Meghalaya Active Cultural Tour

Our guide meets you at your hotel for a tour briefing. Post-lunch, we bike to the Laitlum Canyon. Laitlum in the Khasi language means ‘the end of the hills’, and that is exactly what the Laitlum Canyon is – a jaw-dropping cliff at which the rolling hills of Shillong seem to suddenly come to an end giving way to a vast nothingness surrounded on all sides by mountains.

Meals: Dinner

Distance cycled: ~ 20km

On this day we go to Mawlyngbna, a picturesque hilltop village dotted with a number of natural, freshwater springs that offer a panoramic view of the Khasi hills merging into the plains of neighboring Bangladesh. However, Mawlyngbna is more than just another pretty hilltop hamlet. It is also home to India’s only carnivorous pitcher plant species – the Nepenthes Khasiana. Named after the Khasi tribe, the Nepenthese Khasiana is a rare and endangered plant that is endemic to the region around Mawlyngbna. Pitcher plants attract insects with their vivid colors and then devour them by trapping them inside their pitcher-shaped flowers. The Nepenthes Khasiana is on the IUCN Red List of endangered flora, and at Mawlynbna, you have your best chance of seeing this fascinating flora.

In the evening or tomorrow early morning, we visit Mawjymbuin Cave that is a fascinating natural formation of calcerous sandstone over 200m in height studded with numerous stalagmites. Mawlyngbna is also home to Krem Puri, the longest sandstone cave in the world with a staggering length of 24.3 Kms. The Syntein village in the vicinity is known for its world-renowned Bamboo handicrafts.

Depending on the water level in the nearby reservoir, we may also do canyoning.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we drive towards the fabled Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on earth. With 11,700 mm of annual rainfall, Cherrapunji is second only to the tiny hamlet of Mawsynram that is located some 15kms from Cherrapunji. At 1490m above sea level, Cherrapunji lies at the center of a funnel-like formation made of three mountain ranges – Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia – that obstruct any rain-bearing winds that flow in from the Bay of Bengal leading to more rainfall than any other place on earth. As a result, the countryside around Cherrapunji is as unique as its high rainfall, with limestone caves, lush green valleys, and rubber trees with roots that grow for hundreds of meters.

Along the way, we visit the Mawphlang Sacred Grove, an ancient forest considered sacred by the local Khasi tribal communities.

Post-lunch, explore the Mawsmai caves and the Seven Sister Falls – a 1033 feet waterfall over the limestone cliffs of the Khasi Hills.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we walk to one of the most unique sights anywhere in the world – a bridge made from living roots of trees, that has not just one, but two levels. These famous living root bridges of Cherrapunji are a result of its unique climate, and are a testimony to what happens when man and nature live in harmony – they support and nurture each other, growing strong together. The Khasi and Jaintia people of Meghalaya believe that as long as the tree remains healthy, the bridge will continue to grow and strengthen with time, repairing any damage it incurs by healing itself. Be warned, however, that mother nature will test your strength and endurance as it’s a challenging walk up to and down from the bridge.

Meals: Breakfast

Dawki is that little slice of tropical heaven we have all daydreamed of on hot summer afternoons at work. A beautiful lake surrounded by lush green hills, with water so clear you can see all the way to the bottom. Next, picture a canoe lazily carried away by ripples, and mountains all around. That is Dawki for you. On this day we drive through some gorgeous green valleys to make our way to this picturesque place.

Post-lunch, enjoy kayaking and snorkeling here that offer a great way to explore the marine life under the crystal clear waters.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

If you tried kayaking the earlier day, dedicate this morning to snorkeling.

Late morning, we shuttle back to Shillong. Extend your trip to Shillong or depart as per your onward travel plans.

Meals: Breakfast