Do I need a permit to visit Meghalaya?

No. Indian and foreign tourists do not need an Inner Line Permit for Meghalaya. Carry a photo ID for hotel check-ins.

What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?

October to April is best, with clear skies and clear water at Dawki. The monsoon (June to September) has the best waterfalls but also heavy rain and slow roads.

How far is Shillong from Guwahati?

About 100 km. The drive takes around 3 hours, longer on weekends because of traffic.

How difficult is the Double Decker root bridge trek?

It is about 3,500 steps down to Nongriat village and the same back up. It takes 4 to 6 hours in total. It is fine for fit walkers but hard for people with knee problems. The root bridge at Riwai near Mawlynnong is a much easier option.

When is the water at Dawki clearest?

Between November and April. In the monsoon the Umngot River becomes muddy and boating can be stopped for safety.

How many days are enough for Meghalaya?

Four to five days cover Shillong, Sohra, Dawki and Mawlynnong at a relaxed pace. Add two days for the Jaintia Hills or more time in Sohra.

Meghalaya Travel Guide: Shillong, Cherrapunji & Dawki

Meghalaya means "abode of the clouds", and the name fits. The state sits on a green plateau just south of Assam, with deep gorges, huge waterfalls, limestone caves and villages that still build bridges from living tree roots. It is the most popular state in Northeast India for first-time visitors, and you do not need any permit to go.

Top places to visit in Meghalaya

1. Shillong

The capital is a lively hill town at about 1,500 m, famous for its music, cafés and pine forests. See Ward's Lake, Shillong Peak for the view over the city, Elephant Falls, the Don Bosco Museum and the shops of Police Bazaar. In November, the city hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival.

2. Sohra (Cherrapunji)

Sohra, about 55 km from Shillong, is one of the wettest places on Earth (nearby Mawsynram holds the record). This is where you will find:

Nohkalikai Falls, one of India's tallest plunge waterfalls, falling into a turquoise pool.
Seven Sisters Falls and the Mawsmai Cave, an easy, lit limestone cave.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat. The trek is about 3,500 steps down and back up, so start early and keep half a day. Fit walkers only.
Arwah Cave, Dainthlen Falls and the viewpoints over the plains of Bangladesh.

3. Dawki and Shnongpdeng

The Umngot River at Dawki is so clear that boats seem to float in the air. Take a boat ride, walk the suspension bridge and visit Shnongpdeng village for kayaking, cliff jumping and riverside camping. For the clearest water, go between November and April; in the monsoon the river turns muddy and boating may stop.

4. Mawlynnong

Often called Asia's cleanest village, Mawlynnong has bamboo dustbins, flower gardens and a sky-walk tree house with a view towards Bangladesh. Nearby Riwai has a short walk to a single living root bridge, an easy option if you cannot do the Nongriat trek.

5. Umiam Lake and Laitlum Canyons

Umiam (Barapani) Lake is the big blue lake you pass on the way from Guwahati to Shillong. Stop for the view or a boat ride. Laitlum, about an hour from Shillong, is a grassy ridge with huge views into a deep valley, best at sunrise.

6. Offbeat Meghalaya

With more time, go to Jowai and the Jaintia Hills for Krang Suri Falls and the Nartiang monoliths, or west to the Garo Hills for Nokrek National Park and Siju Cave.

Best time to visit Meghalaya

October to April: Best for most travellers. Clear skies, dry trails and clear water at Dawki.
June to September: Monsoon. Waterfalls are spectacular, but expect heavy rain, fog and slow roads. Good for those who love rain and have flexible plans.
December to February: Cold mornings in Shillong (close to freezing on some nights), sunny days.

How to reach Meghalaya

Fly or take a train to Guwahati. Shillong is about 100 km and 3 hours away by a good highway. There is a small airport at Umroi near Shillong with limited flights, so most travellers use Guwahati. Inside Meghalaya, a private cab is the easiest way to move between Shillong, Sohra and Dawki; see our Guwahati to Shillong taxi.

5-day Meghalaya itinerary from Guwahati

Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong, stop at Umiam Lake. Evening at Police Bazaar.
Day 2: Day trip to Dawki and Mawlynnong. Boat ride on the Umngot River.
Day 3: Shillong to Sohra. Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Falls. Night in Sohra.
Day 4: Early trek to the Double Decker root bridge at Nongriat (or Laitlum Canyons if you prefer an easy day). Back to Shillong.
Day 5: Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls, then drive to Guwahati for your flight.

Prefer it all planned? See our Meghalaya 4N 5D tour package or all Meghalaya tour packages.

Tips for travelling in Meghalaya

Carry a light rain jacket in every season. The weather in Sohra changes in minutes.
Wear shoes with good grip for root bridges and caves.
Many villages charge a small entry or parking fee that supports the community. Keep change handy.
Do not leave plastic behind. Villages like Mawlynnong work hard to stay clean.
Traffic jams between Shillong and Guwahati are common on weekends. Leave early for your flight.

Also visiting Kaziranga? Read our Assam travel guide.