Cherrapunji (Sohra) waterfalls
Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters and Wei Sawdong falls, all within a short drive of each other.
- Suggested visiting duration
- Full day
- Best time to visit
- September – November
- Approximate distance
- About 54 km
Shillong
Waterfalls, caves and living root bridges.
- State
- Meghalaya
- Recommended duration
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Best months
- October – April
- Estimated package price
- ₹22,000 onwards
About the destination
Why travellers visit Shillong
Shillong is the base for exploring Meghalaya — the wettest region on earth and home to towering waterfalls, limestone caves, the crystal-clear Umngot river at Dawki and the double-decker living root bridge near Cherrapunji. The city itself has a strong music culture and pleasant pine-covered hills.
MountainsAdventureFamily
Places to visit
Top attractions in and around Shillong
Suggested visiting durations, ideal timing and approximate distances for each place.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge
A two-tier bridge of woven fig roots at Nongriat, reached by a demanding 3,000-step descent and climb.
- Suggested visiting duration
- Full day
- Best time to visit
- Early morning start
- Approximate distance
- About 65 km to Tyrna
Dawki & Umngot River
A boat ride on water so clear the riverbed is visible, near the Bangladesh border.
- Suggested visiting duration
- Full day
- Best time to visit
- Nov – March, morning
- Approximate distance
- About 82 km
Mawlynnong
Known as Asia's cleanest village, with bamboo walkways and a nearby single root bridge.
- Suggested visiting duration
- Half day
- Best time to visit
- Morning
- Approximate distance
- About 90 km
Elephant Falls & Shillong Peak
A three-tiered waterfall close to the city and the highest viewpoint over the Shillong plateau.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 3 hours
- Best time to visit
- Morning
- Approximate distance
- About 12 km
Suggested itinerary
A sample 5-day plan
This is an example itinerary. Days can be shortened, extended or reordered depending on your travel dates, pace and interests.
Day 1 — Arrival in Shillong
Reach Shillong, check in and settle down. Spend the evening exploring the market area nearby, trying local food and getting a feel for the place.
Day 2 — Cherrapunji (Sohra) waterfalls + Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Cherrapunji (Sohra) waterfalls: Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters and Wei Sawdong falls, all within a short drive of each other. Double Decker Living Root Bridge: A two-tier bridge of woven fig roots at Nongriat, reached by a demanding 3,000-step descent and climb.
Day 3 — Dawki & Umngot River + Mawlynnong
Dawki & Umngot River: A boat ride on water so clear the riverbed is visible, near the Bangladesh border. Mawlynnong: Known as Asia's cleanest village, with bamboo walkways and a nearby single root bridge.
Day 4 — Elephant Falls & Shillong Peak
Elephant Falls & Shillong Peak: A three-tiered waterfall close to the city and the highest viewpoint over the Shillong plateau.
Day 5 — Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, pick up souvenirs and begin your journey back from Shillong.
Estimated trip cost
What the trip may cost
Estimated cost for 2 people · 5 days / 4 nights
Accommodation
Approx. 4 nights in a comfortable mid-range hotel for two.
₹9,000
Transportation
Approximate travel to and from the destination, plus transfers.
₹5,500
Local sightseeing
Cabs, entry tickets and day-trip travel within the destination.
₹3,500
Food
Three meals a day for two at mid-range local restaurants.
₹3,500
Activities
Optional experiences, guides and activity fees.
₹1,000
Estimated total
₹22,500 onwards
These figures are approximate and can vary depending on travel dates, accommodation, transportation and personal preferences.
Accommodation
Where travellers usually stay
Typical accommodation categories in Shillong and what each generally includes.
Budget
Approx. ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per night
Guesthouses, homestays and small hotels. Expect a clean room, hot water, basic Wi-Fi and simple breakfast. Often located slightly away from the main sightseeing area.
Mid-range
Approx. ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per night
Comfortable hotels and boutique properties with better locations, room service, on-site dining and reliable heating or air-conditioning depending on the region.
Premium
Approx. ₹6,000 – ₹12,000+ per night
Resorts and luxury properties with larger rooms, views, spa or pool facilities, multiple restaurants and full-service assistance for sightseeing arrangements.
Accommodation rates are indicative averages for a double room and change significantly with season, location and property category. This website does not list, recommend or arrange specific hotels.
Getting there & around
How to reach Shillong
Nearest airport and railway station, road routes and the local transport options once you arrive.
By Air
Guwahati (LGBI) Airport
About 125 km
3 – 3.5 hours
Shillong airport at Umroi has very limited flights.
By Rail
Guwahati Railway Station
About 100 km
3 hours
The nearest major railhead.
By Road
Guwahati – Shillong via NH6
About 100 km
3 hours
A scenic and well-maintained hill highway.
Local transport options
Private cab (full day)
Most convenient for sightseeing with fixed timings and multiple stops.
Approx. ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 per day
Shared taxi
Common on fixed hill and intercity routes; departs when full.
Approx. ₹150 – ₹500 per seat
Local bus
The cheapest option, best for short hops and popular routes.
Approx. ₹20 – ₹300 per trip
Auto rickshaw
Ideal for short in-town distances; agree the fare or use the meter.
Approx. ₹30 – ₹300 per trip
Rental scooter or bike
Popular in beach and hill towns; carry a valid licence and wear a helmet.
Approx. ₹400 – ₹1,200 per day
Sightseeing cab per point
Point-to-point rates for single attractions or short excursions.
Approx. ₹800 – ₹2,000
All transport distances, timings and fares are approximate estimates. Actual availability, routes and rates vary by season, operator and road conditions.
Best time to visit
Shillong through the seasons
Recommended months: October – April.
Summer
March – June
Mild hill weather with blooming valleys and clear mountain views in the early part of the season.
Monsoon
June – September
Very heavy rainfall across the region. Roads can be disrupted, so keep flexible plans and buffer days.
Winter
October – February
Crisp, dry and clear — the best window for Himalayan panoramas. Nights are cold and high routes may see snow.
Things to do
Experiences to plan for in Shillong
Waterfall visits
Caving
Trekking
River boating
Live music
Village walks
Photography
Photo gallery
Shillong in pictures
Landscapes, culture, food and the everyday texture of travel in this part of India.
Travel tips
Good to know before visiting Shillong
- Carry layered woollens — mountain temperatures drop sharply after sunset.
- Ascend gradually and stay hydrated to reduce the risk of altitude discomfort.
- Start road journeys early; hill drives take longer than the distance suggests.
- Choose activity operators who provide certified equipment and safety briefings.
- Check age, health and weight requirements before signing up for adventure sports.
- Plan two attractions a day at most when travelling with children or elders.
- Choose stays close to the main sightseeing zone to reduce daily travel time.
- Carry a government-issued photo ID; most hotels ask for it at check-in.
- Check the weather forecast a couple of days before you travel and pack accordingly.
Prices shown are indicative estimates and may vary depending on season, hotel category, transportation, number of travellers and duration.
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