Why Meghalaya?
The beautiful state of Meghalaya in India’s north-east is full of greenery and rolling hills. It is also home to cultures that are very different from those typically associated with the Indian mainland. All this and more make Meghalaya a must-visit destination for those who appreciate nature and want to explore new cultures, which, despite being drastically different from the rest of India, are still very Indian at their cores.
Things to Do in Meghalaya
- Taste the Local Food: The food of Meghalaya will leave any food lover wanting for more. The local cuisine of the state features the delicacies served up by the three main tribes that the state consists of; the Garos, the Khasis, and the Jaintias.
The most popular dish of the state is undoubtedly Jadoh, which features red rice and small chunks of pork. Other must-try delicacies include Doh-Khlieh, a salad comprising of onions, chillies, and pork, Doh-Neiiong, a pork curry that features an incredibly tasty gravy made from black sesame, onions, pepper, green chillies, and local spices, and MinilSonga, a Garo speciality that is a sticky rice preparation. To wash all that food down, you should also try the Kyat, which is a type of fermented rice beer.
- Do some Shopping at Police Bazaar and Bara Bazaar: Police Bazaar and Bara Bazaar are the two ultimate destinations for shopaholics in the state’s capital Shillong. Both these markets are home to a plethora of shops selling locally made products that include souvenirs, textile works, handicrafts and artwork. No matter what time of day you pick to visit these two markets, you will always find them congested, with hundreds of locals and tourists jostling for space and shopping for both necessities and luxury items.
- Golfing at Shillong Golf Course: Shillong Golf Course is a natural golf course that ranks amongst the oldest golf courses in India. It has stood the test of time and is one of Shillong’s most iconic destinations. Even if you are not a great golfer, you would still love the course due to its scenic location amidst pine and rhododendron trees. Its elevation, which is more than 5,000 feet from sea level, makes it one of the world’s highest golf courses.
- Water Sports at Barapani: Known as Barapani to the locals and as Umiam Lake to tourists and travellers, this mammoth lake is not just the source of Meghalaya’s power, but also one of the best places to indulge in water sports in the state. Some of the most popular water sports you should try here are kayaking, water scooting, and water skiing.
- Hike to the Mawlynnong Root Bridge: Mawlynnong, a village located not too far from the Bangladesh border, is famed around the world for being one of the cleanest places in Asia. However, if you hike for about 20 minutes beyond the village, you would come to a root bridge that would surely blow your mind away.
Places to See in Meghalaya
- Cherapunji: Cherapunji is probably Meghalaya’s most famous tourist destination. Known for being the place that experiences the highest level of rainfall in the world throughout the year, Cherapunji has an abundance of natural sights to behold.
Cherapunji is home to the Mawsmai Cave, one of Meghalaya’s most stunning natural caves. But what makes Cherapunji really special are its grand waterfalls. The Nohkalikai Falls, the Nohsngithiang Falls, the Kynrem Falls, and the Dain-Thlen Falls are some of the most spectacular waterfalls that you will get to experience here.
- Dawki: A town in the Jaintia Hills not very far away from the border that Meghalaya shares with Bangladesh, Dawki has become a popular tourist place in recent years. The most famous tourist destination in Dawki is the Dawki Bridge that hangs above the waters of the Umngot River. The views from the bridge are unparalleled and the pristine blue waters that run under the bridge are sights for sore eyes.
Make the most of your trip to Dawki by taking a boat ride on the waters of the Umngot River. It will truly be an experience that you will never forget.
- Laitlum Canyon: The Laitlum Canyon is only an hour’s drive from the state capital of Shillong and the vast open expanse that will greet you once you reach the place is truly surreal. If you have time, you can hike down from the top to reach the remote village of Rasong, where people still rely on an old-school cable pulley to get supplies to the village.
- All Saints Church: Shillong is famous for its churches and All Saints Church is one of the most famous churches of the city. The church dates back to the days when the British reigned supreme over India and it is a must-visit destination, particularly during Sunday masses.
Minimum Days to Visit Meghalaya
If you want to spend your time in Meghalaya comfortably and explore the state at your own pace, then you should spend at least a week in the state. It’s best to make the state capital of Shillong your base for all your travels in Meghalaya as it has all the amenities that you could want and need for a pleasant stay.
The Best Route for a Motorcycle Trip to Meghalaya
Guwahati – Shillong – Cherapunji – Shillong – Kaziranga – Guwahati
Meghalaya’s hilly landscape makes it a haven for biking enthusiasts and the aforementioned route is a popular choice for bikers heading to the state.
Bikers typically start in the city of Guwahati in the state of Assam, which is one of the neighbouring states of Meghalaya. The journey from Guwahati to Shillong takes approximately 2 hours and covers around 100 km.
From Shillong, the ride to Cherapunji is a picturesque one, as bikers ride through the hillsides to reach the world’s wettest region, which is around 54 km from Shillong.
After exploring Cherapunji and its adjoining areas, bikers head back to Shillong, from where they head back to Assam to visit the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national park is famous for being home to the rare one-horned rhinoceros. The journey to Kaziranga from Shillong covers over 250 km and takes around 5 – 6 hours to complete.
From Kaziranga, bikers head back to Guwahati, covering another 194 km; a 4-hour journey.
Total Expenses
How much you spend on your Meghalaya motorcycle tour depends on a number of factors such as:
- The accommodation
- Food
- Additional expenses such as bike repairs
In all, a week-long motorcycle trip to Meghalaya would probably set you back by around 25,000 -30000 INR.
Best Hotels to Stay in Meghalaya
- RiKyjai Resort: A resort with a tribal theme near the Umiam Lake. Per night prices start from ?7,000.
- Royal Heritage Tripura Castle: Located in Shillong, with per night prices starting from ?5,500.
- The Habitat Shillong: A premium guest-house in the Laitumkhrah locality of Shillong, with per night prices starting from ?4,000.
- Puja Guest House: An affordable guest house in Police Bazaar, with per night prices starting from ?2200.
Final Thoughts
This blog is far too short to list the countless possibilities that bikers can explore while they are in Meghalaya. To really understand Meghalaya and how much the state has to offer, you have to go there and witness it for yourself. All in all, it is one of the best biking destinations in India, that’s for sure!
