkalikai Falls – India’s tallest plunge waterfall, surrounded by mist.
✅ Seven Sisters Falls – A stunning series of waterfalls, best seen during monsoon.
✅ Mawsmai Cave – A limestone cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
✅ Living Root Bridges – Handmade bridges woven from tree roots, a must-visit!
✅ Double Decker Root Bridge (Trek Required) – A challenging but rewarding trek.

Anecdote: While trekking to the Double Decker Root Bridge, a local guide told us a story about how these bridges take decades to grow but last hundreds of years. When I asked if we could build one in my city, he chuckled, “Only if you have a few generations to wait!”

3. Experience the Crystal-Clear Waters of Dawki

✅ Umngot River – The famous glass-like river where you can take a boat ride.
✅ Shnongpdeng Village – A peaceful riverside village, perfect for camping.
✅ Dawki Bridge – A British-era suspension bridge with a great view.
✅ Indo-Bangladesh Border – Visit the border gate near Dawki town.

Anecdote: Boating in the Umngot River felt like floating on air! The water was so clear that I could see the pebbles at the bottom, even 15 feet below. Our boatman told us that fishing is banned in some parts to preserve the ecosystem. “We live with nature, not against it,” he said proudly.

Best Time to Visit Meghalaya

✔ October to April – The best time for pleasant weather and sightseeing.
✔ May to September – Monsoon season, when waterfalls are at their peak, but travel can be difficult.

Travel Tips for Shillong, Cherrapunji & Dawki

✅ Pack warm clothes – Even in summer, Shillong and Cherrapunji can be chilly at night.
✅ Try local Khasi food – Don’t miss Jadoh, Pumaloi (steamed rice cake), and Sha Saw (red tea).
✅ Carry cash – ATMs are limited, especially in Dawki.
✅ Hire a local guide – Especially for cave explorations and root bridge treks.
✅ Respect the culture – The Khasi people are warm and welcoming, so greet them with a smile.

Why Shillong, Cherrapunji & Dawki Are Perfect for Couples, Families & Friends

For Couples:

Romantic boat rides in Dawki.
Cozy stays in Cherrapunji with mountain views.
Private sunset walks at Laitlum Canyons.

For Families:

Easy hikes to waterfalls and caves.
Exploring Shillong’s museums and markets.
Fun boating and camping in Dawki.

For Groups of Friends:

Thrilling treks to the Living Root Bridges.
Camping by the Umngot River.
Exploring hidden waterfalls and caves.

Final Thoughts: Meghalaya—The Land of Rain & Beauty

Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Dawki offer a perfect mix of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re watching the sunset from Shillong Peak, standing in awe of Nohkalikai Falls, or floating on the crystal-clear waters of Dawki, Meghalaya will leave you spellbound.

So, when are you packing your bags for this magical adventure? Let me know what excites you the most!