Guwahati Shillong Cherrapunjee: A 6-Day, 5-Night Tour Review

Thinking of visiting Northeast India? You, too, might be lured by the thought of a 6-day, 5-night Guwahati-Shillong-Cherrapunjee tour. It’s a popular itinerary and, well, a great intro to the region’s natural beauty. I recently did this circuit, and, in a way, here’s what you can expect, including a, possibly, realistic look at the highs, the lows, and everything else you might, potentially, encounter.

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati and Transfer to Shillong

You will, often, arrive at Guwahati Airport (GAU). The airport itself, so I hear, is efficient enough, even if it’s not the, potentially, fanciest one you’ve, maybe, used. After claiming your luggage, so they say, you’ll, probably, meet your tour representative, if you’re on an organized tour, that is. This, in fact, is where the “real” begins.

The drive to Shillong can take around 3-4 hours. That is, maybe, if the traffic gods are smiling. The route itself offers a preview of what’s to come. You’ll notice, possibly, rolling hills start appearing, so, too, some green landscapes peeking through. That, too, is your brain being eased out of city life.

Shillong, often called the “Scotland of the East,” is, in short, pretty charming. That is, if you catch it on a good day. Expect a, perhaps, slightly cooler climate than Guwahati. Also, I’d say, be prepared for potentially congested roads around the city center, a little. Check in to your hotel and maybe take a stroll around Police Bazaar, if you’re feeling energetic enough. You could pick up some souvenirs or try some local street food, too.

Day 2: Exploring Shillong – Local Sightseeing

Shillong has a few must-see spots. Ward’s Lake is, very, quite serene, though, too, possibly crowded. You could take a short boat ride if that’s, sort of, your thing.

Next up, visit the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. That is, naturally, a significant religious site and the architecture is worth seeing, I think. Don Bosco Museum is also quite a favorite. It gives you, also, a comprehensive look at the culture and traditions of Northeast India. I will say that the exhibits are well-presented and really informative.

Elephant Falls is a popular attraction, yet, as I remember, expect a bit of a climb down (and back up!). The falls are quite beautiful, with different tiers cascading down. Consider, though, that they might be a bit less impressive during the drier months. Overall, a full day of exploring Shillong is just what you need before moving on. I guess you’ll find you’ve just scraped the surface. That is, there are just, kind of, different levels to these places.

Day 3: Shillong to Cherrapunjee – The Wettest Place on Earth

The drive from Shillong to Cherrapunjee (also known as Sohra) is scenic, seemingly more so than the drive to Shillong, very seemingly so. The roads can be winding, though, just a warning. Keep an eye out for viewpoints along the way where you can stop and grab photos.

Cherrapunjee is, of course, famed for being one of the wettest places on Earth. In practice, yet, this might translate to a, really, drizzly day and misty views, but that just might add to its charm, too. The main attractions here include:

• Nohkalikai Falls: The tallest plunge waterfall in India. The viewpoint offers breathtaking, albeit potentially cloud-obscured, views of the falls.
• Mawsmai Cave: A network of limestone caves. The walk through the caves can be a bit tight in places, a little claustrophobic maybe, but it’s an interesting experience.
• Living Root Bridges: These are human-made suspension bridges made from the roots of trees. It’s quite a, sort of, unique sight. If you are very inclined to go trekking, consider visiting the Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat (but be warned, it’s a tough trek!).

Expect rain, or, you know, at least a drizzle, really. Even seemingly in the dry season, so pack accordingly. You’ll want rain gear and sturdy shoes, that’s obvious.

Day 4: Exploring Cherrapunjee and transfer to Mawlynnong

Day four can involve a little more exploration around Cherrapunjee or perhaps you want to take it slow, too. Some tours include visits to places like the Seven Sisters Falls or Thangkharang Park. These spots, too, offer viewpoints of the surrounding landscape. Really great photo opportunities here.

After Cherrapunjee, the destination is, in this case, Mawlynnong, known as “Asia’s Cleanest Village”. It’s a, generally, short drive from Cherrapunjee. Mawlynnong is a small, quaint village. What you see here: well-maintained houses, manicured gardens, and a general sense of orderliness. In fact, this is a place with the potential to be described as spotless! (maybe not literally).

The village offers another Living Root Bridge, this one is a bit easier to access than the Double Decker Bridge. Also, the Sky View platform offers panoramic views of Bangladesh plains, as I remember. In other words, views stretching a long way.

Day 5: Mawlynnong to Dawki and Back to Shillong

From Mawlynnong, you can head to Dawki. That is, naturally, a border town between India and Bangladesh. The main attraction here is the Umngot River, with, sort of, crystal-clear water, as I see it, so clear you can see the riverbed. The clarity of the water depends on the time of year, of course. But it does get quite stunning after the monsoon, usually.

You can take a boat ride on the river, always seemingly very popular. That is, obviously, offering a different perspective of the landscape. Dawki itself isn’t really a place where one lingers, just because it’s mostly about the river experience. After spending some time in Dawki, make your way back to Shillong. You’ll notice, again, that this will be, basically, a long drive. On this trip, you could have dinner in Shillong and then relax for the night.

Day 6: Departure from Guwahati

Day six often means a drive back from Shillong to Guwahati Airport to catch your flight home. That depends on your flight schedule, you know. You could try to plan an early start from Shillong. That gives you, probably, enough buffer time in case there are traffic delays. That allows a bit of room to deal with unexpected situations. And that, really, brings the tour to its conclusion.

Key Takeaways:

• Natural Beauty: The Northeast is all about beautiful landscapes, verdant hills, and unique waterfalls.
• Weather: Pack for rain, pretty important regardless of the season.
• Travel Time: Long drives are, usually, part of the experience, so plan accordingly.
• Culture: The region is rich in tribal culture, seemingly with unique traditions, so embrace the chance to learn more.
• Living Root Bridges: These unique bio-engineering wonders are worth experiencing.

Was the 6-day, 5-night Guwahati-Shillong-Cherrapunjee tour worth it? Sure, in short. Did it reveal all the secrets of Meghalaya? Well, no, really. It was more like a sampler. I guess it whets your appetite for, possibly, more explorations. But that could also happen as a consequence of any visit, too.