This route covers wildlife, living root bridges and culture in one week, starting and ending in Guwahati. Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic and weather.
Day 1: Guwahati
Arrive in Guwahati. Visit Kamakhya Temple, then watch the sunset over the Brahmaputra.
Day 2: Drive to Kaziranga
Travel about 5 hours to Kaziranga. If the park is open, do an afternoon jeep safari.
Day 3: Kaziranga to Guwahati
Take an early-morning safari, then drive back to Guwahati.
Day 4: Shillong
Drive about 3 hours to Shillong. Visit Elephant Falls, Ward's Lake and the local markets.
Day 5: Cherrapunji
Spend the day around Cherrapunji (Sohra): Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave and, if you are fit, the long hike down to the double-decker living root bridge at Nongriat.
Day 6: Mawlynnong and Dawki
Visit Mawlynnong for its clean village lanes, then Dawki for a boat ride on the clear Umngot river.
Day 7: Return
Drive back to Guwahati for your flight or train (about 3 to 4 hours from Shillong, so keep a buffer).
Tips
- Best months: November to April. In monsoon, Kaziranga is closed but Meghalaya's waterfalls are at their best.
- Book accommodation early for Shillong and Cherrapunji in October and winter holidays.
- Homestays in Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong are a great way to try Khasi food.
See all Assam and Meghalaya stays, or search for your dates.
More travel guides
- Best Time to Visit North East India, Month by Month
- Sivasagar Travel Guide: What to See in 2 Days
- Homestay or Hotel? How to Choose in North East India
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) for North East India: A Simple Guide
- Kaziranga Safari Guide: Zones, Timing and Where to Stay