Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Destinations Covered: Guwahati (1 Night) – Shillong (1 Night) – Cherrapunji (2 Nights) – Shillong (1 Night) – Kaziranga (2 Nights) – Guwahati (1 Night)

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati – Transfer to Hotel and Local Sightseeing

Upon arrival at Guwahati Airport or Railway Station, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Guwahati is one of Northeast India’s most important cities and serves as the gateway to Assam, Meghalaya and the surrounding Himalayan foothills. After check-in, take some time to relax following your journey.

Depending on your arrival time, begin exploring the city with a visit to the famous Kamakhya Temple, one of the most significant Shakti Peethas in India. Located on Nilachal Hill, the temple attracts pilgrims from across the country and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors should check temple timings and allow additional time during festivals or busy periods.

If time permits, visit the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere along the waterfront. You may also explore local markets to discover Assamese handicrafts, traditional textiles, bamboo products and regional specialities. An optional sunset river cruise can provide a memorable introduction to Guwahati, subject to availability and river conditions.

In the evening, return to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or at your accommodation.

Overnight Stay: Guwahati

Day 2: Guwahati to Shillong – Scenic Drive and Shillong Sightseeing

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your scenic drive to Shillong, the charming capital of Meghalaya. The journey usually takes approximately 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and stops. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel through green hills, forested stretches and picturesque roadside villages.

En route, you may stop at Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani Lake. Surrounded by rolling hills, this beautiful reservoir is an excellent place to admire the scenery, take photographs and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Optional water activities may be available depending on the season and operating conditions.

Continue to Shillong and check in at your hotel. After some relaxation, explore popular attractions around the city. Visit Ward’s Lake, a peaceful garden lake surrounded by walking paths and landscaped greenery. You can also explore the Police Bazaar area, one of Shillong’s busiest shopping and dining districts, where local shops, cafés and restaurants offer a lively atmosphere.

If time permits, visit Shillong Peak for panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills, subject to access and weather conditions. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely evening exploring the cafés and local markets that give Shillong its distinctive character.

Return to your hotel for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.

Overnight Stay: Shillong

Day 3: Shillong to Cherrapunji – Waterfalls, Caves and Scenic Landscapes

After breakfast, check out and drive towards Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, a destination renowned for its dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, lush greenery and remarkable rainfall. The drive offers beautiful views of the Meghalaya plateau and numerous opportunities to appreciate the region’s natural beauty.

On arrival, begin sightseeing with a visit to the spectacular Nohkalikai Falls, one of India’s tallest plunge waterfalls. The waterfall drops from a high cliff into a turquoise pool below, creating an impressive sight, especially during and after the monsoon season. The visibility and water flow depend on the weather.

Continue to Seven Sisters Falls, also called Nohsngithiang Falls, where multiple streams cascade down a dramatic cliff face. The falls are particularly striking during the rainy season, while dry-season views may be more limited.

Next, visit Mawsmai Cave, a popular limestone cave known for its fascinating rock formations and narrow passages. Explore the accessible sections carefully, following local instructions and wearing suitable footwear. Depending on the schedule, you may also stop at nearby viewpoints overlooking the surrounding valleys.

After completing the day’s sightseeing, check in at your hotel in Cherrapunji. Spend the evening relaxing amid the cool mountain atmosphere and enjoy dinner at your accommodation.

Overnight Stay: Cherrapunji

Day 4: Cherrapunji Sightseeing – Natural Wonders and Living Root Bridges

After breakfast, continue exploring the spectacular attractions around Cherrapunji. Begin with a visit to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat, if you are physically fit and interested in a challenging nature excursion. This remarkable bridge is formed from the living roots of rubber fig trees and demonstrates the traditional ecological knowledge of the Khasi community.

The excursion involves a substantial descent and ascent via hundreds of steps, so it requires good fitness, adequate time, drinking water and suitable footwear. It is best undertaken with local guidance and should be planned according to weather conditions. Travellers who prefer a relaxed day can instead enjoy easier viewpoints and village experiences.

Later, visit Arwah Cave, where limestone formations and ancient fossils can be seen in accessible sections. Depending on the route and local conditions, enjoy additional viewpoints across the valleys and surrounding green hills.

You may also explore nearby villages to learn about Khasi traditions, local architecture and the close relationship between communities and their natural environment. Cherrapunji’s ever-changing weather creates beautiful photographic opportunities, from drifting clouds and mist-covered hills to powerful waterfalls and lush forests.

Return to your hotel in the evening. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in the peaceful surroundings of Cherrapunji.

Overnight Stay: Cherrapunji

Day 5: Cherrapunji to Mawlynnong and Dawki – Return to Shillong

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin a scenic excursion towards Mawlynnong and Dawki before continuing to Shillong. This day combines village culture, countryside landscapes and the beautiful river scenery of southern Meghalaya.

First, visit Mawlynnong, a charming village known for its cleanliness, community participation and traditional Khasi lifestyle. Walk through the village lanes, observe the well-maintained surroundings and experience the peaceful atmosphere. Depending on local access and time, visit the nearby living root bridge and the bamboo sky viewpoint, where available, for views of the surrounding greenery and plains.

Continue towards Dawki, close to the India–Bangladesh border. The area is famous for the Umngot River, whose exceptionally clear water can make boats appear to float above the riverbed under favourable conditions. Enjoy the beautiful riverside scenery and take photographs of the hills and surrounding landscape.

Boating may be available on the river, subject to weather, water levels, local permissions and operating conditions. During periods of heavy rain, the water may become less transparent, so the famous crystal-clear appearance is not guaranteed throughout the year.

After enjoying Dawki, begin the drive back to Shillong. Arrive in the evening, check in at your hotel and relax after a full day of sightseeing.

Overnight Stay: Shillong

Day 6: Shillong to Kaziranga National Park – Journey into Assam

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and depart for Kaziranga National Park in Assam. The journey generally takes around 5–7 hours, depending on the starting point, traffic and road conditions. Enjoy the transition from Meghalaya’s hills to the greener plains of Assam, passing through towns, tea-growing areas and rural landscapes.

Kaziranga is internationally recognised for its wildlife conservation efforts and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is especially famous for the greater one-horned rhinoceros and also supports populations of wild water buffalo, deer, elephants and numerous bird species. Tiger sightings are possible but never guaranteed.

On arrival, check in at your wildlife resort or hotel near the national park. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing or enjoying the surrounding countryside. Depending on time and availability, you may visit a local tea garden viewpoint or explore nearby villages.

In the evening, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Assam’s countryside. Your resort may offer regional cuisine, cultural programmes or nature-related activities, subject to its facilities and schedule.

Have dinner and prepare for the following day’s wildlife experience.

Overnight Stay: Kaziranga

Day 7: Kaziranga National Park – Wildlife Safari and Nature Experience

Wake up early for an exciting wildlife experience in Kaziranga National Park. Depending on the season, safari availability and official regulations, you may book a jeep safari or an authorised elephant safari where offered. Safari zones, timings and permitted activities are determined by park authorities and can vary.

Explore the grasslands, wetlands, forests and riverine habitats while keeping an eye out for the famous one-horned rhinoceros. You may also spot wild buffalo, deer, elephants, wild boar and a wide variety of resident and migratory birds. Sightings depend on animal movements, habitat conditions and luck, making every safari a unique experience.

Return to your resort for breakfast and some relaxation. Later, enjoy a leisurely day around the property or take an optional visit to a nearby village or tea garden, depending on your interests and available time. Birdwatching enthusiasts may appreciate the region’s rich avian diversity, while photographers can capture the landscapes and traditional rural life.

If another safari is available and you wish to experience a different section of the park, you may arrange an additional authorised excursion. Advance reservations are recommended, particularly during busy travel periods.

In the evening, return to your accommodation, enjoy dinner and relax after a memorable day surrounded by the natural beauty of Assam.

Overnight Stay: Kaziranga

Day 8: Kaziranga to Guwahati – Return Journey and City Experience

After breakfast, check out from your resort and drive back to Guwahati. The journey generally takes approximately 4–5 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. Enjoy the scenic countryside as you leave the wildlife region and return to the city.

On arrival in Guwahati, check in at your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, continue sightseeing with a visit to the Assam State Museum, where you can learn about the region’s history, archaeology, cultural traditions and heritage, subject to opening hours.

You may also visit the Brahmaputra riverfront for a relaxing walk or explore local markets for Assamese silk, traditional garments, handicrafts and souvenirs. If you missed Kamakhya Temple on Day 1, you may include it today, provided the schedule and temple timings permit.

For your final evening, enjoy local Assamese cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the region. This is a good opportunity to purchase souvenirs and reflect on your journey through the hills of Meghalaya and the wildlife landscapes of Assam.

Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight Stay: Guwahati

Day 9: Departure from Guwahati

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Guwahati Airport or Railway Station according to your departure schedule. If your flight or train is later in the day, additional sightseeing may be possible depending on travel time and arrangements.

Depart with wonderful memories of Northeast India, including Shillong’s hill-station charm, Cherrapunji’s magnificent waterfalls, Mawlynnong’s village culture, Dawki’s scenic river and Kaziranga’s extraordinary wildlife.

Your 9 Days / 8 Nights Assam, Meghalaya and Kaziranga holiday concludes with an unforgettable combination of nature, culture, adventure and relaxation.

Tour Ends with Beautiful Memories of Northeast India.