Meghalaya – Assam Explorer

• Walk in the Sacred forests of Mawphlang
• Visit Mawlynnong, the Cleanest village in Asia
• Trek to the Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunji
• Half day exploration in a surreal limestone Cave
• Visit Nohkalikai and other waterfalls
• Jeep and Elephant safari in Kaziranga National Park

Day 1: Guwahati to Kaziranga

Pickup from Guwahati airport and drive to Kaziranga. O/n at a hotel in Kaziranga

Day 2: Kaziranga

Kaziranga has three main ranges where one can undertake jeep safari – The Central Range (Kohra), the Western Range (Baghori) and the Eastern Range (Agratoli).

Post breakfast go for a jeep safari in the Central range of the park with a good chance of seeing may herbivores. In the evening head out for a second jeep safari to the Western range which has a high density of Wild Buffalos, Rhinos and Swamp Deer. O/n at a hotel in Kaziranga

Day 3: Kaziranga to Shillong

Early in the morning go for a safari on Elephant back, to get up close to the Rhinos. It will also present a good opportunity to be close to the grassland birds and raptors. After breakfast drive to Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya . O/n at a hotel in Shillong

Day 4: Shillong

There are numerous things to do and places to visit depending on your interest.

If you are interested in walking and nature you can start your day with a visit to the sacred forests of Mawphlang village. The Khasi tribe of Meghalaya were once animists, who believed in the spirits of the forest with every village maintaining a tract of forest called Sacred Groves . The forests of Mawphlang are one of the last surviving sacred groves in Meghalaya. On the way back stop at Shillong Peak from where you can enjoy grand panoramas of the city.

In the second half visit the Don Bosco Museum of Culture, considered one of the best ethnographic museum in the country. This seven storied museum showcases the culture of all the eight North Eastern states. Later in the afternoon you can head out to Polo grounds for a game of ‘Teer’, a local form of archery on which local gamble and is the post popular sport in Meghalaya. O/n at a hotel in Shillong.

Day 5: Shillong – Mawlynnong – Cherrapunji

Post breakfast drive to Cherrapunji. On the way take a detour towards Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia. Stroll through the flower laden paths of the village, which overlooks Bangladesh. One can also take a short walk to the neighbouring village of Riwai where there is a small root bridge. Post lunch drive to Cherrapunji. O/n at a hotel in Cherrapunji

Day 6: Cherrapunji – Root bridge trek

Root Bridges are unique living bridges found only in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The secondary roots of a species of Indian Rubber Tree Ficus Elastica, are trained over 20-25 years to form these living bridges to cross fast flowing rivers and streams. Some of these bio-engineering wonders are 50 to 70 feet long. They are very strong, can carry many people at a time and perhaps can last 500 years.

The trek passes through some verdant slopes, criss crossed by streams. At some places the stream has made some natural ponds, containing emerald blue water where you can take a dip. The trek is moderately difficult since one needs to descend 2500 feet into the valley and then climb up the same altitude again. O/n at Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort

Day 7: Cherrapunji

For those interested in exploring the unknown world of caves, can undertake a half day caving excursion to Krem Mawmluh, one of the many limestone caves in the area. Else you can trek or relax around your hotel. O/n at a hotel in Cherrapunjee

Day 8: Cherrapunjee to Guwahati

Drop to Guwahati airport.