Spot 2 (30 Minutes)

Cathedral Mary help of Christians

Make your next stop at the old, imposing church building. It stands as an architectural highlight with its towering arches and stained glass.

Half an hour should be good to explore, maybe more if you are into details.

Spot 3 (45 Minutes)

Shillong Peak

There is a certain attraction about all-encompassing, panoramic views. Take a 30-minute detour (approximately) to Shillong Peak for a picturesque view of the Shillong city. Perched at an elevation of 1,966 metres, this part overlooking the town can be covered in fog, lending a mystical appearance.

We would suggest 45 minutes to an hour here but photographers like to linger along. The multiple picturesque spots away from the peak point will also tempt you to stop and breathe the fresh cool air.

Close to the Shillong Peak route, you can stop at Sri Mahadev Khola Dham (an approximate six-km drive from the church on the main route). A century-old cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the oldest shrines in the state and is much revered by devotees.

Spot 4 (1 Hour)

Elephant falls

Continue with the journey and reach Elephant Falls. This scenic two-tier fall is enveloped in lush greenery and is a popular picnic spot. It is locally called Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew.

An hour here is a good time.

Evening activities in Shillong could include browsing around in the Police Bazaar or hitting one of the city’s burgeoning night spots.

Spot 5 (30 Minutes)

Mawkdok-Dympep valley view point

On the way to Cherrapunjee and about six-minutes away from the caves lies the Mawkdok-Dympep Valley View Point. Sloping hills carpeted in green from either side joining in an almost ‘v’ shape make for spectacular sightings and photographs.

Half an hour is good here, even more, if you want to try out the ziplining.

Spot 6 (30 Minutes)

Wah Kaba waterfalls

A short drive will take you to the Wah Kaba Waterfalls. Cascading down a cliff into a deep gorge, the roar of this towering waterfall can be heard from a distance. Surrounded by green hills, it is a beautiful sight to behold.

Half an hour is an ideal time for this attraction

Spot 7 (90 Minutes)

Arwah Caves

Hidden amidst green foliage, this limestone cave boasts stalagmites, stalactites and fossils. The caves are easily accessible by demarcated pathways. It surprises everyone that such a fascinating cave is barely a few kilometres off the busy state highway.

90 minutes is a good time to dedicate to Arwah (including tea in the nearby canteen). Many sections can be explored along with unique formations and fossils to study.

Spot 8 (1 Hour)

Dainthlen and Wei-Sawdong falls

Make the Dainthlen and Wei-Sawdong Falls your last stop for the day. The former is a powerful cascade surrounded by river-bed flats and natural rock pools. The latter is a stunning three-tiered waterfall downstream of Dainthlen that requires a short but memorable descent.

Spend the rest of your day (make sure you catch some grub on the highway) exploring these beautiful waterfalls and the terrain around them. Time your drive back to the main route with the sunset – the twilight hues in this open, stream-lined landscape can be mesmerising.

Spot 9 (30 minutes)

Nohkalikai Waterfalls

Said to be one of the tallest of its kind in the country (about 1,115 ft), it is fed by rainwater, which collects into a pool of green at the bottom. But more interesting is the tragic story of a heartbroken mother, from whom the name of the waterfalls is derived.

Spot 10 (Half Day)

Descent to Nongriat

The descent to Nongriat should be timed early. As you walk down the slopes from the roadside village of Tyrna, you will enjoy the spectacular scenery of green mountains embracing you like a wall. Rivers and bridges ambush you at many turns and in the base of the valley, one will find the iconic double-decker root bridge. Chill by the cool pools (you deserve it) or if you have some more energy left and it is the right season – head further into the forest trails and visit the Rainbow Falls. Visitors can stay back overnight – that is usually recommended, but if you have a schedule to keep, you can climb back up the same day.

Alternatives

If you are not up for the steep hike down to Nongriat Village, there are several other places around Sohra that you can explore to fill in the day. Seven Sisters Falls with its viewpoint is a nice detour. The short hike to the head of Nohkalikai Falls promises excellent views and diverse landscape.

Spot 11 (60-90 Minutes)

Mawkyrnot root Bridges

It is difficult to not include Mawkyrnot as a special detour in this experience. The root bridges here are also legendary – there are around four or five bunched together in what seems like an old primaeval forest – straight out of a Jurassic Park scene. And the climb down and up is not tough.

Spot 12 (Rest of the day)

Dawki – Shnongpdeng 

The scenic Pynursla route takes you to Dawki town, perched on the banks of the pristine Umngot. Head over to Shnongpdeng where you can chill by the river beach or explore some of the nearby trails.

Alternative – We are including Mawlynnong as an alternative since your itinerary already has two iconic living root bridge sites. However, the destination (an hour’s drive west of Dawki) is one of Meghalaya’s world-famous sites. Apart from the living root bridge, there are several other scenic spots, waterfalls, rock formations, etc.

Spot 13 (90 Minutes)

Sacred Grove

Hit a detour west, just on the fringes of Shillong. Mawphlang’s Sacred Grove is a perfect example of how indigenous Khasi beliefs accommodate modern ideas of nature conservation. These thick forests are sacred sites and need to be explored with a local guide. It is a refreshing walk through a forest that has been undisturbed for centuries. Enjoy the silence and the darkness underneath the canopies of hardwood.

Spot 14 (30 Minutes)

Umiam Lake

After all the winding roads, the treks and waterfalls of the previous days – top up your itinerary with gentle views of the Umiam Lake. It is hard (impossible) to miss, located just outside Shillong on the highway to Guwahati. You may even be tempted to add another day to your itinerary just to spend more time by the shimmering lakeside and watch the hills beyond.