Arrive at the economic capital of the North-East of India. Green paddy fields surround you and the distant hillocks complete the scenery. The mighty Brahmaputra River flows right across this city.

Drive to Shillong and stay at the serene Umiam Lake, locally called Barapani.

Head over to the village of Mawlynnong to see for yourself why this is truly Asia's cleanest village. Waste management has long plagued this country but the inhabitants of this village have mastered it and have been so for decades. From bamboo dustbins to compost making, this is recycling at its best. Every household in the village partakes in the cleaning activities, and you won't find even the tiniest scrap of paper lying around. Paved pathways beside impeccable gardens add to the beauty of this well-planned village. Smoking and use of plastic bags are banned in Mawlynnong. Local handicrafts and other products find a place in the local stores. The sales in these stores go a long way in providing financial aid to the relentless cleanliness drive and helping the local community.

A small hike with a local guide would take you to another aspect of this village - the living root bridge. Built to combat the heavy monsoons here, the root bridges take over 10-15 years to build. The roots of two trees at the opposite end of the stream are directed towards each other using bamboo pipes. They intertwine and with passing years, they become stronger so as to allow laying a path of wood or stones over them. These are built over small streams that become roaring rivers once the monsoons start, making them impossible to cross.

Situated close to the border is the small town of Dawki and through it flows one of the clearest rivers- the Umngot River. During the non-monsoon season, you can clearly see the bottom of the river. Use of non-motorised boats for fishing and ferrying people have helped keep the river clean. Taking a canoe ride with a local fisherman not only helps you enjoy the beauty of this placid river but also helps the local community with employment while being a sustainable activity.

After breakfast drive to Mawphlang en-route the famous Elephant Falls. At Mawphlang visit sacred groove, a forest with monoliths, which is fiercely protected by the locals. A local guides you through the grove which is filled with ancient trees and crossed by small streams. At the end of the tour, you’ll understand that spirituality and conservation go hand in hand in this part of the region.

Later in the day, drive to Cherrapunjee.

A full day in Cherrapunjee to enjoy the scenic landscape and the attractions it has to offer.

Eco Park and Seven Sister Waterfalls - This is unlike any eco park you have seen. Rife with waterfalls, this park has abundant greenery and a lovely view of the mountains and valley in the distance. Marvel at the Seven Sisters Waterfall which is in its full glory during the monsoons.

The Nohkalikai Falls is the highest plunge waterfall in India. At 115 feet, the fall is a stunner. In the local Khasi Language, Nohkalikai means 'Jump of Likai'. The legend goes that a woman named Likai jumped from this hill after she found out that her infant daughter was killed. Marvel the falls from a distance as you aren't allowed to go close to the falls.

The trek from Cherrapunjee to the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge takes around 3-4 hours. The trek goes downhill through the village of Sohsarat. Two series of steep steps are encountered while trekking downhill. After the steps, the path leads you through a forest leading to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Pools of turquoise water would make you want to dive in.

Understand through a local guide how years and years of bending and directing the roots, the indigenous people made a bridge by connecting two trees. This was done to combat the menacing monsoons here, so that the people can easily cross over streams. A truly ingenious design and it only grows stronger with each passing year. This trek is not possible during the monsoons.