Getting There on a Budget
Your journey into Meghalaya will likely start from Guwahati, Assam, which has the nearest major airport and railway station. From Guwahati, the most budget-friendly way to reach Shillong, Meghalaya's capital, is by shared Sumo or taxi. These are readily
available from the areas around the airport and railway station. A seat in a shared taxi can cost around ₹500. Opting for a shared vehicle over a private cab immediately cuts down your biggest expense. The four-hour drive itself is a scenic introduction to the rolling hills you're about to explore. Once in Shillong, this city will serve as your base for further explorations into the state.
Affordable Stays in the Clouds
Meghalaya offers a wealth of budget accommodation, from backpacker hostels in Shillong to rustic homestays in smaller villages. In Shillong, areas like Police Bazar and Laitumkhrah are hubs for travellers, with hostels and guesthouses available. Prices for a dorm bed can be as low as a few hundred rupees per night. As you move towards Cherrapunji (Sohra), the gateway to the root bridges, homestays become the norm. In villages like Nongriat, where the famous Double Decker bridge is located, homestays provide an authentic Khasi experience for as little as ₹500-900 a night. These stays are simple, clean, and often include home-cooked meals, offering both value and a cultural immersion.
The Trek to the Living Root Bridges
The main event for many is the trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village. To get there from Cherrapunji, you first need to take a local taxi to Tyrna village, which is the starting point of the trek. From Tyrna, it's a descent of about 3,500 steps down into the valley to reach Nongriat. The trek is challenging but immensely rewarding, taking you across suspension bridges and past smaller, single-decker root bridges. Staying overnight in a Nongriat homestay is highly recommended. It allows you to rest your legs and see the bridges in the quiet morning or evening hours, free from the day-tripping crowds. From Nongriat, you can also hike further to the stunning Rainbow Falls, which features a beautiful turquoise pool.
A Sample 5-Day Budget Itinerary
To make the most of your trip, a well-paced itinerary is key. On Day 1, arrive in Shillong from Guwahati and settle in. Spend Day 2 exploring Shillong's local sights like Umiam Lake and the bustling markets. On Day 3, travel to Cherrapunji via shared taxi, stopping at viewpoints along the way, and then make your way to Tyrna to begin the trek to Nongriat. Spend the night in Nongriat. Use Day 4 to explore the Double Decker bridge and hike to Rainbow Falls before trekking back up to Tyrna and returning to Cherrapunji or Shillong. On Day 5, you can explore more of Cherrapunji's waterfalls and caves, like Mawsmai Cave and Nohkalikai Falls, before heading back.
Eating Well on a Shoestring
Food in Meghalaya is both delicious and incredibly affordable, especially if you stick to local eateries. In Shillong, you can find Jadoh stalls, which serve traditional Khasi food, often a flavourful rice and meat dish. Police Bazar has numerous budget-friendly restaurants and street food vendors where you can have a hearty meal for a couple of hundred rupees. Look for small local dhabas and restaurants serving thalis or combo meals. When staying in homestays, opting for their home-cooked food is often the cheapest and most convenient option. It’s a great way to sample authentic local cuisine made with fresh ingredients.
Essential Money-Saving Tips
To keep your trip within budget, always opt for shared transport like Sumos or local buses between towns; they are a fraction of the cost of private taxis. Travel during the shoulder seasons, like March-April or September-October, to avoid peak season prices. Always carry enough cash, as ATMs can be scarce in remote villages, and digital payments are not always accepted outside of Shillong. Booking your stays a bit in advance, especially during popular times, can also help secure better rates. Finally, traveling with a friend or in a small group can help split accommodation and local taxi costs, making the trip even more economical.
