Explore a Bit of Assam and Meghalaya through Guwahati, Shillong and Cherrapunji

Updated [05/Sep/2023] Assam and Meghalaya has always been a perfect combo of fantastic vacations. Meghalaya refers to the ‘Abode of Clouds’ and the state is wrapped with hills and mountains. Meghalaya is especially famed for its monsoon season. The picturesque beauty, bountiful nature, and refreshing environment with exclusive fauna and flora. Other than the rich biodiversity, this northeastern state of Meghalaya is also popular for its cultural heritage, tribal folks, adventure activities and many more to enchant tourists throughout the year. Assam is considered the gateway to northeast India and just like Meghalaya, Assam is also bestowed with lots of scenic beauty and is known as the land of culture, heritage and history. The River Brahmaputra is the prime jewel of Assam and the Kamakhya Devi Temple is the prime spiritual spot.

Let’s get into some parts of Assam and Meghalaya to imbibe the taste of both the state’s culture to some extent.

Arrival at Guwahati:

Begin the expedition by reaching Guwahati. The city possesses both the options for railways and airways. Spend a day or two visiting the local spots of Guwahati.

1.Kamakhya Devi Temple

2.Assam State Museum

3.Umananda Temple

4.Assam Buddha Vihar

5.Madan Kamdev

6.Deepor Beel

If you are planning to offer prayer at Kamakhya Devi Temple, it will take almost the entire daytime. Hence you will need two days for Guwahati to cover the rest of the spots.

Guwahati to Pobitora National Park 1n:

Head towards Pobitora National Park, about 56 km from Guwahati and spend a day amid the wilderness. The celebrity of the national park is the one-horned rhinoceros. Other species include leopards, wild water buffalo, barking deer, wild boars and several avifauna species. Conduct a Pobitora Safari Booking to spot these wild wonders in the forest. Elephant safari, jeep safari and boat safari are available in several slots from early morning to late afternoon.

Pobitora to Cherrapunji 2n:

Transfer to Cherrapunji from Pobitora National Park. The distance is approximately 168 km and can be covered by road. It goes without saying that Cherrapunji is one of the wettest regions on Earth, located in the East Khasi Hills. Cherrapunji is also called Sohra, which means the land of oranges. You can indulge in several activities in Cherrapunji such as boating in Dawki, Zip lining in Mawdok, caving tour, river canoeing, etc.

The best time to plan for Cherrapunji is from November to February as the weather remains awesome during the winters and goes down up to 5℃. Summers are hot and humid and monsoons receive heavy rainfall, therefore not the ideal time to visit the place.

The top attractions of Cherrapunji are -

1.Mawsynram Village

2.Seven sister falls

3.Mawsmai caves

4.Dawki

5.Double-decker root bridge

6.Arwah Cave

7.Nohkalikai Waterfalls

8.Garden of Caves

9.Krem Mawmluh

Cherrapunji too requires a 2-night stay to cover all the fascinating areas.

Cherrapunji to Shillong 1n:

54 km from Cherrapunji, Shillong is popularly called ‘Scotland of the East’ and is the capital of Meghalaya. Gorgeous lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush rolling hills and serenity makes Shillong one of the favourite tourist places in India. Also, Shillong is counted among the cleanest cities in the country. The weather remains favourable almost throughout the entire year for tourists to visit and admire the unspoiled nature’s bounty.

The best tourist attractions of Shillong encompass -

1.Umiam Lake

2.Elephant Falls

3. Shillong Peak

4.Laitlum Canyons

5.Spread Eagle Falls

6.Air Force Museum

7.Don Bosco Museum

8.Phan Nonglait Park

Shillong has its own airport. But the closest railhead is at Guwahati.

Map your itinerary in the following way -

Day 1 - Arrive Guwahati. Visit Kamakhya Devi Temple and Assam State Museum.

Day 2 - Visit the rest of the attractions of Guwahati.

Day 3 - Transfer to Pobitora National Park and enjoy jungle safari.

Day 4 - Reach Cherrapunji and indulge in sightseeing.

Day 5 - Enjoy the rest of the tourist spots in Cherrapunji.

Day 6 - Reach Shillong and visit some of the tourist spots.

Day 7 - Complete the rest of the sightseeing and depart either from Shillong Airport or Guwahati railway station.