The Abode of clouds – Meghalaya

DAY 1 : Guwahati – Shillong (100 KM. / 03 hrs approx)
Meet and assist by our representative at the Airport/Railway Station & transfer to Shillong, called ‘Scotland of the East’ (100 kms 3 hrs). Enroute visit:

Barapani (Umiam Lake): As per the legends, two heavenly sisters decided to make their way to Meghalaya. However, one of them had reached the destination and the other could not due to some reason. So the former could not traced out her sister and started crying with her broken heart. She cried so much that and a lake was formed with her tears. Locally known as Umiam Lake, Barapani means vast waters. Today it becomes a hub for the water sports activities such as speed boats, sailboats and water scooters. Adjoining to the lake, the Nehru Park offers an aviary and a collection of orchids and butterflies.

Lady Hydari Park: Nestled in the heart of Shillong, Lady Hydari Park is a serene oasis that offers a delightful escape from the city’s noise. The park, now known as Phan Nonglait Park, is a favourite spot for locals and tourists, as it is known for its beautifully manicured gardens, vibrant flower beds, and lush greenery. But beyond its tranquil environment, Lady Hydari Park holds a special place in Shillong’s history and heritage.

Wards Lake: Wards Lake is located in the heart of the Shillong City adjoining to the Governor’s Residence. Shaped like a horseshoe, it is one of the prominent hang-out spot in Shillong. This century old lake was built by an engineer named Mr. Pollock. Hence it is also known to be as “Polok’s Lake”. One can opt for boating and pleasant walks on the cobbled sand stone pathways covered with varieties of flowers. The lake also has an arched bridge from where one can feed the fish.

Overnight stay at Shillong.
DAY 2 : Shillong – Cherrapunji (65 Kms / 2 Hrs Drive)
After early breakfast drive to Cherrapunji, the wettest place in the world.

Cherrapunjee is a small hamlet, situated at an altitude of about 4823 feet (1484 m). Locally known as ‘SOHRA’. Cherrapunjee is located in the southern most point of Khasi hill sharing the border of Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Cherrapunji offers a panoramic view of the hilly terrains, deep gorges and valleys with its spectacular waterfalls. It was once having the record of being the wettest place on earth, with an average rainfall of about 1150ms. However, this record has been overtaken by a nearby place Mawsynram.
In Cherrapunjee visit:

Shillong Peak: It is the highest point of Shillong, located in the upper Shillong an an altitude of 1961 meters (6,433 feet). The name Shillong originated from “Leishyllong” meaning god who is believed to live on the Shillong peak, overlooking the city. It is located 5 kilometers away from Shillong and on a clear day one can enjoy the beautiful view of the entire city.

Elephant Falls: Located in the Upper Shillong 10 kms away from the Shillong town it is one of the majestic waterfalls in Meghalaya. The water of this three steps falls comes down in flows from different levels over the fern-covered rocks and falls into the canyon down below. In the morning it forms a wonderful sight when the sun rays fall on the cascades of water creating the rainbow colors. The best time to visit the waterfalls is during the monsoon when it offers a breath-taking scenery. The forests covered with ferns and thick bamboo grooves are also worth visited for the nature lovers to find the presence of various species of butterflies, birds and orchids.

Nohkalikai falls: This waterfall located 4 kms away from Cherrapunjee and is possibly between 1500 and 2000 feet tall. Known to be the fourth longest fall in the world it carries a pathetic legend behind its name. A woman named Ka Likai had a illegitimate child. After marriage the husband became jealous of her love for her daughter. One day Ka Likai was out for work and her husband killed the daughter, cooked her flesh into a meal. When the woman inquired about her daughter, her husband showed the sign of ignorance. Before she went to look for her daughter, she thought of eating something and had the meal that her husband prepared for her. After having the meal she found both the wrist of her daughter in the betel-nut basket. Then she realized what had happened, killed her husband with a dagger and threw herself off this cliff of this falls. This is how the falls got its name which means “Fall of Ka Likai.”

Nohsngithiang Falls (also known as the Seven Sisters Waterfalls or Mawsmai Falls) : The Seven Sisters Waterfall, also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, is a segmented waterfall in Meghalaya, India, and is a popular tourist destination. It’s known for its seven distinct streams cascading down a cliff, creating a mesmerizing spectacle, especially during the monsoon season.

Mawsmai Cave: This 250m long cave is the major attraction for the tourists in Cherrapunjee. This cave is located 6 kms away from Cherrapunjee near to Mawsmai village. This natural limestone cave is wide enough for a person to walk comfortably, and one can see the myriads of stalagmites and stalactites all over the caves which are growing gradually. The caves are dark inside and electric torches are installed for the convenient of the tourists.

Eco Park: The Eco Park has been designed by the Meghalaya government to facilitate tourist to enjoy the ‘Green Canyons” ofSohra as well as the waterfalls that lie around it. There is a stream inside the park and one has to cross a bridge to get near the edge of the canyon.
The scenic beauty from the edge is awe inspiring. On the other side of the Eco Park is a view point to see the Bangladesh plains. The Eco Park also houses a wide variety of orchids, courtesy the Shillong Agri-Horticultural society.

Night stay in Cherrapunji..
DAY 3 : Cherrapunji – Shillong – Guwahati (165 Kms / 5 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, check-out from hotel and transfer to Shillong, enroute visiting the following attractions:

Donbosco Museum: Don Bosco Museum in Shillong is a major tourists’ spot providing a glimpse of the rich and multi-cultural lifestyles of the indigenous peoples of North East India. Seven storeys of fascinating visuals, colours, and treasures – that is one way to describe Don Bosco Museum. You will first be greeted by the traditional wear of all the different North-Eastern communities as you enter the building, including well-researched sections on the neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal.

Cathedral of Mary: The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians in Shillong is a breathtaking architectural gem and a symbol of Meghalaya’s pride. Situated in the heart of the city, it’s a must-visit for every traveler seeking beauty and serenity.

After having lunch transfer to Guwahati to experience a Boat Cruise on the mighty river Brahmaputra.

Alfresco Grand Sunset Cruise : A good Boat cruise experience on mighty Brahmaputra River. Beautiful sunset view with arrangement of DJ and good refreshments.

Overnight stay will be at Guwahati.
DAY 4 : Guwahati Departure
After breakfast, check out from hotel & visit Kamakhya Temple.

Kamakhya Temple: The origin of Kamakhya Temple is pre Aryan situated atop the Nilachal Hill. The formost shrine of Assam, The Kamakhya is an ancient seat of Tantric and shakti Cults of Hinduism. The original temple was destroyed by the invading Muslims in their crusade against Hindu temples and idols in the early part of 16th century. Ultimately it was restored from ruins by King Naranarayan of the Koch dynasty and rebuilt in its present forming 1665 AD.

Transfer to Guwahati airport for onward journey.