Meghalaya Tourism

Visit Meghalaya from October to April to experience vibrant tribal festivals like the Wangala Festival and Shad Suk Mynsiem. Ideally, the suggested duration for a trip to Meghalaya is 5-7 days. Customise your next Meghalaya tour package with Travel Triangle for a hassle-free trip experience. 

How To Reach

By Air: Fly to Umroi Airport in Shillong from Guwahati. From the airport, one can book a taxi to the city centre. 

By Train: Take a train to Guwahati Railway Station, followed by a taxi ride. 

By Road: Guwahati to Shillong is 191 km, which takes approximately 5 hours. A road trip from Guwahati to Shillong can start from INR 500 per person.

Getting Around

To travel from one place to another within Meghalaya, buses and shared taxis are the best options. A bus trip fare starts from INR 100, depending on the distance, type of bus, and operator, while a shared taxi fare can cost anywhere from INR 70 to INR 500.  One can also travel within Meghalaya by renting a bike or a scooter. 

Budgeting & Accommodation

Meghalaya is moderately expensive compared to other popular tourist destinations. From budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts, there are ample cosy staycations starting from just INR 1000 per night. Prices may vary depending on duration, number of people and amenities. Ibankordor Jungle Resort, High Wind Pines Villa and Iamonlang Resort are the resorts and hotels in Meghalaya. For an authentic experience, stay at homestays like Abri Nido and Insara Cottage.

Best Time To Visit 

Meghalaya has three distinct seasons, winter, summer and Monsoon. 

Winter (October - February): With temperatures ranging from 4°C to 16 °C, winters in Meghalya are cool and pleasant, making it the best time to visit Meghalya. The winter season starts from October to February, and it is an ideal time for hiking, trekking, picnics and river activities like boating. 

Summer (April - June): The summer in Meghalaya starts from April and lasts till June, and its temperature ranges from 16°C to 31°C. During this time, the weather is pleasant but can be humid, making it ideal for activities such as trekking, boating, and sightseeing.

Monsoon (June - October): Meghalaya comes alive during the monsoon, which spans from June to October. With temperatures ranging from 12°C to 25°C, the monsoon is ideal for experiencing natural beauty and the Behdienkhlam festival. 

Activities

Bring out the inner adventurer with the exhilarating activities of Maghalaya. The best things to do in Meghalaya are trekking to Living Root Bridges, boating on the Umngot River, exploring the caves, and camping under the stars. Additionally, there are many shorter hikes to waterfalls and viewpoints. 

Shopping 

Shopping in Meghalaya offers a diverse range of products, from traditional handicrafts to locally crafted wooden items. Some of the best souvenirs to buy in Meghalaya include bamboo and cane products, traditional woven baskets, local textiles, and spices. 

Where to shop: 

Meghalaya has numerous shopping destinations, ranging from bustling markets to modern malls. For traditional textiles and handicrafts, visit Bara Bazaar, Police Bazaar, and the Mawlynnong local market

Culture 

Meghalaya has a rich culture and tradition, reflected in its art, craft, dance, and music forms. The tribes of Meghalaya, including the Garos, Khasis, and Jaintias, demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship in traditional handicrafts, particularly in products made from bamboo and cane. 

Language and Attire: 

Being an official language, English is widely spoken alongside Khasi, Pnar, Garo, Bengali, Assamese, and Hindi. Additionally, the traditional attire includes the Jyntrang for women and the Dhoti with a Kurta or Jacket for men. 

Festivals: 

Experience the true essence of Meghalya by witnessing its vibrant festivals like Shad Suk Mynsiem, Behdienkhlam, and Wangala. 

Food

Meghalaya's local cuisine offers a vibrant blend of traditional Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo influences, often including Rice and meat dishes. Jadoh, Dohneiiongh, and Minil Songa are popular choices for Non-Veg food. Besides non-vegetarian and ample vegetarian dishes, North Indian dishes, such as Tungrymbai and Pukhlein, are also available across Meghalaya. To savour the authentic Meghalayan cuisine, head to Police Bazaar in Shillong and try out local dhabas. 

Other Useful Information

With easy accessibility, a pleasant climate, and friendly locals, Meghalaya is an ideal destination for elderly parents. Although some treks, such as the Living Root Bridges, may be challenging, Meghalaya is also a kid-friendly destination, offering views of waterfalls, boating in Dawki, and cave exploration. However, be mindful of long treks for very young children.

Tips:

Book accommodation in advance, as peak season can be crowded. 

Travelling with pets, do check the guidelines and permits

Pack the bags according to the season. 

Do carry cash, as UPI may not be acceptable in some places. 

Avoid trekking during the Monsoon Season as it can be slippery. 

Check the rules and regulations before visiting the state.