Meghalaya - Cherry Blossom Trails

Arrival at Guwahati Airport/Railway Station by noon and proceed for checkin. 

Relax for some time and proceed to Brahmaputra River Cruise. Indulge in a delightful High Tea experience served on deck, complemented by live music that adds to the ambiance of the cruise.

After the sunset cruise, return to your hotel in Guwahati for a comfortable overnight stay, filled with the memories of a serene river journey and the anticipation of more adventures to come in the days ahead.

Begin your day with an early morning visit to the sacred Kamakhya Devi Temple, a revered Shakti Peeth which is located atop Nilachal Hill in Guwahati. This temple holds profound significance in Hindu mythology as the sacred site where Goddess Sati's womb fell during Lord Shiva's cosmic dance, symbolizing the divine feminine energy.

Later proceed your journey to Shillong (4,900 ft.),also known as "Scotland of the East" (100 kms 4 hrs). The scenic drive takes you through winding roads flanked by lush green hills and cascading waterfalls, offering glimpses of rural life and pristine natural beauty along the way. On arrival in Shillong, check-in to your hotel spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at Shillong.

After early breakfast we will drive to Dawki a small town near India-Bangladesh border. Have you seen those Northeastern postcards having boats floating in the air? This is it! The water of Umngot river is so clear that it gives an illusion of boats floating in the air. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Umngot River. Visit the Bora hill waterfall while coming back from Dawki and pass by the Bangladesh border.

Later proceed to Mawlynnong is called “God’s own Garden” and has enough reasons for that. It was awarded the title “cleanest village in Asia” by Discover India in 2003. Cleanliness must be its most important aspect, but it has achieved so much more than that. From a full hundred percent literacy rate to a highly progressive scenario for women, it has struck all the correct chords. “Asia’s Cleanest Village”.

Evening drive back to Shillong. Stay overnight at your hotel in Shillong.

After breakfast we will head to Don Bosco Museum to catch magnificent views of Shillong and admire one of the town’s most unique architectural examples.Enter a realm of North-East culture and traditional knowledge at the Don Bosco Museum, explore an expansive collection of motifs, artefacts, and representations of the myriad tribes of the region.

Later, we will visit Ward’s Lake, a serene man-made lake surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. During the autumn season, the area may also showcase seasonal cherry blossoms, adding a soft pink charm to the tranquil surroundings. Please Note- blooming is a natural phenomenon and subject to prevailing weather conditions.

Later, we will visit the Cathedral Of Mary Help Of Christians Church. The church was built over 50 years ago and with its high arches and stained glass windows, the church is said to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the city of Shillong.A distinguishing fact about the church is that it is constructed to resist earthquake.

Conclude the day by taking a stroll at police bazaar and do local shopping. Overnight stay at Shillong.

After breakfast, drive to Cherrapunjee (4,400 ft.), the wettest place in the world. It will be a leisurely-paced drive through some breathtaking views of the valley and some spectacular falls.

On the way, we will do a guided walk at Mawphlang Sacred Forest. This sacred forest has been in the protection of the Khasi Tribe and taking anything out of the forest here is taboo! It is so dense that at places even the sunlight struggles to reach. We will do a nature walk with a local guide. 

Reach Cherrapunjee and head straight to the Mawsmai Cave. These limestone caves have the distinction of being the only caves in Meghalaya that are lit enough to enable tourists to enjoy the natural formations in awe. Though the caves are long, only a distance of 150 meters is open for tourists, while the other section is closed. The stalactites and stalagmites caves have innumerable forms, shapes and sizes inside leaving one to imagine as many life forms as possible.

Later we will stop at Nohsngithiang Fall, also known as Seven Sister Falls. Plunging down a height of 1,035 ft, the Nohsngithiang Falls is the fourth highest waterfall in India. In the evening check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

After breakfast, we will get ready for a half-day trek to visit the Double Decker Living Root Bridge deep inside the jungle. The entire trek is a lifetime experience for all of us who mostly reside in a concrete jungle. Fresh air and nature all around, it has around 3200 to 3800 steps (low height) to reach the double-decker bridge. People who do not wish to take the entire trek can enjoy the single deck bridge that is half the way down.  The crystal clear water flowing beneath the bridge is another delight! Ever seen those aquarium-based fish spa counters in a nearby mall? Here nature will provide you the same in much better surroundings and that also without any charges…it can’t get better than this!.

We will start early and it will take 4 to 5 hrs (depending on the physical fitness of the person). Want to skip Double-decker hike? Dont worry we have an alternative planned just for you. Evening back to the hotel. Overnight stay at Cherrapunjee.

Go for a walk early in the morning in the village of Cherrapunji, find out why and how the village is so clean by interacting with the villagers!!

After breakfast, we will drive to Guwahati. En-route visit Umium Lake (Boat ride can be done here at your own expense). Later, we will drop you to the Guwahati airport, say goodbye to the northeast with unforgettable memories of this beautiful destination.

• 6 nights and 7 days accommodations at 4* category hotel in Guwahati, Speciality Mountain Lodge in Shillong and Premium Mountain Lodge in Cherrapunjee on a twin sharing basis (twin beds are subject to availability). We provide single sharing accommodation for a supplementary cost. In case interested, please let us know while making the booking itself. Each hotel has a very limited number of rooms and we might have to book different category rooms for our guests. The allocation of rooms would be done in the best possible manner by our tour leader. 
• Breakfast(6), Lunch(3) and Dinner(6). Set menu or buffet for all meals. Breakfast and Dinner would be provided in hotel/Resort and Lunch in local restaurants. 1-liter bottle of water every day. Most of our hotels follow a buffet system and food at hotels in Shillong is very basic/limited in nature.
• Services of Travel Buddy experienced in taking care of elderly (45+ age group). 
• A nature walk with Guide at Mawphlang Sacred Grove.
• One river cruise at Brahmaputra river. Subject to availability.
• One boat ride with group at Umngot river (3 pax each boat).
• Guide fee as per tour plan and wherever required.
• All Transfers by AC Coach / Tempo
• Toll tax and parking fee of group vehicle.
• Sightseeing entry tickets to monuments and parks as per tour plan.
• Group pickup from Guwahati Airport/Railway station only in case you book your Air/Train tickets as per our suggestion. Private pickup can also be arranged at additional cost without any service charge. To be specified at the time of booking.
• Goods and Service Tax payable to Govt. of India.