How To Plan A Trip To Assam And Meghalaya From Major Indian Cities – Ideal Itinerary & Duration?

How to Plan a Trip to Assam and Meghalaya from Major Indian Cities - Ideal Itinerary & Duration

Whether you’re traveling from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or other parts of India, this guide helps you plan your journey with an ideal itinerary, estimated travel duration, and practical tips.

1. How to Reach Assam and Meghalaya

The gateway to both states is Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. It is well connected by flights and trains to all major Indian cities.

• By Flight:

  • Delhi to Guwahati – 2.5 hours (direct flights daily)

  • Mumbai to Guwahati – 3.5 hours (some direct, some via Kolkata)

  • Bangalore to Guwahati – 3 hours (via Kolkata or Delhi)

  • Average airfare: ₹4,000–₹8,000 (varies by season and booking time)

• By Train:

  • Trains like Rajdhani Express and Saraighat Express connect Delhi and Kolkata with Guwahati.

  • From Guwahati, you can hire a private cab or take a shared taxi to Shillong (about 5 hours, ₹2,500–₹3,000).

2. Suggested 8–10 Day Itinerary for Assam and Meghalaya

Day 1: Arrive in Guwahati, visit Maa Kamakhya Temple and enjoy a Brahmaputra River sunset cruise.

Day 2: Drive to Kaziranga National Park (5 hours).

Day 3: Enjoy a morning and evening jeep safari at Kaziranga, home to the one-horned rhinoceros.

Day 4: Drive from Kaziranga to Shillong (~7 hours), stopping at scenic viewpoints.

Day 5: Explore Shillong city – Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum, and Umiam Lake.

Day 6: Drive to Cherrapunji, visit Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, and local viewpoints.

Day 7: Day trip to Mawlynnong (Asia’s Cleanest Village) and Dawki River near the Bangladesh border.

Day 8: Optional trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat.

Day 9: Return to Guwahati and relax with local shopping or a visit to Assam State Museum.

Day 10: Departure from Guwahati Airport or Railway Station.

This itinerary offers a perfect mix of nature, wildlife, culture, and relaxation.

3. Best Time to Visit Assam and Meghalaya

The best time to visit both states is from November to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant. The monsoon months (June–September) are lush but come with heavy rainfall, especially in Meghalaya.

4. Travel Duration to Guwahati from Major Cities

5. Transportation Tips

• Hire a private cab for intercity travel; local transport is limited in some areas.

• Pre-book cabs through reputed services or hotels.

• Carry some cash, as card facilities might not be available in remote areas.

6. Accommodation Options

From budget stays in Shillong to luxury resorts near Kaziranga, there are plenty of options for every traveler. Booking early during winter or holiday seasons ensures better rates.

7. Food and Cuisine

Both states offer diverse food options. While Assam features traditional rice and fish dishes, Meghalaya is famous for pork delicacies. Vegetarian options are widely available in Guwahati and Shillong.

8. Key Attractions to Include

• Maa Kamakhya Temple – Spiritual highlight in Guwahati.

• Kaziranga National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Shillong & Cherrapunji – Scenic waterfalls and caves.

• Mawlynnong & Dawki – Cleanest village and crystal-clear river.

• Umiam Lake – Boating and lakeside views.

9. Budget and Expenses

A well-planned 8–10 day trip from Delhi or Mumbai can cost around ₹30,000–₹45,000 per person, including flights, accommodation, transport, and food.

10. Final Travel Tips

• Book flights and hotels early during peak season (Dec–Mar).

• Carry light woolens, rainwear, and comfortable walking shoes.

• Respect local traditions and eco-tourism guidelines.

FAQs

Q1. How many days are enough for Assam and Meghalaya trip?
An 8 to 10-day trip is ideal to explore major attractions in both states comfortably.

Q2. What is the best way to travel from Delhi to Assam and Meghalaya?
Fly from Delhi to Guwahati and then hire a cab to explore Kaziranga and Shillong.

Q3. Is it possible to visit Meghalaya from Assam in one trip?
Yes, Guwahati serves as the gateway, making it easy to cover both states in one itinerary.

Q4. How far is Shillong from Guwahati?
Shillong is about 100 km from Guwahati, a scenic 5-hour drive.

Q5. What is the best time to visit Assam and Meghalaya?
November to April is the best period for pleasant weather and smooth travel.

Q6. Are there direct flights from Mumbai to Guwahati?
Yes, several airlines operate direct and one-stop flights daily.

Q7. How much does a Meghalaya–Assam trip cost?
Budget travelers can expect ₹30,000–₹45,000 per person for a week-long trip.

Q8. Which are the must-visit places in Assam and Meghalaya?
Kaziranga, Kamakhya Temple, Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong, and Dawki are top picks.

Q9. How do I travel within Assam and Meghalaya?
Private cabs are the best option for comfort and flexibility.

Q10. Can families and senior citizens travel easily in these states?
Yes, the routes and accommodations are tourist-friendly with good connectivity.