An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar
Cherry Blossoms of Shillong || Working remotely in Shillong Meghalaya
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TRAVEL TO MEGHALAYA QUERIES WHATSAPP TO +91 8132011037
I visited Meghalaya during covid-19 amidst strict restrictions and protocols to follow including requesting e-invite. Covid is now well behind us but no harm in reviewing the present situation.
1) Download Meghalaya Tourism App (available on GOOGLE PLAY STORE/ APPLESTORE) OR follow this link- https://app.meghalayatourism.in/tourist/#/sign_in
2) Register and generate an E-Invite for the proposed itinerary. If you are traveling in a group, One E-Invite will suffice as group.
What docs is required for Meghalaya E-Invite?
A valid Photo ID card needs to be uploaded for each member traveling
Declaration of the complete itinerary
Incase, you are staying as a guest of any family or friend in Meghalaya, the full address and contact details of your host/ hostess.
Guwahati to Shillong, Meghalaya road trip
Is Ola available in Shillong?
NO, Ola & Uber are not available anywhere in Meghalaya. Meghalaya state buses are not operational either.
During normal days Share cabs are available apprx Rs.600-1000/. They leave from Shillong airport and Police bazar, Moreover, ideally you need to book the cab prior to your arrival at Umroi Airport. Because, getting cab is highly difficult on arrival.
How many schools and colleges are there in Shillong Meghalaya?
Being an educational hub Shillong hosts premium institutes and colleges of excellence like :
National Institute of Fashion Technology [NIFT]
Indian Institute of Management [IIM]
National Institute of Technology [NIT]
North East Hill University- NEHU
William Carey University Meghalaya
Martin Luther Christian University
LONG-TERM STAY OPTIONS IN SHILLONG
There are thus many hostels that cater to students from all across India. Do look up in facebook groups, although many are not listed. They may sometimes allow solo travelers stay for some months. I was able to secure a place in Shillong for couple of months owing to the pandemic. Incase you are a solo female looking for stay in Shillong, do contact me or comment below.
Local tourism in Meghalaya?
Being is a Christian majority state, the months of Dec- Jan ie. during Christmas and New Year- Is a time of leisure and enjoyment. This is more of a tradition- On weekends you can find the streets crowded and pulsating with excitement as bus and car loads of families travel together to some interesting place, and where they spend a day or two picnicking. My kind hosts (at the hostel) invited me for a picnic day out at Langkawet Resort.
Langawet Resort- Pynursla,Meghalaya
Is located in a village with amazing views; a detour from the Dawki road and 4 km before Pynursla market. There are small lakes that add to the beauty of the place. An overnight stay is quite expensive, and locals prefer to pitch in and cook out in the beautiful open surroundings.
We had carried all the basic foodstuff required to cook a grand meal. Starting off with snacks are red tea, followed by an elaborate delicious meal of pork barbecue, jadoh, salads and gravy. Do watch the video.
How did Meghalaya become Christian?
It is interesting to learn how Christianity came to Meghalaya. Originally the Khasis were nature worshippers- and many from the Jaintia tribe still practice their age-old rituals. They explained how the Welsh missionaries who came here around 1830 established Christianity, and began the Presbyterian church here. Meghalaya is thus one of the 3 Christian majority states in India, the other 2 being Mizoram and Nagaland.
Is Meghalaya safe for domestic travellers?
NOT totally- As it is with most Northeastern states, Meghalaya too has a deep-seated identity crisis. Presently, they are fighting for ILP, meaning they want Inner line permit status, just like Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. Their logic being 'to stop Bangladeshis and illegal immigrants, preserve their culture, ethnicity etc'.
As a traveler, I have never understood why people (not just here, but most places in the world) why can't they just let it be, go with the flow and explore the whole world instead, savor one place at a time. Anyway, that's just my thoughts.
A poster in Shillong says 'No ILP, No rest
The Khasi student union is spearheading this demand, and incidents of brutal and violent attacks against non-tribals from other states of India who live and work in Shillong are common.
Even as an Indian tourist, sometimes I have sensed hostility, and a chill down my spine during my sightseeing trips. Indian army and CRPF presence is there in all sensitive areas.
banner somewhere in Meghalaya that states we are 'Indians by force'
But all's well that end well, and I had a successful 3 months staycation with an amazing family who cooked good food and made my stay absolutely memorable.
Is Meghalaya safe for solo female travelers?
The Northeast is where you can let your guard down. No Khasi guy will even as much as stare, gape, judge and prod you with crazy questions.
STANDARD OF LIVING
Police bazar is the main city center and popular for thrift shopping, whereas the market area will meet your basic necessities. Commuting is easy with share cabs easily available.
The level of mental conditioning; hostility towards people from outside the state is downright appalling. I'm saying this because a few times even cab drivers have asked me 'where I'm from' I mean this isn't the typical 'where are you from'. While traveling to other areas in Meghalaya too, I've found suddenly some guy approach me and ask the same question- 'Where are you from? and what are you doing here?'
CLIMATE
Shillong is really cold in winters, and temperatures drop to 3-4 deg in Dec-Jan. Even in summers temperatures hardly go above 20 deg.
WHAT TO DO IN SHILLONG?
Shillong is a sought after tourist destination in the Northeast. There are places to see and things to do, both within Shillong and other places in Meghalaya; like Cherrapunji and Dawki.
A 10 day Meghalaya tour is do-able & can be split into:
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