🌿 Shillong – Cherrapunji – Dawki Crystal River Tour
🌌 A Soulful Journey Through the Abode of Clouds
The moment I stepped out of the Guwahati airport and felt the cool breeze brush my cheeks, I knew this wasn’t going to be just another vacation. My heart had long craved the melody of waterfalls, the stories behind mist-covered valleys, and the peace only crystal-clear rivers could whisper. Thanks to Sonakshi Travels, my dream of exploring the Shillong – Cherrapunji – Dawki Crystal River Tour finally came to life in the most soulful and scenic way.
This isn’t just a tour. It’s a three-act play of wonder, culture, and emotional renewal.
🌟 Day 1: Arriving in the Scotland of the East – Shillong
🚌 The Journey Begins
From Guwahati, it was a beautiful 100 km drive to Shillong through lush hills and winding roads. Along the way, we stopped at the Umiam Lake, where the waters sparkled like a mirror under the morning sun. Boating here felt like drifting inside a painting.
🏡 Where I Stayed
My hotel was nestled near Police Bazaar, offering the charm of colonial interiors with the hum of city life right outside. The chilly air, pine-scented mornings, and warm ginger tea were my welcome gifts.
🌽 What to Explore in Shillong:
- Ward’s Lake: Paddle boating & garden strolls
- Don Bosco Museum: 7 floors of Northeast culture
- Shillong Peak: Panoramic views of the city
- Elephant Falls: Cascading beauty in three tiers
Evening ended with live music at a local cafe, where Khasi melodies blended with the scent of grilled smoked pork and rice beer.
🌊 Day 2: Into the Clouds of Cherrapunji (Sohra)
🌧️ Rain-Kissed Roads and Sacred Caves
The next morning, I headed for Cherrapunji (about 54 km from Shillong). As the car twisted through mossy cliffs and fern-draped slopes, soft drizzle began—like a warm embrace.
💼 Must-Visit Attractions in Cherrapunji:
- Nohkalikai Falls: India’s tallest plunge waterfall
- Mawsmai Caves: Natural limestone formations and echo chambers
- Seven Sisters Falls: Seven silky curtains of water
- Eco Park: Scenic picnic spot overlooking gorges
🍽️ Khasi Culinary Delights
Lunch was a traditional Khasi platter: Jadoh (rice with meat), Dohneiiong (pork with sesame seeds), and Tungrymbai (fermented soybeans).
Later, I walked with a guide through a living root bridge, a marvel built by generations using ancient bio-engineering. I remember pausing mid-bridge, watching raindrops ripple in the stream below, feeling entirely at peace.
🌊 Day 3: Dawki – The Glass River of Meghalaya
🚤 From Mist to Magic
Early morning, we set off for Dawki (around 80 km from Cherrapunji), and what awaited me was sheer magic. As we reached the Umngot River, my breath caught.
The water was so clear, the boat looked like it was floating on air.
⛴️ Dawki River Experience
I boarded a traditional wooden canoe and glided over the emerald stream. The boatman pointed out pebbles at the riverbed, visible 15 feet below. The reflection of the hills, the fluttering prayer flags, and the absolute silence created an unforgettable moment.
Nearby, I explored the Indo-Bangladesh border at Tamabil, where you can wave at smiling faces across countries.
🛆 Where to Stay
- Shillong: Pinewood Hotel, Tripura Castle
- Cherrapunji: Polo Orchid Resort, Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort
- Dawki: Camping on riverside tents or homestays in Shnongpdeng
Sonakshi Travels had carefully selected each property for comfort, views, and authentic experiences.
🍽️ Local Flavors & Food Recommendations
- Smoked pork with bamboo shoot
- Fish steamed in banana leaves
- Jadoh rice and spicy chili chutneys
- Rice beer made locally
Every meal felt like a story from the land—told through flavors, shared over laughter.
🌧️ Weather & What to Carry
⛅ Best Time to Visit:
- October to April: Cool, pleasant, and relatively dry
- Monsoon (May to September) is lush and beautiful but slippery
🛆 Essentials:
- Quick-dry clothes and a good raincoat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Torchlight and mosquito repellent
- A camera (you’ll regret not bringing one!)
🌄 Travel Tips
- Shillong to Cherrapunji: 2.5 hours by road
- Cherrapunji to Dawki: 3 hours scenic drive
- Always check weather forecasts for road safety
- Hire a local guide to explore root bridges and offbeat caves
🎉 Events & Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
💖 Wangala Festival (October-November)
A Garo tribal celebration of harvest with 100 drum beats and dances.
🌿 Cherry Blossom Festival (November)
Streets of Shillong bloom in soft pink, accompanied by live music, food stalls, and cultural events.
🙏 Emotional Takeaway
This wasn’t just about sightseeing. It was about feeling small under waterfalls, sharing jokes with villagers, learning Khasi words from kids, and hearing your own heart echo inside a limestone cave.
The Shillong – Cherrapunji – Dawki Crystal River Tour is a pilgrimage to nature’s most poetic expressions. I returned lighter, calmer, and full of stories waiting to be retold.
✨ Plan Your Escape with Sonakshi Travels ✨
Whether you’re a nature lover, a honeymooner, or a seeker of slow travel, let Sonakshi Travels curate your perfect North East escape. From cozy stays to local insights and safe transfers, everything is handled with heart.
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