From Bangalore, the easiest way into the Northeast is a direct flight to Guwahati, about 3 hours 15 minutes. Guwahati is the gateway to Meghalaya, Kaziranga and Tawang. For Sikkim and Darjeeling, fly to Bagdogra, usually with a stop.
The Northeast is a long way from Bangalore, and a lot colder in winter. Plan at least 6 days, ideally 8 to 10, and pack for the cold from November to February. This guide covers flights, routes for your time, a 7-day plan and a rough budget.
Key takeaways
- Direct flights: Bangalore to Guwahati, about 3 hours 15 minutes.
- For Sikkim: fly to Bagdogra, usually via Kolkata or Delhi.
- Minimum trip: 6 days. Best: 8 to 10 days.
- Best months: October to April.
- It is much colder than Bangalore: pack a warm jacket from November to February.
Flights from Bangalore
| Route | Typical time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bangalore to Guwahati | About 3 hours 15 minutes direct | Several airlines fly direct |
| Bangalore to Bagdogra | 4 to 6 hours with a stop | For Sikkim and Darjeeling |
| Bangalore to Dibrugarh | 5 to 7 hours with a stop | For eastern Arunachal |
| Bangalore to Dimapur | 5 to 7 hours with a stop | For Nagaland and Hornbill |
What to choose for your time
| Days | Best plan |
|---|---|
| 5 to 6 days | Meghalaya: Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki |
| 7 days | Meghalaya and Kaziranga |
| 7 to 8 days | Tawang via Dirang |
| 8 to 10 days | Gangtok, North Sikkim and Darjeeling |
| 10 days or more | Meghalaya, Kaziranga and Tawang |
A 7-day plan from Bangalore
- Day 1: morning flight to Guwahati, drive to Shillong (3 to 4 hours).
- Day 2: Shillong. Ward's Lake, Shillong Peak and Laitlum Canyons.
- Day 3: Cherrapunji. Nohkalikai Falls, Arwah Cave and the Seven Sisters Falls.
- Day 4: Dawki and Mawlynnong. The river is clearest from November to March. See when Dawki's water is clearest.
- Day 5: Shillong to Kaziranga (5 to 6 hours).
- Day 6: Kaziranga jeep safari and a tea garden walk.
- Day 7: drive to Guwahati airport and fly home.
How much does it cost?
These are our planning estimates per person for a 7-day trip, sharing a room, in 2026:
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight Bangalore-Guwahati | Rs 10,000 to 16,000 | Rs 10,000 to 16,000 |
| Hotels, 6 nights | Rs 9,000 to 15,000 | Rs 18,000 to 30,000 |
| Car with driver, shared | Rs 8,000 to 12,000 | Rs 10,000 to 15,000 |
| Food, entry fees, safari | Rs 6,000 to 9,000 | Rs 9,000 to 14,000 |
When to go
| Months | Why go |
|---|---|
| October and November | Clear skies, Kaziranga reopens, cherry blossoms in Shillong |
| December to February | Cool and dry, snow in Tawang and Sikkim, Hornbill Festival |
| March and April | Pleasant, flowers in the hills |
| June to September | Green but rainy, with road delays. Kaziranga is closed |
Thinking of the rainy season? Read is Meghalaya worth it in monsoon.
Packing for the cold
Bangalore rarely goes below 15°C. Shillong drops to single digits at night from November to February, and Tawang and North Sikkim go well below zero.
- A down or padded jacket and a fleece.
- Thermal innerwear for Tawang, Sikkim or a winter trip to Shillong.
- A woollen cap, gloves and warm socks.
- A rain jacket in any season.
- Comfortable shoes with grip for wet steps and trails.
Our Meghalaya packing list has the full list.
Other tips
- Sunset is early. In winter it is dark by about 5 pm. Start sightseeing early.
- Permits: Arunachal, Nagaland and Mizoram need an Inner Line Permit. See our permit guide.
- Food: rice, pork, fish and fermented flavours are common, with plenty of vegetarian options in towns. Try Meghalaya's famous foods.
Plan your trip with Breeziah
These trips start and end in Guwahati, which suits a direct flight from Bangalore. For a week, see the Enchanting Meghalaya Escape or Meghalaya with Kaziranga. With 10 days, choose Best of Northeast India.
Yes. Direct flights take about 3 hours 15 minutes and run several times a day.
At least 6 days for Meghalaya. A week lets you add Kaziranga, and 8 to 10 days lets you combine two or three states.
Meghalaya, combined with Kaziranga if you have a week. It is close to Guwahati airport and has the widest mix of waterfalls, caves, rivers and culture.
Shillong drops to single digits at night from November to February. Tawang and North Sikkim go well below zero, with snow. Pack a proper winter jacket.
As a rough estimate, about Rs 33,000 to 52,000 per person on a budget, or Rs 47,000 to 75,000 mid-range for 7 days, including flights.