23rd December 2024
Choosing between Meghalaya alone and Meghalaya with Kaziranga depends on your travel preferences, available time, and the experiences you're looking for. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:
Shillong (2 days)
Overview: Known as the "Scotland of the East," Shillong is a mix of modernity and tradition.
Must-Visit Places:
Elephant Falls: Multi-tiered waterfalls nestled in greenery.
Shillong Peak: Panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.
Ward’s Lake: A serene lake with boating and lush gardens.
Police Bazaar: A vibrant market for shopping local crafts and trying Khasi cuisine.
Activities: Explore cafes, listen to local music, and enjoy Shillong’s cool climate.
Cherrapunji (Sohra) (2 days)
Overview: Famous for its rain, stunning landscapes, and iconic root bridges.
Must-Visit Places:
Nohkalikai Falls: India’s tallest plunge waterfall.
Seven Sisters Falls: A series of waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs.
Living Root Bridges: Visit the single and double-decker root bridges in Nongriat, a trekker’s paradise.
Mawsmai and Arwah Caves: Limestone caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Activities: Trekking, photography, and soaking in the natural beauty.
Dawki and Mawlynnong (1–2 days)
Dawki:
Umngot River: Famous for its crystal-clear water, where boats appear to float on air.
Activities: Boating, exploring small villages, and visiting the Bangladesh border.
Mawlynnong:
Asia’s Cleanest Village: Known for its cleanliness, bamboo skywalks, and balancing rock.
Activities: Take a stroll around the village, meet the locals, and enjoy scenic vistas.
Jowai (1 day)
Overview: Offbeat and less crowded, Jowai is a nature lover’s haven.
Must-Visit Places:
Krang Suri Waterfalls: Turquoise-blue waterfalls ideal for swimming.
Laitlum Canyon: Stunning views of deep gorges and surrounding valleys.
Who Should Choose This Option?
Travelers who want a relaxed and immersive experience focused on Meghalaya’s natural beauty, culture, and heritage.
Ideal if you have 5–7 days and want to avoid extensive travel.
Adding Kaziranga National Park in Assam to your Meghalaya itinerary enriches your experience with thrilling wildlife and Assam’s tea culture.
Distance: ~250 km from Shillong (~5–6 hours by road).
Travel Tip: Leave Shillong early to reach Kaziranga by afternoon and enjoy an overnight stay near the park.
Overview: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is renowned for its biodiversity and dense population of the one-horned rhinoceros.
Zones: The park is divided into zones (e.g., Central, Western, Eastern), each offering unique landscapes and wildlife experiences.
Activities:
Jeep Safari: Explore the grasslands and wetlands, spotting rhinos, elephants, and even tigers.
Elephant Safari: A close-up experience with wildlife, particularly rhinos.
Bird Watching: The park is home to migratory birds like pelicans, storks, and hornbills.
Best Time to Visit: November to April (closed during monsoons).
Nearby Attractions:
Tea Gardens: Assam is famous for its tea estates. Take a guided tour to learn about tea production and sample fresh brews.
Day 1–4: Explore Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Mawlynnong/Dawki in Meghalaya.
Day 5: Travel from Shillong to Kaziranga.
Day 6: Morning and afternoon safaris at Kaziranga.
Day 7: Return to Guwahati or extend your trip to explore more of Assam.
Who Should Choose This Option?
Ideal for travelers who want a blend of nature and wildlife experiences.
Best for those with 7–10 days to explore without feeling rushed.
Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and families looking for a safari experience.
Travel Time and Convenience:
Meghalaya alone: Less travel, more time to relax and explore one region thoroughly.
Meghalaya + Kaziranga: Requires more travel (~5–6 hours to Kaziranga) but adds diversity to the trip.
Your Interests:
Choose Meghalaya alone for waterfalls, trekking, cultural villages, and scenic landscapes.
Opt for Meghalaya + Kaziranga to include a wildlife safari and experience Assam’s unique charm.
Season:
Kaziranga: Best between November and April.
Meghalaya: Waterfalls and greenery are at their peak during the post-monsoon season (October to March).
Budget:
Adding Kaziranga may increase costs due to safaris and accommodation near the park.
Meghalaya alone can be a more budget-friendly option.
Recommendation:
For first-time visitors to the Northeast, I recommend exploring Meghalaya alone to fully enjoy its gems. If you have extra days and seek a thrilling wildlife adventure, combine Meghalaya with Kaziranga for a diverse and unforgettable trip!
Meghalaya: October to March is ideal for pleasant weather and exploring waterfalls, caves, and natural landscapes. Post-monsoon months are perfect for trekking and seeing waterfalls in full glory.
Kaziranga: November to April is the best time, as the park remains closed during the monsoon (May to October). Winter is also great for spotting migratory birds.
A 5–7 day trip is ideal to explore major destinations like Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawlynnong, and Jowai without feeling rushed.
A 7–10 day trip allows enough time to explore Meghalaya’s highlights and spend a couple of days at for safaris and nearby tea estates.
The road journey from Shillong to Kaziranga is about 250 km (5–6 hours). The roads are generally well-maintained, making the drive scenic and comfortable. Hiring a private cab is the most convenient option.
Absolutely! Kaziranga is one of the best places to see the one-horned rhinoceros in its natural habitat. The jeep and elephant safaris also provide opportunities to spot elephants, tigers, deer, and a variety of bird species.
Chat Now
6 days & 5 nights
5 days & 4 nights
5 days & 4 nights
6 days & 5 nights
5 days & 4 nights
3 days & 2 nights
6 days & 5 nights
7 days & 6 nights
8 days & 7 nights
6 days & 5 nights