11 Best Weekend Getaways from Shillong
Quick Summary
States like Meghalaya and others around it have lots of places which make perfect weekend getaways. Below is a glimpse of what you will see from this list.
Shillong is popularly referred to as the “Scotland of the East,” and once you stay here for a couple of days, you can very well understand why. Hills rolling one after the other, pine forests, waterfalls found in abundance everywhere, and a weather that remains pleasant throughout the year makes this place an ideal destination for your short holidays. The good thing about it is that a long holiday period is not required to explore this place thoroughly. This is because most of the important places to visit in Meghalaya are situated two to five hours away from Shillong.
Whatever you may be, whether you’re a native of Shillong who wants to get out of town for a couple of days or a tourist who has just arrived by air and wants to enjoy the most of his short vacation, you can rest assured that this article will help you plan your weekend getaways in and around Shillong. Whether you like root bridges, white water canoeing or rainfall or wildlife tourism, there’s plenty to please you.
- Most of the destinations mentioned in this list are 1.5 to 5 hours away from Shillong via road travel
- This list contains waterfall destinations, riverine destinations, root bridges, canyon destinations, and a wildlife park
- October to April are the best months for clear sky sightseeing, and June to September are best for waterfall sightseeing
- Both leisure and moderate trekking destinations are included in the list
- Some destinations are suitable for family trips, honeymoon couples, as well as adventure seekers
- It is advised to hire local guides for trekking destinations such as Nongriat and Krang Suri, and to review this travel safety guide before you head out
Weekend Getaways from Shillong
| Destination | Distance from Shillong | Ideal For | Best Time to Visit |
| Cherrapunjee (Sohra) | 55 to 60 km | Waterfalls and caves | October to May |
| Dawki | 80 to 85 km | Boating on clear river | November to March |
| Mawlynnong | 90 km | Cleanest village experience | October to April |
| Mawsynram | 60 to 65 km | Rain and root bridges | June to September |
| Jowai | 65 km | Offbeat culture and lakes | Year round |
| Krang Suri Falls | 75 to 80 km | Swimming and photography | October to March |
| Nongriat Village | 75 km (plus trek) | Double Decker Root Bridge trek | November to March |
| Laitlum Canyons | 25 km | Sunset views and short hikes | Year round |
| Shnongpdeng | 90 km | River camping and adventure | November to February |
| Nartiang | 65 km | Monoliths and heritage | Year round |
| Kaziranga National Park | 220 to 230 km | Wildlife safari | November to April |
Plan Your Perfect Weekend Getaway from Shillong
From Cherrapunjee and Dawki to Kaziranga, picking the right mix of destinations for a short trip can be tricky. Tell us your travel dates and group size, and our local team will build a custom weekend itinerary with reliable transport and stays already sorted.
1. Cherrapunjee (Sohra)
Also known as Sohra which is its original Khasi name, Cherrapunjee is one of the most popular destinations around the city of Shillong and there is certainly some logic behind that. It was the ancient capital of the kingdom of the Khasis and its other name Cherrapunji was a mistaken pronunciation of Sohra which gained a suffix from Bengali meaning village cluster.
The other thing about which Sohra is most famous is rain. Even though Mawsynram has recently been recognized as the wettest place in the world, Sohra has yet to be beaten when it comes to holding the all-time record of the highest rainfall recorded in one month and even one whole year, since 1861. This is also the place where the living root bridges are located, created from the roots of the banyan tree in a period of ten to fifteen years, some of which have been in use for over five centuries now.
But sometimes, the most spectacular views may take a few minutes’ walk from the car park.
- See Nohkalikai Falls which is among the highest plunging waterfalls in India
- Explore the limestone caves of Mawsmai Cave
- Visit Seven Sisters Falls and Eco Park for fantastic views
- Get information about the age-old process of creating living root bridges in nearby villages
2. Dawki
Dawki is situated in the West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya bordering India and Bangladesh. The place is famous for the river named Umngot, which is so transparent that the boats seem to be hanging in mid-air. The distance from Shillong to Dawki is about 70 km and it acts as the important road border gateway for entering into Bangladesh particularly for the cross border coal business. The Dawki Suspension Bridge built over the river Umngot by the British in 1932 has survived the passage of time.
Dawki is perhaps the most photographed place in Meghalaya and remains an integral part of the travel packages planned by travelers in Meghalaya.
- Boat ride on the pristine Umngot River
- Capture photos of the century old Dawki Suspension Bridge
- Stay overnight at the Shnongpdeng riverside camps
- Make sure you visit Mawlynnong along with Dawki as both are in close proximity
3. Mawlynnong
Referred to as the cleanest village of Asia, Mawlynnong is a small Khasi village found at a distance of approximately 90 km from Shillong. It was announced by the travel magazine as the cleanest village of Asia in 2003 and later the cleanest village of India in 2005. Ever since then, the fame of Mawlynnong has not declined. The village comprises 900 people in 100 families, and a major community-based guideline that each household must ensure cleanliness of their particular stretch of path exists here. Wastes are kept in home-made bamboo bins and are turned into manure in the future.
Apart from cleanliness, Mawlynnong is known for its living root bridge and sky walk tower that gives a view till the plains of Bangladesh if weather permits and the famous Balancing Rock in close proximity to the village.
- Wander around the pristine pathways of the village surrounded by flowers
- Climb up the Sky View bamboo tower to enjoy the valley view
- Visit the famous Balancing Rock formation
- Visit the smaller living root bridge nearby
4. Mawsynram
Mawsynram, located about 69 kilometres away from Shillong and merely 15 kilometres away from Cherrapunjee, is regarded as the wettest place in the world, recording an average annual rainfall amount of around 11,872 millimetres. Just one visit to this area during monsoons will help understand why it is called so, as clouds will be hanging low and there will be waterfalls coming out of the hill that is usually dry for the entire year. This town is elevated to a height of about 1,400 metres, thus maintaining a relatively cool climate all year round.
This area is also known for Mawjymbuin Cave, a limestone cave known for the formation of stalactites and stalagmites along with various other root bridges.
- Visit the wettest region in the world during monsoon to experience the heavy rainfall up-close
- Discover the limestone caves with natural stone formation at Mawjymbuin Cave
- Keep an eye out for the less popular waterfalls in the region
- Enjoy the trekking experience at one of the nearby root bridges
Explore Offbeat Meghalaya Beyond the Usual Circuit
Jowai, Krang Suri and Nartiang rarely make it onto a first-time itinerary, but they are some of the most rewarding stops in the Jaintia Hills. Let our local experts add these hidden gems to your trip without adding extra days on the road.
5. Jowai
As the district headquarters of the West Jaintia Hills District, Jowai has people belonging to the Pnar sub-tribe of the Khasi tribe living here. This place is situated at a height of 1,365 meters above sea level and is surrounded on all sides by the Myntdu river except on one side. It is situated around 64 kilometers away from Shillong and experiences moderate summer and cool winter seasons. In terms of culture, this place is very different from that of the Khasi Hills of Shillong as it is more peaceful and commercial free, hence is perfect for an adventurous weekend.
Behdeinkhlam is a four day festival celebrated in the month of July featuring towers, dances, and a wooden ball game between various villages along the Myntdu river.
- Visit the lake of Thadlaskein Lake associated with legends and history of the region
- Enjoy countryside of Jaintia Hills at a leisurely pace
- Indulge in the specialities of Jaintia Cuisine such as Pork dishes, Jadoh and Doh Khleh
- Use Jowai as a base for visiting Krang Suri Falls and Nartiang
6. Krang Suri Falls
Krang Suri is a stunning waterfall in Meghalaya with an enchanting blue pool that resembles an artificial one. It is found in the Amlarem sub division of Jaintia Hills near Jowai, which has been attracting many tourists in search of other waterfalls of Meghalaya outside the Cherrapunjee circuit.
It is one of the few waterfall trips where one can swim at a designated spot.
- Enjoy a dip in the turquoise pool created by the waterfalls at the appropriate time
- Use the steps to go to the bottom of the waterfalls
- Take a spare dress if you plan to go for swimming
- Go there in the morning to evade the rush during the weekend
7. Nongriat Village
Famous for the unique Double Decker Living Root Bridge that locals call Jingkieng Nongriat, this village in East Khasi Hills has been part of TV programs broadcast worldwide. The latest example would be a BBC Wales documentary shot for the Human Planet series in 2008. There are three living root bridges in use here, which locals have been constructing for generations from the roots of banyan trees.
Getting to Nongriat requires going down by stone steps from the nearby village of Tyrna via the old path between Cherrapunjee and Laitkynsew. This one is harder than the other treks listed here, hence it is recommended to those who are moderately fit and prepared for an adventure activity of this kind.
- Head down to visit the Double Decker Root Bridge up close
- Look out for the Ka Likai waterfall which can be seen during the monsoons in Laitkynsew
- Spend a night at the homestay and make it a two day trek
- Wear trekking shoes and carry water and snacks for the trek down and back up
8. Laitlum Canyons
With a half day’s time, Laitlum Canyons can be easily one of the most enjoyable weekend escapes from Shillong. Being near to the city, almost 25 kilometers from the city center, this place provides some great views of vast valleys in lush green color stretching all the way to eternity, more so during the sunset.
The name of the place means “end of hills” and you’ll definitely get what it means by visiting the place.
- Experience sunset from the layers of valleys and faraway villages
- Go down for Rasong Village via short stairs descent
- Wear some clothes because of strong wind flow in the evenings
- Pair it with a half day city tour of Shillong for easier access
Ready for Some Adventure on the Umngot River?
Kayaking, cliff jumping and riverside camping at Shnongpdeng are best enjoyed with the right permits, gear and local guides already arranged. We can slot this into your Meghalaya trip alongside Dawki for a seamless river adventure.
9. Shnongpdeng
Shnongpdeng is also located alongside the very same river, the Umngot, and has become a site for various river-related adventure experiences. Riverside camps in Shnongpdeng provide tents along the banks as well as kayaking, cliff jumping, and swimming in the very same clean water as Dawki.
It is an excellent choice for anyone who is planning to have an adventure vacation or a friends’ trip.
- Spend one or two nights at the riverside tented camp
- Experience kayaking and cliff jumping with supervision
- Have fun in the evening around the bonfire with the sound of the river flowing by
- Combine your visit to Dawki for more of the river and border experience
10. Nartiang
The peaceful heritage site of Nartiang is a place near Jowai that is skipped by many tourists for the very reason of it being less frequented, and hence this makes it all the more worthy to feature on this list. The site was the summer capital of the Jaintia Kingdom from the time of King Dhan Manik in the late 16th century and features the largest monoliths of Asia, huge stone structures put up by the Jaintia kings to commemorate important occasions and pay homage to their rulers.
The village is also home to the Nartiang Durga Temple that is said to be over 600 years old and is considered one of the 51 Shakta pithas of Hinduism, where the believers believe that this temple is the permanent residence of the Goddess Durga. True to Khasi customs, there is no figurine of the Goddess here. Here, instead, it is represented as a plantain tree trunk decorated with marigold flowers.
- Walk around the monoliths park and know about its significance in history
- Visit the Nartiang Durga Temple and experience the unique mode of worship
- Learn about the site of the former summer capital of the Jaintia Kingdom
- Pair with Jowai to make an interesting cultural day trip
11. Kaziranga National Park
The beautiful Kaziranga National Park is located in Assam and spans the districts of Golaghat, Sonitpur, Biswanath, and Nagaon, located beside the Brahmaputra River. The national park may be at a slightly farther distance than the other destinations mentioned above, but a visit to the park will definitely be worth your while. The reserve forest was established way back in 1905, whereas its status as a national park came about only in 1974. Today Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Tiger Reserve, and more importantly, the national park boasts of the largest number of Indian Rhinoceros in the world.
Apart from the rhinoceros, the park houses other members of the “Big Five” family: the Bengal tiger, the Asian elephant, the wild water buffalo, and the eastern swamp deer. Hiking is not allowed in the park, and therefore, the only way you can view these animals would be on an elephant ride or in a jeep, with designated observation towers available at Mihimukh and Kathpara.
It will be better to visit Kaziranga on a three-day holiday, but an early morning elephant safari combined with a jeep safari can be done even on a two-night getaway.
- Take an early morning elephant safari in the grasslands
- Join a jeep safari to see rhinos, wild buffalo, and elephants
- Visit in winter for optimal animal viewing and pleasant climate
- Book your stay at a nearby resort to cut down on travel time
Final Thoughts
Meghalaya is a place that pays off for those willing to venture outside city limits, and from this list alone, you will see that you do not have to take weeks to do it. All you need is one or two weekends to be able to witness a roaring waterfall, glide above a clear water river, cross a tree-root made bridge, or observe a rhino grazing on the grasslands of Assam.
While organizing trips like these yourself can take time due to permit requirements and choosing destinations that are compatible with one another, The Shillong Tours can help you with all of that. For many years now, The Shillong Tours have been creating custom itineraries for trips all around Meghalaya, Assam and other parts of Northeast India and arranging everything from transportation to accommodations to make sure you get the most out of the places you visit without wasting any unnecessary time in traffic. If you are planning a trip from Shillong, feel free to contact The Shillong Tours.
Let The Shillong Tours Plan Your Next Weekend Escape
Whether it is waterfalls in Sohra, a boat ride in Dawki, or a wildlife safari in Kaziranga, our local team handles the permits, stays and transport so you can focus on the trip itself. Get a custom weekend itinerary built around your dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some of the top spots that one can explore during their weekend trips in Shillong?
There are a number of great destinations where one can spend their weekends from Shillong including Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawlynnong, Krang Suri Falls, Laitlum Canyons, and Nongriat village.
2. What is the time period required for a weekend trip to Meghalaya from Shillong?
It usually takes about two to three days to visit two to three destinations.
3. What can be included in your one day trip to Meghalaya starting from Shillong?
One can make a one day trip to Laitlum Canyons, Cherrapunjee, and Mawsynram as all these destinations are within two hours of driving distance from Shillong.
4. Should Dawki be included in your Meghalaya short trip list?
Yes, as there is an opportunity to make a great boating trip in the Umngot River which is considered to be one of the cleanest rivers in India.
5. What is the best time to visit Meghalaya for a weekend trip?
The best period for visiting Meghalaya on weekends would be October to April because there will be clear skies at that time. And if you prefer to visit waterfalls you better go there in June to September.
6. Can Kaziranga be visited within a weekend from Shillong?
Kaziranga National Park can be visited within three days as it will take four to five hours of drive and one day for safari.
7. How hard is trekking to the Double Decker Root Bridge?
The trek to the Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat is moderate since it involves going up and down by around three thousand steps.
8. What is the cleanest village near Shillong?
The cleanest village near Shillong is Mawlynnong which is located at a distance of around ninety kilometers from Shillong.
9. Are these weekend getaways fit for families and couples?
Yes, most of the destinations mentioned above, including Cherrapunjee, Mawlynnong, Dawki and Laitlum Canyons, are good for family trips and popular honeymoon destinations in Meghalaya.
10. Will I require a guide for waterfall and trekking locations?
It would be better to have a guide for places such as Nongriat, Krang Suri, and Mawsynram as the paths might be complicated to understand at first sight, and a local guide will help keep you safe around water bodies.
