Things to do Meghalaya in 10 days
If anything, 10 days is very little time to explore this gem of a state. However, here is what I did in a span of 10 days.
While many blogs and vlogs tell you to take a flight to Gawhauti first and then drive to Shillong, I could not do that due to COVID-19 state restrictions. I took a direct flight to Shillong from Bangalore.
I visited in the month of March 2021 when spring was blooming and the water was drying. Although many suggest visiting during the monsoon to experience cascading waterfalls, spring was lovely too! It gave me a chance to hike around with no fear of rains and skiddy mud. Plus, you will get a chance to watch the brightest and most colourful sunsets, clear blue skies with big gigantic clouds. I mean, I would never complain!
First thing first — Book your accommodation in and around Police Bazaar, Shillong.
When I say in and around, I mean not more than 500m to one km. Why? Transportation is a bomb!
Note: Carry cash since there are barely any ATMs around of most of them don’t accept UPI payments.
After landing in Shillong, I spent a night at a homestay and left for Cherrapunji the next morning. There will be several taxis in Police Bazaar who will take you around the state based on your itinerary. I hired a taxi as it was easier for me to explore and the driver was there to translate and help me on various occasions.
First, I visited Turna Village for the Nongrait trek! (Big mistake. Why? Here it is - Everything you need to about Nongrait)
Second, covered most of the falls in and around Cherrapunji. I couldn’t spend much time there are the water flow was bare minimum.
Third, visit the Cleanest Village in Asia. Must say, this is a real deal. You will not believe how impeccable Mawlynnong is. It almost looks like some architect built it and placed it there. People do not waste a thing here. You will see every product and byproduct is reused and recycled. A Complete Eco-Friendly village. You will meet the kindest people and have a great chance to interact with the locals. One must visit and have lunch to experience the true rural setting. I can go this far and say, for nature bugs like myself, this can be an ideal place for retirement!
Forth, Dawki — Shnongpdeng — The still waters. When I visited there was barely any water in Shnongpdeng and Dawki was crowded. I couldn't take a boat ride, but you can indulge in diving, ziplining, and other activities. At Dawki, you can even see the Bangladesh border and probably boat till there.
Fifth, in the meantime, don’t miss out on caving. There are a few on the way to Cherrapunji and the way back to Shillong. There are a few villages as well and I suggest you stop by and check them out. Not only will you get to experience the best of the fruits, but witness the gigantic trees aged around 500–1000 or maybe more than that!
After covering Khasi a tiny bit of Garo Hills, I was back in Shillong and spent around 3 days in the city. It is better to hire a two-wheeler if you are planning to explore the city. Since I visited during the Pandemic, there was no access to public transportation. If there is time and a choice to opt for public transportation, you will save a lot of bucks.
Next — There are a few things to do in and around Shillong.
One of the most popular scenic views — Umaim Lake. We stopped here for a couple of minutes while heading back to the airport and filled our eyes with the blue calm waters. If you want to boat, you can try it here!
Don Bosco Museum — It has 7–8 floors. Really interesting pieces of history and culture. Anyone interested in North East must visit the museum. It has timings and I recommend checking it before you head out.
Bonus tip: I don’t recommend their Wild Apple Berries. You will thank me later!
Elephant Falls — Petite waterfalls. The locals said it would look mesmerizing during the monsoon. I certainly missed it as I visited during spring. Frankly, I missed most of the cascading waterfalls that were on my ‘must visit’ list since it was not the season.
Laitlum — An absolute beauty! Please do visit early in the morning or during sunset. Get ready for some cold breeze and spicy chaats. Try the local muri and their drinks. You will remember it forever.
Police Baazar — Shop till you drop! Eat till you blast off.
Mawjymbuin Cave — Anyone who is trying caving for the first time, begin here. You will find many fossils and limestone structures. Probably you can bid adieu to your claustrophobia. (Probably!) Of course, there are other caves to visit in the state, but you can begin with this.
Caution: Little slippery, hence proper shoes are recommended.
Shillong Gaden Choreling Monastery — This was very close to my homestay and the only Buddhist Monastery in the city. (As far as I heard. Correct me if I am wrong). I visited early in the morning and spent a couple of hours with the monks. Prayed with them and had their New year special dessert + chai. Talk about perfect mornings!
For book lovers here, there is one of the oldest bookstores in Police Bazaar — Chapala Book Store. The store has many books on North East: Fiction and Non-Fiction. I legit hoarded!
For anyone who appreciates Boba teas, head to House of Pearls and I will stress again and again — Do not miss this out.
The Bara Bazaar for all kinds of fresh and colourful fruits and vegetables. You should be a part of this rush at least for 30 mins to experience the other side of Shillong. If I can dare wear a dress and visit it, you can imagine!
After visiting Meghalaya, I figured doing extensive research on where, when and how to visit seemed pointless to me. I suggest, get a good driver, tell him you want to cover these areas and he will give you a roadmap and how many days it will take to cover all. If the driver is kind enough, they will even take you to few off-beat places.
The most important is Nongrait village. I am still in awe at the beauty of the root bridges. What a miracle! I wrote an entire blog on it because a paragraph will not serve justice.
Mawphlang Sacred Grove — This place is the second highlight of my trip after Nongrait. A forest that’s been divided into 3 parts and only the last part of the forest is accessed by tourists with the help of guides. You will find the most interesting trees in this forest and learn about the culture and rituals of Meghalaya.
All through you will realise how close Meghalaya people are to nature. They live in a very symbiotic structure. The interesting fact about this Sacred Grove is that, as soon as you come out of the forest, you will see a clear distinction between the habited land and the forest: Color, land, mood, tone and atmosphere. Legend says, if you take even a small stone or anything from the forest, you will be cursed.
If given a chance, I will visit the place again since there is so much to learn about and experience. I absolutely loved my trip as there were barely any tourists when I visited. Because, when in nature, you are your truest form and I guess nothing can beat that!
