Meghalaya Trip from Kerala: Shillong, Cherrapunji and Dawki
Plan a Meghalaya trip from Kerala: getting there from Kochi, Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki and Kaziranga, with 5 and 7-day itineraries.
Meghalaya, the “abode of clouds”, has become one of the most popular destinations among travellers from Kerala, and one of our best-selling packages. Rolling hills, giant waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, living root bridges and cool weather make it a refreshing change from home. If you are planning a Meghalaya trip from Kerala, here is how to get there, where to go and how many days you need.
Getting to Meghalaya from Kerala
The gateway to Meghalaya is Guwahati in Assam. Flights from Kochi to Guwahati usually connect through cities like Bengaluru, Delhi or Kolkata. From Guwahati airport, Shillong is about three hours by road. We can include flights from Kochi in your package, so connections and transfers are planned for you.
Shillong
Meghalaya’s capital is a lively hill town with pine-covered hills, cafes, music and markets.
- Umiam Lake (Barapani): a large, scenic lake on the way from Guwahati, perfect for a stop.
- Elephant Falls: a pretty, easily accessible waterfall.
- Shillong Peak and Laitlum Canyons: sweeping views over the hills and valleys.
- Police Bazaar and Ward’s Lake: for evening walks, shopping and local food.
Cherrapunji (Sohra)
About one and a half hours from Shillong, Cherrapunji is famous as one of the wettest places on earth, and for its spectacular waterfalls and caves.
- Nohkalikai Falls: one of India’s tallest plunge waterfalls.
- Seven Sisters Falls: a row of falls, best seen after the monsoon.
- Mawsmai Cave: a short, lit limestone cave walk.
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat: a famous bridge formed by tree roots. The trek involves a few thousand steps each way, so it is best for fit travellers.
Dawki and Mawlynnong
- Dawki: the Umngot River here is so clear that boats appear to float on air. The water is clearest from around November to April.
- Mawlynnong: often called one of the cleanest villages in Asia, with a living root bridge nearby and a sky-view bamboo tower.
Adding Kaziranga and Guwahati
With a few extra days, you can add Kaziranga National Park in Assam, famous for the one-horned rhinoceros. Jeep and elephant safaris usually run from around November to April; the park closes in the monsoon. In Guwahati, visit the Kamakhya Temple and take an evening cruise on the Brahmaputra.
Sample itineraries
5 days: Guwahati and Meghalaya
- Day 1: arrive in Guwahati, drive to Shillong via Umiam Lake.
- Day 2: day trip to Cherrapunji: Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls and Mawsmai Cave.
- Day 3: day trip to Dawki and Mawlynnong.
- Day 4: Shillong sightseeing, then drive back to Guwahati.
- Day 5: Kamakhya Temple and departure.
See our 5-day Shillong and Guwahati package.
7 days: Meghalaya with Kaziranga
Add two nights in Kaziranga for wildlife safaris. See our 7-day Shillong, Kaziranga and Guwahati package.
Best time to visit Meghalaya
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn and winter | October to February | Clear skies, cool to cold weather, clear water at Dawki. The most popular season. |
| Spring | March to May | Pleasant days, a good escape from Kerala’s summer heat. |
| Monsoon | June to September | Very heavy rain and the waterfalls at full power, but landslides and fog can disrupt travel. |
Is Meghalaya good for a honeymoon?
Yes, especially for couples who love nature and cool weather. Shillong’s cafes, misty viewpoints and peaceful resorts make it romantic, and it is a refreshing alternative to the usual honeymoon destinations. It also works well as a summer honeymoon, when Kerala’s coast is hot.
Is Meghalaya good for families?
Very. Most sightseeing is by road with short walks. Skip the long Nongriat trek if travelling with elderly parents or young children; there are easier living root bridges to visit, such as the one near Mawlynnong.
What to pack
- Warm layers from November to February; a light jacket the rest of the year.
- A raincoat or umbrella in any season.
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
- Basic medicines for motion sickness, as roads are winding.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do we need for Meghalaya?
Five days covers Shillong, Cherrapunji and Dawki comfortably. Add two days for Kaziranga.
Is Meghalaya cold?
Shillong is cool most of the year and cold from December to February, so pack warm layers.
Can we combine Meghalaya with Sikkim or Darjeeling?
Yes, but they are far apart and need extra travel days. We usually suggest them as separate trips, or a longer North East tour of 10 days or more.
Planning Meghalaya from Kerala? Send us your dates and number of travellers, and we will plan your trip with flights from Kochi. Explore our North and North East India packages.
Plan your trip with Golden Compass Holidays
Golden Compass Holidays is a Kochi-based travel agency with over 12 years of experience planning Kerala honeymoons, family holidays and tours across India and abroad. We use private houseboats and quality 3-star or better stays, can include flights from your city, and accept card payments. Call +91 80868 00096 or send us an enquiry with your dates and budget, and our team will share a detailed plan.
Sherin Francis is the Managing Director of Golden Compass Holidays, a Kochi-based travel agency she has led since November 2012. She oversees how every Kerala honeymoon, family holiday and India or international tour is planned and priced, and the guides on this site come from the day-to-day work of her team.
