Meghalaya and Assam at a glance
Meghalaya packs waterfalls, caves, living root bridges and crystal-clear rivers into a few days' drive from Guwahati. Many families add Kaziranga National Park in Assam for a rhino safari, and Guwahati's Kamakhya temple on the way home.
Best time to visit
- October–November: waterfalls are still full and skies clear.
- November–February: the driest months — best for treks, caves and river boating.
- March–April: pleasant weather.
- May–September: monsoon — waterfalls at their peak, but water activities are restricted and trails are slippery.
- Kaziranga is best from November to April. It closes to tourists from late May to about late September; elephant safaris usually start in November.
Rules to know (2026)
- Indian citizens need no permit for Meghalaya or Assam.
- Hotels and homestays in Meghalaya register every guest on the state tourism app, so carry photo ID.
- Since July 2025, a registered guide is compulsory on East Khasi Hills treks, including Nongriat (double-decker root bridge), Rainbow Falls and Laitlum.
- Self-drive rental cars and scooters are not allowed in Meghalaya — travel with licensed taxis, as in our packages.
- Kaziranga safaris are booked through the Assam Government's official portal; we book them for you.
Getting there from Kozhikode
- Fly from Calicut or Kochi to Guwahati (GAU), usually via Bengaluru.
- Guwahati to Shillong is about 3 hours by road; Guwahati to Kaziranga about 217 km.
- Shillong's own airport has very few flights, so we plan around Guwahati.
Practical tips
- The Nongriat root-bridge trek has more than 3,000 steps each way — good shoes and a slow pace help.
- In winter the sun sets around 4:30 pm, so long drives are planned for the morning.
Sources
- Meghalaya Tourism — Seasons
- Assam Tourism — Kaziranga
- Assam Sewa Setu — Kaziranga safari booking
- News on AIR — Meghalaya mandatory visitor registration
- Assam Tribune — Guides compulsory for East Khasi Hills treks
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a permit for Meghalaya?
No. Indian citizens need no permit for Meghalaya or Assam. Carry photo ID — hotels register every guest.
When is Kaziranga open for safaris?
Kaziranga closes to tourists from late May to about late September. The best time is November to April; elephant safaris usually start in November.
Is a guide needed for the root bridge trek?
Yes. Since July 2025, a registered guide is compulsory on East Khasi Hills treks, including the Nongriat double-decker root bridge.
How do we reach Meghalaya from Kerala?
Fly from Kochi or Calicut to Guwahati, usually via Bengaluru, then drive about 3 hours to Shillong.