Tucked in the heart of Northeast India, Meghalaya, the โ€œAbode of Cloudsโ€, is a dream destination for photography lovers. From mist-covered hills to crystal-clear rivers, living root bridges to vibrant tribal culture โ€” every frame in Meghalaya tells a story. ๐ŸŽž๏ธ๐ŸŒฟ

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer, content creator, or Instagram enthusiast, this guide will walk you through the most photogenic places in Meghalaya and what makes them so magical. ๐Ÿงณ๐Ÿ“ท

๐ŸŒ 1. Shillong โ€“ Urban Vibes with Highland Charm

Best Shots: Umiam Lake, Shillong Peak, Wardโ€™s Lake

  • Capture panoramic views of the capital city from Shillong Peak โ›ฐ๏ธ

  • Umiam Lake at sunrise or sunset reflects mesmerizing colors ๐ŸŒ…

  • Walk around Wardโ€™s Lake for nature and portrait shots ๐ŸŒธ

๐ŸŒฟ 2. Cherrapunji โ€“ Natureโ€™s Watercolor

Best Shots: Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Root Bridges

  • Witness the grandeur of Nohkalikai Falls โ€“ Indiaโ€™s tallest plunge waterfall ๐Ÿ’ง

  • Frame the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge ๐ŸŒ‰

  • Misty trails and lush greenery make perfect wide-angle compositions ๐ŸŒซ๏ธ

๐Ÿ’Ž 3. Dawki โ€“ Glass-Bottom Beauty

Best Shots: Umngot River, boat rides, reflections

  • Capture the crystal-clear Umngot River where boats seem to float on air ๐Ÿšฃ

  • Aerial and drone photography here is simply surreal ๐Ÿ“ธโœจ

  • Mirror-like reflections and color play during golden hour are stunning ๐ŸŽจ

๐Ÿž๏ธ 4. Laitlum Canyons โ€“ Dramatic Landscapes

Best Shots: Fog-draped cliffs, sunset silhouettes, vast canyons

  • Known as the Grand Canyon of Meghalaya, this spot is made for landscape shots ๐ŸŒ„

  • Perfect for cinematic drone footage and moody portraits ๐Ÿ“ฝ๏ธ

  • The ever-changing weather creates dramatic contrasts ๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ

๐ŸŒŠ 5. Krang Suri Waterfalls โ€“ A Tropical Fantasy

Best Shots: Turquoise waters, natural pools, waterfall backdrops

  • The magical blue-green waters of Krang Suri look straight out of a fairytale ๐Ÿงšโ€โ™€๏ธ

  • Ideal for long exposure waterfall photography ๐ŸŒŠ

  • Carry filters and a tripod for those silky water shots ๐ŸŽฅ

  • ๐Ÿ•ฏ๏ธ 6. Mawsmai Caves โ€“ Underground Adventures

    Best Shots: Rock textures, beams of light, eerie silhouettes

    • Explore Meghalayaโ€™s limestone caves with natural light filtering through openings ๐Ÿ”ฆ

    • Great for experimental photography using shadows and depth ๐ŸŽญ

    • Donโ€™t forget a good flashlight and wide lens! ๐Ÿ’ก๐Ÿ“ท

๐ŸŒฒ Top things to do in Meghalaya

๐ŸŒฟ Walk to the Living Root Bridge (Riwai)
Just a 10โ€“15 minute walk from the village lies one of Meghalayaโ€™s famous natural wonders. These bridges are made from the aerial roots of rubber trees and can last over 100 years โ€” a testament to ancient eco-engineering.

๐Ÿ”ญ Climb the Bamboo Sky View Tower
Built entirely from bamboo, this 85-foot structure offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding forests and even Bangladeshโ€™s plains on a clear day. Perfect for sunrise or sunset photography!

๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ Explore the Village on Foot
Stroll through neat stone pathways, admire traditional Khasi stilt houses made of bamboo and wood, and chat with friendly locals who will happily share stories about village life.

๐Ÿ› Taste Authentic Khasi Cuisine
Donโ€™t miss trying Jadoh (rice cooked with pork or chicken), doh-nei-iong (meat in black sesame sauce), bamboo shoot dishes, and fresh garden produce โ€” all served with warm Khasi hospitality.

  • ๐ŸŒง๏ธ Visit During Monsoonย 
    The rains turn the village into a lush, green paradise. While it can be wet and slippery, the misty trails and blooming flora make for an enchanting experience โ€” just pack good shoes and a raincoat!

๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ How to Reach Meghalaya

  • โœˆ๏ธ By Air

    โžก๏ธ The nearest airport to Meghalaya is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam โ€“ approximately 120 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.

    โœ… Direct Flights Available From:

    • ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Delhi
    • ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Mumbai
    • ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Kolkata
    • ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Bengaluru
    • ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Chennai

    ๐Ÿš– From Guwahati Airport to Shillong:

    • Private Taxi: โ‚น2,500 โ€“ โ‚น3,500 (approx. 3โ€“4 hours) ๐Ÿš•
    • Shared Taxi: โ‚น500 โ€“ โ‚น700 per person ๐Ÿš
    • State Transport Bus: โ‚น150 โ€“ โ‚น300 per person ๐ŸšŒ

    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Tip: Prepaid taxis are available at the airport โ€“ safest and most comfortable option!


    ๐Ÿš† By Train

    โžก๏ธ Meghalaya does not have a railway station. The nearest major railhead is Guwahati Railway Station (GHY), about 100 km from Shillong.

    โœ… Trains to Guwahati Available From:

    • ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Delhi (Rajdhani Express)
    • ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Kolkata (Saraighat Express)
    • ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Mumbai (LTT Guwahati Express)
    • ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Chennai (Dibrugarh Express)
    • ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Bengaluru (Guwahati Express)

    ๐Ÿš– From Guwahati Station to Shillong:

    • Private Taxi: โ‚น2,000 โ€“ โ‚น3,000 (approx. 3 hours) ๐Ÿš–
    • Shared Taxi: โ‚น400 โ€“ โ‚น600 per person ๐Ÿš
    • State Bus: โ‚น150 โ€“ โ‚น300 ๐ŸšŒ

    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Tip: Taxis and shared cabs are easily available outside the station.


    ๐ŸšŒ By Road

    โžก๏ธ Meghalaya is well-connected to Assam and neighboring northeastern states by road. The roads are scenic, with lush green hills and misty valleys. ๐ŸŒฟ

    โœ… Road Routes to Meghalaya:

    • From Guwahati to Shillong: 100 km (3 hours) via NH6 ๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ
    • From Kaziranga to Shillong: 260 km (6 hours) via NH27 ๐ŸŒ„
    • From Siliguri to Shillong: 560 km (12 hours) via NH27 ๐Ÿš—

    ๐Ÿš Options:

    • State Transport Buses: Affordable but slow
    • Private Buses (Volvo, AC): Comfortable and faster
    • Shared Cabs: Convenient for small groups

    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Tip: Take a window seat โ€“ the views along the road are breathtaking! ๐ŸŒฒ


    ๐Ÿš™ Self-Drive

    • โœ… Well-maintained roads โ€“ but expect sharp bends and hilly terrain
    • โœ… Fuel stations available along the route
    • โœ… Rent a car from Guwahati if you prefer driving yourself

    ๐Ÿ‘‰ Tip: Start early to avoid foggy weather, especially in the mornings. ๐ŸŒซ๏ธ

Where to Stay in Meghalaya

Meghalaya offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly lodges. Some popular options include:

Luxury

  • Polo Orchid Resort
  • Abode of Clouds Resort

Eco-luxury

  • Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort

Mid-range

  • Serene Homestay

Budget-friendly

  • Odyssey Stays Nongriat

Final Thoughts

๐Ÿงญ Final Frame: Why Meghalaya Is a Visual Treat

From breathtaking waterfalls to cloud-kissed canyons and indigenous culture, Meghalaya is a goldmine for travel photography. Every turn offers a new scene waiting to be captured. Whether youโ€™re shooting for a blog, a reel, or your portfolio โ€” Meghalaya delivers both beauty and emotion in every frame. ๐ŸŽž๏ธ๐Ÿ’š

Plan Your Meghalaya Trip with Us! ๐Ÿ“ž๐Ÿ›ถ

For bookings and inquiries, contact us:
๐Ÿ“ฒ Call/WhatsApp: +91 7044073097 / 9435733097
๐Ÿ“ง Email: enquiry@holidayeyes.co.in
๐ŸŒ Website: www.holidayeyes.co.in

Letโ€™s make your Meghalaya adventure unforgettable! ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿฆ๐Ÿš™