Shillong & Cherrapunji – 4 Night 5 Days

Welcome to the beautiful state of Meghalaya, known as the abode of clouds!

Your 4 nights 5 days journey will begin as soon as you arrive at the Guwahati airport/railway station. You'll be greeted warmly and then introduced to your private driver who will take you on a scenic drive to Shillong, also known as the "Scotland of the East". The drive is approximately 100 km and will take around 3 hours.

• En route, you'll get to witness the stunning Umiam Lake, a popular tourist spot famous for its boating activities. The placid water surrounded by hills and greenery is a sight to behold, and the serene environment will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
• Once you arrive in Shillong, you'll check-in to your hotel and have some time to freshen up before embarking on a full-day sightseeing tour of Guwahati. First on the list is the famous Kamakhya Temple, one of the oldest among the 51 Shakti Pithas. This temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya is revered by Hindus and is an important pilgrimage site.
• Next up is the Umananda Temple, located on the Umananda Island, also known as Peacock Island. This Shiva temple has a rich history dating back to the post-Gupta period, and the island is accessible by ferries or boats. You'll get to enjoy a boat ride on the Brahmaputra river and soak in the scenic views of the river and the surrounding hills.
• Next up is the Umananda Temple, located on the Umananda Island, also known as Peacock Island. This Shiva temple has a rich history dating back to the post-Gupta period, and the island is accessible by ferries or boats. You'll get to enjoy a boat ride on the Brahmaputra river and soak in the scenic views of the river and the surrounding hills.
• After that, you'll visit the Balaji Temple, a relatively new temple built-in 1998, modeled after the famous Tirupati Venkateswara Balaji temple in the South. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful carvings.
• Your last stop for the day is the Assam Zoo, home to over 900 species of animals, birds, and reptiles. Located in the lush green forest cover of Assam, this zoo offers a unique experience to get up close with the animals and learn about their habitats and behavior.

Get ready to explore the charming city of Shillong, surrounded by rolling hills, lush green forests, and sparkling waterfalls. Your full-day sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the Elephant Falls, a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit site in Shillong. The gushing water cascading down the rocks and surrounded by greenery is a sight to behold and will leave you spellbound.

• Next up is the Shillong Peak, the highest point in Shillong, located at an altitude of 1965 meters. From the top, you'll get a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding hills, and on a clear day, you can even see the plains of Bangladesh.
• After that, you'll visit the Ward's Lake, a man-made lake surrounded by a lush garden and colorful flowers. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll around the lake or even take a boat ride and soak in the serene surroundings
• Next on the list is the Lady Hydari Park, a beautiful park named after Lady Hydari, the wife of the first Governor of Assam. The park is known for its lush greenery, colorful flowers, and a mini-zoo.
• Your next stop is the Cathedral Church, one of the most beautiful churches in Shillong, located in the heart of the city. The magnificent architecture, stained glass windows, and the serene ambiance of the church will leave you awe-struck.
• Your final stop for the day is the Don Bosco Museum, a unique museum that showcases the culture, heritage, and history of the seven sisters of North-East India. The museum is divided into several galleries

On day 3, after having breakfast and checking out from the hotel in Shillong, you'll head towards Cherrapunji, which is about 54 km away and will take approximately 2 hours to reach. Along the way, you'll visit some of the most popular attractions in the region.

• First, you'll stop at Mawlynnong Village, which has been declared as the cleanest village in Asia by Discover India magazine in 2003. This picturesque village is located in the East Khasi Hills along the India-Bangladesh border, and is also known as 'God's own garden'. Here, you can go for a short trek and see the Khasi way of life, meet the locals and visit the Balancing Rock, Sky Walk, Bangladesh View point and the longest Living Root Bridge.
• Next, you'll head to Dawki and river Umgnot, which is popular on social media for its crystal clear waters. You can take a dip in the river or enjoy local boating. On the way to Dawki, you can enjoy the view of Borhill Falls and Kyram Falls.
• Finally, you'll visit the Single Decker Bridge Living Root Bridge. Right at the midway while going downhill, you’ll get a different path, indicating the route towards Single Decker Living Root Bridge.
• After that, you'll head to Cherrapunji and check-in to the hotel for an overnight stay.

On day 4, get ready to explore the picturesque town of Cherrapunjee, known for receiving one of the highest rainfalls in the world. The day will be full of natural wonders that will leave you in awe.

• Seven Sister Falls: Start your day by visiting the Seven Sister Falls, a cluster of seven waterfalls cascading down from a height of 1,033 feet. The falls are named after the seven states of Northeast India and are a popular attraction among tourists. The sight of the water gushing down the rugged cliffs is truly mesmerizing.
• Nohkalikai Falls: Your next stop is the Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India, with a height of 1,115 feet. The waterfalls from a cliff, and the plunge pool below creates a misty atmosphere that adds to the charm of the place. The view of the waterfall amidst the lush green surroundings is a sight to behold.
• Arwah Cave: After enjoying the waterfalls, it's time to explore the natural wonders of Cherrapunjee underground. Visit the Arwah Cave, which is famous for its unique limestone formations. The cave is also known as the "Wettest Place on Earth" as it receives a high amount of rainfall, creating an eerie and mystical atmosphere.
• Mawsmai Cave: Continue your exploration of underground Cherrapunjee by visiting the Mawsmai Cave, which is the most accessible cave in Meghalaya. The cave is known for its narrow passages, and stalactites and stalagmites that create a beautiful sight.
• Weisawdong Falls: End your day by visiting the Weisawdong Falls, also known as the Dainthlen Falls. The falls are surrounded by dense forests and are named after the legendary serpent, Dainthlen, who was believed to reside in the nearby caves. The waterfall cascading down from a height of 1,020 feet is a breathtaking sight.

It's time to say goodbye to the enchanting beauty of Cherrapunji and head back to Guwahati, the largest city in the region. After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, we'll embark on a scenic drive of approximately 199 km and 7 hours to reach Guwahati.

• During the journey, we'll pass through the breathtaking landscape of Meghalaya, with its rolling hills, verdant forests, and glistening waterfalls. You can soak in the natural beauty and take some memorable pictures of the region's stunning scenery.
• Upon reaching Guwahati, your private driver will drop you off at the Guwahati airport or railway station, marking the end of an unforgettable journey to the "Scotland of the East" and the "Land of Clouds."
• With a heart full of memories and a camera full of pictures, you'll depart from this magical land, hoping to return soon and explore more hidden gems of Meghalaya.
• We hope you had a wonderful time exploring the gems of Meghalaya with us. Don't forget to share your experience with your friends and family, and contact Travel Geniee for any future travel plans. Our team of experts will ensure that you have a memorable trip, full of adventure and fun!