Meghalaya is a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts in northeastern India. This breathtaking state, the “Abode of Clouds,” is home to tumbling waterfalls, verdant scenery, and unique cultural events. If you’re dreaming of a trip but are concerned about the Meghalaya trip budget, don’t panic! With proper planning, you can visit this lovely place without overspending. This article will cover the cost of a trip to Meghalaya and how to maximise your travel budget while visiting this fascinating region.
Meghalaya Cost Breakdown
1. Transportation
Your choice of transportation is an essential factor in the overall cost of a trip to Meghalaya. Here are the various modes of transportation available:
– By flight
Meghalaya’s closest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, roughly 100 km from Shillong in Guwahati, Assam. Depending on the location of departure and the time of purchase, a round-trip ticket to Guwahati might cost anywhere from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 6000. Meghalaya is accessible by road from Guwahati.
– By train
Guwahati Railway Station serves as a convenient entrance point for Meghalaya. The cost of train tickets to Guwahati varies depending on the distance. Sleeper classes cost between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000, while AC classes cost between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 3,500. Once you arrive in Guwahati, road transport to Shillong is simple to organise.
– By road
If you’re travelling from Northeast or East India, you can easily reach Meghalaya by road in a few hours. Here are some options you can consider:
By bus: Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) buses cost between Rs. 150 and Rs. 250 per person, while local buses cost between Rs. 100 and Rs. 200. Travelling by bus is ideal if you’re looking for budget-friendly transportation options.
By taxi: Each person’s fare in a shared cab ranges from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1,200. The daily cost of a self-driving car, including fuel and rent, can come to around Rs. 2000.
2. Accommodation
Meghalaya provides a variety of accommodation choices, from luxurious resorts to affordable homestays. You can choose from the following options:
– Homestays: For a Meghalaya budget trip, you can opt for local guesthouses or homestays for around Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,000 per night. These options are simple but comfortable, with basic amenities such as clean beds, private toilets, and occasionally free Wi-Fi.
– Mid-range hotels: These hotels offer a good mix of comfort and affordability, with rates ranging from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 3,000 per night. Additional features like air conditioning, room service, and on-site dining are frequently included.
– High-end resorts: For those looking for a more elegant experience, luxury stays start at Rs. 7,000 per night. These upscale choices provide first-class amenities like spas, fine dining establishments, and stunning views.
3. Food and dining
Meghalaya’s cuisine is delectable and reasonably priced. There are plenty of options, whether you want to relax in a cafe or try regional cuisine.
– Local eateries: Authentic Meghalayan food at local eateries typically costs between Rs. 200 and Rs. 500, making them a good choice if you have a tight Meghalaya trip budget.
– Street food: If you’re planning to try local Meghalayan street food, popular snacks usually cost between Rs. 50 and Rs. 150.
– Mid-range dining: A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost between Rs. 600 and Rs. 1,200 for two. These eateries serve a variety of regional and international cuisines.
– Cafes: You can spend between Rs. 50 and Rs. 100 to enjoy coffee or tea in a café.
– Fine dining restaurants: With meals for two starting at Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000, fine dining restaurants provide an opulent experience for a special occasion.
4. Activities and Sightseeing
– Activities:
Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Dawki River’s crystal-clear waters and hike to Living Root Bridges and scenic waterfalls. You can also enjoy ziplining activities in Mawlynnong and Dawki, which offer amazing views. Don’t forget to explore the fascinating limestone formations in Siju and Mawsmai Caves, which involve minimal entry fees ranging from Rs. 20 to Rs. 100.
– Sightseeing:
See Umnait Lake and Nohkalikai Falls, India’s tallest fall, close to Cherrapunji. Visit the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat hamlet, which displays the Khasi people’s inventiveness. The cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong village, provides breathtaking scenery and insight into indigenous life.
Tips to Plan a Budget for your Meghalaya Trip
Here are some tips to minimise Meghalaya tour cost:
1. Travel off-season: Travel during the off-season (April–June or September–November) to save money on airfare and hotels.
2. Choose budget transportation: From Guwahati to Shillong, shared taxis are an affordable option for intercity travel, costing between 300 and 500 per person, while buses are even less expensive.
3. Stay in reasonably priced accommodations: Rather than staying at mid-range hotels, go for homestays or inexpensive guesthouses that cost between Rs. 800 and Rs. 1,500 per night. This can significantly reduce the Meghalaya trip cost for a couple.
4. Eat local: Savour meals at neighbourhood restaurants that cost between Rs. 100 and Rs. 300 per person. 5. Plan early: Book your flights, trains, and lodging well in advance to save money and reduce the total cost of a trip to Meghalaya.
6. DIY itinerary: Instead of buying expensive tour packages, plan your schedule and take local transportation to well-known locations like Cherrapunji and Dawki.
Conclusion
Planning a perfect vacation to Meghalaya does not have to be expensive. You may visit this breathtaking location without going over budget by carefully managing your Meghalaya trip cost, including selecting inexpensive lodging, local transportation, and reasonably priced food alternatives. The cost of a trip to Meghalaya will depend on your choices, but you can have an amazing trip on a tight budget if you prepare well.
However, if the trip to Meghalaya costs more than your budget, do not let financial constraints prevent you from making amazing memories with your loved ones. Get a loan for travel with Tata Capital to plan your Meghalaya trip comfortably. Enjoy competitive interest rates, affordable EMIs, and flexible terms to make your trip to Meghalaya a reality without worrying about money.
Visit Tata Capital’s official website or download the mobile app to apply online.
FAQs
Yes, four days is sufficient to see the major sights of Meghalaya.
The food cost in Meghalaya can range between Rs. 200 and Rs. 500 at local eateries.
March to June offers beautiful weather and greenery, while October to November offers clear skies and colourful festivals.
Meghalaya is famous for waterfalls, Living Root Bridges, and caves.
06 January 2025
5 mins read
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