Some trips you plan for ages. Others just happen—quick, unplanned, and somehow unforgettable. Our Shillong trip in April 2022 was exactly that. Nothing fancy, nothing long, just two days, a shared cab from Guwahati, a budget hotel, and a list of places we were dying to see. Funny how sometimes, that’s all you really need.
We soaked in the chaos of Police Bazaar, climbed up to Shillong Peak, stared at the glass-clear water in Dawki, and wandered around the spotless lanes of Mawlynnong. In just two short days, we made memories that still feel fresh.
If you’re thinking of visiting Shillong from Guwahati, here’s how we did it—what it cost us, and how much you can actually see with just two days in hand.
How We Explored Shillong in 2 Days from Guwahati
Starting Out: Guwahati to Shillong
We kicked things off from Guwahati. Getting to Shillong is easy if you grab a shared cab—cheap, quick, and the simplest way to travel.
Some basics:
Fare: ₹500 per person
Travel Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
Pickup: Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati
Drop: Police Bazaar, Shillong
The drive itself set the mood. As the city faded, mountains appeared, the air cooled down, and suddenly, you knew you were really away. That first look at Shillong? It’s always worth it.
Where We Stayed
We picked a simple hotel near Police Bazaar. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was clean, comfortable, and right in the middle of everything—perfect when you’ve just got two days. Plus, you’re close to food stalls, taxis, shops, and the buzz of the city.
Hotel Cost: Around ₹1500 per day
Hiring a Local Cab for Sightseeing in Shillong
Since we had only 2 days and wanted to cover as many places as possible without wasting time, we decided to rent a local cab for sightseeing.
And honestly, that turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip.
Shillong and Meghalaya sightseeing can involve long distances, hilly roads, and multiple stops, so having a dedicated local cab made the journey much more comfortable and convenient.
Our Local Sightseeing Cab Cost
- Day 1 Local Cab Fare: ₹2500 (approx)
- Day 2 Local Cab Fare: ₹3500 (approx)
- After Bargaining: We managed to negotiate a reasonable rate
If you are travelling with family or friends, hiring a local cab is actually quite practical because it saves time and makes the trip smoother.
Tip: Always try to bargain a little before booking the cab, especially if you are hiring it for a full day.
Day 1: Around Shillong City
Day one was all about Shillong’s main spots.
1. Elephant Falls
First stop: Elephant Falls. This place is famous for a reason. You hear the water before you see it, and the cool, green air just feels different. We clicked a bunch of pictures, wandered around, and let ourselves relax. You can’t visit Shillong and skip Elephant Falls, honestly.
2. Shillong Peak
Next up, Shillong Peak. Standing up there, with the entire landscape spread out in front of you and chilly air in your face—it hits you that you’re really in the hills. It’s one of those views that keeps you rooted; you lose track of time with scenes like that.
3. Air Force Museum
We switched gears and checked out the Air Force Museum. Way quieter, but a nice break from the usual sightseeing. The history displays are pretty interesting if you’re into that kind of thing—not a long stop, but a good one.
4. Evening at Police Bazaar
We wandered back to Police Bazaar as the sun set. The place comes alive in the evenings—street food, little shops, and a busy crowd mixed with the chill of the hills. There’s something comforting about just walking through a noisy market, nibbling on snacks, taking everything in. Day one ended with tired feet and happy minds.
Day 2: The Scenic Road Trip
Day two was pure road trip magic—definitely the highlight for us. We started early because there’s a lot to see if you want to make the most of your time.
1. Dawki
Our first big stop was Dawki. Photos don’t do this place justice. The Umngot River is so clear it messes with your mind—the boats seriously look like they’re floating in air. Honestly, just standing by the river was enough. If you go to Meghalaya, do not miss Dawki.
2. Mawlynnong
Next, we got to Mawlynnong—the so-called cleanest village in Asia. It actually lives up to the title. The place is spotless, quiet, green, and full of flowers. People take real pride in keeping it beautiful. Wandering through Mawlynnong makes you slow down and appreciate the simple things.
3. Garden of Caves
This spot is not as famous as the others, but it deserves way more attention. The Garden of Caves is raw and peaceful—less crowded, lots of small waterfalls, and cool rock formations. Walking there just feels… calming.
4. A Cave Near Cherrapunji
We fit in one last adventure—a proper cave visit near Cherrapunji. Meghalaya’s caves are legendary. Exploring one felt like a completely different world from all those waterfalls and heights. It was the final surprise of the trip, and honestly, a perfect way to end the road trip.
Back to Police Bazaar
After hitting all these spots, we dragged ourselves back to Police Bazaar—tired and content. The crowds were quieter that evening. I guess we all knew our trip was wrapping up.
The Way Home
Next morning, we caught a shared cab back to Guwahati. Leaving after a good trip never feels easy. Two days went by fast, but we left with our phones full of photos and our heads full of stories. Shillong gave us peace, fresh air, and that spark you only get from a quick escape.
How Much We Spent
If you’re planning something similar, here’s our rough budget:
Travel
Guwahati to Shillong shared cab: ₹500 per head
Shillong to Guwahati shared cab: ₹500 per head
Sightseeing cab : Around ₹5500
Stay
Hotel: Around ₹2000 for 2 days
Mscll- ₹500
Food and extras? Depends on you, but we kept everything pretty light.
Why We Loved April
April turned out to be a great time—pleasant days, clear views, and not much rain. The weather just made everything easier and prettier.
A Few Travel Tips
What we picked up along the way:
- Start day two early; there’s a lot to fit in.
- Stay near Police Bazaar—it’s super convenient.
- Wear good shoes and carry water/snacks.
- Keep cash on hand, just in case.
- Shared cabs are still the cheapest way around.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, it wasn’t about luxury or careful planning. It was just about packing a bag and going. Shillong gave us what we needed: open skies, fresh mountains, easy laughter, and two days’ worth of stories that haven’t faded yet. Whether you travel for the waterfalls, the perfect mountain view, or just the break from everyday routines—Shillong is worth it. Simple trips really can be the best ones. Ours sure was.
