The best time to visit Meghalaya is from October to April, when the rain eases and roads and trails are safer. Most travellers reach Shillong by road from Guwahati, which has the nearest major airport and railway station. Five to seven days are enough to see Shillong, Sohra, the living root bridges and the Umngot river at Dawki.
Meghalaya, which means “abode of clouds”, is a hill state in Northeast India bordering Assam and Bangladesh. It is known for heavy rainfall, waterfalls, caves and the living root bridges grown by Khasi and Jaintia communities. Here is a practical guide for planning a first trip.
Meghalaya quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Capital | Shillong |
| Nearest major airport | Guwahati (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International), about 128 km from Shillong |
| Nearest railway station | Guwahati, about 104 km from Shillong |
| Shillong airport | Umroi, about 35 km from Shillong, with limited flights |
| Best time | October to April |
| Permit for Indians | Not required for tourist travel |
| Ideal trip length | 5 to 7 days |
Best time to visit Meghalaya
October to April
This is the most comfortable season. Skies are clearer, the root bridge trails are less slippery, and the Umngot river at Dawki is at its clearest, usually from around November to April. December and January can be cold in Shillong, so carry warm clothes.
Also readSpiti Valley Travel Guide: Best Time, Routes and Permits
May to September
The monsoon brings very heavy rain. The Sohra (Cherrapunji) and Mawsynram area is among the wettest places on Earth. Waterfalls are at their fullest, but landslides, road blocks and slippery steps are common. If you travel in this period, keep buffer days and avoid steep treks after heavy rain.
How to reach Meghalaya
By air
Guwahati airport is the main entry point, with flights from most Indian metros. It is about 128 km from Shillong, according to the East Khasi Hills district administration. Shared cabs, airport shuttles and taxis run to Shillong. Shillong’s own airport at Umroi is about 35 km from the city but has limited flights.
By train
Meghalaya has no major passenger rail network. Guwahati railway station, about 104 km from Shillong, is the nearest railhead. Buses and shared taxis run from Guwahati to Shillong.
By road
National Highway 40 links Guwahati and Shillong. Government and private buses take about three hours, and taxis about two hours, as per the district administration, though traffic near Guwahati can add time.
Living root bridges of Meghalaya
The living root bridges, known locally as jingkieng jri, are grown by guiding the aerial roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica) across streams until they form strong walkways. Researchers geo-located 75 such bridges in 2017, and the structures span more than 75 villages. In 2022, India added “Jingkieng Jri: Living Root Bridge Cultural Landscapes” to its UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.
Double Decker Root Bridge, Nongriat
This is the best known root bridge, with two levels of roots, one above the other. It is reached by a steep trek down thousands of stone steps from Tyrna village near Sohra. The climb back up is tiring, so start early and carry water. Many visitors stay overnight in Nongriat homestays to break the trek.
Riwai root bridge near Mawlynnong
For travellers who cannot manage a long trek, the root bridge at Riwai, close to Mawlynnong village, needs only a short walk. Mawlynnong is widely known for its clean streets and community-led tourism.
Top places to visit in Meghalaya
1. Shillong
The state capital is a base for most trips. Visit Ward’s Lake, Police Bazar, the Don Bosco Museum and the Shillong Peak viewpoint, subject to access rules on the day.
2. Sohra (Cherrapunji)
Sohra has dramatic waterfalls such as Nohkalikai, limestone caves like Mawsmai, and viewpoints over the plains of Bangladesh on clear days.
3. Dawki and the Umngot river
Dawki sits on the India-Bangladesh border. In the dry months, the Umngot river is so clear that boats appear to float on air. Boating is popular at Dawki and nearby Shnongpdeng.
4. Laitlum Canyons
A short drive from Shillong, Laitlum offers wide views over deep valleys. Go early in the morning before fog sets in.
5. Mawlynnong
This small Khasi village near the Bangladesh border is known for its neat lanes, bamboo dustbins and flower-lined homes. Visitors pay a small entry fee, and homestays are available for those who want a quieter night.
6. Mawsmai and Arwah caves
These limestone caves near Sohra have lit walkways and narrow passages. Mawsmai is the easier of the two for families, while Arwah involves a short walk to the entrance.
Sample 6-day Meghalaya itinerary
- Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong, evening at Police Bazar.
- Day 2: Shillong sightseeing and Laitlum Canyons.
- Day 3: Drive to Sohra; waterfalls and caves.
- Day 4: Trek to the Double Decker Root Bridge, Nongriat; stay overnight or return to Sohra.
- Day 5: Mawlynnong, Riwai root bridge and Dawki.
- Day 6: Return to Guwahati.
Practical tips
- Carry cash for village entry fees, parking and small eateries.
- Wear shoes with good grip for wet steps and trails.
- Hire local guides at trailheads where available; it supports the communities that maintain the bridges.
- Do not carve, pull or stand on the roots outside the walking path.
- Avoid plastic waste; many villages have strict cleanliness rules.
- Hire a local taxi for the full trip from Guwahati or Shillong; public transport to villages is limited.
- Expect weak mobile network in villages such as Nongriat and around Dawki.
Find more destination guides in the TSA travel section, and browse our lifestyle stories for weekend ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best month to visit Meghalaya?
October to April is best. November to February gives clear skies and a clear Umngot river, while monsoon months bring full waterfalls but heavy rain.
Do Indians need a permit to visit Meghalaya?
Indian tourists do not need an Inner Line Permit for regular tourist travel in Meghalaya. Carry valid photo ID.
How difficult is the Double Decker Root Bridge trek?
It is a steep descent and climb on thousands of steps. Reasonably fit people manage it in a day, but older travellers may prefer the Riwai bridge.
How far is Shillong from Guwahati airport?
Shillong is about 128 km from Guwahati airport. The road journey usually takes three to four hours, depending on traffic.
Sources: East Khasi Hills district, How to reach; UNESCO, Jingkieng Jri tentative list entry; Living root bridge, Wikipedia.
