The home is a good starting point for the classic Meghalaya circuit. The living root bridges are a worth seeing. The famous double-decker bridge in Nongriat is a challenging but rewarding trek, involving a descent of over 3,500 steps. For something less strenuous, there are other, more accessible root bridges in the area.
Near Cherrapunji, you can explore the Mawsmai and Krem Phyllut caves. These limestone caves offer a glimpse into the region's unique geology. Mawsmai is lit and easy for most visitors, while others require a guide and a bit more adventure.
The Umngot river at Dawki, near the Bangladesh border, is known for its famously clear water, which you can see right through to the riverbed. The best time for this glass-like clarity is from January to March.
Mawlynnong, often called 'Asia's cleanest village', is a short drive away. You can walk through its clean lanes and climb the Riwai sky walk, a bamboo bridge offering views over the plains of Bangladesh. Not far from Cherrapunji is Nohkalikai Falls, India's tallest plunge waterfall at 340 metres.
By air: The main airport for the region is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (GAU), about 100km from Shillong. It’s a 3-hour drive from the airport to Shillong. A smaller airport is at Umroi, Shillong (SHL), 30km from the city, with limited flights mostly from Kolkata.
By rail: Meghalaya has no rail lines. The nearest major railway station is in Guwahati, which is well-connected to the rest of India. From the station, you can hire a taxi to Shillong.
By road: Shillong is the main hub for travel within Meghalaya. This home is on the way to Cherrapunji (Sohra), which is a 53km, 2-hour drive from Shillong. Dawki is about 95km from Shillong. Taxis are readily available from Shillong and Guwahati.
The best season to visit the Khasi and Jaintia Hills is from October to April, when the weather is dry and the skies are generally clear. This is the ideal time for trekking to the root bridges and caving.
The monsoon season, from June to September, is intense. The region receives over 10,000mm of rainfall, and some waterfalls and caves may be closed. However, the landscape turns an incredible, vibrant green, and the waterfalls are at their most powerful.
