Meghalaya, the land of seven sisters in the northeastern region of India, is famous for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant traditions. From the ethereal hills and valleys to the unique living root bridges, Meghalaya is a hidden gem that attracts nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those looking for a peaceful getaway. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful state, it's very important to know how to reach Meghalaya, considering its location, transportation options, and the best routes for a hassle-free journey.

1. Understanding the Location of Meghalaya

Meghalaya is surrounded by Assam in the north and Bangladesh on the south. Shillong, capital of Meghalaya, is popularly called the "Scotland of the East." The city boasts scenic views and a cool climate. The state has attracted much attention due to rich wildlife, lush green forests, and charming hill stations, which attract many tourists.

2. Through Air: The Quickest Means to Reach Meghalaya

Flying is the fastest way to reach Meghalaya. Meghalaya has one big state airport that is called Shillong Airport, also known as Umroi Airport (IATA: SHL). The airport is located 30 kilometers from the city of Shillong. However, the airport is small and has only limited connectivity. The daily flights take off from Guwahati, Assam, the largest city in Assam.

How to proceed with flying to Shillong

Step 1: Fly to Guwahati International Airport (GAU). It is the major hub for northeastern India and has better connectivity with cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

Step 2: Take a connecting flight from Guwahati to Shillong's Umroi Airport. This will take approximately 1 hour.

Flights to Shillong are limited. Many people fly to Guwahati and then travel to Shillong by road.

3. By Train: A Scenic Rail Journey

Meghalaya doesn't have a railway station in the state, but it is highly connected with rail connectivity to cities close by, Guwahati, and Assam. The nearest major railway station is in Guwahati, some 100 kilometers from Shillong. Guwahati Railway Station (Guwahati Junction) is a major railway hub, and one can find frequent train services going in both directions from various parts of the country.

Steps for traveling by train:

Step 1: Book a train from your nearest railway station to Guwahati Railway Station. You can choose from a range of trains, including express and superfast options, which offer comfortable travel.

Step 2: Once you reach Guwahati, you can take a taxi or private car to Shillong, which is approximately a 3-hour drive away.

The train journey is very beautiful, and one can enjoy it a lot more for scenery lovers. From Assam tea gardens, hills, and rivers, the entire view is quite picturesque.

4. By Road: It's a scenic journey.

The best way to view Meghalaya is by driving. The highways connecting the neighboring states, mainly Assam, are very fine, and traveling through them can be one of the most beautiful trips in India. You can also travel to Meghalaya from cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, and other parts of Assam.

From Guwahati to Shillong:

Distances: The distances between Guwahati and Shillong are about 100 kilometers.

Travel Time: The road journey from Guwahati to Shillong is around 3-4 hours.

Route: The most frequently used route is NH 6, which takes you through the lush green forests and rolling hills. It is indeed a memorable experience.

There are several options to travel by road:

Private Car/Taxi: You may hire a taxi or rent a private car from Guwahati. You may also book your taxi from the airport or from the railway station.

State Transport Buses: Meghalaya State Transport runs its buses regularly on the route from Guwahati to Shillong. The buses are cheap, though they take some more time.

Tourist Cabs: If you want more flexibility, you can hire a tourist cab that will take you from Guwahati to Shillong. Many travel agencies offer package deals for tourists.

From Kolkata to Shillong:

Distance: The distance between Kolkata and Shillong is about 1,400 kilometers.

Travel Time: The drive from Kolkata to Shillong takes about 24 hours, and you can travel by private car or bus.

Route: The most common route driving from Kolkata typically crosses the border of West Bengal-Bangladesh and enters Assam then Meghalaya. You can even take a train from Kolkata up to Guwahati. From there onwards, you could take a bus.

5. By Bus: A Budget Friend

For any budget-conscious person, buses make an excellent medium of transportation in reaching Meghalaya. One can take an easily available direct bus from Guwahati to Shillong.

State-run Buses: Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) runs buses from Guwahati to Shillong. The journey is smooth and comfortable. Travel time may vary, but normally it takes about 3-4 hours.

Private Bus Services: Besides the state-run buses, private travel companies also operate buses between Guwahati and Shillong. These buses may be more comfortable and flexible than public buses. They also operate on fixed schedules and are a good option for tourists.

6. Best Time to Visit Meghalaya

Although Meghalaya is alluring throughout the year, visitors should ideally spend time here in the months October to April with pleasant weather while the scenic beauties are at their best. Even though June through September marks its monsoon phase, heavy raining may pose challenging conditions for people to travel because rainfall often causes frequent landslips and road traffic blockades up in the mountains. Hence, going there during wet seasons is unadvisable.

7. Important Tips for Travelers

Carry sufficiently warm clothing, especially during the winter months when temperatures can drop significantly, particularly at higher altitudes.

Check weather conditions before your trip, as the region is prone to sudden changes in weather.

Book transport and accommodation in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.

Travel in a guided tour if you want to visit the parts of the state which are more inaccessible due to challenging terrain conditions, especially for novice travelers.

Conclusion

Reaching Meghalaya is not a hassle at all; you can use air, rail, road, and bus services. The state is close to Assam, so it is very easy for tourists coming from other parts of India, especially as Guwahati is one of the main transit points. Whether you are flying or going by road, Meghalaya promises an unforgettable journey.