Meghalaya Travel Guide

How Meghalaya is laid out

Meghalaya is made up of three hill regions, named after the communities who live there: the Khasi Hills in the centre, the Jaintia Hills to the east and the Garo Hills to the west. Most first-time itineraries focus on the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, because they are reached most easily from Guwahati and Shillong.

• Shillong and around is the hub, with museums, markets, cafes and day trips to Mawphlang and Laitlum.
• Sohra (Cherrapunji) and the southern edge has waterfalls, caves and the living root bridges of the Khasi villages.
• Dawki and Mawlynnong lie towards the Bangladesh border, known for the clear Umngot River and tidy bamboo villages.
• The Jaintia Hills offer quieter heritage sites such as the Nartiang monoliths, and waterfalls near Jowai in the drier months.

Getting there and getting around

Most visitors fly into Guwahati and drive to Shillong, which usually takes around three to three and a half hours depending on traffic. Shillong Airport has limited services, so check current flights. Within the state, roads are generally paved but winding, and distances are better measured in hours than kilometres. A private car with a driver who knows the roads is the most practical way to travel.

What makes it different

Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities are largely matrilineal, and village life still follows community customs. The living root bridges are grown by training the aerial roots of rubber fig trees across streams over many years. Walking to them means steps, humidity and a certain amount of effort, which is a large part of their appeal. Our guide to the living root bridges explains what to expect.

Weather in brief

Rain shapes everything here. The monsoon is dramatic, with full waterfalls but also landslides and cloud that hides views. Winter is clearer and drier, though mornings are cold on the plateau. See when to visit Meghalaya for a season-by-season view.

How long to allow

Four or five days gives you Shillong and Sohra comfortably. Seven or eight lets you add Dawki, the Jaintia Hills and longer walks without hurrying. We explain this in how many days you need for Meghalaya.

Practical points

• Carry cash for small villages, as card and phone network coverage can be patchy.
• Wear shoes with a good grip. Stone steps and trails are slippery when wet.
• Some caves, waterfalls and river activities close in heavy rain, so keep a flexible plan.
• Ask permission before photographing people, and respect village rules about entry and fees.

Planning tip

Choose between a compact introduction and a slower journey with more walking. Our Meghalaya Highlights itinerary and Waterfalls and Living Landscapes show both approaches. You can read more on the Meghalaya destination page or tell us what you have in mind.