The home is a starting point for exploring the Khasi Hills. Mawlynnong, often called Asia's cleanest village, is very close. You can walk through its clean lanes and visit the Riwai sky walk for a view over the canopy. A short drive away is the start of the trek to the Nongriat double-decker living root bridge, a 3,500-step descent into the valley. For the less adventurous, other single-decker root bridges are more accessible.
Cherrapunji (Sohra) is a couple of hours away by car, home to some of India's most dramatic waterfalls, including the 340-metre Nohkalikai falls. The area is also known for its caves, like Mawsmai and Krem Phyllut, which you can explore with a local guide. Further on, towards the Bangladesh border, is the town of Dawki. The Umngot river here runs famously clear from January to March, and you can take a boat ride on its glass-like surface.
The standard arrival point is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam, which is about a 3-hour drive (100km) from Shillong. A smaller airport exists at Umroi near Shillong (SHL), 30km from the city, with limited flights. The nearest major railway station is also in Guwahati. From Shillong, which is the region's main hub, Mawlynnong is a scenic, winding drive.
The best time to visit the Khasi Hills is from October to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant. The skies are clear, and all attractions are accessible. The monsoon, from June to September, is intense, with the region receiving over 10,000mm of rain. While some waterfalls and caves may close, this is when the landscape is at its most green and dramatic.
