Explore Meghalaya

Meghalaya is famous for the living root bridges (including the double-decker bridge at Nongriat), Cherrapunji (world's second-highest average annual rainfall), Nohkalikai Falls (India's tallest plunge waterfall at 340 metres), the Umngot River at Dawki (one of the clearest rivers in Asia), and Mawlynnong (Asia's cleanest village). The state is one of India's most botanically diverse, with over 100 species of orchid documented in the Khasi Hills alone.

The best time for a Meghalaya holiday is October to November (post-monsoon-waterfalls running at good volume, Umngot River at its clearest, forest vibrantly green, trekking routes accessible) and February to April (dry season, the clearest air, Dawki river most transparent). Avoid June to August-the Khasi Hills receive extremely heavy rainfall that makes some roads impassable and trekking routes hazardous. July records some of the highest single-day rainfall in the world at Mawsynram.

The living root bridges are biological structures created by training the roots of rubber trees (Ficus elastica) across streams. The War Khasi community developed this technique over centuries-each bridge takes 15-25 years to become usable and continues strengthening for decades after. The double-decker bridge at Nongriat is the most complex, with two bridges on the same stream at different heights. The trek to Nongriat (3,400 steps, 2-3 hours each way) is the most memorable experience in the North East.

The Umngot River at Dawki, 95 kilometres from Shillong, is one of the clearest rivers in South Asia. The riverbed is visible through approximately 10 metres of crystal water, and boats photographed from the bridge appear to float on air-a widely shared image that has driven Meghalaya's tourism growth. The river's clarity results from the rock composition of the Khasi Hills catchment, which filters the water through limestone. The Bangladesh border is 200 metres downstream.

Yes-Meghalaya has some of the most distinctive trekking terrain in India. The root bridge treks (Nongriat double-decker, single-root bridge at Riwai), the David Scott Trail (16 kilometres along a colonial bridle path between Cherrapunji and Mawphlang), and the Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trail (bamboo bridge and forest walk) are the most popular. October to April is the recommended trekking window. Alike includes a guided root bridge trek as the complimentary experience in every Meghalaya package.

Alike's Meghalaya packages use properties confirmed by the Supply team before go-live-curated stays in Shillong and the Cherrapunji area selected for comfort, views, and access to the key attractions. The specific property list will be confirmed once Supply team finalises contracts. All properties are pre-verified by Alike before inclusion in the Beyond Ordinary portfolio.

Yes-Guwahati (Assam) is the entry point for most Meghalaya trips. The standard routing is: fly to Guwahati, private transfer to Shillong (100 kilometres, 2.5 hours), spend time in Shillong and Cherrapunji, then return to Guwahati for departure or continue into Assam (Kaziranga National Park is 4 hours from Guwahati). Alike builds this as a single coordinated itinerary with all transfers private.