Rabindranath Tagore dubbed Meghalaya, 'The Abode of Clouds,' because of its beauty and is one of the most visited areas in the northeast region of India.
The sights, scents, and diverse crystal clear environment of Meghalaya provide a unique sense of enjoyment to our senses.
Every time you come to Meghalaya, the mountain and clouds will entice you in a new way.
To reach Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, you need to take the scenic road from Guwahati. It's a 3-hour must-do drive that will take you through some of the most breathtaking sights. You will travel through rows of pines as you make your way to the mist-covered city of Shillong.
Umiam Lake: En route Guwahati to Shillong
You will cross through Umiam Lake while en route from Guwahati to Shillong. On the lake, you can take a 3-seater motorboat or a 6-seater boat ride.
Reaching Shillong: What to expect?
Upon reaching Shillong, you might experience traffic blocks if you are arriving during peak travel hours (especially during school opening and closing time.) The traffic in Shillong can be congested, so to explore the city it is best to leave early in the morning.
If you wish to witness Meghalaya's waterfalls in their maximum form, you must visit them between April, May, June, and July during the monsoon season. If you love waterfalls, you can see the Elephant Falls in Upper Shillong and many others in Sohra (Cherrapunjee).
Between September and February is the best time to see 'Megh Pahad,' according to locals. This is why Shillong's hill becomes congested with tourists every year, especially during Durga Puja.
Laitkor viewpoint in Shillong offers a breathtaking view that is guaranteed to mesmerize you. This is also known by the name of 'Shillong Peak.' You can find Khasi food options in many places, if you go to the top of the viewpoint, you can have a delicious plate of freshly-made and hot Maggi.
The Don Bosco Museum, Golf Course, Beadon Falls, Botanical Gardens, and the Bungalow of Rabindranath Tagore, are just some of the many amazing places to visit in Meghalaya.
Mawlynnong is another wonderful location to visit. This place is known as the cleanest village in Asia. The Laitlum Grand Canyon, one of the most popular stops for bikers, is a must-visit.
If you want to visit Sohra (Cherapunjee), make sure to see the Mawsmai Caves. Another must-see is the double-decker living root bridges and single living root bridges, which visitors from across India and the globe never miss to visit when they come to Meghalaya.
You may travel down the Sohra-Shella route to see Kynrem Falls.
Dawki is beautifully located on a ridge in the midst of nature and a waterfall. It will be an unforgettable visit if you take a trip to Dawki after the monsoons.
For those who love adventure, Sohra offers ropeways that pass between metal ropes connecting two hills that one should walk through. For thrillseekers, the Mawryngkhang Trek in Meghalaya is considered one of the most spectacular--and dangerous--treks around. It is a journey from a small hamlet in the East Khasi Hills to a village in Assam's Karbi Anglong district over a series of connected bamboo bridges built by the locals along mountain ridges, through broomstick farms, and above roaring waterfalls.
Shopping in Shillong is easiest at Police Bazar. However, if you want to shop, make sure you do it after seeing all of the attractions in Meghalaya. This will relieve some of the strain associated with having extra luggage while sightseeing.
Visit Police Bazar in the evening to enjoy some retail therapy. Do note that you may witness a lot of people there and may have to push through the crowd to get going. On holidays and weekends, Police Bazar will be a lot more crowded than the weekdays.
You could end your trip with a relaxing day at Ward's Lake and head back to your city, taking with you nothing but wonderful and cherishable memories of Meghalaya and the warmth of its people.