From Cloud-Kissed Hills To Secret Waterfalls—Here's How To See Meghalaya All On A Budget

India.com

a day ago

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Beauty doesn't have to be expensive. It just needs to be real. When you first step into Meghalaya, the silence is louder than the cities you left behind. The hills roll gently into the sky, waterfalls fall like whispers, and the roads curve like unfinished thoughts. Most tourists land in Shillong, tick off the top 5 attractions, and head back with pictures. But what if we told you that Meghalaya isn't about the checklist? It's about the feeling. The stillness. And yes — it can be done on a shoestring. Let's walk into the wild green of this state, not as luxury seekers, but as slow travelers. Backpackers. Dreamers on a budget.
What makes Meghalaya special for budget travelers?
It's not just the views. It's the vibe. Unlike many touristy states, Meghalaya still feels raw. Villagers wave at you. Homestays welcome you with hot rice and a smile. Shared cabs are the norm, not a last resort. And if you're willing to slow down and stay curious, this state gives back more than it takes. From free hikes to meals under ₹100, here, your money stretches like the valleys below.
1. Choose homestays over hotels – and not just to save money
In places like Mawlynnong, Dawki, and Nongriat, skip the polished resorts. Go local. Homestays often cost between ₹400 and ₹800 per night. You get a clean room, home-cooked food, and stories you'll never find on Instagram. Aunties will serve you jadoh and black tea without asking for a tip. Some may even guide you to hidden spots that no travel app knows about.
These aren't just stays. They're chapters.
2. Travel like the locals do – in shared sumos
In Meghalaya, 'shared sumo' is more than a ride. It's an experience. These rugged vehicles run on fixed routes connecting Shillong to places like Cherrapunji, Dawki, and even remote villages like Tyrna. A solo cab might cost you ₹2,000 for the day. But a shared sumo? Just ₹200.
You squeeze in with strangers. You share smiles, snacks, sometimes even life stories. And your budget stays intact.
3. Eat where the locals eat – and eat what they eat
No fancy cafes. No overpriced menus. Just warm plates at roadside kitchens. Try rice and dohneiiong at a market shack in Cherrapunji for ₹60. Or sample puffed rice with tea at the bus stand for ₹20. Even in Shillong, the best food isn't at fancy restaurants — it's at Police Bazaar's tiny stalls.
Street food here is clean, tasty, and unbelievably cheap.
4. Trek freely – no tickets, no queues, just trails
Meghalaya rewards those who walk. Nongriat's double-decker living root bridges don't need tickets. Just sturdy legs and a heart for adventure. The bamboo trail near Mawryngkhang, or the blue pools hidden around Krang Suri — all are free if you're willing to walk.
While other destinations charge for every view, here, nature comes without a price tag.
5. Skip the peak hours, skip the peak prices
Want the cleanest photos, emptiest roads, and cheapest stays? Travel on weekdays. Most tourists pour into Meghalaya on weekends. Homestay prices rise. Cabs fill up. Crowds gather at every popular point. But on a Tuesday morning, you might have an entire waterfall to yourself. And the auntie at the homestay might drop her price — just because.
6. Learn a few Khasi words – save more than just money
Say 'khublei' (thank you) and watch faces light up. Say 'nga kwah bam' (I want food) and you'll often get a better rate or an extra helping. Locals appreciate effort. And sometimes kindness is returned with discounts, tips, or even a free ride down the hill.In Meghalaya, respect is the best currency.
7. Carry essentials – not just to save money, but to stay ready
Pack light, but smart. Water bottle. Power bank. Snacks. Basic meds. Once you're in remote areas, there's no convenience store on every corner. Being prepared means you don't pay extra when you're desperate. It also means you move like a traveler, not a tourist.
Where to go without going broke?
– Shillong: Stay in hostels like Isabella or The Travellers Nest for under ₹600. Walk around Ward's Lake, Laitlum Canyon, or stroll down Lewduh market.
– Cherrapunji: Camp at eco lodges or stay at a village guesthouse. Skip the touristy caves and explore local waterfalls on foot.
– Nongriat: Home of the famous living root bridges. It's a 3-hour hike from Tyrna, but stay overnight for less than ₹500 and wake up to silence you'll never forget.
– Dawki: Yes, the river is clear. But the village life around it is even more beautiful. Pitch a tent near Shnongpdeng for ₹300 and spend the evening watching fireflies.
– Mawlynnong: Known as the cleanest village in Asia. But beyond the label, it's a place where you can sit under a tree with homemade food and just be.
How to keep costs low while keeping experiences high
Use local guides only when necessary — not every hike needs one
Avoid packaged tours — they rush and overcharge
Carry cash — cards often don't work in rural areas
Group up — share rides and meals with fellow travelers
Stay longer in fewer places — it saves both time and transport costs
What Meghalaya teaches you about value
You'll come thinking about money. You'll leave thinking about meaning. Because here, budget travel isn't just about cutting costs. It's about traveling deeper. Slower. More soulfully. In Meghalaya, you're not just a guest. You're a quiet observer of life lived differently — and beautifully.You'll walk more. Talk more. And realize that sometimes, the best parts of a journey don't cost anything.
Final Thought
Don't just visit Meghalaya. Let it change your pace. Forget luxury. Forget itineraries. Travel here like you're chasing stories not selfies. Because the real magic of Meghalaya doesn't come with a ticket. It comes when you sit on a quiet hill and breathe in the silence for free. And in that stillness, you'll realize — budget travel isn't less. Sometimes, it's more.