What you'll do
Day 1: Arrive Shillong → Mawphlang Sacred Forest → Dylan’s Café → Police Bazar → Dinner at City Hut.
Day 2: Shillong to Cherrapunji → Wah-Kaba Falls → NohKaLikai Falls → Dainthlen Falls → Wei Sawdong (optional) → Garden of Caves → Sunset Café.
Day 3: Double Decker Root Bridge Trek → Rest or visit Mawsawa Falls / Riwai Bridge / Bamboo Trek (optional).
Day 4: Cherrapunji to Dawki → Boating at Wah Umngot → Shnongpdeng → Mawlynnong → Return to Shillong.
Day 5:
Option 1: Mawphanlur → Weinia Falls → Nongkhnum → Return.
Option 2: Nongjrong sunrise → Café hopping → Nartiang Monoliths → Return.
Day 1
Day 1 – Arrive in Guwahati, head to Shillong
Arrive at Guwahati airport by morning and head straight to Shillong by car (approx. 3 hours). En route, visit the serene Umiam Lake for a peaceful break. Reach Shillong by late afternoon and check into your hotel. In the evening, head to Police Bazar to explore the local markets, enjoy street food, and settle into the city's vibe. Keep this day light to relax after travel and prepare for the more intense days ahead. Overnight stay in Shillong.
Get a good night’s rest, the next few days will take you deeper into Meghalaya’s wild beauty.
Umiam Lake
Passeio turístico
Scenic reservoir for water sports
Umiam Lake, also known as Bara Pani, is a popular reservoir located in Meghalaya, India, about 15 km north of Shillong. Created by damming the Umïam River in the 1960s, this picturesque spot offers a range of water sports and adventure activities for tourists. However, the lake faces challenges like pollution from upstream sources and siltation, affecting its ecosystem and storage capacity. Despite these issues, Umiam Lake remains a must-visit destination for those seeking a serene getaway amidst nature's beauty in Meghalaya.
Police Bazar
loja
Lively marketplace showcasing local culture
Locally known as Khyndailad, and Located in the heart of Shillong, Police Bazaar is the city’s busiest and most iconic commercial hub. It’s a vibrant blend of local life, shopping, food, and culture, all wrapped into one bustling square. Whether you're a tourist looking for souvenirs, a foodie on the hunt for local snacks, or just exploring the capital of Meghalaya, this is the place to start.
How to Get There
Police Bazaar is located right in central Shillong and is accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or on foot if you're staying nearby. It’s about 2 km from Shillong’s Ward’s Lake and 3 km from the Secretariat. Almost all local taxis and shared sumos pass through or stop here. Due to its central location, traffic can be heavy, especially during weekends and tourist seasons. A short walk is often the best way to experience the area.
What to Expect
A busy pedestrian-friendly square lined with hotels, restaurants, and shops
Street markets selling traditional Khasi clothing, cane and bamboo products, shawls, shoes, and winter wear
Local food stalls selling momos, chow, tea, jadoh (rice and meat dish), and sweets
Large department stores, pharmacies, bookshops, and souvenir outlets
Public seating areas and often live local music performances during holidays or weekends
If you’re looking for local handicrafts, try the Meghalaya Handloom and Handicrafts Emporium. For a taste of local street food, follow the crowd, it usually leads you to the best spots.
For the Curious
Police Bazaar is more than just a shopping area, it’s a great place to observe the rhythms of life in Shillong. You’ll see a mix of traditional Khasi attire, modern youth culture, and friendly locals who are always willing to help with directions or recommendations. It's also a good base to explore other parts of Shillong. Major attractions like Ward’s Lake, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, and Don Bosco Museum are not far from here.
Good to Know
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Morning to early evening, especially on weekdays
🚶♀️ Accessibility: Walkable and safe; public restrooms and police outposts are nearby
🛍️ What to Buy: Bamboo crafts, Khasi bags, winter wear, honey, pickles, local spices
💸 Payments: Many vendors now accept UPI/digital payments, but cash is still preferred
🍽️ Food: Great street food; also check out cafés.
🚦 Traffic: Expect congestion; parking is available at municipal lots but fills up fast