Meghalaya Alive!

Itinerary

Day 1: Guwahati Airport - Shillong (3-4 hours drive)

Pass By: Cafe Shillong Bed and Breakfast, 31 Lower, Lachumiere, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001, India
Upon arriving at Guwahati Airport, you will drive to Shillong (3 hours), the capital of Meghalaya. It a historic hill station established by British and is also referred to as ‘Scotland of the East’. Shillong was also the former administrative capital of entire north-eastern region, then known as Assam during British rule and still has an old world charm. On the way, halt at the scenic Umiam Lake, also locally known as Barapani. One can enjoy boating in the pristine lake surrounded by beautiful pine forests of the Khasi hills. The panoramic vista of the lake is spectacular from the viewpoints on the highway. Evening at leisure.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Cafe Shillong Bed and Breakfast, a charming boutique property with mid-range rooms.

Day 2: Shillong - Umden Village - Shillong

Pass By: Cafe Shillong Bed and Breakfast, 31 Lower, Lachumiere, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001, India
After a leisurely breakfast, spend the day in an excursion to the silk village of Umden (1-2 hours) and interact with the Bhoi people to learn their culture and history. You will get to see the production of world famous Eri silk and traditional hand looms such as the Ryndia. The process of weaving is open to visitors to the village. You will get to observe the different steps of sericulture and the variant in patterns along with interaction with local weavers and artisans. You can also go on a heritage walk through the serene, lush green paths and trails. Return to Shillong by late afternoon. Evening at leisure.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Cafe Shillong Bed and Breakfast, a charming boutique property with mid-range rooms.

Day 3: Shillong

Pass By: Cafe Shillong Bed and Breakfast, 31 Lower, Lachumiere, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001, India
Spend the day exploring the charming hill-station of Shillong in leisurely walks as time permits and interest. Visit places such as Lady Hydari Park, Ward’s Lake, Indigenous Museum, Butterfly Musuem and old churches. During late afternoon, visit the offbeat Siat Khnam, a unique way of gambling practiced by locals which involves archery. Evening at leisure if interested can be explored in the upbeat market area of Shillong and you may dine out in a nice restaurant.


Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Cafe Shillong Bed and Breakfast, a charming boutique property with mid-range rooms.

Day 4: Shillong - Mawphlang - Mawsynram - Weiing

Pass By: Weiïng - The Lakefront Camp, Lawbah Rd., Māwsynrām, Meghalaya 793113, India
After an early breakfast, drive through the spectacular rain carved landscape of West Khasi Hills to arrive at the scenic lakefront campsite of Weiing (2-3 hours) near Mawlyngbna village. The campsite offers an offbeat opportunity to relax and enjoy nature trails and activities such as kayaking and fishing. En route you will visit the a moden traditional Khasi village and enjoy some peaceful time with nature at the community owned Mawphlang Sacred Forest. The drive will cross Mawsynram which is officially the wettest place in the planet. Drive past beautiful scenery on the way, the landscape looks surreal especially during the rainy season. One can also explore the Mawjymbuin cave. Evening at leisure at the campsite.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a comfortable cottage tent at the campsite.

Day 5: Weiing - Mawlyngbna - Weiing

Pass By: Weiïng - The Lakefront Camp, Lawbah Rd., Māwsynrām, Meghalaya 793113, India
A fun and relaxing day where you can go on short leisurely hikes to nearby villages such as Mawlyngbna, or indulge in some fishing, cliff jumping and kayaking. The hiking trails in the area are quite interesting, such as to nearby villages, water bodies and ancient fossil sites. Some of the villagers of the region practice organic honey harvesting and you can buy or taste their produces. Evening at leisure with a campfire.


Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a comfortable cottage tent at the campsite.

Day 6: Weiing - Cherrapunji

Pass By: Kutmadan Resort, MDR 27, Cherrapunji‎, Meghalaya 793108, India
After breakfast, proceed on a scenic drive to Cherrapunji (2-3 hours), renowned as one of the wettest places in the world. Cherrapunji is located in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and is well known for its serene landscape. It was historically known as Sohra, the land of oranges in native Khasi dialect and was once the capital of the region during the British era. En route you can enjoy a nature walk at the Garden of Caves with its small pristine waterfalls, streams and unique rock formations. Also visit the waterfalls of Cherrapunji such as the Nokhalikai Falls, Seven Sister Falls and the Dainthelen Falls. There is also a fun short hike to the mesmerizing and secretive Wei Sawdong Falls. Evening at leisure.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Kutmadan Resort, a charming cliffside property with mid-range rooms.

Day 7: Cherrapunji - Nongriat - Cherrapunji

Pass By: Kutmadan Resort, MDR 27, Cherrapunji‎, Meghalaya 793108, India
After an early breakfast, drive to nearby Tyrna village, the last motorable point. Then, go on a long guided downhill hike (approx. 3 hours) to Nongriat Village where the most brilliant of all the living bridges is found. The living root bridges are constructed by the native tribespeople using natural resources available in their surroundings. They guide the roots of large trees with the help of bamboos and intertwine them over the years to form into strong bridges. The hike passes through numerous streams, hanging bridges, remote villages, lush green forests and cascading waterfalls. You can spend some time interacting with the villagers. You can also hike a bit further through the jungle to the secretive Rainbow Falls. Enjoy a swim perhaps in the fabulous natural pools. After lunch, hike back to Tyrna and proceed to Kutmadan Resort. Evening at leisure.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Kutmadan Resort, a charming cliffside property with mid-range rooms.

Day 8: Cherrapunji - Guwahati

Pass By: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Borjhar, Guwahati, Assam 781015, India
After an early breakfast, drive to Guwahati Airport (3-4 hours) as per your departure schedule preferably an evening flight. While on your way out, you can drop by the Arwah Cave for an interesting walk to observe the formations and fossils inside. En route you can visit some places in Guwahati as time permits. Recommended spots of interest are the historical Kamakhya Temple, the Umananda Temple at Peacock Island right in the middle of mighty Brahmaputra River, the city museum, cultural center of Kalashetra and local emporiums. Tour ends.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.