Solo Backpacker's Guide To Meghalaya - Abode Of Clouds

Solo Backpacker's Guide To Meghalaya - Abode Of Clouds

One of the lesser-known paradise of India, where time comes to a standstill, situated in the northeast of India Meghalaya never got enough of my attention but this year, I had decided to finally visit one of the seven sisters – The abode of clouds: Meghalaya.

I had read about Meghalaya before in many of my school textbooks and finally being able to visit this place filled me with lost childhood joy. 

If you are planning to visit Meghalaya, then you should know that this is a peaceful state and is not commercialised, it is basically due to ethnic problems but this place is what entices travellers to come and see here is the mass of green found everywhere where you set your eyes. 

It is known to be the world’s wettest region and is also the home to the famous Living Root Bridges!.

So here is my Solo Backpacker's Guide To Meghalaya.

I travelled solo here and if you are fretting over how safe the place is, rest assured, there is nothing to worry about. This state will make you feel at home and you would wish that only if you could stay here forever.

I couldn’t find much information online for the travel to Meghalaya only in bits and pieces.

Reaching Shillong by Air:


There is a direct flight to Shillong which goes to Shillong Airport via Kolkata and involves 6-7 hours travel and will cost around INR 7-8K on an average.

Day 1:

On the first day of my journey, I decided to explore more of the Shillong town and Police Bazar. You will be able to find all the amenities here and if in case you would like to buy something, you will easily get it. Although, the place is a little crowded though.

I tried there ethnic Khasi tribe cuisine at Police bazaar and chilled at a local cafe before heading back to the hotel as I had a hell lot of stuff planned for the next day. 

Day 2:

I started by booking a cab and went to Shillong View Point which lies 10 KMs from Shillong and is also the highest point in Meghalaya. You can see the panoramic view of the city, from up here along with the cascades of waterfalls; completely gorgeous and breathtaking!.

Then I went to the Elephant waterfall which is located 12 km from Shillong and is shaped in the form of steps. It is said that this name was given by a British officer. While visiting this place he saw a rock here that resembled like an Elephant.

Day 3: 

I woke up early and headed to Cheerapunji. The drive is really serene and full of green and I am sure you will stop a lot on the way itself to soak in the beauty.

How to Reach Cheerapunji from Shillong


There are shared taxis that run from Bada Bazaar of Shillong. Although if you have rented out a scooter then this won’t be a hustle for you.

Situated near Cheerapunji I went to Mawkdok Valley. This valley is charming and the serenity surrounding this place will completely blow your mind. The valley is extremely green with the dense plantation that stretches across the entire highway is just 24 kilometres from the centre of Cheerapunji. 

Day 4: 

the day started out great with a rainy climate the view couldn't have been any better I headed to the Nohkalikai Waterfalls which is situated at an hour distance from the valley and trust me the view from this place is worth every scened of the drive. 

after that head to see the Seven Sister Waterfalls. Here, you can first find a place to keep your backpack and can head out towards the falls.

Day 5:

Trek to ‘Living Root Bridges’ is one of the main attractions in Meghalaya and one of the reasons why I visited the place. 

The major bridges are based in Nongriat village which is 13 km from Cherrapunji. You can book a cab for a day at Rs. 800 and travel to and fro. Local transport is not available as such.

if you are going from Cheerapunji to living root bridge and the rainbow waterfall then you can book a ride to Tyrna Village First. From Tyrna Village, the trek starts till Nongriat Village where you have to climb down around 3,000 steps and then head towards the root bridge. 

Day 6:

Today, leave early from the Nongriat Village and start hiking. The drive from Tyrna Village to Dawki is for three hours. This is in the Jaintia Hills district and has a famous river Umngot, that lies between the India and Bangladesh border.

Finding a shared taxis from Cheerapunji to Dawki is impossible. You would have to take a private taxi that would cost about INR 3,000. 

Ideal if you are travelling in a group but not when you are solo! Hence renting out scooty is the best option.

Pro Tip: 

1. There is a Meghalaya tourism centre in Police bazaar near the bus stand. You can book a Government bus at Rs. 350 for Cherrapunji tour. It will take you to places Mawkdok Valley Viewpoint, Eco Park, Mawsmai Caves, Mottrop Rock, Thankkharang Park, Ramakrishna Mission Museum, Nohkalikai Falls and Seven Sister Falls.

2. If you want to explore a remote place in Meghalaya and have a little time in hand then this is the exact place you should go. It is in a silent village, Sohra and the entry charge for this place is just for INR 20, with an additional INR 20 for the cameras.

3. Things you should carry: raincoat, hiking shoes, slippers, jacket, extra water bottles and if you have heavy camera equipment then a rain cover for your bag as well. 

4. Accommodation in Meghalaya is really easy if you are in a group tour but if you are like me then I suggest you to prebook the homestays or hotels as it can get really crowded during high seasons due to a lot of tourists.

5. Best Time to Visit:

Meghalaya is an all-year-round tourist destination, where even the monsoon provides the exhilaration and experience of being on the wettest place on the planet.

6. Recommended Tourist Circuits:

Kazirannga-Guwahati-Shillong-Cherrapunjee-Shillong
Shillong-Mawphlang-Weiloi-Mawsynram-Shillong
Shiilong-Smit-Nartiang-Thadlaskein-Jowai-Thlu Umwi-Shillong
Guwahati-Dudanai-Bajaengdoba-Angore-Tura-Barergapara-Baghmara-Siju-Balpakram-Shillong

So that is my guide/plan to visit Meghalaya. If I missed anything please let me know and do tell me what are your favourite places to visit in Meghalaya. Did you like my post? leave a quick comment and let me know how I can improve.

A limerick is always appreciated. 


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