A road trip through Meghalaya is really something. It is not about traveling from one place to another. The road trip through Meghalaya is an experience that stays with you. You will see clouds around, beautiful waterfalls and green hills. The villages are clean. The roads are very peaceful.
Meghalaya is called the Abode of Clouds.. It is one of the best places in India, for a road trip where you can see really beautiful scenery and just relax.
From highways to winding hill roads crystal clear rivers to misty valleys the Meghalaya road trip guide will help you plan the perfect drive to Meghalaya.
The Meghalaya road trip guide has all the information you need. You will find the road trip routes for Meghalaya, some useful driving tips for Meghalaya the travel costs for Meghalaya and the best time to visit Meghalaya in this blog, about the Meghalaya road trip.
Why Meghalaya Is Perfect for a Road Trip
Meghalaya is really great for traveling by road. The distances between places are not very long the scenery, around you changes every kilometers and you do not see a lot of traffic like you do in other popular hill stations. Meghalaya has a lot to offer when it comes to road travel.
Reasons to choose a Meghalaya road trip:
Stunning landscapes and viewpoints
Well-maintained roads
Peaceful driving experience
Multiple destinations close to each other
Ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers
A road trip is a way to see Meghalaya because you can go as fast or as slow as you want. You get to explore Meghalaya at your pace. This means you can stop and look at things that interest you in Meghalaya.
Starting Point for Meghalaya Road Trip
Most road trips to Meghalaya start from Guwahati, Assam because that is where you can find
- a lot of transportation options
- some good roads to drive on
Most people like to begin their road trip to Meghalaya from Guwahati, Assam since it is easy to get to Meghalaya from Guwahati, Assam. Road trips, to Meghalaya are very fun when you start from Guwahati, Assam.
The nearest airport
Railway connectivity
Easy taxi and self-drive options
Guwahati to Shillong distance: ~100 km
Driving time: 3–4 hours
Best Meghalaya Road Trip Routes
- Guwahati → Shillong (Most Popular Route)
This is the gateway route to Meghalaya.
Distance: ~100 km
Travel time: 3–4 hours
Road condition: Excellent
Must-stop places:
Umiam Lake (Barapani Lake)
Viewpoints along the highway
This route really sets the tone for your Meghalaya road trip. The Meghalaya road trip is going to be amazing. This route is the start of it. The route, for the Meghalaya road trip is very important.
- Shillong → Cherrapunji (Sohra)
One of the most scenic road trips in Northeast India.
Distance: ~55 km
Travel time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Rolling hills and deep valleys
Waterfalls and viewpoints
Cloud-covered roads
Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
- Cherrapunji → Dawki (Umngot River)
This route takes you closer to the India-Bangladesh border. The India-Bangladesh border is really close when you are on this route. You will get to see a lot of things, near the India-Bangladesh border when you take this route.
Distance: ~90 km
Travel time: 4–5 hours
Why this route is special:
Scenic mountain roads
Crystal-clear Umngot River
Peaceful villages
The Dawki river is really beautiful when the weather is clear. I think the Dawki river looks amazing at that time. The Dawki river is very pretty, during weather.
- Dawki → Mawlynnong (Cleanest Village in Asia)
A short but beautiful drive.
Distance: ~30 km
Travel time: 1–1.5 hours
Things to see:
Mawlynnong village
Sky View Point
Living root bridge nearby
This route is ideal for slow and relaxed driving.
- Shillong → Jowai (Offbeat Road Trip)
For travelers looking beyond popular routes.
Distance: ~65 km
Travel time: 3 hours
Attractions nearby:
Krang Suri Falls
Phe Phe Falls
Quiet countryside roads
Less crowded and very scenic.
Suggested Meghalaya Road Trip Itinerary (6 Days)
Day 1: Guwahati → Shillong
Stop at Umiam Lake
Evening at Police Bazaar
Day 2: Shillong Sightseeing
Shillong Peak
Elephant Falls
Ward’s Lake
Don Bosco Museum
Day 3: Shillong → Cherrapunji
Nohkalikai Falls
Seven Sisters Falls
Mawsmai Cave
Day 4: Cherrapunji → Dawki
Scenic drive
Umngot River boating
Day 5: Dawki → Mawlynnong → Shillong
Cleanest village visit
Sky View Point
Day 6: Shillong → Guwahati
The trip has come to an end.
Best Time for Meghalaya Road Trip
Choosing the right season makes a huge difference.
Best Time to Visit Meghalaya by Road
October to April
Pleasant weather
Clear roads and views
Ideal for sightseeing and driving
Monsoon Road Trip (June to September)
Waterfalls at peak beauty
Lush greenery everywhere
Heavy rainfall and fog
This is for people who have been driving for a long time and have a lot of experience with driving. The people who are just starting out to drive should not try this because it is not good, for them. Experienced drivers are the ones who should be doing this so if you are an experienced driver then you can try it but if you are not an experienced driver then you should not try it.
Road Conditions in Meghalaya
The big roads that a lot of people use are taken care of well. These major highways are, in condition because they are well maintained.
Hill roads are narrow but safe
Landslides possible during monsoon
Speed limits are moderate
Meghalaya is a place to drive. The state of Meghalaya has some beautiful roads. Meghalaya offers one of the driving experiences, in Northeast India, which is something that people really enjoy. Driving in Meghalaya is a lot of fun.
Self. Taxi. Which One Is Better For You?
Self-Drive Road Trip
Pros:
Full freedom
Flexible stops
Best for experienced drivers
Cons:
You should have experience with driving in the mountains. Mountain driving is not easy. It requires a lot of skill. You need to know how to handle your vehicle when you are driving on roads in the mountains. Mountain driving experience is really necessary, for driving.
Taxi / Cab Road Trip
Pros:
Stress-free travel
People who drive around this area a lot know the routes well. Local drivers are very familiar, with the routes. They know which roads to take to get quickly. Local drivers have an understanding of the routes.
Ideal for families
Cost: ₹3,000–₹4,500 per day
Meghalaya Road Trip Cost (Approx.)
Budget Road Trip
Shared taxi / bike: ₹8,000 – ₹12,000
Mid-Range Road Trip
Private cab + hotels: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000
Luxury Road Trip
Premium car + resorts: ₹30,000 – ₹45,000+
(Per person for 5–6 days)
Essential Meghalaya Road Trip Tips
It is an idea to start your drives early in the morning. This way you can avoid the fog that usually comes in later. The fog can be really bad. It is hard to see the road when you are driving in it. So start your car. Hit the road early. This will help you avoid driving in the fog. Driving in the fog is not safe. It is better to start drives early.
Carry cash for villages
Fuel stations are really hard to find in areas. You have to drive a way to get to a fuel station. This is because fuel stations are limited in these areas. When you are driving in areas it can be a big problem to find a fuel station. Fuel stations are just not available everywhere, in areas.
Avoid night driving in hills
Keep rain gear handy
Respect local customs and cleanliness
What to Pack for a Meghalaya Road Trip
Light jackets
Comfortable shoes
Umbrella or raincoat
Basic medicines
Power bank
Valid driving documents
Food Stops on Meghalaya Road Trip
Small roadside cafés
Local dhabas
Shillong cafés
Must-try local dishes:
Jadoh
Dohneiiong
Tungrymbai
Pumaloi
Is Meghalaya Road Trip Safe?
Yes, Meghalaya is one of the safest states for road travel in India.
Friendly locals
Low crime rate
Calm traffic
Just follow basic hill-driving rules.
Why Meghalaya Road Trip Is a Must-Do Experience
A trip to Meghalaya, by road is really cool. It gives you a lot of things.
- Beautiful views of Meghalaya
A Meghalaya road trip gives you waterfalls and amazing caves in Meghalaya.
A Meghalaya road trip gives you a chance to see the people of Meghalaya.
A Meghalaya road trip gives you a time to enjoy the food of Meghalaya.
Freedom to explore
Close connection with nature
Uncrowded scenic roads
Unique village experiences
This is perfect for people who travel. They love to take their time and have a meaningful journey. Travelers who like this kind of thing will really enjoy it because it is about slow and meaningful journeys, for travelers.
Final Thoughts
A road trip through Meghalaya is about taking your time and enjoying the road trip. You get to see every curve in the road and every cloud in the sky and every waterfall along the way. The roads, in Meghalaya are really nice they have highways and also some hidden villages that you can visit. Meghalaya road trip is one of the peaceful and scenic road trips you can take in India.
If you love driving and nature, follow this Meghalaya road trip guide and let the roads lead you into the clouds.
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