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Mysterical Meghalaya
Meghalaya (Abode of the Clouds), a state in northeastern India, is situated in the sub-Himalayan hills. It has common borders with the Indian state of Assam to its north and east, and with Bangladesh to its south and west. Geographically Meghalaya is divided into three hilly regions: Garo hills in the west, Khasi hills in the centre andJaintia hills in the east, with elevations ranging between 150m to 1961m. The people of these regions are respectively called Garos, Khasis and Jaintias. While Garos migrated from Tibet, the Khasis and Jaintias are among the earliest ethnic groups in the Indian subcontinent. Khasis are known for being one of the few matriarchal societies surviving in the world today.
The state of Meghalaya was formed in 1972 with Shillong as its capital. Before thatShillong was the capital of the undivided state of Assam. Located at 1496m, it is one of the most famous hill stations in India. Shillong Peak (1965m) is the highest point of the state, a popular picnic spot, and is also worshipped by the local people. Ward\'s Lake and the nearby Botanical Garden are located within the city of Shillong. At Umiam Water Sports Complex near Shillong many water sports like paddle boats, water scooters and speedboats are available. On the outskirts of the city are many waterfalls Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls and Sweet Falls.
Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram in the Khasi region get the maximum rainfall in the world. Here rain records can be expressed in meters: average rainfall 12m in a year; maximum rainfall in a day 1.04 m. They are also famous for many caves with stalagmite and stalactite formations. Nongkhnum Island is the second biggest riverine island in Asia.
Features
• Shillong Peak, Elephant falls, Mawflang sacred groves
• Cleanest village in Asia
• Wettest place on earth
• Trek to the double decker root bridge
• Mawsmai caves and Nohkalikai falls
Itinerary
Day 1 Guwahati to Shillong
Pickup from Guwahati airport (latest by 3pm) and drive to Kaziranga (approx 5 and half hours) . O/n at a guesthouse in Shillong
Day 2 Shillong
The capital city of Shillong is surrounded by undulating pine-covered hills, adorned by numerous waterfalls. Due to its latitude and high elevation (4600 feet), Shillong has a sub-tropical climate with mild summers and chilly to cold winters. The climate and natural setting lend the city a very special charm, popularly referred to as the Scotland of the East.
They can do some sightseeing like Shillong Peak, Elephant falls, Mawflang sacred groves . Or visit the Don Bosco museum of culture. O/n at a guest house in Shillong.
Day 3 Shillong - Mawlynnong
After breakfast leave for Mawlynnong (2 hours drive) . O/n at a traditional bamboo cottage in Mawlynnong
This tiny village on the Indo –Bangla border has earned the distinction of being the cleanest village in Asia. Villagers have transformed this village into a picture postcard by planting many flowering plants along side the footpaths and around their houses. Every villager participates in voluntarily cleaning up the village on a daily basis.
Day 4 Mawlynnong - Cherrapunjee
Post breakfast or lunch drive to Cherrapunjee ( 2 hours) . O/n at Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort
Cherapunjee is touted to be the wettest place on earth, with this small town receiving an average of 11,430 mm of rainfall per annum. The rains give birth to a plethora of waterfalls, the most spectacular being Nohkalikai falls. At 1100 feet the Nohkalikai falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world and ranks high in the 100 best waterfalls in the world. The unique living root bridges are a star attraction of this place. Hundreds of years ago the Khasi people used a type of ‘Ficus’ tree to serve their need for bridges to cross the deep streams. One such place has two bridges stacked on top of each other, popularly know as the ‘Double Decker Root Bridge’.
Day 5 Cherrapunjee
Trek to the double decker root bridge . O/n at Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort
Day 6 Cherrapunjee – Shillong
After breakfast drive back to Shillong. On the way do sightseeing of Cherrapunjee area which includes Ramakrishna museum, Mawsmai caves and Nohkalikai falls. O/n a guesthouse in Shillong
Day 7 Shillong to Guwahati
In the morning drop to Guwahati airport
Includes
• Accommodation on a twin sharing basis at a guest house in Shillong for 3 nights.
• Accommodation in a traditional cottage in Mawlynnong (Toilets and bathroom are outside)
• Accommodation for two nights at Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort on a twin sharing basis
• Dedicated vehicle for the duration of the trip
Excludes
• Any meals on the trip. All the places have their own kitchen where they serve meals
• Guide fees for the trek to the root bridges
• Excess stay & meals due to bad weather conditions or strikes, resulting in delay of flights or any other form of transport
• Any charges incurred for change in plan after confirmation of the trip
• Any charges not mentioned in ‘Cost Includes’ section above
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