Meghalaya Travel Guide in May – Weather, How to Plan, How to Reach, Places to Visit, Itinerary

Meghalaya Weather in May

May brings mild pre-monsoon showers, adding a refreshing touch to the air. The temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. The skies are predominantly clear and evenings are cooler, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.

The occasional mist enhances the state’s ethereal beauty. The comfortable weather allows you to explore Meghalaya’s attractions without the heavy downpours of the monsoon season, making it perfect for treks and nature walks.

How to Plan a Trip to Meghalaya in May

1. Duration of Stay

A 7–9 day itinerary is ideal for covering the key highlights in Meghalaya. You can also relax in a few offbeat places and enjoy Meghalaya’s natural beauty and culture.

2. Budget Planning

Accommodation

Budget hotels and homestays start at ₹800-1,200 per night, while premium stays in Shillong and Cherrapunji range from ₹4,000–6,000.

Local Travel

You can rent two-wheelers from Shillong for ₹500-600 per day or Hire a private taxi for ₹2,500–3,500 per day. Shared taxis are also an economical option.

Activities

Trekking, boating, and entry fees to caves and waterfalls range between INR 100–500 per person.

3. Packing Essentials

• Light woollens and comfortable trekking shoes.

• Raincoats and waterproof bags for unexpected showers.

• A reusable water bottle and sunscreen for daytime excursions.

4. Best Time to Book

• Book your accommodations and transport at least 3–4 weeks in advance to secure the best options for your Meghalaya trip in May.

Meghalaya Travel Guide Itinerary for May

Day 1-2: Arrival in Shillong

• Begin your Meghalaya journey in Shillong, where colonial-era charm meets vibrant city life. Start your day with a peaceful stroll around Ward’s Lake, a scenic spot surrounded by blooming flowers. This lake also offers paddle boat rides where you can have a refreshing start to the day.

• Dive into the region’s rich heritage at the Don Bosco Museum. It is a seven-story museum that beautifully showcases the cultural diversity of Northeast India.

• Visit Lady Hydari Park, known for its well-manicured gardens and a mini-zoo, ideal for families.

• As the sun sets, head to Shillong Peak. It is the highest point in the region, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its lush surroundings.

• In the evening, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Police Bazaar. It is a bustling market filled with local handicrafts, street food, and souvenirs.

Shillong offers a perfect introduction to a Meghalaya trip with a mix of urban vibrancy and natural beauty. Its attractions cater to culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those looking to relax.

Day 3-4: Cherrapunji

• Travel to Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth, known for its dramatic landscapes and lush greenery.

• Begin with Nohkalikai Falls. It is India’s tallest plunge waterfall that cascades into a turquoise pool surrounded by misty cliffs. The sight is both awe-inspiring and serene.

• Venture into the Mawsmai Caves, where fascinating limestone formations create a natural maze. These caves are well-lit and easy to navigate, making them ideal for beginners and families.

• For a more adventurous experience, trek to the Double-Decker Living Root Bridge. This is a remarkable structure created by the Khasi people using intertwined roots of rubber trees. The trail to this bridge takes you through dense forests, crossing streams and smaller root bridges along the way.

• End your day at Thangkharang Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful picnic while admiring views of Bangladesh’s plains and surrounding hills.

Activities:

• Trekking to root bridges.

• Photography at waterfalls and scenic parks.

• Exploring limestone caves.

Cherrapunji showcases Meghalaya’s natural beauty at its best, offering iconic sights and unique experiences like the Living Root Bridges.

Day 5: Dawki and Mawlynnong

• Start your day at Dawki, where the Umngot River is renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Take a serene boat ride and marvel at the transparency of the river, which reflects the sky and surrounding hills. The nearby Indo-Bangladesh border adds a cultural twist to your visit, offering a glimpse of cross-border landscapes.

• Afterwards, head to Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village. Walk along its spotless streets, lined with flowering plants and traditional Khasi homes.

• Visit the nearby Living Root Bridge. It is a smaller but equally enchanting sibling of the Double-Decker Bridge. Climb the Sky View Tower, a bamboo structure offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest and Bangladeshi plains.

Activities

• Boating on the Umngot River.

• Village walks and cultural exploration.

• Enjoying local Khasi meals prepared in homestays or restaurants.

Dawki’s surreal beauty and Mawlynnong’s sustainable practices create a day filled with inspiration and tranquillity.

Day 6: Jowai and Krang Suri Falls

• Travel to Jowai in the Jaintia Hills. It is a serene region known for its hidden gems.

• Begin with a trek to Krang Suri Falls, a breathtaking waterfall surrounded by verdant greenery. It has a clear blue pool at its base that is perfect for swimming or simply relaxing by the cascading waters.

• Next, visit Thadlaskein Lake. This is a peaceful waterbody steeped in local legends. The lake’s calm environment is ideal for unwinding, taking a gentle walk along its banks, or enjoying a quiet picnic.

Activities

• Trekking to waterfalls.

• Swimming in natural pools.

• Learning about local legends and folklore.

Jowai offers an offbeat experience for travellers seeking serene landscapes and a deeper connection with nature.

Day 7: Mawphlang Sacred Grove

• Discover the sacred forest of Mawphlang. This is a protected grove deeply revered by the Khasi community.

• Take a guided tour to learn about the myths and traditions associated with the grove. One of the deep spiritual significance of this forest is that no person should remove a single leaf or twig.

• It is also home to unique flora and fauna, including rare orchids, medicinal plants, and ancient trees.

• Spend time absorbing the tranquillity of this magical place while exploring its biodiversity and understanding the Khasi community’s respect for nature.

Activities

• Guided forest walks.

• Cultural storytelling and local traditions.

• Nature photography.

It is a serene escape that blends ecology and culture, providing a unique perspective on Meghalaya’s heritage.

Day 8: Departure

• Spend your final morning exploring Iewduh Market. It is one of the largest traditional markets in Northeast India. Here, you can shop for handcrafted bamboo items, organic tea, and traditional Khasi shawls.

• Enjoy a relaxing breakfast or brunch at a cosy café in Police Bazaar, reflecting on your journey through Meghalaya.

• Afterwards, embark on a scenic drive back to Guwahati for your departure. The journey offers one last chance to admire the rolling hills and lush landscapes that make this Meghalaya trip in May so enchanting.

Ending your trip in Shillong allows for a relaxed farewell, with opportunities to pick up unique souvenirs and enjoy the city’s charm one last time.

Places to Visit in Meghalaya in May

1. Shillong

The capital city is the perfect starting point for your Meghalaya trip in May. Start your exploration at Ward’s Lake, a charming man-made lake surrounded by well-manicured gardens. You can enjoy a relaxing boat ride or simply unwind on the park benches.

If this is your family trip, visit Lady Hydari Park. It is a family-friendly haven that showcases seasonal flowers with a mini zoo that your kids are going to love. The Don Bosco Museum is another must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts. It exhibits fascinating insights on the traditions, lifestyle, and art of Northeast India.

For panoramic views of the city and beyond, head to Shillong Peak. It offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding hills. Finally, the bustling Police Bazaar is a great place to shop for souvenirs, indulge in local street food, and experience the city’s lively atmosphere. This city offers a unique mix of urban energy and natural beauty, making it an essential stop in any Meghalaya travel guide in May.

2. Cherrapunji

May is the perfect time to visit this paradisiacal land. During this month, the light pre-monsoon rains breathe life into its landscapes without overwhelming visitors. Take a trip to the Nohkalikai Falls. This is one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India and is a stunning sight to behold. It is surrounded by lush greenery and occasional mist, and at the heart of it, water cascades into a turquoise pool below.

The trek to the Double-Decker Living Root Bridge is an unforgettable experience. The journey takes you through lush forests, crossing small streams and encountering traditional Khasi villages. This bridge, made from intertwined tree roots, is a testament to the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

Moreover, the Mawsmai Caves offer an exciting adventure into a world of stalactites and stalagmites. Well-lit and relatively easy to navigate, they’re suitable for beginners and families.

3. Dawki

It is located 82 km south of Shillong and is home to the enchanting Umngot River. In May, the river is at its clearest, reflecting the surrounding hills and sky with remarkable transparency. You can enjoy a serene boat ride, where the boats appear to float on air due to the river’s transparency. Moreover, the river is surrounded by lush hills, making it a perfect spot for picnics and photography.

Nearby, the Indo-Bangladesh border offers an interesting cultural experience, with glimpses of life on both sides. The cool May weather enhances the beauty of this area, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery without the heat of summer.

4. Mawlynnong

Often called “God’s Own Garden,” it is renowned for its eco-friendly practices and spotless streets. It is about 30 km from Dawki and is surrounded by lush greenery and traditional Khasi homes. As you walk through the village, you will see how every lane is adorned with flowering plants and every corner exudes cleanliness.

Visit the nearby Living Root Bridge, a smaller but equally beautiful version of the one in Cherrapunji. For panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the Bangladeshi plains, climb the Sky View Tower. It is a bamboo structure built by locals. The commitment of the village and its locals towards cleanliness and sustainability makes it a standout in any Meghalaya travel guide in May.

5. Krang Suri Falls

Located in the Jaintia Hills, the sparkling blue waters of this magnificent fall are particularly inviting during May. A short trek leads you to this stunning waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural pool at its base. The trail to the falls is picturesque, lined with greenery and small streams. The area is perfect for picnics, relaxation, and capturing stunning photographs, thus inviting photographers and nature enthusiasts for a cordial treat.

6. Mawphlang Sacred Grove

This is an ancient forest deeply revered by the Khasi community. Mawphlang is 25 km (1 hour) from Shillong, making it an easy day trip. In May, this sacred forest is vibrant and full of life, offering a captivating blend of spiritual significance and ecological richness.

Walk through this ancient forest with a guide to learn about its biodiversity and the fascinating legends surrounding its preservation. Discover rare plants, orchids, and medicinal herbs, all protected by the Khasi community’s traditions.

This grove provides a unique combination of spiritual significance and ecological preservation, making it a must-see in any Meghalaya travel guide.

7. Laitlum Canyons

Just about 25 km from Shillong, you must witness this dramatic natural wonder on your trip to Meghalaya. It offers sweeping views of rolling hills, deep gorges, and remote villages. Trek to the canyon’s edge for awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes. The viewpoint at the top is perfect for photographers, trekkers, and those looking to connect with Meghalaya’s raw beauty.

How to Reach Meghalaya in May

By Air:

• Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport): The most convenient airport with regular flights from major Indian cities. Shillong is a 3-hour drive from here.

• Shillong Airport (Umroi): A closer option but with limited connectivity.

By Train:

• Guwahati Junction is the nearest railway station, well-connected to major cities. From here, shared taxis and private cabs take you to Shillong.

By Road:

• Meghalaya is connected via NH40 from Guwahati. Private taxis, buses, and self-drive cars offer flexibility and convenience.

• Scenic views along the way make the journey as memorable as the destination.