Assam Meghalaya Tour Packages with Shillong Travel Taxi: The Ultimate Cross-State Adventure

Ultimate Sightseeing, Hidden Gems, Adventure, Activities & Detailed Day-by-Day Tour Plans

Assam and Meghalaya are among Northeast India’s most captivating states, offering an exceptional palette of natural beauty, tribal culture, adventure, and secret spots. This comprehensive guide provides travelers with must-see attractions, truly hidden gems, detailed tour itineraries, and adventure activities, ensuring an unforgettable, well-organized, and deeply immersive journey.

Why Travel to Assam & Meghalaya Together?

• Geographical Harmony: Both states are next-door neighbors with easy access, enabling a seamless journey through their spectacular landscapes.
• Culture & Nature: Contrast Assam’s wide Brahmaputra plains, tea estates, and wildlife with Meghalaya’s mystical rainforests, living root bridges, and cloud-laden hills.
• Diversity: From Assamese Vaishnavite monasteries to Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo hill tribal villages, you’ll discover stunning cultural diversity.

1. The Best Sightseeing Places in Assam

Guwahati — Gateway to the Northeast

• Kamakhya Temple: One of India’s holiest Shakti Peethas, perched atop Nilachal Hill.
• Umananda Island: The world’s smallest river island, home to an ancient Shiva temple, accessible by boat.
• Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra: Assam’s cultural museum complex.
• Brahmaputra River Sunset Cruise: Don’t miss the golden hour on this mighty river.
• Assam State Zoo & Botanical Garden

Kaziranga National Park

• Jeep and Elephant Safaris: Spot the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, and Bengal tigers.
• Birdwatching: Over 480 species, including storks, pelicans, and eagles.
• Kaziranga Orchid Park

Majuli Island

• Satras (Vaishnavite Monasteries): Cultural performances, mask making, organic farming.
• Majuli Mask Making Center
• Pottery & Handloom Villages

Sivasagar and its Ancient Ahom Monuments

• Rang Ghar: Asia’s oldest amphitheater.
• Talatal Ghar & Kareng Ghar: Grand palace ruins of the Ahom dynasty.

Manas National Park

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pristine forests on the Bhutanese border, famed for wild water buffalo, golden langurs, and birdlife.

2. The Best Sightseeing Places in Meghalaya

Shillong — Scotland of the East

• Police Bazaar & Bara Bazaar: Local food, crafts, and street culture.
• Shillong Peak: Panoramic views.
• Ward’s Lake & Lady Hydari Park
• Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures
• Laitlum Grand Canyon: Dramatic gorges, hiking and scenic picnics.
• Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians

Cherrapunjee (Sohra)

• Nohkalikai Falls: India’s tallest plunge waterfall.
• Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang): Striking cascade during the monsoon.
• Mawsmai & Arwah Caves: Limestone cave systems for exploration.
• Dainthlen Falls & Wei Sawdong Falls
• Eco Park: Panoramic plateau views.

Mawlynnong

• Asia’s Cleanest Village: Bamboo walkways, flowering gardens.
• Sky Walk: Bamboo observation tower with Bangladesh plains view.
• Single Living Root Bridge: Extraordinary root-based architecture.

Dawki & Shnongpdeng

• Umngot River: Boating (crystal-clear waters), kayaking, cliff jumping.
• Shnongpdeng: Riverside camping, adventure activities like snorkelling, ziplining.

Jowai & Krang Suri Falls

• Krang Suri Falls: Blue-hued waterfall, safe for swimming, surrounded by forest.
• Nartiang Monoliths: Ancient megalithic site with towering stones.

Nongriat

• Double Decker Living Root Bridge: One of the planet’s most unique human-nature structures; reached by a strenuous trek.

Mawsynram & Mawphlang

• Mawsynram: Wettest place on earth, scenic caves.
• Mawphlang Sacred Grove: Ancient forest protected by Khasi tradition.
• David Scott Trail: Historic trek through fields, woods, and villages.
• Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek: Adrenaline rush on cliff-side bamboo walkways.

3. Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Wonders

Meghalaya’s Lesser-Known Marvels

• Mawphanlur: Cluster of pristine lakes, rolling hills, solitude; perfect for picnics, boating, kayaking, minimal tourist traffic.
• Syndai Cave & Village: Fascinating cave cluster with post-war remains from the Jaintia kingdom.
• Kongthong (Whistling Village): Villagers communicate by unique whistling “tunes” instead of names.
• Mawlyngot: Renowned for organic tea gardens, tranquility, nature walks, birdwatching.
• Phe Phe Falls: Spectacular off-grid waterfall surrounded by greenery, requires a trek.
• Siju Caves: Among India’s longest caves; part of a pristine jungle ecosystem in South Garo Hills, close to Siju bird sanctuary.
• Tura Peak & Nokrek Biosphere: Trek for sunrise views, encounter elusive red pandas, wild elephants, endemic orchids.
• Nongkhnum Island: Northeast India’s second-largest river island, sandy beaches, boating, river swims.

Assam’s Underrated Highlights

• Haflong: Assam’s only hill station; pristine lakes, ethnic Dimasa culture.
• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: Dense rhino population, less crowded alternative to Kaziranga.
• Mayong: India’s “land of black magic” with ancient rituals, folk stories, and petroglyphs.
• Dibru-Saikhowa National Park: River island national park for birding and wild horses.

4. Suggested Adventure Activities

Meghalaya

• Trekking:
  • Nongriat Double Decker Bridge Trek (3,000+ stairs through rainforest).
  • David Scott Trail (historical, scenic, moderate).
  • Mawryngkhang Trek: Bamboo bridges along cliff faces for thrill-seekers.
• Caving:
  • Mawsmai, Arwah, Siju, and Syndai caves — varying in size and difficulty.
• Waterfall Rappelling: Dainthlen and Wei Sawdong Falls during suitable water levels.
• Kayaking & Boating:
  • Umngot River, Mawphanlur lakes, Umiam Lake.
• Camping:
  • Dawki and Shnongpdeng riverside, Mawphanlur, Laitlum Canyon.
• Ziplining: Shnongpdeng adventure camps.

Assam

• Wildlife Safari: Jeep and elephant safaris in Kaziranga and Manas National Parks.
• Tea Garden Tours: Plucking and tasting in Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Majuli.
• River Cruising: Brahmaputra cruises (sunset, overnight luxury, or island hopping).
• Birdwatching: Dibru-Saikhowa, Pobitora, Manas, and the wetlands around Majuli.

5. Deep-Dive: Sample Day-by-Day Tour Plans (10-Day Itinerary)

This itinerary is crafted for travelers eager to experience the full spectrum of Assam & Meghalaya’s wonders, including sightseeing, hidden gems, adventure, and cultural immersion.

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati (Assam)

• Visit Kamakhya Temple.
• Brahmaputra sunset cruise.
• Explore Umananda Island.
• Overnight in Guwahati.

Day 2: Guwahati to Kaziranga National Park

• Early drive to Kaziranga.
• Afternoon jeep safari for rhinos, elephants, deer.
• Visit Orchid Park.
• Evening folk dance performance.
• Overnight near the park.

Day 3: Kaziranga to Shillong (Meghalaya)

• Morning elephant safari.
• Drive to Shillong (visit Umiam Lake for boating/picnic en route).
• Evening in Police Bazaar, Shillong.
• Overnight in Shillong.

Day 4: Shillong Local Sights & Laitlum Canyon

• Shillong Peak, Don Bosco Museum, Ward’s Lake, Lady Hydari Park.
• Sunset at Laitlum Canyon (optional gentle trek/picnic).
• Overnight Shillong.

Day 5: Shillong to Cherrapunjee (Sohra)

• En route, Mawkdok Dympep Valley viewpoint.
• Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Dainthlen Falls, Eco Park.
• Explore Mawsmai Caves & Arwah Caves.
• Overnight in Cherrapunjee.

Day 6: Nongriat Double Decker Root Bridge Trek

• Early trek to Nongriat (with guide).
• Cross suspension bridges, waterfalls; swim in pools.
• Visit Rainbow Falls if fit.
• Trek back by afternoon/evening.
• Overnight in Cherrapunjee.

Day 7: Cherrapunjee to Mawlynnong & Dawki

• Morning drive to Mawlynnong, visit Cleanest Village attractions, Sky Walk.
• Head to Dawki for Umngot River boating, cliff jumping, riverside picnic.
• Optional camping by river.
• Overnight in Dawki/Shnongpdeng or back to Shillong.

Day 8: Mawphlang Sacred Forest & Adventure

• Tour sacred grove herbal trails.
• David Scott Trail short hike.
• Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek (if adventurous/fit).
• Return to Shillong.

Day 9: Explore Jowai & Krang Suri

• Early drive to Jowai, visit Krang Suri Falls (swim, photo).
• See Nartiang Monoliths, Tyrshi Falls, Phe Phe Falls (hidden gem via trek).
• Return to Shillong.

Day 10: Departure

• Visit any missed sights/shopping.
• Transfer to Guwahati for onward travel.

Customization Options:

• Add-on days for Tura & Nokrek Biosphere (Garo Hills adventure), Majuli cultural immersion, or Mawphanlur village stay for serenity and lakes.

6. Extra Tips for Travelers

• Permits: Foreign nationals must register on arrival in Meghalaya and Assam. Inner Line Permit NOT required for Indian citizens in these two states (but needed for Arunachal Pradesh).
• Best Travel Season: October–April for best weather, adventure activities, and waterfalls in full flow.
• Local Festivals: Attend Wangala (Garo harvest festival), Behdeinkhlam (Jaintia religious event), and Shad Suk Mynsiem (Khasi spring festival) for intense cultural immersion.
• Transport & Safety: Opt for experienced local operators with reliable vehicles—important on hilly, winding roads.
• Food:
  • Assam: Fish curry, pitha, bamboo shoot curries, authentic Assam tea.
  • Meghalaya: Jadoh (pork, rice), Dohneiiong (pork with sesame), Pumaloi (rice cakes).
• Language: English widely spoken, but Khasi (Meghalaya), Assamese (Assam), and regional tribal languages dominate.

7. Ultimate List: Must-See, Offbeat & Activity Table

8. Pro Tips for Exploring Hidden Gems

• Local Guides: Essential for cave explorations (Siju, Arwah, Syndai), root bridge treks, and jungle trails for safety and enriched experience.
• Respect Nature: Many places are sacred to locals (sacred groves, monolith sites). Avoid littering, always ask before photographing people or rituals.
• Book Early in Season: Peak seasons fill up lodging fast, especially Shillong, Cherrapunjee, and Kaziranga.

9. Specialized Adventure Themes

For Trekkers

• Nongriat, David Scott Trail, Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek, Tura Peak, Nokrek biosphere paths.

For Family/Casual Travelers

• Shillong, Cherrapunjee caves and falls, Dawki boating, Krang Suri Falls, tea gardens of Assam and wetland safaris.

For Culture Lovers

• Ahom monuments (Sivasagar), Majuli Satras, Khasi & Jaintia village festivals, Mawphlang rituals, food tours in Shillong.

For Wilderness Seekers

• Deep-dive into Nokrek or Balpakram NP (wildlife), Mawphanlur for total digital detox, Haflong and Barail Range in Assam for hill serenity.

10. Conclusion: Make Your Assam-Meghalaya Trip Extraordinary

A trip through Assam and Meghalaya is a profound adventure in sights, sounds, tastes, and textures. Plan your route with a mix of icons and unknowns; indulge in adventure and cultural celebration; take time to detour to quiet villages, secluded waterfalls, and cloud-hugged plateaus.
Rely on local insights, structure your journey with tailored day-by-day plans, and savor the hidden wonders that mass tourism hasn’t touched.