Every November, Shillong turns into a dreamscape. The hills blush in pink as wild Himalayan cherry trees burst into bloom, painting the city in soft shades of rose and fuchsia. It’s a sight that feels almost poetic- nature and culture blooming together under the crisp autumn sky.
The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates this miracle of nature while showcasing Meghalaya’s evolving identity- one built on sustainability, community tourism, and creative energy. Led by Hon’ble Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the state government has reimagined tourism through visionary initiatives like the Chief Minister’s Homestay Mission, PRIME Tourism Vehicle Scheme under CM Elevate, and the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program (CM-MGMP).
If you’re heading to Shillong for the Cherry Blossom Festival, extend your stay to discover the rest of Meghalaya- a journey through waterfalls, forests, villages, and melodies that echo far beyond the pink blooms.
Day 1: Arrival in Shillong- Where the Blossoms Begin
Arrive in Guwahati and take the scenic drive to Shillong, . Upon reaching the Capital city, you can conveniently book a Prime Tourism Vehicle at affordable rates to roam around in the state. These vehicles are supported by the Government of Meghalaya’s Prime Tourism Vehicle Scheme under CM-Elevate. In this initiative, local entrepreneurs receive up to 50% subsidy to procure tourist-friendly vehicles, enhancing both comfort and community participation in tourism. In Shillong, where the air itself seems to hum with excitement. Every November, the city’s Ward’s Lake, Polo Grounds, and Golf Links transform into festival hubs- alive with music, art installations, and performances by artists from around the world.
The Cherry Blossom Festival, supported by Meghalaya Tourism, celebrates not only the blooming of wild Himalayan cherry trees but also Meghalaya’s emergence as one of India’s most vibrant cultural destinations.
Check into a cozy homestay under the Chief Minister’s Homestay Mission Scheme, part of the government’s larger push to create a sustainable, community-driven tourism network. . The Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay mission provides 70% subsidy to develop accommodations and auxiliary tourism infrastructure. Around 260 homestays are fully operational across the state. As dusk falls, walk under canopies of pink blossoms, sample local dishes from pop-up stalls, and dance to the rhythms of live music which makes up for a perfect welcome to Meghalaya.
Day 2: Shillong’s Cultural Pulse- Music, Art, and Local Stories
Spend the day soaking in Shillong’s cultural rhythm. The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program (MGMP), launched in 2022, has turned cafés, streets, and lakesides into creative stages. In just two seasons, over 7,750 local performers have delivered more than 13,000 shows, redefining art as both livelihood and identity.
Visit the Shillong Literary Festival at Ward’s Lake, explore stalls at the Winter Tales Market, or experience the Me-Gong Festival, which celebrates Meghalaya’s tribal crafts and cuisine. These events, supported by state-led creative economy schemes, highlight how culture and tourism now flow together in Meghalaya’s growth story.
Day 3: Shillong to Sohra (Cherrapunjee)- The Waterfall Capital
After your fill of blossoms and beats, you can plan your travel with the help of the new Meghalaya Tourism website, meghalayatourism.in, which is a one-stop solution for travel planning, bookings, and exploration across Meghalaya. Then drive south toward Sohra (Cherrapunjee), one of India’s most iconic landscapes. En route, pause at Elephant Falls, a stunning three-tiered cascade surrounded by lush greenery. Its name originates from a nearby rock formation resembling an elephant, and the falls offer a refreshing natural retreat with scenic views and easy accessibility for visitors.
You can also reach out to OneConnect Meghalaya Tourism Helpline (1800-599-2026 / WhatsApp 76400 03050) for real-time assistance. The multilingual helpline supports English, Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Khasi, Pnar, and Garo- ensuring inclusivity for all travellers.
In Sohra, stay at one of the many homestays supported by the Meghalaya Homestay Mission. Spend your day exploring Nohkalikai Falls, Dainthlen Falls, Nohsngithiang Falls (Also known as Seven Sister Falls), Arwah Caves and Mawsmai caves each made more accessible through improved roads, digital ticketing, and trained local guides.
Day 4: Sohra to Nongriat- Walking the Living Roots
Start early for the famous trek to Nongriat’s Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Descend through forest trails, cross bamboo walkways, and watch how generations of Khasi villagers have trained the living roots of rubber trees into bridges strong enough to last centuries.
This is Meghalaya’s purest expression of sustainable tourism- nature shaped with patience, care, and community wisdom.
Take a dip in the turquoise pools near Rainbow Falls, then trek back to Sohra by evening for a quiet night in the misty hills.
Day 5: Sohra to Mawlynnong to Dawki- Clean and Clear
Head south toward Mawlynnong, often called Asia’s cleanest village. Here, eco-tourism isn’t a buzzword; it’s a way of life. Every household participates in keeping the village spotless, showcasing Meghalaya’s success in building community ownership around tourism.
From Mawlynnong, continue to Dawki, where the crystal-clear Umngot River reflects the sky so perfectly that boats appear to float on air. The area has seen steady improvement under state-led eco-tourism policies that blend scenic beauty with safety, cleanliness, and local enterprise.
Stay overnight at a riverside lodge or a community homestay, listening to the gentle hum of the river beneath the stars.
Day 6: Dawki to Jowai- The Heartbeat of Pnar Culture
Journey north to Jowai, the cultural heartland of the Pnar tribe. The drive itself feels like a moving postcard; meadows, waterfalls, and mist-kissed valleys. Visit Krangsuri Falls, Phe Phe Falls, and quiet plateaus where the pace slows to a reflective rhythm.
Here too, the Homestay Mission Scheme has empowered families to host travellers and share traditional food, stories, and songs. It’s this blend of hospitality and heritage that makes Meghalaya’s tourism experience so distinct and heartfelt.
Day 7: Return to Shillong- Farewell Beneath the Blossoms
Head back to Shillong for your final evening under the blooming cherry trees. The closing night of the Cherry Blossom Festival often brings international artists, drone shows, and fireworks that light up the city in pink and gold.
Use the PRIME Tourism Vehicles for your return or reach out to the OneConnect Meghalaya Tourism Helpline (1800-599-2026 / WhatsApp 76400 03050) for assistance.
The Bloom Beyond the Blossoms
The wild Himalayan cherry trees may bloom for only a few weeks, but their legacy lasts all year- as symbols of Meghalaya’s renewal. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the state has crafted a tourism model rooted in culture, creativity, and community.
From the laughter-filled cafés of Shillong to the living bridges of Nongriat, Meghalaya is no longer just a destination- it’s an experience shaped by vision, inclusivity, and pride.
So when you visit this November, don’t just come for the blossoms. Stay for the stories, the music, the people- and the spirit of a state that’s truly in bloom.