How to Plan a Meghalaya Tour from Kolkata (Flights, Trains & Cab Itinerary)

Meghalaya from Kolkata — Everything You Need to Know

Kolkata is one of the most common starting points for Meghalaya trips. The two cities are well-connected, and most Kolkata travellers find that a 5–7 day Meghalaya itinerary fits perfectly into a week-long trip. Here's how to plan it from start to finish.

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How to Reach Meghalaya from Kolkata

Option 1 — Fly to Guwahati (Recommended)

Kolkata (CCU) → Guwahati (GAU)

Flight time: ~1 hour

Frequency: Multiple daily flights (IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet)

Fare: ₹2,000–₹5,000 one way (book 3–4 weeks ahead for best rates)

From Guwahati airport, your Meghalaya cab picks you up and drives you to Shillong (~2 hours). This is the fastest and most comfortable option.

Option 2 — Fly to Shillong (Barapani Airport)

Shillong has its own airport (SHL) at Umroi, ~35 km from the city. Currently IndiGo operates limited flights from Kolkata. Check availability — when it runs, this saves the Guwahati–Shillong transit.

Option 3 — Train to Guwahati

Several trains connect Kolkata (Howrah/Sealdah) to Guwahati:

Kamrup Express: — ~17 hours overnight, departs late evening

Saraighat Express: — ~18 hours

Avadh Assam Express: — Longer but connects multiple cities

Book 3A or 2A class for comfort on an overnight journey. From Guwahati station, your cab transfer to Shillong takes ~2.5 hours.

Option 4 — Overnight Bus (Budget)

Several operators (Shyamoli, Baba, Royal) run AC sleeper buses from Kolkata to Guwahati (~18–20 hours) and some directly to Shillong (~22 hours). This is the cheapest option but very long and tiring — not recommended for families or if you want to be fresh for sightseeing.

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Recommended 5-Day Itinerary from Kolkata

This itinerary assumes you take a morning flight from Kolkata and arrive in Guwahati by 10–11 AM.

Day 1 — Arrive Guwahati → Shillong

Land in Guwahati, cab picks you up at airport

Stop at **Umiam Lake (Barapani)** en route (30 min)

Check into Shillong hotel (afternoon)

Evening: **Ward's Lake**, **Police Bazaar** (street food, local shopping)

Day 2 — Shillong City

Shillong Peak: — highest point in Meghalaya, 360° view

Elephant Falls: — three-tiered waterfall

Don Bosco Museum: — the best museum in Northeast India (allow 2 hours)

Laitumkhrah Market: — local food street, try jadoh and pukhlein

Day 3 — Cherrapunji (Sohra)

Leave by 8:00 AM

Nohkalikai Falls: — 340m plunge, India's tallest

Eco Park: — Bangladesh plains view

Mawsmai Cave: — walk-through limestone cave

Seven Sisters Falls: viewpoint

Return to Shillong by evening

Day 4 — Dawki & Mawlynnong

Leave by 7:00 AM

Dawki / Umngot River: — crystal clear water, boat ride

Mawlynnong: — Asia's Cleanest Village + Sky Walk

Return via Shillong to hotel

Day 5 — Shillong → Guwahati → Fly back to Kolkata

Morning free in Shillong (last-minute shopping)

Drive to Guwahati (~2.5 hours)

Optional Guwahati stop: **Kamakhya Temple** (sacred Shakti peeth, spectacular location)

Drop at Guwahati airport for evening flight to Kolkata

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Kolkata to Meghalaya — Cost Overview

| Expense | Approximate Cost (per person for 2 travellers) |

|---|---|

| Return flights (Kolkata–Guwahati) | ₹5,000–₹10,000 |

| 5-day private cab in Meghalaya | Varies by vehicle — contact us for quote |

| Hotels (mid-range, Shillong) | ₹1,500–₹3,000/night |

| Food | ₹500–₹800/day |

| Entry fees / boating | ₹200–₹500 total |

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Tips for Kolkata Travellers

Book flights early: — October to February is peak season, fares can spike 2–3x if booked last-minute

Carry cash: — ATMs in Shillong are fine but Dawki and Mawlynnong have none

October is the best month: — waterfalls are at full strength, weather is clear, post-Pujo timing works perfectly

WhatsApp works in Meghalaya: — Airtel and Jio both have coverage in main tourist areas

Don't skip Mawlynnong: — many Kolkata day-trippers rush Cherrapunji but miss this gem

Book your Meghalaya cab package from Guwahati airport. We'll be waiting when you land.