Meghalaya Tour Packages

About Meghalaya

About Meghalaya: The Abode of Clouds

Meghalaya is located in the north eastern of India, bordering the states of Assam in the north and Bangladesh in the south. The name itself means “abode of clouds” in Sanskrit, and they live up to this name on most days. The state is marked by a spectacular blend of living root bridges, tiered waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers, limestone caves, and hill station towns, which have both colonial and tribal perspectives.

Most travellers come through the city of Guwahati in Assam, some 100 kilometres and three hours by road from Shillong, the state capital. From here, the geography opens up from rolling hills in the Khasi and Jaintia Ranges, gorges that descend sharply into the plains of Bangladesh, and a river at Dawki that is so clear that boats seem to float in mid-air.

Meghalaya is not a very crowded destination by Indian standards, and that is part of its appeal. The roads are well-maintained, given that this is a northeastern hill state, the local food is distinct and flavourful, and the culture of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities gives the region a texture that is truly unique, unlike anywhere else in the country.

What Makes a Meghalaya Trip Different

Most of the hill station itineraries in India follow a predictable rhythm. Meghalaya does not.

In the space of six days, a traveller here can stand at the edge of Laitlum Canyons watching clouds move below, walk into the village of Mawlynnong, widely recognised as the cleanest village in India, before the same evening. The next morning can be spent on a boat trip over water so clear that you can see the river bed in full detail from Dawki. A day later, you are at Cherrapunji, standing at the edge of Nohkalikai Falls, which is one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India.

These are not experiences that need to be magnified and embellished. They are just there, and the itinerary is about getting them in the right order.

Traveloi’s Meghalaya packages are based around this logic: a well-paced route, with private transfers, taking care of the logistics, and enough time at each location to do more than take a picture.

Key Destinations in the Meghalaya Tour Packages

Shillong: The Hill Station Capital

Shillong is located at an elevation of about 1,500 metres above sea level in the East Khasi Hills. It was the administrative capital of the undivided Assam province during British rule and still has visible traces of this era in the form of its churches, colonial-style buildings, and general layout of the town.

The Police Bazaar in the center of the city is the largest commercial market in Shillong and a good place to start in order to understand the city on the day to day level, local produce, street food, handwoven fabric, and everything in between.

Key sightseeing points in Shillong covered in Traveloi’s packages:

• Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures: One of the best-organized museums in Northeast India, this museum deals with the culture, customs, and history of the tribal communities in the region. Closed on Sundays.
• Shillong Peak: This location offers you the highest point in and around Shillong, with views of the city and the hills around. On clear days, the Bangladeshi plains are seen in the distance.
• Wards Lake: A human-made lake in the middle of the city. Boating is available. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians: A very prominent Catholic church in Shillong with a clean Gothic-influenced exterior, well worth a stop for the architectural detail and quiet interior.
• Lady Hydari Park: A small, well-kept botanical park with a mini zoo. Closed on Mondays.
• Elephant Falls: A three-tiered waterfall a short way out of the city centre, surrounded by lush vegetation.

Laitlum Canyons: Meghalaya’s Most Dramatic Viewpoint

Laitlum means “end of hills” in Khasi, and from the edge of these canyons, the name makes complete sense. The terrain falls very abruptly from the plateau into a wide, green gorge that extends towards the Bangladesh border. Clouds often fill the valley below, especially in the mornings, creating a difficult landscape to photograph well since the scale is a real challenge to capture.

The drive from Shillong to Laitlum Canyons takes about 30 to 40 mins. The site is not as well-known as Cherrapunji or Dawki is to mainstream tourist traffic, which means it has a tendency to be quieter and more unhurried. This is a walking and viewpoint destination; bring some good footwear and be careful of the edges, which are unfenced in sections.

Laitlum is a part of the package offered on Day 2 of the 6-day Meghalaya package.

Phe Phe Falls, Krang Suri Falls

Both waterfalls lie on the routes between Shillong and Dawki, but both are worth a stop.

Phe Phe Falls is a short hike from the road to get to the base of the falls. The waterfall falls into a natural pool that is suitable for swimming in the non-monsoon months. It is relatively less visited than the falls in Cherrapunji, and hence it is a more peaceful stop.

Krang Suri Falls is a multi-plunge waterfall with a turquoise pool at the bottom. The colour of the water caused by the mineral composition of the local rocks is visually striking. Swimming is permitted, and the surroundings are clean and well-kept. The walk from the parking area to the falls is short and manageable for most fitness levels.

Both falls are covered in Day 3 of the 6-day Meghalaya Package.

Dawki: The Crystal River at the Border

Dawki is a small town located in the Indo-Bangladesh border in the West Jaintia Hills along the Umngot River. The river flows through a valley flanked by high green hills and has become one of the most photographed places in the state of Northeast India because of the exceptional clarity of the water.

Boat rides on the Umngot River are the main activity here. The riverbed is visible from the boat surface at considerable depth, and the boats seem to float above the rocks and vegetation below – an effect that has made the destination well-known on travel photography platforms. The ride itself is peaceful and lasts from 30 to 45 minutes under normal conditions.

Dawki is at its best between October and April, when the river is at its clearest. During the monsoon months, the water brings with it sediment (from the upstream sections), and the visibility decreases considerably.

Dawki is covered under both the 4-day and 6-day Meghalaya tour packages by Traveloi.

Mawlynnong Village: Organised, Green, and Worth the Stop

Mawlynnong, in the East Khasi Hills, is widely recognised as the cleanest village in India. The community here has a constant focus on cleanliness, waste management, and caring of environment for decades now. Bamboo dustbins are positioned all around the village lanes; the use of plastic is frowned upon by the community norms, and the overall organisation of the space displays a sense of collective ownership of the community, which is not common in many Indian tourist destinations.

Sights within Mawlynnong include:

• The Living Root Bridge: A naturally formed single-span bridge, the result of guiding the roots of rubber fig trees across a stream, over multiple generations. The bridge is still in shape and in use.

• The Balancing Rock:  A large boulder standing on a significantly small base rock, forming a very dramatic, natural structure. 

• Sky Walk: A bamboo platform that is raised above the tree line, that gives views of the surrounding landscape and the plains of Bangladesh in the distance.

Mawlynnong also has basic homestays and local eateries in case you would like to spend more time at this place. The village is approximately 90 kilometres away from Shillong.

Cherrapunji: Rainfalls, Falls, and Limestone Caves

Cherrapunji, now officially known as Sohra, is located in the south of the East Khasi Hills at a height of about 1,300 metres. It has a long history of being one of the wettest places in the world, and the landscape reflects that very consistently. The vegetation is mostly a shade of green, there are many waterfalls in all directions, and the moisture in the air is persistent even in the drier months.

The destinations that are covered in Traveloi’s Cherrapunji sightseeing day are:

• Nohkalikai Falls: One of the highest plunge waterfalls in India, which falls into a blue-green pool at the bottom of a cliff. The viewpoint is unfenced, and the drop is significant and impressive from a visual perspective.
• Nohsngithiang Falls (Seven Sisters Falls): A segmented waterfall with seven streams that divide across a broad cliff-face. It is most dramatic in and just after the monsoon months when all seven streams are active at the same time.
• Dainthlen Falls: A mid-size waterfall which is associated with a local Khasi legend about a serpent called Thlen. The area surrounding the falls is forested and quiet.
• Mawsmai Cave: A cave constructed from limestone with lit pathways, stalactites, and narrow passages. It is accessible without the use of any specialised equipment, and it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to walk through.
• Arwah Cave: Less frequented than Mawsmai, Arwah Cave has fossilised remains of marine organisms embedded in the limestone walls. A guide is needed to move around the interior.
• Eco Park: A government-run viewpoint park near the edge of the Cherrapunji plateau with views of the Bangladesh plains and several of the surrounding waterfalls. Closed on Wednesdays.
• Thangkharang Park: A park on the southern side of the plateau, with views into Bangladesh and to the Kynrem Falls viewpoint. Closed on Wednesdays.
• Garden of Caves: A landscaped site with some small waterfalls, caves, and ponds, good for families and those travelling with children.

Meghalaya Tour Packages at a Glance

6 Days/5 Nights – 6 Days Shillong Dawki Cherrapunji Meghalaya Tour

• Pickup and drop: Guwahati
• Destinations: Shillong, Laitum Canyons, Phe Phe Falls, Krang Suri Falls, Dawki, Mawlynnong, Cherrapunji
• Starting price: 28,500 per person

4 Days / 3 Nights – 4 Days Meghalaya Tour Package

• Pickup and drop: Guwahati
• Destinations: Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawlynnong
• Starting price: On Request

What Is Included in Traveloi’s Meghalaya Packages

• Accommodation on twin/ triple sharing basis
• Daily breakfast at the hotel
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing
• Parking, toll, and driver allowance
• Inner line permit for applicable zones

What Is Not Included

• 5% GST
• Entrance and camera fees at all sightseeing places
• Guide and tour escort charges
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, tips, gratuity, beverages)
• Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle beyond the itinerary
• Any costs incurred from natural calamities, landslides, road blockage, or political disturbances
• Any rise in taxes or fuel prices affecting transport costs before departure
• Insurance
• Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusions

Best Time to Visit Meghalaya

• October to November (Post-Monsoon / Autumn): Waterfalls are at full flow after the rains, the landscape is a deep green, and the skies start to be clear. One of the ultimate windows for photography for all destinations.
• December to February (Winter): Cooler temperatures, dry weather, and the best clarity at the Dawki river. Recommended for first-time visitors and couples. Book for this period 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
• March to April (Spring): Pleasant weather with manageable temperatures all over Shillong and Cherrapunji. Good for outdoor activities, cave visits, and waterfall walks.
• May (Pre-Monsoon): Warmer compared to the winter months, fewer tourists, and less demand. Some waterfalls start going dry. A good choice for those who want a quieter trip.
• June to September (Monsoon): The highest rainfall of the year. Waterfalls, especially the Seven Sisters Falls, are most dramatic. However, travel disruptions due to road situations and poor visibility at Dawki cannot be ruled out during this period.

The period between October and April is the best time for a Meghalaya trip. Couples and families travelling for the first time are recommended to plan between the months of November and February for the most stable weather conditions.

How to Reach Meghalaya

By Air: The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati. From there, Shillong is about 100 kilometres by road, which takes about 3 hours in normal traffic conditions. Traveloi’s Meghalaya packages start and end at Guwahati airport or railway station.

By Train: Guwahati is the nearest major railhead, which is connected to most of the major cities of India. From Guwahati, the normal mode of road transfer to Shillong is by road.

By Road: Shillong is well-connected with Guwahati via NH6. The roads through the hills are in reasonably good condition and are the major mode of transport within Meghalaya itself.

En Route from Guwahati: Kamakhya Temple and Umiam Lake

The drive from Guwahati to Shillong passes by two stops that are worth a stop.

Kamakhya Temple is located at the top of Nilachal Hill, overlooking Guwahati, and is one of India’s most important Shakti temples. The temple is a major pilgrimage place for devotees around the country. It is included as an en-route stop on Day 1 of Traveloi’s 6 days Meghalaya package.

Umiam Lake (Barapani) is a large man-made lake at a distance of about 15 kilometres from Shillong. Hills and pine forests surround the lake and offers views over a great expanse of still water. Optional water sports activities are offered at the lake for those interested.

Responsible Traveling in Meghalaya

Meghalaya’s eco-sensitive zones, river systems, and spaces of the tribal community demand a certain level of care, which is not always required in standard tourist destinations.

A few practical things when travelling responsibly:

• Carry reusable bottles and bags. Plastic is discouraged in many villages, especially Mawlynnong, where there are community rules around keeping the place clean, which are actively followed.
• Respect photography restrictions at tribal cultural sites, and ask before photographing local residents.
• Stick to designated swimming areas at Phe Phe Falls, Krang Suri Falls, and river sites.
• Do not litter at cave and waterfall sites. What goes in should come out.
• Inner line permits are required to travel in some of the zones. Traveloi contains the required permits in all packages for the relevant areas.

Traveloi’s approach to travel planning is about low-impact and culturally respectful travel. Whether you are planning a Meghalaya package booking or planning a trip to Bhutan or Sikkim on the platform, the logistics are based on the principles of responsible tourism without making the trip itself feel restricted or complicated.

Who Should Decide Which Package

The 4-Day Meghalaya Package is ideal for travellers who have only a limited amount of leave but want to cover the must-visit places, and for those who are visiting Meghalaya as part of a much larger tour to Northeast India or who want a structured introduction to Shillong and Cherrapunji without making a long commitment.

The 6-Day Shillong Dawki Cherrapunji Package is more suited for travellers aiming to include Dawki, Mawlynnong, and the waterfall-laden Day 3 route, are making Meghalaya the main point of focus in a dedicated trip, or prefer to spend more time at each location rather than a compressed schedule.

Both packages have Guwahati as the starting and ending point, and hence, flight bookings are easy from most major Indian cities.

If you are planning a bigger itinerary of Northeast India, Meghalaya, combining Sikkim or Darjeeling, Traveloi’s Sikkim Darjeeling packages can be explored independently and clubbed with a Meghalaya leg with prior coordination.

Practical Tips Before You Travel

• Carry a light waterproof jacket even during the dry season. Rain in Cherrapunji can come without much warning, even in winter months.
• Comfortable walking shoes are essential for Laitlum Canyons, cave visits and the walk to Phe Phe Falls.
• Keep cash available. ATMs are available in Shillong, but they are few or not available in Dawki, Mawlynnong, and rural areas.
• Most sightseeing sites have small entry fees that are not included in the package. Keep small denominations of notes handy.
• Mobile networks can be found in Shillong and major towns, but connectivity can be spotty in canyon, cave, and border areas.
• Note that there are some specific days in the week when some of the sightseeing spots are closed: Don Bosco centre is closed on Sundays, Wards Lake is closed on Tuesdays, Lady Hydari Park is closed on Mondays, Eco Park and Thangkharang Park are closed on Wednesdays. Traveloi’s itinerary takes into account these closures when scheduling.
• Reservations are recommended between 3 to 4 weeks in advance, especially for travel between October and February when there will be a higher demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which is the best Meghalaya tour package for first-time visitors?

The 6 days Shillong Dawki Cherrapunji Meghalaya package offered by Traveloi includes the best comprehensive coverage of all experiences with city sightseeing in Shillong, the canyon views at Laitlum, waterfalls at Phe Phe and Krang Suri, the Umngot river at Dawki, Mawlynnong village, and the complete sightseeing circuit of Cherrapunji. For first-time visitors who would like to understand Meghalaya rather than visiting one or two highlights, 6-day option provides the best spread without being rushed.

Q2. What is included in the Meghalaya tour packages from Traveloi?

All Traveloi Meghalaya packages include accommodation on twin or triple sharing basis, daily breakfast, a private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary, parking, toll, and driver allowance, and inner line permits where applicable. Entrance charges, guides, personal expenses, and 5% GST are not included.

Q3. What is the starting point for Traveloi’s Meghalaya packages?

Most Traveloi Meghalaya tour packages start and end at Guwahati, and pick up and drop services are usually arranged from Guwahati Airport or Guwahati Railway Station. On arrival, a representative of Traveloi will meet you and help you with your transfer, after which your journey through Meghalaya will begin. Guests can also interact with their travel requirements in advance, and the team can assist with the coordination of appropriate arrival arrangements for a smooth start to the trip.

Q4. Is Dawki worth visiting, and what can you do there?

Dawki is one of the most visually distinct stops that can be made on any Meghalaya itinerary. The Umngot River here flows with exceptional clarity on a rocky riverbed that creates an effect which makes boats seem to float above the riverbed. Boating on the Umngot River is the main activity. The best clarity is between October and April. During the monsoon, the water visibility is lessened because the river carries the sediment from upstream. Dawki is a part of the 6-day package.

Q5. What is Mawlynnong village known for?

Mawlynnong in the East Khasi Hills is largely known as the cleanest village in India. The community has had high standards of cleanliness through community effort, with bamboo dustbins placed throughout the village and active restrictions on plastic usage. Key sights include a Living Root Bridge that is formed naturally by the roots of rubber fig trees, a balancing rock formation, and a bamboo Sky Walk with views of the Bangladesh plains.

Q6. What are the major waterfalls in Cherrapunji covered in Traveloi package?

The Cherrapunji tour packages sightseeing day in Traveloi from 6-day Cherrapunji tour package covers Notre-Dame Falls, Nohsngithiang Falls (Seven Sisters Falls), and Dainthlen Falls. Nohkalikai is one of the plunge waterfalls in India. Seven Sisters Falls is a segmented waterfall over a broad face of cliff. Dainthlen Falls is smaller and set in quiet forest surroundings.

Q7. Are the caves included in the Meghalaya package sightseeing?

Yes. The Cherrapunji day includes visits to Mawsmai Cave and Arwah Cave. Mawsmai Cave has lit pathways and is accessible to the majority of visitors. A guide is necessary for Arwah Cave, which has fossilised marine organisms in the limestone walls. The Garden of Caves is also included on the same day.

Q8. What is Kamakhya Temple, and is it included in the itinerary?

Kamakhya Temple is one of the most important Shakti Temples in India, located on the Nilachal Hill of Guwahati. It is a major pilgrimage site. In Traveloi’s  6 days Meghalaya package, the temple is visited as an en-route point on Day 1 of the tour during the drive from Guwahati to Shillong.

Q9. Is Laitlum Canyon safe to visit, and what do travellers know?

Laitlum Canyon is accessible by road from Shillong in about 30 to 40 minutes. The views at the edge of the canyon are not completely fenced off in all areas, so visitors should be careful near the edges. The site is known to reward the early morning risers when clouds often fill the valley below. It is not an activity-based but a walking and photography destination.

Q10. Can the Meghalaya packages be customised for a longer trip or different group size?

Yes. Traveloi’s itineraries are customisable to meet varying group sizes, extended periods, or the inclusion of certain destinations or activities. Pricing for the 4-day package is available on request, which leaves room for some adjustment according to group composition and preferences. Contact the Traveloi team via the enquiry form on this page to discuss your needs.

Q11. What is the inner line permit, and is it required for Meghalaya?

An inner line permit (ILP) is necessary for travellers who are accessing certain restricted zones in Northeast India, including some areas of Meghalaya. Traveloi is already a part of Meghalaya packages as an inner line permit, hence for travellers, there is no need to arrange this separately. Your travel information will be used in processing the permit before the trip begins.

Q12. How far is Shillong from Guwahati, and how long does the drive take?

Shillong is about 100 Kms from Guwahati by road. In normal traffic, it takes about 3 hours to drive. The road traverses the hill terrain of Meghalaya after crossing the plains of Assam, and the climb into the hills is part of the journey. An en-route visit to Kamakhya Temple at Guwahati and a stop for viewpoints at Umiam Lake is part of Day 1 of the 6-day package.

Q13. What kinds of accommodation are provided in Traveloi’s Meghalaya packages?

Accommodation is on twin or triple sharing basis in all the Traveloi Meghalaya packages. Specific hotel names and categories are dependent on the package chosen and availability at the time of booking. All properties have a daily breakfast. For specific hotel preferences or upgrades, requirements can be mentioned by the traveller at the time of enquiry.

Q14. Can the travellers swim at the waterfalls and rivers in Meghalaya?

Swimming is allowed at designated natural pools in some places. Phe Phe Falls and Krang Suri Falls both have natural pools that one can swim in during non-monsoon months. The Umngot River at Dawki is used for boat rides, not for swimming. Swimming is not advised in waterfalls such as Nohkalikai because of the depth and the power of the plunge pool. Always check with the local guide or operator before getting into any water body.

Q15. Are entrance fees at sightseeing spots included in the package?

Entrance and camera fees at all sightseeing places are not included in Traveloi’s Meghalaya packages. This applies to all sites covered in both the 4-day and 6-day itineraries. It is advisable to carry enough cash in small denominations as card payment facilities are not available at the majority of the rural sightseeing spots in Meghalaya.

Q16. What should I pack for a Meghalaya trip?

Pack a light waterproof jacket or rain poncho, no matter what time of the year you go to Cherrapunji, as the rain can come on without much notice even in the winter months. Comfortable walking or trekking shoes with a good grip are a must for places such as Laitlum Canyons, trek towards Phe Phe Falls, and cave visits. Carry layered clothes for the cooler nights in Shillong and Cherrapunji, and sunscreen and a hat for the open viewpoint areas. Carry cash to pay entrance fees and make small purchases in the form of small denominations, as card payment is not widely available in rural sightseeing spots. A portable phone charger is also worth packing because charging facilities are limited at several stops along the route.

Q17. Is Meghalaya suitable for families with children?

Yes, Meghalaya is suitable for families with children. The 6-day itinerary covers some of the sites such as Mawlynnong village, Garden of Caves, Wards Lake with boating, and Eco Park, which are accessible and fun for kids of most age groups. Boat rides on the Umngot River at Dawki, and the walking trail to Krang Suri Falls are also manageable for older children. That said, parents should remain watchful around unfenced vista points such as the Laitlum Canyons and the edge of the cliff at Nohkalikai Falls, as the drop is not negligible and barriers are minimal.

Q18. What is the weekly closure schedule for key sightseeing spots in Meghalaya?

Several sightseeing spots in Meghalaya have certain fixed days of closures which should be noted by travellers before making any final plans. The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures in Shillong is not open on Sundays. Wards Lake is shut on Tuesdays and Lady Hydari Park on Mondays. In the case of Cherrapunji, both Eco Park and Thangkharang Park are closed on Wednesdays. Traveloi’s itinerary is designed to take into account these closures to ensure that the trip schedule does not clash with days on which particular sites are unavailable.

Q19. Can the Meghalaya trip be combined with Sikkim or Darjeeling?

Yes, this is an excellent combination that is practical for travellers who want to cover Northeast India more broadly. Meghalaya and Sikkim- Darjeeling are separate circuits but can be stitched together with a connecting leg through Guwahati or Siliguri. Traveloi operates Sikkim Darjeeling packages and can coordinate the logistics of a combined trip to northeast India. Use the enquiry form on this page to tell us your full trip requirements and duration, and the team will advise on the best sequencing and routing.

Q20. How do I book a Meghalaya tour package with Traveloi?

Booking can be done through the enquiry form on this page. Provide your preferred travel dates, number of travellers (adults, children, and infants), and if you have any specific requests or preferences. Traveloi’s team will follow up with a confirmed itinerary, hotel options, as well as breakdown of costs. For direct support, call + 91-7060106084 or + 91-9634514095 or write to info@traveloi.com. Once the details are confirmed, an advance payment is made to book the trip, and a dedicated travel coordinator is designated for the duration of the trip.

Plan Your Meghalaya Trip with Traveloi

Meghalaya does not need excessive planning. What it needs is a reliable structure — the right vehicle, the right route, and someone coordinating the details so that the destination itself can be the focus.

Traveloi’s Meghalaya packages are built for exactly that. From the Guwahati pickup to the last drop, every logistical element is handled — accommodation, breakfast, transfers, permits, and sightseeing scheduling. The 6-day package covers the complete circuit. The 4-day package is available on request for travellers with tighter timelines.

Fill out the enquiry form on this page with your preferred dates and group size. The team will get back to you within 24 hours.

If you are comparing northeast destinations, you may also want to look at the Sikkim Darjeeling packages on Traveloi for a parallel itinerary option in the eastern Himalayas.

For couples looking at Meghalaya as a honeymoon destination, the scenic diversity of the state’s rivers, canyons, hill towns, and waterfalls makes it a credible alternative to the more conventional choices. Traveloi’s Honeymoon Packages section covers options across India if you want to compare routes before deciding.