Mawsynram is a small village located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, known as one of the wettest places on Earth. Delhi, the capital city of India, is situated in the northern part of the country. Many travelers from Delhi visit Mawsynram to experience its unique climate and natural beauty.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Mawsynram. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival.

Getting from Delhi to Mawsynram – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular option for those who prefer a comfortable and scenic journey. However, Mawsynram does not have a railway station, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• Take a train from Delhi's New Delhi Railway Station to Guwahati Railway Station, which is the nearest major railhead to Mawsynram. The journey covers around 1900 km and takes approximately 30 to 36 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Trains like the Rajdhani Express and other long-distance trains connect Delhi to Guwahati with good frequency, offering various classes such as AC 2-tier and 3-tier for comfort.

• From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mawsynram, which is about 90 km away and takes around 3 to 4 hours by road on National Highway 6 and local roads.

• Train fares from Delhi to Guwahati typically range from INR 800 to INR 2500 depending on the class and train type. Booking through IRCTC well in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Monsoon season can cause delays on this route due to landslides and heavy rains in the Northeast, so plan accordingly and check train status regularly.

Bus

Bus travel from Delhi to Mawsynram is less common due to the long distance but can be done in stages. It suits travelers who want to experience local transport and save on costs.

• Start by taking a bus from Delhi to Guwahati or nearby cities like Shillong. Delhi to Guwahati bus services are limited and may require multiple changes, often via Siliguri or Kolkata.

• From Guwahati or Shillong, state transport buses or shared taxis are available to Mawsynram. Meghalaya Transport Corporation operates buses connecting Shillong to Mawsynram regularly.

• The total bus journey can take 40 to 50 hours or more, depending on connections and waiting times. Fares vary widely but expect around INR 1500 to INR 2500 for the entire trip.

• Buses from Shillong to Mawsynram run frequently during the day but may be crowded during festivals and weekends, so arrive early at the bus stand.

• Road conditions can be challenging during monsoon with slippery and narrow roads, so bus travel may be slower and less comfortable in that season.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Mawsynram offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes. It is suitable for experienced drivers comfortable with long-distance travel and hilly terrain.

• The distance by road is approximately 2200 km, taking around 40 to 45 hours of driving time via NH 44, NH 27, and NH 6, passing through states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya.

• Major cities on the route include Lucknow, Patna, Siliguri, Guwahati, and Shillong, where you can stop for rest and food.

• Expect toll plazas on national highways, with toll fees totaling around INR 1000 to INR 1500 for the entire journey.

• Road conditions vary; national highways are mostly good, but roads near Mawsynram can be narrow and winding. Drive cautiously, especially during the monsoon season when landslides are common.

• Fuel stations are available along the route, but plan refueling before entering hilly areas. Local eateries offer traditional Khasi food near Mawsynram.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover most of the distance between Delhi and Mawsynram. However, Mawsynram does not have an airport, so you will need to combine air travel with road transport.

• Fly from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport to Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The flight duration is about 2.5 to 3 hours with multiple daily flights by airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet.

• From Guwahati airport, you can hire a prepaid taxi or take a shared cab to Mawsynram. The road journey takes around 3 to 4 hours covering 90 km.

• Flight fares typically range from INR 3000 to INR 7000 one way, depending on the season and how early you book.

• Booking flights well in advance through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip and Yatra helps secure better prices and seat availability.

• During monsoon, flights may face delays due to weather conditions, so keep buffer time in your itinerary.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Mawsynram, combining different transport modes for a smooth journey.

• Book a flight from Delhi to Guwahati at least two weeks in advance to get affordable fares and preferred timings. Early booking ensures availability during peak seasons.

• Upon arrival at Guwahati airport, use prepaid taxi counters to book a reliable cab to Mawsynram. This avoids overcharging and ensures a safe start to your road journey.

• Travel by road from Guwahati to Mawsynram via NH 6, enjoying scenic views. Carry light snacks and water as food options are limited on this route.

• Check weather forecasts before departure, especially during monsoon, to avoid landslides or roadblocks. Local news and apps provide timely updates.

• Carry a physical map or offline GPS app since mobile network coverage can be patchy near Mawsynram.

• Once in Mawsynram, use local shared taxis or walk to nearby attractions. Accommodation options are limited, so pre-book your stay through trusted platforms.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Meghalaya to prevent stomach issues. Local shops sell safe packaged water easily.

• Book train and flight tickets well in advance via IRCTC and airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Guwahati for airport transfers but confirm fares before starting the trip to avoid surprises.

• Pack light waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes as Mawsynram experiences heavy rainfall and slippery paths, especially during monsoon.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid traveling alone at night on remote roads due to limited lighting and sparse traffic.

• Try local Khasi cuisine at Shillong or Mawsynram, but eat at clean and popular eateries to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The weather and travel conditions between Delhi and Mawsynram vary greatly by season. Planning your trip according to these factors will ensure a comfortable journey.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains to Mawsynram, causing landslides and roadblocks. Winter months are cool and pleasant, ideal for travel.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali when trains and flights are crowded and prices surge.

• Monsoon rains can delay trains and flights and make road travel risky due to slippery and narrow roads near Mawsynram.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and catch connecting flights or trains on time.

• Winter months from November to February offer clear skies and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and road travel.

Arrival at Mawsynram & What to Expect

When you arrive in Mawsynram, you will find a quiet village surrounded by lush greenery and hills. The local transport options are limited but sufficient for short distances.

Most travelers stay in Shillong, about 70 km away, or in guesthouses near Mawsynram. Local shared taxis and hired cabs are the best ways to move around. Prepaid taxis from Guwahati airport are reliable for the initial leg.

At the Guwahati Railway Station or Airport, you will find prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber. It is advisable to use these to avoid overcharging. The roads to Mawsynram are scenic but can be narrow and winding, so expect a slow but beautiful drive.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Mawsynram from Delhi is to fly to Guwahati and then take a taxi or bus for the remaining journey. This combination saves time and offers comfort, especially for first-time travelers.

Planning ahead by booking flights and accommodations early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for road travel in hilly terrain will make your trip smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey to experience the unique charm of Mawsynram.