Meghalaya: It is a state in northeast India whose capital is Shillong known as the "Scotland of the East". English is the official language of Meghalaya. The other principal languages spoken include Khasi, Panr and Garo. Unlike many states, Meghalaya has historically followed a matrilineal system where the lineage and inheritance are traced through women; the youngest daughter inherits all wealth and takes care of her parents. The state is the wettest region of India recording an average of 12,000 mm of rains a year. The Meghalaya subtropical forests ecoregion encompasses the state; its mountain forests are distinct from the lowland tropical forests to the north and the south. The forests are notable for their biodiversity of mammals, birds, and plants. It has an agrarian economy with a significant commercial forestry industry. The important crops are potatoes, maize, rice, pineapples, bananas, papayas, spices, etc. The service sector is made up of real estate and insurance companies. It is also a major logistical center for trade with Bangladesh. Meghalaya is compared to Scotland for its highlands, fog, and scenery. It has some of the thickest primary forests in the country and constitutes one of the most important ecotourism circuits in India. The Meghalayan subtropical forests support a vast variety of flora and fauna. It has 2 national parks and 3 wildlife sanctuaries.
It also offers many adventure tourism opportunities in the form of mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking and hiking, caving, and water sports. The state offers several trekking routes some of which also afford an opportunity to encounter rare animals. The Umiam Lake has a water sports complex with facilities such as rowboats, paddleboats, sailing boats, cruise - boats, water scooters, and speed boats. Cherrapunji is one of the popular tourist locations in the northeast of India. The town is well known and has guided tours of Tree Route Bridges. It lies to the south of the capital Shillong. A rather scenic 50 km long road connects Cherrapunji to Shillong.
Itinerary :
DAY 1 - Guwahati - Shillong (4 hours drive) :
Arrive at Guwahati airport and get transferred to Shillong. The city is picturesque in itself covered with undulating pine forests. Check-in at the hotel. In the evening, explore the local markets and experience the British legacy which is still visible in the local architecture and food habits of the local Khasi tribes. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 2 - Shillong - Cherrapunji (2 hours drive):
After breakfast, proceed for Cherrapunji abounds in plenty of waterfalls and scenic splendors. En-route visit Elephanta falls and Shillong peak. Upon arrival, marvel at the beauty of many waterfalls here and explore Mawsmai cave. Visit other locations such as Thankarang Park, Koh Ramhah and Kheram falls. Check-in at the hotel and overnight stay.
DAY 3 - Cherrapunji :
After breakfast, leave early for a trek to Single Decker Living Root Bridge which is 3 - 4 hours from the resort. This is a very popular destination in Meghalaya. Trek route covers a distance of 4 km down and up at a height of 1000 feet approximately. Trek goes through village Sohsarat. Half the distance is covered by steps going downhill. Then there is a jungle path going along the sides of the hill leading to the Living Root Bridge with a few steps after short stretches of the sloping footpath. Follow the same route back while returning back to the resort. In the evening, enjoy your leisure time and return to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 4 - Cherrapunji - Shillong :
After breakfast, proceed to Shillong. Upon arrival check into the hotel. In noon explore the city of Shillong and visit Don Bosco Church, St. Mary's Church, Wards Lake, and Umiam Lake. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 5 - Shillong - Guwahati airport :
After breakfast, get ready to leave for Guwahati for your travel back home.
