Meghalaya, also known as the “Abode of Clouds,” is one of the most beautiful states in Northeast India. With lush green hills, stunning waterfalls, and friendly people, Meghalaya is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Whether you’re planning a family trip, a honeymoon, or a solo adventure, there are several tour packages for Meghalaya that cater to every type of traveler. These packages often include transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, and even local experiences.
One of the must-visit destinations in Meghalaya is Dawki, famous for its crystal-clear river. If you’re wondering about the Best way to reach Dawki, don’t worry. This blog will guide you through everything—from planning your trip to top attractions and local travel tips.
🏞️ Why Visit Meghalaya?
Meghalaya is a land of surreal beauty. The name literally means “abode of clouds” in Sanskrit, and it’s easy to see why.
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It receives one of the highest rainfalls in the world.
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It is home to Asia’s cleanest village — Mawlynnong.
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It has one of the longest cave systems in India.
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It boasts the incredible double-decker living root bridges.
From misty mornings to magical sunsets, Meghalaya offers a peaceful escape from the chaos of city life.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Meghalaya
The best time to visit Meghalaya is from October to April. The weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and it’s perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
| Season | Duration | Weather |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Oct–Feb | Cold and Dry |
| Spring | Mar–Apr | Cool and Breezy |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Heavy Rainfall (Best for waterfalls, but risky for travel) |
🚘 How to Plan a Trip to Meghalaya
Planning a trip to Meghalaya involves choosing the right itinerary, mode of travel, and places to stay. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose a Travel Duration
Ideal duration: 5 to 7 days
This will allow you to explore the major destinations like Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, and Mawlynnong at a relaxed pace.
2. Decide on Places to Visit
Here are some of the must-visit spots:
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Shillong – The capital city
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Cherrapunji – For living root bridges and waterfalls
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Dawki – Crystal-clear Umngot River
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Mawlynnong – Cleanest village in Asia
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Laitlum Canyon – A scenic viewpoint
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Nongriat – Home to the Double-Decker Root Bridge
3. Book a Tour Package
Opting for tour packages for Meghalaya is a great idea. They simplify your travel experience by arranging everything—flights, local transport, hotels, meals, and guides.
Popular travel websites like MakeMyTrip, WanderOn, and Thrillophilia offer customizable tour packages that suit all budgets.
🚍 Travel Options to Reach Meghalaya from Major Cities
Although Meghalaya does not have a major airport of its own, it is well-connected via Guwahati in Assam. Let’s look at the best ways to reach:
✈️ By Air
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Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (GAU)
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Distance to Shillong: ~125 km
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Travel time: 3.5 hours by road
From the airport, you can book a private taxi or take a shared cab to Shillong.
Tip: Shillong also has a small airport at Umroi, but flights are limited and often delayed.
🚂 By Train
There are no direct trains to Meghalaya. The nearest railway station is:
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Guwahati Railway Station (GHY)
Connected to all major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Mumbai.
From Guwahati, take a taxi or bus to reach Shillong.
🚗 By Road
Meghalaya has good road connectivity from Assam.
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Guwahati to Shillong: 3.5 hours by taxi or bus
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Shillong to Cherrapunji: 2 hours
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Shillong to Dawki: 2.5–3 hours
Private cabs, shared taxis, and tourist buses are readily available.
🚣♂️ Best Way to Reach Dawki
Now, let’s talk about the Best way to reach Dawki, a place that looks straight out of a dream. The green-blue Umngot River is so clear that boats seem to float in the air!
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Start from Shillong: Dawki is 81 km from Shillong.
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By Taxi: The most convenient way is to hire a cab from Shillong.
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By Bike/Scooter: Adventurous travelers can rent bikes.
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Public Transport: Shared sumo taxis and buses are available but less frequent.
Travel Tip: Start your journey early in the morning to enjoy boating and also visit Mawlynnong on the same day.
🌄 Top Attractions in Meghalaya
Let’s look at the best places you shouldn’t miss:
1. Shillong
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Umiam Lake – Great for boating
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Elephant Falls – A scenic 3-tier waterfall
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Police Bazaar – Local shopping and food
2. Cherrapunji
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Nohkalikai Falls – India’s tallest plunge waterfall
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Mawsmai Caves – Naturally formed limestone caves
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Living Root Bridges – A marvel of bioengineering
3. Dawki
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Umngot River – Transparent waters ideal for boating
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India-Bangladesh Border – Experience cross-border culture
4. Mawlynnong
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Clean village walk – Learn about local Khasi lifestyle
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Sky View Point – Bamboo watchtower with a panoramic view
🏨 Where to Stay in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya offers a range of accommodations:
| City | Stay Options | Price Range (INR/night) |
|---|---|---|
| Shillong | Hotels, Homestays, Resorts | ₹1,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Cherrapunji | Eco Resorts, Cottages | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 |
| Dawki | Riverside Camping, Homestays | ₹800 – ₹3,000 |
| Mawlynnong | Village Homestays | ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 |
Tip: Book in advance during peak season (October–March).
🥘 What to Eat in Meghalaya?
The local food is a mix of tribal and northeast flavors. Must-try dishes:
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Jadoh – Rice cooked with meat and spices
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Dohneiiong – Pork with black sesame seeds
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Tungrymbai – Fermented soybean chutney
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Local Bamboo Shoot Pickle
Vegetarians will also find several options in cafes and restaurants across Shillong.
🎒 Travel Tips for Meghalaya
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Carry light woolens even in summer; it gets chilly in the hills.
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Cash is king – ATMs are limited in remote areas.
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Respect local culture and avoid littering.
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Network connectivity is weak in some villages.
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Local SIM cards work better than roaming services.
📈 Interesting Facts About Meghalaya
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Mawsynram in Meghalaya is the wettest place on Earth.
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The Khasi and Jaintia tribes follow a matrilineal society.
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Living Root Bridges can last over 500 years.
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Meghalaya has over 1,500 explored caves, some stretching 24 km.
🙋 FAQs
Q1: How many days are enough for Meghalaya?
A: 6 to 7 days are ideal to explore Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, and Mawlynnong.
Q2: Is Meghalaya safe for solo travelers?
A: Yes, Meghalaya is one of the safest destinations in India with friendly locals.
Q3: What’s the best time to visit Dawki?
A: October to March, when the river is crystal clear and perfect for boating.
Q4: Can I self-drive in Meghalaya?
A: Yes, many tourists rent cars or bikes from Guwahati or Shillong.
Q5: Are there direct flights to Meghalaya?
A: Only limited flights to Shillong’s Umroi Airport; best is to fly to Guwahati.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Meghalaya is not just a destination—it’s an experience. From the misty landscapes of Cherrapunji to the dreamy waters of Dawki, every part of this state feels like poetry in motion. The ease of accessibility through Guwahati, availability of customized tour packages for Meghalaya, and a warm local culture make it a must-visit.
So pack your bags and head to the clouds!
