Travelling from the UK
Meghalaya from the UK: flights from London, what to know and a 7-day plan
Meghalaya feels like a well-kept secret: misty hills, living root bridges and Khasi villages, in an English-speaking state that needs no special permit. From London it is a long-haul flight to Delhi and a short one to Guwahati, where our local driver meets you for the whole trip.
- Fly to
- Guwahati (GAU) via Delhi
- Visa
- Indian e-Visa
- Best time
- October to April
- Suggested
- 7 days in Meghalaya
Outside India? Type your number with the country code, for example +44, +1 or +880.
- 5.045 Google reviews
- Registered tourist taxis
- Only 10% advance, after we confirm
Getting there
UK to Meghalaya
- 1London → Delhi: non-stop flights from London, about 9 hours; or one-stop via the Gulf.
- 2Delhi → Guwahati: about 2.5–3 hours; Kolkata is about 1 hour if you connect there.
- 3Guwahati → Shillong: our driver meets you at arrivals; about 3–3.5 hours to Shillong.
Travel times are approximate. Check current flight schedules and border hours before you travel.
Before you go
Visa, permits and registration
- India’s e-Visa works when you fly in through Guwahati or another major airport. Apply only on the official Indian government e-Visa website.
- No Inner Line Permit or Protected Area Permit is needed for Shillong, Cherrapunji (Sohra), the living root bridges, Mawlynnong or Dawki.
- Your hotel or homestay registers you as a foreign guest: give them your passport and visa at check-in, and carry your passport on day trips.
- Since July 2025 a registered local guide is required for treks in East Khasi Hills, which includes the root bridges at Nongriat. We arrange one.
More detail: Meghalaya for foreign travellers
Suggested plan
7 days in Meghalaya
- Day 1Land in Guwahati, drive to Shillong.
- Day 2Shillong: Laitlum canyons, Shillong Peak, Ward’s Lake and the cafés of Police Bazar.
- Day 3Cherrapunji (Sohra): waterfalls, Mawsmai Cave, overnight in Sohra.
- Day 4Trek to the Double Decker living root bridge at Nongriat with a registered guide (about 3,500 steps each way).
- Day 5Mawlynnong village and the Umngot river at Dawki.
- Day 6Krang Suri falls and Jowai, or a quiet day by Umiam Lake.
- Day 7Drive back to Guwahati Airport.
Car + driver
One car and driver for the whole trip
Per car, fuel and tolls included. Hotels you book yourself, or ask us.
| Days | Dzire (4) | Ertiga (6) | Innova (7) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 days | ₹27,360 | ₹34,560 | ₹39,600 |
| 7 days | ₹31,920 | ₹40,320 | ₹46,200 |
| 8 days | ₹36,480 | ₹46,080 | ₹52,800 |
Want hotels included too? Packages with hotels
Tips for travellers from the UK
- India is 4.5 to 5.5 hours ahead of the UK: a morning arrival in Delhi connects well to Guwahati.
- We accept payment from any country (5% transaction fee on top). Carry some cash for villages and boat rides; foreign cards work at Shillong ATMs and bigger hotels.
- Winter nights in Shillong are about 4–5°C, so pack layers; days are bright and dry.
- Combine with a few days in Kolkata or Darjeeling if you have two weeks.
FAQ
Meghalaya from the UK: common questions
How do I get from London to Shillong?
Fly London to Delhi (non-stop, about 9 hours), then Delhi to Guwahati (about 2.5–3 hours). From Guwahati Airport our driver takes you to Shillong in about 3–3.5 hours.
Do British citizens need a permit for Meghalaya?
No special permit is needed for Shillong, Cherrapunji, the root bridges, Mawlynnong or Dawki. You need an Indian visa (the e-Visa works when flying in) and your passport; your hotel registers you as a foreign guest.
Is Meghalaya worth visiting from the UK?
Yes, if you like walking, waterfalls and villages more than monuments. The living root bridges are unique, English is widely spoken, and the October–April season is dry and clear.
How much does a private driver cost in Meghalaya?
A full day with a driver is ₹4,560 for a Dzire (up to 4 people) or ₹6,600 for an Innova, fuel and tolls included. Hotels are extra; we can book them or you can.
How do I pay from the UK?
We accept payment from any country, with a 5% transaction fee on top for international payments. You pay a 10% advance after we confirm the plan, and the balance during the trip. Prices are in Indian rupees.