Meghalaya, The Abode Of Clouds

The living root bridge at Riwai Village near Mawlynnong

Interesting travel map by 'They Draw and Travel' (TDAT)

Tourist destinations in Meghalaya

LOCATION

Country: India

State: Meghalaya

'Megh' in Sanskrit means the 'cloud'  and 'Aalay' means 'abode'.

MAIN CITIES AND TOWNS (of tourist interest)

1. Shillong, the administrative capital of this state
2. Guwahati/Dispur, the capital of Assam is the main entry port of Meghalaya

HOW TO REACH 

By Air
Shillong has an airport, hence accessible by flights from Guwahati and Kolkata. Guwahati airport is about 2.5 to 3 hrs away from Shillong.

By Road
There are daily bus and trekker services from Guwahati. Trekker services run every half an hour from the Paltan Bazar bus station. Bus stations are at Paltan Bazaar, Khanapara, and ISBT. The ticket price is around 160.

By Rail
The nearest train station is also Guwahati. From Guwahati, one can opt for car rental, bus, or flight.

WEATHER and WHAT TO WEAR

Meghalaya enjoys a cool climate all year round. In summer, the afternoons may get a little warm but the weather can change drastically in seconds. The highest in a year can go up to 25 C and the lowest around 2-3 C. Monsoons get heavy rainfall almost throughout the day. 

The end of June to mid-July is not the best time to visit Meghalaya. It rains continuously and there's heavy fog with almost zero visibility. One must carry an umbrella or raincoat in the monsoons. Warm clothes are a must all year round. 

The Nohkalikai falls in June end, Early April, and July end

If one wishes to see the waterfalls in full flow, mid-July to August end is a good time. In peak monsoons (mid-June to July) the waterfalls are the best, but you have to get lucky with the fog! One of my visits was in June end, I could hear the waterfalls but could see nothing!! Winters are dry, hence the waterfalls are not as grand!

WHERE TO STAY and WHAT TO EAT

Usually, tourists base their stay at Shillong, Sohra, and Cherrapunji and travel around. Most of the places can be covered on day trips.  There are good hotels of all ranges. There are homestays as well in the smaller villages. My suggestion would be to base your stay at Mawlynnong village. It's a small village away from the city. Provides a peaceful retreat. The village is hyped as the cleanest village in Asia. It is definitely clean but I am not sure who ranked the city as the cleanest in Asia, nevertheless, it is a good place to stay. I preferred it over Shillong.

ACTIVITIES 

Trekking is the most popular activity in Meghalaya.

PLACES TO VISIT

Hills of Meghalaya

Waterfalls of Meghalaya

Reserve Forests, Wild Life Sanctuaries, and National Parks of Meghalaya

Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya. There are more than 100 + root bridges in the state and most of the known ones are in the Khasi Hills of which three are the most visited - Padu, Nongriat, and Riwai

1. Shillong

2. Cherrapunji and Sohra (Khasi hills)

3. Mawsynram, the wettest place on earth (Khasi Hills)

4. Mawlynnong (Khasi Hills)

5. Nartiang, Jowai, and Dawki (Jaintia Hills)

6. Tura (Garo Hills)

7. Balpakaram National Forest (Garo hills)