1 / 15Romantic Retreat in Meghalaya | Waterfalls & Crystal Rivers
✈️ Departs from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (GAU)
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Trip highlights
- ✓Walk along the famously crystal-clear Umngot River at Dawki, where the riverbed is visible below the boats
- ✓Marvel at NohKaLikai Falls — India's tallest plunge waterfall — from the gorge-edge viewpoint
- ✓Explore Shillong's heritage on a private city tour: Ward's Lake, Shillong Peak and Don Bosco Museum
- ✓Trek to Laitlum Canyon for sweeping views over the deep Khasi gorge
- ✓Visit Maa Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, one of India's most revered Shakti Peethas
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrive in Guwahati and begin with a visit to Maa Kamakhya Temple — perched on Nilachal Hill, this 8th-century Shakti Peetha draws pilgrims from across India. Then make the scenic three-and-a-half-hour drive to Shillong, pausing at Umiam Lake for photographs of the wide reservoir ringed by forested hills. Check in and spend the evening exploring Police Bazar — Shillong's main commercial hub — for local snacks and Khasi handicrafts.
From
Guwahati (airport / railway station)
Stop
Maa Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati
Stop
Umiam Lake viewpoint
To
Standard Hotel in Shillong
- Maa Kamakhya Temple — hilltop Shakti Peetha with river and city views
- Umiam Lake — large reservoir; popular photography stop
- Police Bazar — Shillong's lively main market for local produce and crafts
Hotel Earle Holiday Home
Standard Hotel
Hotel Centre Point Shillong
Standard Hotel
🍽️ Breakfast at hotel (Day 2 morning)
Stays allocated based on availability or similar category.
₹35,858Save ₹8,511
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₹27,347
per person onwards
What's included
✓Inclusions
- ✓Private vehicle (Sedan / Innova or similar) for all transfers and sightseeing
- ✓4 nights accommodation with daily breakfast (2 nights Shillong, 1 night Cherrapunji, 1 night Dawki or Shillong)
- ✓Shillong city sightseeing tour (private basis)
- ✓Elephant Falls sightseeing
- ✓Cherrapunji full-day sightseeing (private basis)
- ✓Dawki Umngot River boating (shared basis)
- ✓Maa Kamakhya Temple visit in Guwahati
- ✓Driver charges, fuel, toll taxes and parking
✗Exclusions
- ✗Airfare, train fare or bus tickets to/from Guwahati
- ✗Meals other than breakfast
- ✗Entry fees for all sightseeing attractions
- ✗River boating charges at Dawki (charged at site)
- ✗Personal expenses
- ✗Travel insurance
- ✗Anything not listed under inclusions
Frequently asked questions
October to April is the best overall window, with clear skies, pleasant weather and the Umngot river at Dawki at its crystal-clear best. June to September is peak monsoon, when the waterfalls are at their most powerful but treks get slippery and the river turns muddy. Many travellers love the dramatic, misty monsoon mood despite the rain.
A solid Meghalaya trip needs 5 to 6 days to cover Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki and Mawlynnong without rushing. Add a day or two if you want to trek to the double-decker root bridge at Nongriat or explore offbeat spots in the Jaintia Hills. We pace it so you are not driving all day.
The usual gateway is Guwahati in Assam, which has the nearest major airport and railhead. From Guwahati it is a scenic 3 to 4 hour drive to Shillong. Shillong also has a small airport at Umroi with limited flights. We arrange comfortable private transfers for the whole trip.
The trek to the double-decker root bridge at Nongriat involves roughly 3,000 stone steps down and the same back up, so it is genuinely strenuous and takes most people a full day. Reasonable fitness and good shoes are important. The single-decker root bridge at Riwai near Mawlynnong is far easier and family-friendly.
Yes, in the dry season. From roughly November to April the Umngot river at Dawki runs glass-clear and boats appear to float on air. During and just after the monsoon the river can be muddy and high, so time your visit for winter if the clear water is your priority.
A 5 to 6 day Meghalaya package typically starts around 14,000 to 22,000 rupees per person on twin sharing, depending on season, hotels and how much ground you cover. Because distances and local transport add up, we send a clear, itemised quote so there are no surprises.
Yes. Meghalaya is one of the most welcoming and peaceful states in the northeast, and the Khasi people are known for their warmth. Roads are generally good on the main circuit. Our local team plans routes around weather and daylight, and stays reachable throughout your trip.
Definitely. Since most trips start and end in Guwahati, it is easy to add a Kaziranga National Park safari for one-horned rhinos, or a Brahmaputra river cruise and the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati. We can build a combined Meghalaya and Assam itinerary.
Indian nationals do not need a special permit for Meghalaya. Foreign nationals should carry their passport and may need to register at certain points, and some community-managed sites charge a small local entry or camera fee. We guide you on the documents and fees for each spot.
Carry a good raincoat or umbrella year round, as showers are common even outside the monsoon. Add light warm layers for Shillong evenings, quick-dry clothes and sturdy shoes for the treks, and a dry bag for electronics if you visit in the rains. Sunscreen and personal medication are a good idea too.
Booking policies
Traveller reviews
Booked a 6 day Meghalaya trip for seven family members. Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki and Mawlynnong were all covered at a comfortable pace. The driver was careful and friendly and the homestays were warm. The Dawki boat ride on the crystal river was unforgettable. Highly recommen…
We wanted an offbeat honeymoon and Meghalaya delivered. Camping by the Umngot river, the misty Cherrapunji gorge and the living root bridges were magical. The planning was thoughtful and the pricing transparent with no hidden charges. A unique, beautiful trip.
Five friends, one epic northeast trip. The double decker root bridge trek at Nongriat was tough but unforgettable, and Dawki and the waterfalls were stunning. The itinerary was well paced and the local team handled everything. Better quote than other operators too.
Travelled with my elderly parents and the trip was planned around their comfort. The easy Riwai root bridge, Mawlynnong, Shillong sights and viewpoints, no hard treks. Frequent breaks and gentle pacing. Truly caring and thoughtful service.
A genuinely well organised Meghalaya package. Food preferences were arranged without us asking, and the driver was knowledgeable about Khasi culture. The Cherrapunji waterfalls and the Dawki river were the highlights for our kids. Will book again.
Everything from the Guwahati pickup to the final drop was seamless. Our driver felt like a local friend showing us his home state. The homestays were clean and comfortable and the Umngot river boat ride was the trip highlight. Five stars without hesitation.
Lovely trip overall. The waterfalls, Dawki and Mawlynnong were excellent and the team was responsive. One stretch had a lot of driving which is just the nature of Meghalaya, but they kept us comfortable. Good service and value for an offbeat destination.
As a solo female traveller I felt completely safe in Meghalaya, which is a wonderful surprise. Verified driver, warm Khasi homestays and a contact available any time. The quiet villages and misty hills made for one of my most peaceful trips ever.
Did the Shillong, Cherrapunji and Dawki circuit over 6 days. The quote was clear and itemised, the stays matched the photos, and there were no surprise costs. The Laitlum canyon viewpoint they added was a breathtaking bonus. Refreshingly honest company.
Meghalaya Travel Guides
In-depth reads to plan your Meghalaya trip.
2 min readMeghalaya Trip Cost: A Realistic Budget Breakdown
What does a Meghalaya trip cost? A clear breakdown of transport, stays, activities and the Guwahati logistics, with budget to premium estimates.
1 min read15 Best Things to Do in Meghalaya
Living root bridges, the crystal Dawki river, thundering waterfalls, the cleanest village in Asia and Shillong's music. The best of Meghalaya.
2 min readThe Perfect 6 Day Meghalaya Itinerary
A practical 6 day Meghalaya plan from Guwahati: Shillong, Cherrapunji, the living root bridges, Dawki and Mawlynnong, with stays and tips.
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