Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Meghalaya

Meghalaya, which means the Abode of Clouds, is in the top list of India’s most beautiful and captivating states. This place is a northern gem of India, with hills, beautiful waterfalls, a clear river, and bridges that seem as if they are alive. This place provides both adventure and peace to the travellers. Whether you are a traveller, a trekker, an adventure lover, or a photographer, Meghalaya always provides you with the experience which is unforgettable experience.

Before packing your bags with the stuff for a trip, you should know how you can make the trip more comfortable and smooth. This guide will provide you with the idea and will guide you on how you reach Meghalaya and enjoy your stay there.

How To Reach Meghalaya

By Air

• The nearest airport is the Shillong Airport(Umroi) which is only 30km from the city center.
• One more option is arrive at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Internatonal Airport located in Guwahati Assam, you can get easy flight tickets from the major cities like Delhi, Patna, Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai to Guwahati and then travel by bus or train to Shillong Meghalaya.

By Train

• As Meghalaya does not have its own major railway station, so one has to arrive in Guwahati railway station and then travel you shillong by bus or taxi.

By Road

• Many people travel to Meghalaya with there own vehicle and many through rented vehicle, travelling through bike or car in Meghalaya gives you a next level experience, Imagine riding your bike or car through the valleys and the little wet road of Meghalaya. National Highway 6 connects Guwahati to Shillong and other Northeastern states.
• Many private companies offer direct buses and traveling wingers from major cites to Shillong. Travelling through buses also add some enjoyment and memories during the journey.

Best Season To Explore Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a place which changes its beauty with the change in the season, so before visiting Meghalaya you should know which would be the best season for your vist.

• October to April- I you want to trek in the hills of Meghalaya, explore the jungles in clear skies then this would be the best season for you visit to Meghalaya. During this season you can enjoy the waterfall fully as they are full during the post monsoon season.
• May to September- If you are a rain head and you love to travel during the rainy seasons then this would be the best time for your visit, during the season rain is at its peak. This time is best for visiting the green forest in Meghalaya.
• December to January- Very less tourist visit during these season as the weather is very chill and foggy these time, You can easily enjoy the festivals during these seasons, winter markets and local cultural events.

Tip: If you want enjoy the waterfalls of Meghalaya then the best time for your visit is after the end of monsoon in October.

Places To Visit In Meghalaya

Shillong

Shillong is a hill station and the state capital of Meghalaya, with its stunning natural beauty, great history, beautiful culture, and also a hub of music and education. The city is also known as “The Scotland of East India” as Scotland also has rolling hills and lush greenery. The city is also known for its great waterfalls, landscapes, green forests, and local tribal culture. Visit Police Bazaar and Bara Bazaar to experience one of the best street foods around the state.

Cherrapunji

This place is known as the wettest place all over the world with stunning natural view, including great and beautiful waterfall, root bridges and caves. This city receives the highest amount of rainfall during the year, mostly 365days. Don’t forget to visit the Seven sister waterfall, the Double-decker living root bridge, Nohkalikai waterfall fall and the Mawsmai caves.

Dawki

Dawki is mainly famous for it’s crystal clear water. Experience boating here, as you would love the boating experience, here boating feels like gliding over the glass, The water is so clear in the lakes and rivers. Do not throw any type of waste materials or packets here or anywhere because it’s our responsibility to keep nature and the environment clean.

Unique Experiences One Should Definitely Try

• Boating in Dwaki: Boating in Dwaki is one of the best boating experience you can have all over the world. As the water is crystal clear and the under water biome is easily visible and and it seems to be floating in air.
• Trekking: Trek through the living root bridges of Meghalaya. Explore Meghalaya green forest, enjoy bird watching and different species of animals and medicinal plants.
• Waterfall Exploration: Meghalaya is also known as the place of waterfalls, more than 20+ waterfalls and many undiscovered and hidden waterfall in the Meghalaya’s forest. At least 2 days for exploring all the waterfalls and lakes.
• Cave Exploration: Meghalaya also has some of the longest caves to explore around the worlds some of them are Siju, Mawsmai and Lait Prah are some of the caves for exlporation.
• Enjoy Traditional Festivals: Enjoy the traditional festival of Meghalaya like Wangala Festival (Harvest festival of the Garo tribe) and the Shad Suk Mynsiem (Khasi dance festival) are the two festivals worth attnding.

Meghalaya’s Rich Culture and People

Meghalaya has a rich culture and great history from a long time it is mainly home to 3 tribe.

• The Khasi’s
• The Garo’s
• The Jaintia’s

Every tribe has its own language, culture, and Rituals. This state also follows a matrilineal system where the property is given or inherited through the mother’s line. Visit the tribal villages and stay with them, enjoy their culture and festivals. The locals and the head of the village offer you great hospitality and show respect toward every tourist.

Where To Stay:

• Hotel and Resorts: Hotel and Resorts are available in every city in Meghalaya mostly in Shillong and Cherrapunji.
• Homestays: Many tourist prefer homestay as it gives you the experience of hospitality and culture of the locals.
• Ecological Lodges: If you are a nature head and want to experience the greenery and the jungles of Meghalaya then book eco friendly lodges in advance as gets full very early during the tourist season (October to December)

Travel Tips For Meghalaya

• Carry light weight clothes for better experience and also carry pair of raincoats as the weather is mostly wet there. Some woolen clothes as the temprature fall during the night in the hilly regions.
• Carry cash: As Meghalaya has large number of local shops and limited ATM in the rural areas.
• Travel: Traveling in Meghalaya is one of the easiest thin as there are eco friendly buses, taxis, Tuk Tuk’s and local trains for city to city traveling.
• Connectivity: Mobile connectivity is very easy in the area, Indian sims offer

Itinerary for 7-day

Reason why Meghalaya should be in you Travel List

Meghalaya not only provides a tourist destination, but it also provides us with the experience of a unique culture, beautiful landscapes, and most importantly, a tourist destination with less crowd. The mixture of culture and adventure makes it a favourite spot for tourists, and a great travelling experience in India. Whatever you are doing in Meghalaya, be it standing on a bridge and enjoying the view or just having a cup of tea, every moment gives you a feel of magic.

Coming to Meghalaya is not only about a trip, rather it is a journey where you will find everything, starting from culture to nature to human harmony. This place will make you fall in love with parts of the Northeast; you will find breathtaking views, traditions, culture, and the locals. So, pack your bags, keep your cameras ready to click the memories which is going to stay with you forever in your life.