Meghalaya Travel Guide for Families with Kids
Are you looking for a peaceful, fun-filled, and nature-rich destination to travel with your family and kids? Meghalaya, also known as the "Abode of Clouds," is the perfect spot! Located in northeast India, this beautiful state is full of waterfalls, green hills, caves, and friendly people. It is one of the safest and cleanest places in India. And guess what? You can even find great tour packages for Meghalaya that make travel planning easy and budget-friendly.
Whether it’s walking through the clouds in Cherrapunji, exploring the root bridges in Mawlynnong, or boating in the crystal-clear waters of Dawki, Meghalaya has something for every age group. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure!
Why Choose Meghalaya for a Family Trip?
Traveling with kids is fun, but it needs careful planning. Meghalaya makes it easy because it’s clean, safe, and has lots of things to do for kids and parents alike.
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Safe Environment: Meghalaya has a low crime rate and welcoming locals.
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Mild Weather: The temperature usually ranges between 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
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Lots of Nature Spots: Waterfalls, caves, parks, and more keep kids engaged and active.
One such perfect place for kids to enjoy nature is Wah Rilang. This hidden gem near Mawkyrwat is quiet, scenic, and ideal for a picnic or a peaceful walk with the little ones. With lush green surroundings and a calm lake, Wah Rilang is a must-visit during your Meghalaya tour.
Best Time to Visit Meghalaya with Kids
Meghalaya can be visited all year round, but for families with kids, the best time is:
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October to April: This is the dry season. The weather is cool, and travel is easy.
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June to September: Rain lovers can enjoy monsoon vibes, but travel may be tricky with kids.
Tip: Always carry light jackets and umbrellas, as Meghalaya weather can change quickly.
Top Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Meghalaya
1. Shillong – The Scotland of the East
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Ward’s Lake: Kids love feeding the fishes and boating here.
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Shillong Peak: Offers breathtaking views of the city.
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Don Bosco Museum: Interactive and educational – perfect for young minds.
2. Cherrapunji – Home of Waterfalls
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Nohkalikai Falls: The tallest plunge waterfall in India.
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Mawsmai Caves: Easy to walk through and exciting for kids.
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Eco Park: Wide open space for kids to run and enjoy nature.
3. Mawlynnong – Asia’s Cleanest Village
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Clean streets and eco-living make this village very unique.
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Living Root Bridge: A natural wonder made from tree roots. Kids will find it fascinating.
4. Dawki – Crystal Clear River
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The Umngot River is so clear that the boats look like they are floating on air.
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Safe boating and camping opportunities for families.
5. Wah Rilang – A Peaceful Escape
Located in the South West Khasi Hills, Wah Rilang is not just a water body, but a peaceful experience. Surrounded by mountains and forest, it's great for teaching kids about the importance of nature and silence.
Fun Activities for Kids in Meghalaya
Here are some fun and educational activities your kids will love:
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Nature Trails & Hiking: Choose easy trails around Shillong and Mawphlang Sacred Grove.
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Boating: Ward’s Lake in Shillong and Umngot River in Dawki are perfect.
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Cave Exploration: Short caves like Arwah and Mawsmai are exciting and safe.
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Picnics: Wah Rilang and Umiam Lake are ideal for family picnics.
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Local Culture Exploration: Try local food, music, and tribal festivals (if your trip matches the dates).
What to Eat in Meghalaya with Kids
Meghalaya has a variety of dishes, but you can easily find options for kids too. Some family-friendly food includes:
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Jadoh: Mild meat and rice dish.
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Tungrymbai: Fermented soybean (might be strong for kids, but worth a try).
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Fresh fruits: Oranges, pineapples, and bananas are commonly available.
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Street snacks: Momos, boiled corn, and egg rolls are clean and tasty.
You’ll also find restaurants in Shillong and Cherrapunji offering Indian, Chinese, and Continental food.
Travel Tips for Families with Kids
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Carry Medicines: Basic first aid, cold, and stomach medicines.
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Light Clothing: Plus warm clothes and rain gear.
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Snacks & Water: Pack easy snacks for road trips.
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Baby Essentials: Diapers, wipes, and baby food are not widely available in remote areas.
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Book Early: Choose tour packages for Meghalaya that offer hotels with family rooms.
How to Reach Meghalaya?
By Air:
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Shillong Airport (Umroi) – Limited flights.
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Guwahati Airport – Best option. From there, Shillong is a 3-hour drive.
By Train:
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Nearest station: Guwahati Railway Station
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You can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Shillong.
By Road:
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Good roads connect Meghalaya to major cities like Guwahati and Silchar.
Where to Stay in Meghalaya with Kids
Choose stays that are family-friendly, safe, and have basic facilities like hot water, food, and clean rooms.
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Ri Kynjai Resort, Umiam Lake – Luxury stay with nature views.
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Cafe Shillong BnB – Budget-friendly and homely.
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Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort – Great for exploring Cherrapunji.
Look for hotels that offer family rooms or extra beds for kids.
Suggested Itinerary for a 7-Day Family Trip
Day | Plan |
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Day 1 | Arrival at Guwahati, drive to Shillong |
Day 2 | Explore Shillong – Ward's Lake, Museum, Elephant Falls |
Day 3 | Trip to Mawlynnong and Dawki |
Day 4 | Drive to Cherrapunji – Explore waterfalls |
Day 5 | Visit Mawsmai Caves and Eco Park |
Day 6 | Relax at Wah Rilang, picnic day |
Day 7 | Return to Guwahati |
FAQs – Meghalaya Travel with Kids
Q1. Is Meghalaya safe for kids?
Yes, it is one of the safest places in India for tourists, including children.
Q2. Are there any hospitals in Meghalaya?
Yes, major towns like Shillong and Tura have good hospitals and clinics.
Q3. Can I find vegetarian food in Meghalaya?
Absolutely! While locals prefer meat, most restaurants offer vegetarian dishes too.
Q4. Are there adventure activities for teenagers?
Yes! Kayaking, hiking, caving, and zip-lining in certain areas are safe for teens.
Q5. What is the language spoken in Meghalaya?
English is widely spoken. Locals also speak Khasi, Garo, and Hindi.
Conclusion: A Magical Family Trip Awaits!
Meghalaya is not just a destination; it’s an experience for families looking to escape the usual and explore the natural beauty of India. From Wah Rilang’s serenity to the cultural richness of Mawlynnong, every place tells a story. And with well-planned tour packages for Meghalaya, your journey becomes smooth and joyful.
So why wait? Let Meghalaya fill your family’s heart with laughter, peace, and beautiful memories!
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