Meghalaya is a state in northeast India, with Shillong as its capital city. Meghalaya was formed on 21 January 1972 by carving out two districts from the state of Assam: the united Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, and the Garo Hills. The estimated population of Meghalaya in 2014 was 3,211,474. Meghalaya covers an area of approximately 22,429 square kilometres, with a length-to-breadth ratio of about 3:1. The state is bound to the south by the Bangladeshi divisions of Mymensingh and Sylhet, to the west by the Bangladeshi division of Rangpur, and to the north and east by India's Assam. Meghalaya sits at an elevation of 1,496 m and is typically explored in about 4-5 days. The most favourable months to visit are October, November, February, and March, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Mawsmai Cave, Shillong Peak, and Living Root Bridges of Nongriat. Other notable highlights include living root bridges of Cherrapunji and Nongriat village, shillong, the ‘Scotland of the East’, and the crystal-clear waters of the Dawki river. It falls within Nongstoin district.
State: Meghalaya
Ideal Duration: 4-5 Days
October, November, February, March
October to April offers drier weather and clearer views; visit in the monsoon (June-September) specifically if you want to see the waterfalls at their fullest.
Five to six days covers Shillong, the Cherrapunji/Nongriat root bridges, Dawki and Mawlynnong at a comfortable pace.
Shillong has a small airport with limited flights; Guwahati in neighbouring Assam is the main gateway, about 3 hours from Shillong by road.
The Double-Decker bridge trek is physically demanding with thousands of steps; the shorter root bridges near Riwai are a good alternative for an easier walk.
Its living root bridges, some of the world’s highest rainfall totals, the crystal-clear Umngot river at Dawki, and Khasi and Garo tribal culture.