Meghalaya & Assam 7-Day Itinerary from Guwahati: Kaziranga, Shillong, Cherrapunji & Dawki Travel Guide
Northeast India has a charm that feels untouched and refreshingly different from the usual tourist circuits. From dense forests and wildlife safaris to crystal-clear rivers, dramatic waterfalls, and peaceful hill towns, this region offers an unforgettable mix of nature and culture.
Our 7-day road trip starting from Guwahati covered some of the most beautiful destinations in Assam and Meghalaya — including Kaziranga National Park, Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawlynnong, Jowai, and Mawsynram.
In this guide, I’m sharing a complete day-by-day itinerary, travel experiences, and practical tips to help you plan a smooth and memorable Northeast trip with family or friends.
🗺️ ROUTE OVERVIEW
Guwahati → Kaziranga → Shillong → Cherrapunji → Dawki → Mawlynnong → Jowai → Mawsynram → Guwahati
Ideal for:
- Nature lovers
- Families
- First-time Northeast travelers
- Photography enthusiasts
🟢 DAY 1: GUWAHATI TO KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK (Approx. 230 km | 5–6 hrs)
We landed in Guwahati after a long flight from Bangalore, and honestly, the journey felt tiring. Because of the late arrival, we reached Kaziranga only around 8 PM, which meant we postponed the safari to the next morning.
Why Visit Kaziranga?
Kaziranga is famous for:
- One-horned rhinoceros
- Elephants
- Wild buffalo
- Deer and bird species
Important Safari Tip ⚠️
Kaziranga has multiple entry gates.
Your safari ticket mentions the exact gate number — make sure you reach that specific gate, or you may miss your safari slot.
We rested early to prepare for the early morning safari.
🟢 DAY 2: KAZIRANGA SAFARI → SHILLONG (Approx. 250 km | 6 hrs)
🐘 Early Morning Elephant & Jeep Safari
Our safari started around 5:30 AM, and this turned out to be a blessing. Early mornings offer:
- Better wildlife sightings
- Misty forest views
- Beautiful photography light
Every national park feels different, and Kaziranga’s wide grasslands and open forests create a peaceful yet thrilling experience.
Drive to Shillong via Umiam Lake
After breakfast, we drove to Shillong, stopping at the stunning Umiam Lake — a perfect place for photos and short breaks.
In the evening, we explored:
- Local cafés
- Street food
- Small markets
Exploring local food is always our favorite way to understand a new place.
🟢 DAY 3: SHILLONG TO CHERRAPUNJI – WATERFALL TRAIL
This was one of the most scenic days of the trip.
Stops on the Way:
- Shillong Peak – panoramic hill views
- Elephant Falls – multi-tier waterfall
- Mawkdok Valley Viewpoint – breathtaking canyon views
- Seven Sisters Falls
- Dainthlen Falls
- Arwah Cave
- Mawsmai Cave
🟢 DAY 4: DAWKI & MAWLYNNONG – CLEANEST VILLAGE EXPERIENCE
Dawki & Umngot River
Dawki is famous for its crystal-clear river, where boats appear to float in the air.
- Suspension bridge walk
- Boat ride (season dependent)
- Photography by the riverbanks
Mawlynnong – Asia’s Cleanest Village
This village shows how community living and cleanliness can go hand in hand.
Highlights:
- Neat gardens
- Bamboo dustbins
- Eco-friendly homes
Riwai Living Root Bridge
We also visited the single-decker living root bridge, formed naturally by guiding tree roots over decades — an engineering marvel created by nature and tradition.
Returned to Shillong by evening.
🟢 DAY 5: JOWAI & WATERFALL CIRCUIT
This day was packed with raw natural beauty.
Places Covered:
- Laitlum Canyon – dramatic cliff views
- Krang Suri Waterfall – turquoise pool and short trek
- Tryshi Falls
- Phe Phe Falls
We also visited Thadlaskein Lake, famous for pitcher plants (carnivorous plants) and calm surroundings.
🟢 DAY 6: MAWSYNRAM & MAWPHLANG → GUWAHATI
Mawsynram – World’s Wettest Place
Main attraction:
- Mawsynram Cave
- Naturally formed Shiva Linga inside the cave
The cave walk is short but unique and spiritually significant.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest
This forest is protected by tribal traditions. Locals believe nothing should be taken from it — not even leaves or stones.
You’ll see:
- Ancient trees
- Natural medicinal plants
- Peaceful walking trails
By evening, we drove back to Guwahati for our final night.
🟢 DAY 7: GUWAHATI LOCAL SIGHTSEEING & DEPARTURE
Before flying back, we explored Guwahati city:
- Kamakhya Temple (important Shakti Peeth)
- Umananda Temple (on Brahmaputra island)
- Tea gardens
- Assam State Museum / Zoo (optional)
Then it was time to head back home with hearts full of memories.
🧳 PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR NORTHEAST INDIA
✅ Carry rain jackets even outside monsoon
✅ Start early each day — distances look short but roads are hilly
✅ Keep cash for remote areas
✅ Wear good walking shoes
✅ Pre-book safari slots for Kaziranga
✅ Respect local traditions, especially in sacred forests and villages
📅 BEST TIME TO VISIT MEGHALAYA & ASSAM
- October to April – Best weather and road conditions
- Monsoon (June–September) – Lush greenery but slippery roads and heavy rain
🌟 FINAL THOUGHTS
This Northeast India trip gave us:
- Wildlife experiences
- Misty hill views
- Unique cultural insights
- Peaceful villages and powerful waterfalls
From the forests of Kaziranga to the floating waters of Dawki and the rain-soaked charm of Cherrapunji, this journey reminded us how beautifully diverse India truly is.
If you’re looking for a trip that blends nature, adventure, and calm exploration, this Guwahati–Meghalaya itinerary is a perfect choice.
“If you enjoy long scenic drives, you may also like our Bangalore to Kanyakumari road trip itinerary across South India.”
“For travelers who love wildlife experiences, our Leh–Ladakh travel guide also covers unique natural landscapes and high-altitude ecosystems.”
Comments
This is dream trip