Northeast States India Travel Guide
Mainly Shillong, hostels for solo travelers on a budget, solo travelers, and budget-friendly, social atmosphere. Zostel Shillong. Hostels dormitory beds and sometimes private rooms, for meeting other travelers.
Abundant across the state, especially Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawlynnong. Guesthouses smaller, privately family-owned businesses. Homestays a more local, personalized experience, often by families welcoming guests into their homes. Quality from basic, spotless rooms to pleasant stays with modern amenities. They often home-prepared meals, a sample of local cuisine.
Budget to mid-range and a few high-end choices, for the most part in Shillong. Outside the capital, luxury hotel restricted options, guesthouses and resorts more common. Hotels standard amenities like room service, private bathrooms, reception services.
Upscale resorts positioned on the outskirts of Shillong or in scenic locations near Cherrapunji and Umiam Lake. These establishments often more services like swimming pools, spas, fun activities, with a focus on leisure plus picturesque scenery. They generally a higher amount of comfort and service.
Prevalent in villages like Mawlynnong and near the Living Root Bridges (Nongriat). They basic amenities (communal bathrooms, simple furnishings) but an authentic, immersive cultural exchange. Profits from these homestays often directly back into the community.
Few properties, especially around Mawlynnong, rustic treehouse stays. These an unique, back-to-nature experience, blending simple comfort with the natural environment. Expect basic facilities but a memorable setting.
Not widely distributed as in major metropolitan cities, the option for vacation rentals and apartments growing, mainly through platforms like Airbnb in Shillong. These useful for longer stays or for families seeking more space, self-catering facilities.
Organized campsites in beautiful viewpoints like Umden or near Dawki and Shnongpdeng. These often basic facilities including tents, shared toilets, communal cooking areas. Wild camping not advised without local guidance or prior permission, as local customs and terrain important for safety.
Each area a distinct character.
All listed areas generally safe for tourists. Basic precautions in crowded markets (like Police Bazaar) for petty theft. Rural areas very safe, locals generally welcoming.
Police Bazaar noisy and lively. Laitumkhrah a moderate noise level. Upper Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong, Dawki generally peaceful and quiet, a serene natural ambiance perfect for relaxation.
Booking platforms and local customs.
Policies significantly by property. Always check deposit requirements and cancellation policy before finalizing booking. Many homestays or smaller properties ask for an advance deposit to confirm reservation. The terms to avoid unexpected charges.
Accommodation prices notably higher during high season and main Indian holidays. During monsoon season, slight reductions in prices, value for budget-responsible tourists.
Police Bazaar (Shillong) best access to transport hubs. Cherrapunji best base for waterfalls, caves. Mawlynnong/Dawki unique for village/river, but specific transport to reach.
A helpful comparison of accommodation options, followed by specific recommendations to choose a stay that your travel style.
Lively atmosphere for backpackers.
Basic community homestays in Mawlynnong or Nongriat.
Shillong, comfort and location.
Cherrapunji, comfortable stay amidst nature with various amenities.
Near Umiam Lake, luxurious stays with stunning lakeside vistas.
A premium experience in the heart of the capital.
Spas, pools, leisure activities at higher-luxury resorts.
Often on outskirts or near natural attractions.
Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort activities suitable for the little ones. Homestays experiential learning opportunities. Ri Kynjai resort facilities, lake access for family fun.
Youth hostels in Shillong for meeting other travelers, finding companionship for day trips. Homestays a deep cultural connection and often safer, more tailored experiences.
Shillong has most amenities for longer stays (apartments, markets). Many guesthouses/homestays might quarterly rates, especially off-season.
Old colonial bungalows in Shillong converted to charming guesthouses. Homestays in traditional villages direct cultural immersion.
Dorm beds, shared common areas. Local hospitality, sometimes shared toilet facilities. Budget-friendly.
Standard amenities, room service, reception. Extensive facilities, rooms with more space, focus on leisure.
When booking homestays in remote areas like Nongriat (for the Double Decker Living Root Bridge), inquire if meals are included. This simplifies your planning, as places to eat are limited there.
For Shillong Peak, verify conditions before you go. Visibility can be low due to mist, especially outside clear seasons.
Local guides are available for hire at the trailhead for Living Root Bridges and are recommended, especially for first-timers.
