Meghalaya has been on your bucket list for a long time, and this season, you are planning to cross it off and move it to your “places I have covered” list, right? If we guessed correctly, then this blog is written just for you! Nestled in the northeastern part of India, Meghalaya is a destination that enchants all travelers with its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and unique experiences. Aptly named the “Abode of Clouds,” this northeastern gem is renowned for its rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and lush green destinations that seem straight out of a fairytale. Meghalaya shares its borders with the states of Assam and Bangladesh, making it a strategic gateway to the northeastern region of India. Its central location, coupled with its diverse attractions, has made it a popular destination for all kinds of tourists. One of the primary draws of Meghalaya is its stunning natural scenery. From the living root bridges of Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth, to the breathtaking Nohkalikai Falls, the state offers a variety of places to explore. Reaching Meghalaya can be accomplished through various modes of transportation. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Meghalaya.
Get your backpacks ready because we are teleporting you straight to one of the dream destinations in India, the haven for backpackers – Mighty Meghalaya.
How to Reach Meghalaya by Air
Meghalaya is well-connected by air with the rest of the country. The nearest airport to Meghalaya is the Shillong Airport, also known as the Umroi Airport, located about 35 km from Shillong, the capital city. This is Meghalaya’s only airport. However, it has limited connectivity, primarily operated by Air India, making it less accessible from major cities in India. Gopinath Bordoloi Airport is situated in Guwahati, Assam, approximately 128 km from Shillong, and is the nearest major airport. It offers more frequent flights from various cities across India. From Guwahati, travelers can hire taxis or take shared cabs to reach Shillong, which takes about three hours.
These airports operate direct flights from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. From Delhi, you can take a direct flight to Shillong, which takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Several airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, operate daily flights on this route. For travelers from Mumbai, the most convenient option is to take a flight to Guwahati, which is well-connected to Shillong. The flight duration from Mumbai to Guwahati is around 3 hours and 30 minutes. From Guwahati, you can either take a domestic flight to Shillong (approximately 30 minutes) or travel by road, which takes around 3 hours. For those coming from other major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, or Hyderabad, the most convenient option is to take a flight to Guwahati and then connect to Shillong by air or road.
It’s important to note that the flight schedules and availability may vary depending on the season and demand. It’s advisable to book your tickets well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to get the best deals and ensure availability.
READ MORE: Meghalaya Travel Guide
How to Reach Meghalaya by Train
Meghalaya is well-connected to the rest of India by rail. The state has two major railheads: Guwahati and Lumding. Guwahati is the largest railhead and serves as the gateway to the northeastern states, including Meghalaya. From Delhi, you can take direct trains like the Brahmaputra Mail or the Northeast Express to Guwahati. The journey takes approximately 36-40 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal and then board a connecting train to Guwahati. From Mumbai, the most convenient option is to take a train to Howrah Junction in Kolkata and then board a train to Guwahati. The journey can take around 48-52 hours. Direct trains like the LTT Guwahati Express are also available, but they may have fewer stoppages. From Kolkata, there are multiple daily trains to Guwahati, such as the Kanchanjunga Express, Saraighat Express, and Kamrup Express. The travel time is approximately 12-14 hours.
From Bangalore, you can take a train to Howrah Junction or New Jalpaiguri and then change for a connecting train to Guwahati. Alternatively, you can take a train to Guwahati via Chennai or Secunderabad, but the journey will be longer. From Chennai, the most convenient option is to take a train to Howrah Junction or New Jalpaiguri and then board a connecting train to Guwahati. Direct trains like the Chennai Mail are also available, but they may have fewer stoppages.
It’s advisable to book your train tickets well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and secure confirmed reservations.
How to Reach Meghalaya by Road
Meghalaya is well-connected to the rest of India by a network of highways and roads, making it easily accessible by road. Here are some of the major driving routes to reach Meghalaya:
From Guwahati, Assam:
Guwahati is the nearest major city to Meghalaya, located approximately 100 km away. The drive from Guwahati to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, takes around 3-4 hours via the NH-40 and NH-6. This route passes through scenic landscapes and offers beautiful views of the Khasi Hills.
From Kolkata, West Bengal:
The distance between Kolkata and Shillong is approximately 620 km, and the journey can be completed in 10-12 hours. The route involves taking NH-16 and NH-6 through the states of West Bengal and Assam. This route offers a chance to experience the diverse landscapes of eastern India. Regardless of the route you choose, it’s advisable to plan your journey in advance, taking into account factors such as weather conditions, road closures, and traffic. Additionally, it’s recommended to carry necessary supplies and take breaks at regular intervals to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Suggested Read: Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya
From Delhi to Meghalaya
The nearest airport to Meghalaya from Delhi is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam. You can take a direct flight from Delhi to Guwahati, which takes around 2.5 hours. From Guwahati, you can hire a cab or take a shared taxi to reach your destination in Meghalaya. The popular hill stations like Shillong and Cherrapunji are around 100-125 km away from Guwahati airport.
From Mumbai to Meghalaya
Mumbai is well-connected to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, by air. Direct flights from Mumbai to Shillong are available, and the travel time is approximately 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Guwahati, which is the nearest major airport to Meghalaya, and then travel to Shillong by road, which takes around 3-4 hours.
Extended Read: Reasons to Visit Meghalaya
From Kolkata to Meghalaya
The closest airport to Meghalaya from Kolkata is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam. Several airlines operate direct flights from Kolkata to Guwahati, which takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your destination in Meghalaya, which is around 2-4 hours away, depending on your final destination.
From Bangalore to Meghalaya
There are no direct flights from Bangalore to Meghalaya. The nearest airport is in Guwahati, Assam, which is around 340 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. You can take a flight from Bangalore to Guwahati and then hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Shillong or other destinations in Meghalaya.
From Chennai to Meghalaya
The nearest airport to Meghalaya from Chennai is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam. You can take a direct flight from Chennai to Guwahati, which takes around 3 hours 30 minutes. From Guwahati, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach your destination in Meghalaya, which is approximately 2-4 hours away, depending on your final destination.
Read More: Frequently Asked Questions About Meghalaya
Tips for Traveling to Meghalaya
Meghalaya is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is between September and May when the weather is pleasant and dry. The monsoon season from June to September can bring heavy rainfall, making some areas inaccessible. When packing for your trip, ensure you have comfortable walking shoes, lightweight and breathable clothing, a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, and rain gear during the monsoon months. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
Carry essential travel documents, including a valid photo ID, a printout of your travel itinerary, and hotel reservations. If you plan to visit any restricted areas or tribal regions, obtain the necessary permits in advance. It’s also advisable to carry a basic medical kit with essential medications, insect repellent, and water purification tablets or a portable water filter. Meghalaya is known for its natural beauty, so bring a camera or a fully charged smartphone to capture the stunning landscapes. Finally, respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of your actions to ensure a responsible and enjoyable travel experience in Meghalaya. Whether traveling by air, train, or road, reaching Meghalaya can be a straightforward process with the right planning. The journey itself offers beautiful scenery, making it an integral part of the travel experience. With its unique culture and breathtaking landscapes, Meghalaya is well worth the effort to reach.
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