Northeast India, known as the 7th heaven, is renowned for its lush forests and scenic views. The region boasts of the beautiful Baroque-style houses of the colonial era, old forts, and a wide range of unique religious and cultural monuments. It is home to the most beautiful forests and mountains in India. A large number of the villages and towns retain their ancient charm, and it is a treasure house of ancient and modern architectural wonders.

Our next travelers are a couple from Bangalore working amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Jasleen and Manvir took a flight from Bangalore to Guwahati and embarked on their travel expedition in a rented car. In search of serene and calm destinations, they chose northeast India for traveling.

There is a trip of 8 days Guwahati, Kaziranga, Shillong, and Meghalaya on their bucket list. Will they be able to complete their expedition? Let’s travel along:

Day 01

The couple reached Guwahati at night and started for their first destination, the Kaziranga National Park, a 5-hour ride. Due to their early start, they reached there in the morning. As they had pre-booked Elephant safari, they viewed the scenic nature at its finest. 

Sneaking into Kaziranga National Park, in the Indian state of Assam. It is home to one of the last remaining free-ranging populations of greater one-horned rhinos, the world’s largest land mammal. For years, conservation efforts have aimed to preserve the rhinos’ natural habitats.

Their next destination was the Kakochang waterfall, a major tourist attraction at the border of Assam and Nagaland. It is also a wildlife refuge. As the night set in, the couple went back to Guwahati and called it a day. 

Day 02

The next day’s stop was Shillong, a 3-hour ride via NH6 road. They visited a sacred forest. Local Khasi people consider it sacred. A guide is available that can take you on a tour that lasts for 30 mins to 1 hour. 

The couple then came back to the hotel in Shillong for the day.

Day 03

To add an adventurous twist to the trip, the couple decided to do a trek in Shillong. They chose not so popular but a must Bay hills Scott trek, a 16kms long trek on the trade route started by Britisher David Scott.

Connects Shillong to Cherrapunji. Since their car was halted at the starting point; they had to take a cab and return to the starting point.

Day 04

Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village, is 3hrs drive and, therefore, our traveler’s next ride. The village is clean and well maintained. They have a lot of homestay options. Homestays were full as it was the peak season; therefore, they opted for a night in a tent as a comfortable option. “It is something to try”, says Manvir. There were good amenities within the tent. Double mattress, light, also had big canteen for ordering food. 

Day 05

Meghalaya is famous for its root bridges. Root bridge in Mawlynnong, nevertheless, was crowded. The root bridge was formed from the rubber tree, which is man-made. The Meghalaya root bridges are the world’s largest floating bridges connecting hundreds of islands and creating a unique archipelago.

Day 06

Coming to Umngot River. It is the cleanest river and incredibly transparent. The couple reached early. Spend around an hour. There is a guide and ticket for the river. Moreover, there is an island next to the river, and you can camp for the night.

Meghalaya’s next stop was a waterfall, PhePhe waterfall, where you book a ticket and walk the trail to reach the waterfall. After a half-hour walk, Jasleen and Manvir found themselves on top of the waterfall rather than in front. What an astounding feat!

Then, they came back to Cherrapunji booked a homestay close to Mawsmai Cave Cherrapunji. It is a mystical maze-like cave to be solved.

Day 07

After a quick stop at the Mawsmai Cave, the couple decided to visit the Bamboo Bridge, where the bamboo is hung over the cliffs with no solid support. Manvir calls it adventurous, scenic, and not scary. Since in Meghalaya they follow a matriarchal society, the females are given power and freedom. 

Fun Fact: Did you know that you can own a waterfall in Meghalaya. The youngest of all inherits all the properties.

Day 08

The couple traveled back to Cherrapunji. There is a waterfall near the homestay called a blue lagoon. Why waste time? Our travelers went to the waterfall and took a dip in the chilly waters. 

At the end of the trip, the couple traveled back to Shillong and stayed in the near-sacred forest.

Day 09

For all the blessing and expressing their gratitude, the couple visited Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati and to the airport.

Talking Money

• Approxiate budget: INR 65,000 – INR 70,000*/- (for the two)
• Homestay budget: INR 15,000*/-
• Car budget: INR 22,000, (INR 17,000 rent and lNR 5000 for fuel)
• Airfare: Rs 25,000 to 30,000*/-

Suggestions and Tips

• Plan your day to start early and end early.
• Carry warm clothes.
• Look for nearby waterfalls.
• Keep some days open for adventure.
• Pre-book your homestays 
• Safe for solo travelers and females.

Check out more pictures of Manvir and Jasleen’s experience of Northeast India at @singhmanvir.
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