A caring guest house in Shillong, Meghalaya
4.8· 126 stays
Things to do nearby.
The home is a good starting point for exploring the Khasi Hills. A short drive away is the start of the trek to the Nongriat double-decker living root bridge. It's a challenging descent of over 3,500 stone steps, so it's best to start early and wear good shoes.
The area around Cherrapunji, about two hours away, is famous for its cave systems. Mawsmai and Krem Phyllut are two of the more accessible ones, with lit pathways that make for an easy introduction to caving. A guide is recommended for exploring any deeper sections.
The town of Dawki, on the Bangladesh border, is home to the Umngot river. Between January and March, the water is so clear it looks like the boats are floating in mid-air. You can hire a local boat for a short ride on the river.
Closer to Cherrapunji, you can visit Mawlynnong, often called Asia's cleanest village, and walk the Riwai sky walk for views over the forest canopy. Nearby is Nohkalikai Falls, India's tallest plunge waterfall, which is most impressive during or just after the monsoon.
Getting there.
By Air: The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (SHL) at Umroi, about 30 km from the city, with limited flights, mostly connecting through Kolkata. The more common arrival point is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam. It is 100 km away, and the drive to Shillong takes about 3 hours.
By Rail: Meghalaya does not have a rail network. The nearest major railway station is in Guwahati, 100 km from Shillong. From the station, you can hire a private taxi or find a shared cab to reach Shillong.
By Road: Shillong is the main road hub for the region. Cherrapunji (Sohra) is a 2-hour, 53 km drive on a winding but well-maintained road. Dawki is about 95 km away, a drive of around 3 hours.
Best time to visit.
The best time to visit Shillong and the Khasi Hills is from October to April. During these months, the weather is dry, the skies are generally clear, and the temperature is pleasant for sightseeing and trekking.
The monsoon season, from June to September, is intense. The region receives some of the highest rainfall in the world. While this means waterfalls are at their peak and the landscape is incredibly green, many caves and trekking routes may be closed due to safety concerns. Travel can be slower, but the misty, rain-washed hills have a beauty of their own.