Adventures in Meghalaya You Can Do Under 5000 Rupee
Hey folks, I’m Syed Zarif — your friendly neighborhood thrill-chaser! After hopping across India’s wilder corners for years, Meghalaya stole my heart and ran away with it (without even asking for a ransom). And the best part? You don’t need a fat wallet to explore it. Just ₹5000, a backpack, and a decent pair of lungs (there are lots of stairs, trust me) are enough for an adventure-packed trip.
Let’s dive into my most fun, scenic, and surprisingly cheap experiences in Meghalaya!
1. Trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Location: Nongriat Village, near Cherrapunji
Cost Range: ₹500 – ₹1000
This is not a casual stroll. It’s a descent into a valley with over 3000 steps, surrounded by thick forest and the constant sound of rushing water. At the bottom, you reach Nongriat — a quiet village home to the legendary Double Decker Root Bridge, built over generations by interweaving the roots of living rubber trees.
I still remember the first time I touched those roots — wet, knotted, yet sturdy. It’s not just a bridge, it’s a living thing.
What You Spend:
- Shillong to Cherrapunji (shared sumo): ₹300
- Cherrapunji to Tyrna village (shared/local): ₹200
- Entry fee: ₹30
- Local guide (optional but recommended): ₹500
- Homestay: ₹500 – ₹600
- Meals and snacks: ₹200
Tip: Don’t miss Rainbow Falls, a 1.5-hour trek further in. Totally worth the effort.
2. Crystal-Clear Boating in Dawki River
Location: Dawki, West Jaintia Hills
Cost Range: ₹800 – ₹1500
I’ve been to lakes, streams, and oceans, but Dawki was different. The Umngot River is so clear you can see the pebbles below your boat. You can even spot your reflection, and it doesn’t feel real.
What You Spend:
- Shillong to Dawki (shared): ₹300 – ₹400
- Boating (30 min): ₹800 per boat (split between 4-5)
- Life jacket: ₹50
- Food and tea: ₹200
Tip: Go early morning for the clearest view.
3. Camp by the Umngot River in Shnongpdeng
Location: Shnongpdeng, near Dawki
Cost Range: ₹1000 – ₹2000
If you love riverside silence and starry skies, this is your place. I pitched my tent just 10 feet from the river. At night, the stars mirrored on the water and the only sound was the ripple of the current.
What You Spend:
- Tent rent: ₹800 – ₹1200
- Dinner and breakfast: ₹200 – ₹400
- Bonfire (optional): ₹200 for a group
Tip: Bring a power bank and warm clothes — it gets chilly even in summer.
Useful Link: Shnongpdeng Camping Providers
4. Caving in Mawsmai and Arwah
Location: Cherrapunji
Cost Range: ₹100 – ₹300
I love caves. There’s something about the damp, echoing silence that makes you feel both small and alive. Mawsmai is tourist-friendly and lit, while Arwah is bigger and darker — ideal if you want to crawl and explore. I did both.
What You Spend:
- Entry: Mawsmai (₹50), Arwah (₹20)
- Local transport: ₹200
- Optional guide for Arwah: ₹300
Tip: Don’t go to Arwah alone if you’re not used to dark, tight spaces.
5. Watch the Sunrise at Laitlum Canyon
Location: Near Shillong
Cost Range: ₹200 – ₹500
This was probably my favorite view in Meghalaya. It felt like the end of the world. The wind was cold, the mist rolled like waves, and I could see small villages far below.
What You Spend:
- Shillong to Laitlum (shared cab): ₹200
- Snacks: ₹100
Tip: Avoid going during mid-day. Sunrise or sunset is magical.
6. Waterfall Hopping in Cherrapunji
Location: Around Sohra (Cherrapunji)
Cost Range: ₹500 – ₹1000
I visited three waterfalls in one day: Nohkalikai, Wei Sawdong, and Dainthlen. Each had a different vibe. Wei Sawdong was the hardest to reach but the most beautiful.
What You Spend:
- Shared cab/bike rental: ₹500
- Entry fees: ₹100
- Food and chai: ₹200
Tip: Use offline maps and wear waterproof shoes.
7. Visit Mawlynnong Village and Bamboo Skywalk
Location: East Khasi Hills
Cost Range: ₹300 – ₹700
They call it the cleanest village in Asia — and rightly so. Bamboo bins, swept paths, and smiles everywhere. The bamboo skywalk is a rickety but thrilling climb with a great view of Bangladesh on clear days.
What You Spend:
- Shillong to Mawlynnong: ₹300
- Skywalk fee: ₹50
- Food: ₹200
Tip: Try the local Khasi food at a roadside shack. Affordable and delicious.
2-Day Budget Itinerary (From Shillong)
| Activity | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Shillong to Cherrapunji (shared) | ₹300 |
| Double Decker Trek + Homestay | ₹800 |
| Caving + Local transport | ₹300 |
| Cherrapunji to Dawki (shared ride) | ₹400 |
| Boating in Dawki | ₹800 |
| Camping in Shnongpdeng + Meals | ₹1200 |
| Snacks, Entry Fees, and Miscellaneous | ₹500 |
| Total | ₹4900 |
Look, I’ve done fancy hotels, all-inclusive trips, and those “sit-by-the-pool” holidays. But nothing beats the fun and freedom of a trip like this. Meghalaya gives you waterfalls, caves, clean villages, floating boats — all for less than a fancy dinner in Mumbai.
So go pack your bags, charge your phone, and don’t forget to leave room for snacks. If you’ve got ₹5000, Meghalaya’s ready to roll out the green carpet.
Got questions? DM me or drop a comment on Boundless Room — I’ll help you plan every step (even the 3000 ones down to Nongriat).
