Vinu’s Review of Meghalaya Trip with Thrillophilia

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PNR: BKDDPSGYAKG
Rating: ★★★★★
Traveller: Vinu Malviya
Travellers: 9
Trip Duration: 5 Days | 4 Nights
Date of Travel: 25 Dec 2023 to 29 Dec 2023
Destination: Meghalaya
Region: North East Tours

“The itinerary was very well planned, and everything was covered in just 4 days. Hotel, food and vehicle were good.”

Four days gave Vinu Malviya and his group of nine a packed introduction to Meghalaya. Their route moved through misty hill roads, cascading waterfalls, limestone caves, forest trails, living root bridges and some of the clearest river waters in the region.

The journey brought together some of Meghalaya’s most distinctive experiences. From the 3,000-step trail to Nongriat and the ancient living roots of its Double Decker Bridge to a boat ride along the Umngot River and the turquoise waters of Krang Suri, every day brought a different side of the state into view.

The Road to Cherrapunji

The journey began in Guwahati, where the group met their driver and set out towards Cherrapunji. The road gradually climbed through the Khasi Hills, with Umiam Lake providing the first major stop of the trip. Surrounded by rolling green hills, the reservoir offered a peaceful introduction to Meghalaya’s landscapes.

The group then headed towards Wei Sawdong Falls, reaching the waterfall after a walk of around 200 steps. The three-tiered cascade sits deep within the surrounding greenery, with each level framed by rock and forest. The route continued to the viewpoints of Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters' Falls before moving underground at Mawsmai and Arwah Caves.

Inside Mawsmai, narrow limestone passages created an entirely different landscape. Arwah Cave added another layer to the experience with fossils preserved within its limestone formations. By evening, the group had experienced lakes, waterfalls and caves, all within their first day in Meghalaya.

The 3,000-Step Trail

Day two began at Tyrna Village, the starting point for the trek to Nongriat. Around 3,000 steps lead through the forest towards the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge.

The bridge is one of Meghalaya’s most remarkable examples of traditional living architecture. Rubber fig tree roots have been carefully guided across the stream and strengthened over generations, eventually forming a sturdy natural crossing. The surrounding forest adds to the experience, with dense greenery and streams accompanying the trail.

After reaching Nongriat and exploring the bridge, the group retraced the trail back to Tyrna. The trek became one of the most distinctive experiences of the trip, combining physical adventure with a close look at a centuries-old local tradition.

Mawlynnong to Dawki

The third day brought another change of scenery as the group travelled towards Mawlynnong. The village is widely known for its cleanliness, greenery and well-maintained surroundings, with walking through its lanes offering a glimpse into the community’s approach to keeping the village pristine.

From Mawlynnong, the group continued towards Riwai, where another living root bridge awaited. The Single Decker Living Root Bridge provided a closer look at the same remarkable tradition encountered at Nongriat. Living roots form the structure, creating a natural bridge that blends seamlessly into the surrounding forest.

The afternoon brought the group to Dawki and the Umngot River. Famous for its crystal-clear waters, the river offered a completely different setting from the forest trails and waterfalls of the previous two days. The group took a boat ride across the river, surrounded by green hills and remarkably transparent water. From Dawki, the journey continued to Shnongpdeng for the night.

The Blue Waters of Krang Suri

The final sightseeing day took the group towards Jowai before continuing to Shillong. The highlight of the route was Krang Suri Falls, where a waterfall plunges into a vivid blue pool surrounded by rocky cliffs and dense greenery.

The setting offered a striking contrast to the landscapes from earlier in the trip. The deep forests around Cherrapunji had given way to open river views at Dawki, followed by the bright turquoise pool at Krang Suri. After spending time around the waterfall, the group continued towards Shillong for their final night.

Across four days, the group covered a remarkable range of Meghalaya’s landscapes. Umiam Lake, Wei Sawdong, Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters, Mawsmai and Arwah introduced them to Cherrapunji. Nongriat brought the famous Double Decker Root Bridge, while Mawlynnong and Riwai offered another glimpse into Meghalaya’s living-root traditions. Dawki added the clear waters of the Umngot River, and Krang Suri brought the journey to a spectacular close.

Why Vinu Recommends Thrillophilia

A compact Meghalaya trip covering Cherrapunji, Nongriat, Mawlynnong, Dawki, Shnongpdeng and Jowai requires thoughtful route planning. Each attraction sits across a different stretch of the hills, making the sequence of sightseeing, driving and overnight stays an important part of the experience. This is where Diksha Saini, Thrillophilia's Destination Expert for Northeast, played a key role, supporting the planning and coordination of the holiday. 

Vinu appreciated the itinerary for fitting so many experiences into four days, while also highlighting the quality of the hotels, food and vehicle. The accommodation plan was adjusted shortly before the trip when Cherrapunji stays became unavailable, with the group staying in Shillong instead. This added around two to three hours of travel on two days, giving the group a longer road journey alongside their sightseeing.

With the route, vehicle and stays coordinated by Thrillophilia, the group was able to explore a wide stretch of Meghalaya within a short holiday. Vinu’s final feedback summed up the experience simply: the itinerary was well planned, the arrangements worked well, and four days were enough to experience an impressive collection of Meghalaya’s waterfalls, caves, forests, root bridges and rivers.

Also Read: Laxmi’s Meghalaya Escape with Thrillophilia