Traveling solo is not just about seeing new places – it’s about rediscovering yourself. My recent 7-day solo trip to Meghalaya from Delhi turned out to be exactly that – a journey of misty hills, living root bridges, crystal-clear rivers, and quiet moments of self-discovery.
The Beginning of the Journey
Booking a flight from Delhi to Guwahati was simple. Guwahati is the nearest major airport to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. The moment I landed and started my road trip to Shillong, the chaos of Delhi seemed far away. My first stop was Umiam Lake, where the still waters reflected the setting sun – a moment that felt like nature’s warm welcome to a solo traveler.
Shillong – The First Chapter of My Solo Adventure
Shillong felt like the perfect introduction to Meghalaya. Known as the Scotland of the East, it has a colonial charm and a vibrant cultural scene. Staying in a Khasi homestay gave me a taste of local warmth – from home-cooked meals to heartfelt conversations.
My days in Shillong were slow and soulful – morning walks around Ward’s Lake, the city’s buzz at Police Bazaar, and live music drifting through the air (Shillong is called the Rock Capital of India for a reason). For a solo traveler, Shillong feels safe, lively, and welcoming.
Cherrapunjee – Where Waterfalls Rule
From Shillong, I moved to Cherrapunjee (Sohra) – a name every traveler has heard of. The drive itself is breathtaking, with clouds rolling over valleys. Standing before Nohkalikai Falls, India’s tallest plunge waterfall, I felt tiny and humbled. The beauty of Cherrapunjee lies not just in its waterfalls but in its silence – evenings in a small guesthouse with rain tapping on the roof reminded me what slow living feels like.
The Double Decker Root Bridge – Meghalaya’s Icon
One of the most unforgettable parts of my trip was trekking to Nongriat Village to see the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. It’s a tough 3,500-step journey down, but reaching that centuries-old bridge felt like walking into a fairy tale.
Spending the night in a Nongriat homestay, without WiFi or phone signals, gave me one of the purest travel experiences. Conversations with fellow backpackers, children splashing in the stream, and the sheer beauty of nature’s architecture – it was raw, real, and unforgettable.
Dawki and Shnongpdeng – Floating on a Glass River
The last stretch of my journey took me to Dawki and Shnongpdeng. The Umngot River in Dawki is so clear that boats look like they’re floating in the air. As I sat in the boat, watching the river sparkle in shades of emerald and blue, I realized how magical nature can be.
Camping by the riverside at Shnongpdeng that night, under a sky full of stars, I felt a sense of freedom that’s hard to find in city life.
Best Time to Visit Meghalaya for a Solo Trip
While Meghalaya is beautiful year-round, the best time to visit is from October to April, when the skies are clear, the waterfalls are flowing, and the weather is pleasant for trekking and exploring.
Solo Travel Tips for Meghalaya
If you’re planning a solo journey like mine, here are a few tips:
- Flights: Take a flight from Delhi to Guwahati (daily availability) and then drive 3 hours to Shillong.
- Stay Options: Homestays are the best choice – affordable, safe, and great for meeting locals.
- Transport: Shared cabs are common between towns, making it budget-friendly for solo travelers.
- Safety: Meghalaya is considered one of the safest places in India for solo travelers, especially women.
- Essentials: Carry comfortable shoes for trekking, a rain jacket, and some cash (ATMs are not everywhere).
Why Meghalaya is Perfect for Solo Travel
What makes Meghalaya solo trips special is the balance – it offers both peace and adventure. You can spend one day reading by a lake and the next trekking to hidden waterfalls. The locals are warm, the landscapes are dreamlike, and the experience of navigating it all on your own is empowering.
Final Thoughts – Coming Back with More Than Memories
As my flight took off from Guwahati back to Delhi, I realized I was bringing home more than photographs. Meghalaya gave me moments of silence, lessons in patience, strangers who became friends, and the joy of traveling alone without ever feeling lonely.
If you’ve been thinking of your first solo trip, let Meghalaya be the place. It’s safe, breathtakingly beautiful, and it will change the way you look at travel.
✨ Plan your Meghalaya solo trip from Delhi today – the clouds are waiting.