Meghalaya

Almost 90% of Guwahati to Shillong 110 km highway is in Meghalaya, which is very scenic with low hills, greenery, lakes, rivers and flowers. Almost all houses in Meghalaya keep flowering plants. On the way there are many fruit sellers selling variety of fruits. Must try pineapple near Nangpoh. Recommend a break at Meghalaya tourism’s Jiva Veg restaurant in Nangpoh for watching flowers, snacks, toilet and stretching legs. A narrow road leads to Nangpoh waterfall which goes dry between March to June. You can also reach Shillong from Kaziranga (around 250 kms).

• Further on the way visit very scenic Umiam lake. Many people prefer to stay at this place instead of Shillong for boating and water sports. I recommend staying in Shillong.
• Between Umiam lake and Shillong there is a small Chinese restaurant DeeGee on the way, with some good food. In Shillong the Wok is a nice place for Chinese food.

Shillong works like a central point in Meghalaya to visit a number of places. You can stay in Shillong and visit Cherrapunji, Mawlynlong, Dawki, Shnongpdeng, etc. Throughout Meghalaya stay we stayed at M Crown Hotel in Police Bazaar Shillong.

• In Shillong Don-Bosco museum visit is a must. This multi-storeyed museum depicts history.
• Life style, rituals, food, trade, dresses, weapons, tools, etc. of various original tribes of these hills. From the top deck of the museum get a bird eye view of city of Shillong. Just outside the museum a family run restaurant is a good place for freshly prepared Chinese food.
• In Shillong also visit lady Hydri Park (zoo) and Wards lake.
• Do not miss out on Lathlium Grand Canyon and Sacred Forest, both are less visited by tourists now, are worth a visit. These are being developed for near future with tourist facility.

65 kms from Shilling you came to Mawsynram, which is considered to be the wettest place on earth. From here you can visit Umkhakoi lake created by a dam in the village Mawlyngbna. Kayaking facility is available at this lake. You can also visit the Mawsmai caves which are quite nice.

Shillong to Cherrapunji (65 kms) road is good and very scenic.

• On the way visit Air force museum, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls and Seven Sister Falls. There are a number of food stalls and shops selling local stuff around Shillong Peak.
• At Cherrapunji visit Arwah cave, NohKaLikai falls, Thangareng Park and famous Mawsmai Caves
• Jiva Resort (Meghalaya Tourism) is a good place for lunch and taking a break. It is tastefully designed with flower beds, sit outs and open spaces. On a clear day one can see Bangladesh from here. There are also a number of airbnbs available which are pretty good.

Scenic route all the way, very green. All these places are a must visit.

• River Umngot at Shnongpdeng (4km from Dawki) and at Dawki, the water is very clear. One can see the riverbed, rocks and fish clearly in the river. A boat ride is a must. Most visitors take the boat ride at Dawki, but I recommend the same at Shnongpdeng. You can also rent a kayak and do kayaking at Shnongpdeng.
• Dawki is along the Indo Bangladesh border. Friendship bridge over the river connects the two countries.
• Mawlynnong Village is the cleanest village in Asia. One must see to believe. All village houses and roads have flowering plants. Dust/garbage bins are provided every short distance and roads are swept regularly. On a clear day one can see Bangladesh from Mawlynnong.
• Near Mawlynnong visit the balancing rock and single decker root bridge

Krang Shuri Falls is around 30 kms from Dawki. With waterfalls as blue as the sky itself, the Krang Suri falls are one of the most appealing waterfalls of Meghalaya. It is around half km trek to the falls. If you are brave, you can even enter the water and swim, though it might be very cold.

About 2 km away from Cherrapunjee, one comes across Dainthlen falls which is just 5 km away from the road. Dainthlen Falls is unique in the sense that you can stand on top of the falls right at the edge where falls starts. You can actually walk on the small & shallow river before it falls off the edge. There is a small legend associated with the name of this fall. According to locals, there was a huge demon python by the name of Thlen who was drenched in greed and power. Some brave men caught the animal and destroyed its hood with a huge stone near this fall. Tourists visiting the waterfall can explore the natural rock carvings of the snake, which represent the symbol of evil, greed and corruption.

During monsoon or around Oct or Nov, these falls have plenty of water and even form beautiful water pools that have extremely clear water. You can park your car and go on a small trek to these falls: Lyngngai Falls,Lyngksiar Falls,Mawsawdong Falls,Janailar Falls and Mawsawa Falls which are close to Dainthlen Falls. The trek is totally worth it, and once you reach the water pools you can even enter them and enjoy. However becareful cause in some areas the pools are quite deep. The water is completely see through. This is a must visit.