Meghalaya, India
Meghalaya Travel Guide: Planning details
Budget notes, transport, where to stay, ideal trip length, and local tips for your trip.
Meghalaya, India
Plan smarter in Meghalaya, India
Living root bridges, misty hills, and Cherrapunji waterfalls - Northeast India's green escape.
Oct–Mar: 8–22°CMonsoon: 15–25°C
Live weather
Shillong
21°C
Overcast
Humidity 98%Wind 5 km/h
Typical climate
One of the wettest regions in India. Monsoon brings spectacular falls and lush valleys; winters are cool and misty in Shillong.
Map
Shillong
Quick budget notes
- Homestays in villages are affordable and immersive.
- Share cabs from Shillong for Cherrapunji/Dawki loops.
- Monsoon deals on stays outside peak holiday weeks.
Getting around
- Base in Shillong; hire cab for day circuits.
- Nongriat trek needs 3,500+ steps -start early.
- Inner-line permit not required for Indian citizens.
Where to stay
- Shillong for cafes and easy day trips.
- Cherrapunji for waterfall-focused stays.
- Mawlynnong homestays for village calm.
Ideal trip length
- 4–5 days: Shillong + Cherrapunji highlights.
- 6–7 days: add root bridge trek and Dawki.
Must book ahead
- Popular homestays in Dec–Jan and Christmas week.
- Guides for Nongriat during monsoon if you want support.
- Shared cabs on holiday weekends from Shillong.
Local tips
- Respect Khasi village customs-ask before photographing people.
- Monsoon: check bridge/trek access after heavy overnight rain.
- Try local pineapple and smoked pork delicacies in moderation.
Safety & common scams
- Slippery steps on root bridge trek-avoid in active downpour.
- Confirm cab day-rate before multi-stop tours.
- Do not litter-villages take cleanliness seriously.
Connectivity & money
- Network patchy in remote valleys; download offline maps.
- UPI works in Shillong; carry cash for villages.
- Save homestay contact for late arrivals.