Meghalaya, meaning “the abode of clouds” in Sanskrit, is one of the most beautiful and serene states in northeast India. With its misty hills, cascading waterfalls, lush green valleys, and living root bridges, Meghalaya offers a unique blend of natural beauty, tribal culture, and adventure.Meghalya is also a part of Seven Sister (States).
Location and Geography
Meghalaya is a picturesque state located in the northeastern region of India. It shares its boundaries with:
North and East – Assam
South and West – Bangladesh (international border)
Meghalaya spans an area of approximately 22,429 square kilometers, making it one of the smaller Indian states by area. It lies between latitudes 25° to 26.1° N and longitudes 89.45° to 92.47° E.
Geographic Features
Hills and Plateaus: The state is mostly hilly and divided into three main regions:
Khasi Hills
Jaintia Hills
Garo Hills
Altitude: The elevation ranges from 150 meters to 1,961 meters, with Shillong Peak (1,961 m) being the highest point.
Rivers: Major rivers include the Umngot, Umiam, and Myntdu. These rivers flow southward into Bangladesh.
Climate: Meghalaya has a subtropical highland climate with heavy monsoon rains. Areas like Cherrapunji and Mawsynram receive some of the highest rainfall in the world.
Forests and Biodiversity: The state is rich in tropical and subtropical forests, hosting a variety of flora and fauna. Dense forest cover contributes to its nickname: "Scotland of the East."
Language and Culture
Languages: Khasi, Garo, Jaintia, and English (official)
Major Tribes: Khasi, Garo, Jaintia
Religion: Predominantly Christian
Festivals: Wangala (Garo), Shad Suk Mynsiem (Khasi), Behdeinkhlam (Jaintia)
The tribal communities here follow matrilineal traditions, where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother.
Top Tourist Attractions of Meghalaya
1. Shillong – The Capital City
Known as the “Scotland of the East”, Shillong is a hill
station famous for its pleasant weather, vibrant culture, and colonial charm.
Highlights:
Umiam Lake – Scenic reservoir with boating and picnic spots
Elephant Falls – A three-tiered waterfall surrounded by
greenery
Shillong Peak – Highest point in the state; panoramic city
views
Ward’s Lake – A man-made lake with gardens and paddle boats
Police Bazaar – Main market hub for shopping and local food
2. Cherrapunji (Sohra)
One of the wettest places on Earth, known for its rainfall,
living root bridges, and waterfalls.
Highlights:
Nohkalikai Falls – India’s tallest plunge waterfall
Mawsmai Caves – Limestone caves with walkable passages
Seven Sisters Falls – A beautiful seven-segmented waterfall
Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Nongriat village trek)
Eco Park – Offers views of the Bangladesh plains
3. Mawlynnong – Asia’s Cleanest Village
A charming village known for its cleanliness,
community-based tourism, and natural beauty.
Highlights:
Living Root Bridge (Riwai) – A short walk from the village
Sky View Point – Bamboo tower offering views into Bangladesh
Local Khasi culture – Walk through tidy lanes and thatched houses
4. Dawki and Umngot River
Famous for the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River,
where boats appear to float in the air.
Highlights:
Boating on Umngot River – Must-do experience
Dawki-Tamabil Border – Indo-Bangladesh border crossing
Camping by the river – Popular with backpackers and bikers
5. Mawsynram – Wettest Place on Earth
Receives the highest recorded average rainfall in the world.
Highlights:
Mawsynram Caves (Mawjymbuin) – Natural rock formations
Green rolling hills and misty views – Ideal during monsoon
6. Laitlum Canyons
Located near Shillong, Laitlum means “end of hills”. It’s a
breathtaking canyon known for trekking and photography.
Highlights:
Trekking trails – With panoramic valley views
Sunrise/Sunset Points – Best visited early morning or evening
7. Jowai (Jaintia Hills)
A less-explored destination with lakes, waterfalls, and
sacred forests.
Highlights:
Thadlaskein Lake – Serene lake with historical significance
Durga Temple at Nartiang – 500-year-old temple
Nartiang Monoliths – Largest collection of monoliths in India
8. Balpakram National Park (Garo Hills)
A biodiversity hotspot, sometimes called the “Land of
Spirits.”
Highlights:
Rare species like red panda, wild buffalo, and elephants
Balpakram Gorge – Mythological and geological wonder
Unique Experiences
Living Root Bridges: Made by guiding the roots of rubber
trees – a natural engineering marvel!
Cave Exploration: Meghalaya has over 1,500 limestone caves.
Trekking: Trails around Cherrapunji and Garo Hills are
perfect for adventure lovers.
Eco-Tourism: Homestays and community-run lodges promote sustainable travel.
Local Cuisine
Jadoh: Rice with pork or chicken
Dohneiiong: Pork cooked with black sesame seeds
Tungrymbai: Fermented soybean dish
Bamboo Shoot Curry
Locally brewed Rice Beer
How to Reach
By Air: Shillong Airport (Umroi), or Lokpriya Gopinath
Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati (Assam)
Link --Delhi To Meghalaya and Mumbai to Meghalaya
By Rail: No direct railway line. Nearest station is
Guwahati.
By Road: Well connected by road to Guwahati and other northeastern towns.
Where to Stay
Budget: Guesthouses in Shillong, homestays in Mawlynnong
Mid-range: Hotels in Police Bazaar, Cherrapunji resorts
Luxury: Ri Kynjai, Polo Towers Shillong
Best Time to Visit
October to April: Ideal for sightseeing and pleasant weather
Monsoon (June to September): Lush greenery and waterfalls, but heavy rains
Travel Tips
Carry rain gear (especially during monsoon)
Book homestays in advance
Respect local customs and traditions
Travel with local guides for treks and caves
Route:
Delhi Guwahati (Train) ➡️ Guwahati - Shillong
Popular Trains: North East Express, Brahmaputra Mail,
Poorvottar Sampark Kranti
Train Duration: 28–35 hours
Cost: ₹800–₹2500 (Sleeper to AC)
Guwahati to Shillong: 3-hour road trip
Good for budget travelers or group trips
2. By Road (For Adventure Lovers)
Distance: Approx. 1900–2000 km
Time: 36–48 hours (depending on route & stops)
Route Example:
Delhi → Lucknow → Patna → Siliguri → Guwahati → Shillong
Travel Options:
Self-drive car (via NH27)
Bike trip (only for experienced riders)
Long-distance buses till Guwahati (very rare &
time-consuming)
Not ideal for all, but thrilling for road trip enthusiasts
3. By Bus (Only from Guwahati to Meghalaya)
Delhi to Guwahati by train/flight, then:
ASTC or Private Bus: Guwahati to Shillong
Duration: 3–4 hours
Cost: ₹300–₹500
For those continuing journey after train/flight
Summary Table
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Mumbai to Meghalaya – Modes of Travel
Acomplete guide on how to reach Meghalaya via flight, train, road, and more.
1. By Flight (Fastest & Most Convenient)
Direct Flights: Mumbai ✈️ Guwahati (Assam) – Available
daily
(Note: Shillong has a small airport but very limited flights. Best is to go via
Guwahati.)
Guwahati to Shillong: 100 km by road
– Shared taxi, private cab, or bus available
Flight Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours
Guwahati to Shillong Road Time: 3 hours
Total Duration: 6–7 hours (including layover/wait)
Approx. Cost:
– Flight: ₹5000–₹9000 (one-way)
– Road: ₹500–₹1500
Recommended for comfort & time-saving
2. By Train (Economical but Time-Consuming)
No direct train to Meghalaya (Shillong has no railway
station)
Nearest Station: Guwahati (GHY)
Route:
Mumbai 🚆 Guwahati ➡️
Guwahati 🚗 Shillong
Popular Trains from Mumbai to Guwahati:
Lokmanya Tilak – Guwahati Express
Karmabhoomi Express
LTT Kamakhya AC Express
Duration: 38–45 hours
Cost: ₹1000–₹3000 (Sleeper to 3AC/2AC)
Guwahati to Shillong by Road: 3 hours
Budget-friendly option, but needs patience
3. By Road (Long-Distance Road Trip)
Total Distance: 2600–2700 km (Approx.)
Driving Time: 3–4 days (with stops)
Mumbai → Nagpur → Raipur → Kolkata → Siliguri → Guwahati →
Shillong
Best for: Road trippers, bikers, or those seeking adventure
Challenges: Long hours, hilly terrain in northeast, permits
in some areas
Thrilling but not ideal for everyone
4. By Bus (Only Guwahati to Shillong)
Mumbai to Guwahati: via train or flight
Then take a bus/taxi from Guwahati to Shillong
ASTC and Private Buses: ₹300–₹500
Shared taxis available at Guwahati railway station or airport
Summary Table
|
Mode |
Duration |
Approx. Cost |
Notes |
|
Flight + Road |
6–7 hours |
₹6000–₹10000 |
Best for convenience |
|
Train + Road |
42–48 hours |
₹1500–₹3500 |
Budget-friendly |
|
Road Trip |
3–4 days |
₹7000–₹15000+ |
For experienced drivers |
|
Bus (Only GHY→Shillong) |
3–4 hours |
₹300–₹500 |
After reaching Guwahati |
Conclusion
Meghalaya is not just a destination – it’s an experience of
nature, simplicity, and warmth. Whether you're a solo traveler, nature
enthusiast, or someone looking for cultural depth, Meghalaya promises memories
that last a lifetime.
If want to explore Leh and Ladakh link are given below please visit : 👇
👉Leh and Ladakh Travel Guide
👉 Siliguri- The Gateway of Northeast India
👉 Darjeeling Travel Guide – Queen of the Hills