Daywise Itinerary
Arrive at the economic capital of the North-East of India. Green paddy fields surround you and the distant hillocks complete the scenery. The mighty Bramhaputra rives flows right across this city.
The 150 kilometre drive from Guwahati to Cherrapunjee is five-our delight. It's an uphill ride, along with beautiful mist-shrouded hills, waterfalls, and the serene Umiam Lake, locally called Barapani.
Eco Park and Seven Sister Waterfalls
This is unlike any eco Park you have seen. Rife with waterfalls, this park has abundant greenery and a lovely view of the mountains and the valley in the distance. Marvel at Seven Sisters Waterfall which is in it's full glory during the monsoons.
Living Root Bridges Trek
The trek from Cherrapunjee to the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge takes around 3-4 hours. The trek goes downhill through the village of Sohsarat. Two series of steep steps are encountered while trekking downhill. After the steps the path leads you through a forest leading to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Pools of turquoise water would make you want to dive in. Understand how years and years of bending and directing the roots, the indigenous people made a bridge by connecting two trees. This was done to combat the menacing monsoons here, so that the people can easily cross over streams. A truly ingenious design and it only grows stronger with each passing year.
This trek is not possible during the monsoons. You can choose to do a complete sightseeing tour of Cherrapunjee instead.
Nohkalikai Falls
The Nohkalikai Falls is the highest plunge waterfall in India. At 115 feet, the fall is a stunner. In the local Khasi Language, Nohkalikai means 'Jump of Likai'. The legend goes that a woman named Likai jumped from this hill after she found out that her infant daughter was killed. Amrvel the falls from a distance as you aren't allowed to go close to the falls.
If you have the time, you can also head out to explore the Mawsmai Caves in Cherrapunjee.
Elephant Falls
Just 12 kilometres out of downtown Shillong is the majestic Elephant Falls. Named after a rock (destroyed in an earthquake) that resembled an elephant, the Elephant Falls is a 3-stepped waterfall. The first one is behind trees and is a broad fall, the second one is a small one, while the third one is the tallest and the biggest.
While in Shillong you can also visit the famous Ward's Lake and take a boating ride in the small lake around which the park is built. You can also drive to the Shillong Peak which provides majestic views of Shillong and beyond. The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is a beautiful Church, pretty close to the Ward's Lake, deserves a visit.
Drive to Shillong
Today we take the road back and travel to the 'Rock Capital' of India. The 60 odd kilometer drive takes about 2 hours. Known for it's beautiful location, stunning views and roaring waterfalls, Shillong is popularly known as the Scotland of the East.
Police Bazaar
Visit the most happening and also the most crowded part of Shillong. Bars, restaurants and shops dominate this market place. Sip on a cold brew and listen to the live music bands here. You can also shop for some really cool handicrafts.
Dawki River
Situated close to the border is the small town of Dawki and through it flows one of the clearest rivers- the Umngot River. During the non-monsoon season, you can clearly see the bottom of the river. Take a boat ride here and experience the clear waters and the beautiful landscape of hills, forests and cliff faces surrounding it.
Mawlynnong - Cleanest Village of Asia and Living Root Bridges
Head over to the village of Mawlynnong to see for yourself why this is truly Asia's cleanest village. From bamboo dustbins to compost making, this is recycling at its best. Every household in the village partakes in the cleaning activities, and you won't find even the tiniest scrap of paper lying around. Paved pathways beside impeccable gardens add to the beauty of this well-planned village. Smoking and use of plastic bags are banned in Mawlynnong.
A small hike would take you to another aspect of this village - the living root bridges. Built to combat the heavy monsoons here, the root bridges took over 10-15 years to build. These are built over small streams that become roaring rivers once the monsoons start, making them impossible to cross.
Don't forget to carry packed lunch to Mawlynnong as there are no restaurants.
Laitlum Canyon-Nartinag Monoliths-Thadlaskein Lake
After morning breakfast, head to Laitlum Canyon and explore the beautiful sights. You need to take long walks to enjoy the beauty there. From there on head to Nartiang Monoliths. Raised as a sign of respect to the dead, these are centuries old monoliths. Move on to Thadlaskein Lake. If boating is permitted then do a round of boating in the lake. Head to your hotel and rest for the evening.
Mwaphlang-Jakrem-Mawsynram
After breakfast drive to Mwaphlang (35 kms/ 2 hours drive approx) en-route the famous Elephant Falls, At Mwaphlang visit sacred groove, later drive to Mawsynram. Mawsynram has beaten Cherrapunjee to become the rainiest place in the world. Either on your way to Mawsynram or while coming back, visit Jakrem Hot Springs. Relax at your hotel in the evening.
Shillong - Guwahati airport drop
Take an early morning drive, after breakfast, from Shillong to Guwahati. Leave with such memories of the 'abode of clouds' that it rains down forever in your heart and mind. You'll never be able to escape the attraction of Meghalaya.