
The Three Sisters are a group of three beautiful waterfalls located in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. A highlight of our popular Northeast India tour packages, they flow side by side down a cliff and are a famous natural attraction in the region.
Where mist-shrouded mountains meet lush green valleys, ancient tribes preserve timeless traditions, and pristine wilderness reveals nature's untouched splendor.
Northeast India—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya—represents India's cultural frontier. Ancient kingdoms (Ahom, Tezpur, Khasi), tribal heritage spanning millennia, colonial transformation, and modern integration into the Indian federation. Start planning your perfect Northeast India vacation to explore this region that preserves pristine forests, indigenous traditions, and a diverse ethnic tapestry unmatched in India.
Northeast India home to 160+ tribal communities; guardians of 5,000+ year oral heritage. Khasi matrilineal society (unique globally): women inherit property, children bear mother's name. Naga headhunting traditions transformed into festivals. Sacred groves (Khasi sacred forests) UNESCO recognized as biodiversity hotspots. Animistic beliefs, shamanism, ancestor worship central to worldview.
Ahom dynasty (1228–1826) reshaped Assam; 600-year reign unprecedented in Indian history. Built sophisticated irrigation, political structures. Assamese language, literature, music evolved during Ahom period. Ahom temples (unique architectural style), palaces preserved. Cultural synthesis: Tai-Ahom-Assamese identity emerged. Legacy: Assamese identity, regional pride, unique cuisine, festivals.
Northeast India part of Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot; 15% of India's flora & fauna concentrated. Assam: one-horned rhinoceros (endangered), Bengal tigers, Asian elephants. Meghalaya: Cherrapunji world's wettest place; lush forests, endemic species. Arunachal Pradesh: Eastern Himalayan forests, species unknown to science. Sacred groves, community forests show indigenous conservation wisdom.
Assam tea legendary globally; world's largest tea-producing region. British established plantations (1840s); Assamese workers (coolies) transformed landscape. Tea culture central to Assamese identity: morning chai ritual universal. Meghalaya: betel nut cultivation, spices. Arunachal Pradesh: agriculture minimal; subsistence farming, organic practices. Agricultural festivals celebrate seasonal cycles.
“3 Sisters” is Bayard’s curated introduction to three of India’s seven Northeast “Sister” states Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh brought together into one seamless circuit that blends wildlife, tea-country landscapes, hill-station charm and Himalayan-border culture. A 3 Sisters package costs roughly ₹22,999 to ₹47,999+ per person, and Guwahati’s strong flight connectivity from major Indian metros makes it one of the more accessible “off-beat” domestic circuits Bayard offers.
Most travellers choose a compact 6–7 day Assam-and-Meghalaya trip, or a fuller 10–14 day circuit that adds Arunachal Pradesh and Tawang. Below, we explain exactly what “3 Sisters” means relative to India’s well-known Seven Sister states, walk through the real permit requirements for Arunachal Pradesh, and help you choose the right pace and duration for your trip.
Get a 3 Sisters quote →
Ideal duration | 7–8 days for Assam + Meghalaya; 10–14 days with Arunachal Pradesh/Tawang added |
Cost | ₹22,999–₹47,999+ per person (land only), depending on duration, hotel category and whether Arunachal Pradesh is included |
Best season | October–April for pleasant weather and clear skies; the June–September monsoon can disrupt roads and activities, especially in Meghalaya and at Arunachal’s high-altitude passes |
Entry requirement | Domestic trip — valid photo ID (Aadhaar, voter ID or passport) for all travellers. An Inner Line Permit (ILP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP) is needed for parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Tawang — Bayard arranges this as part of your package |
Main entry point | Guwahati (Assam) — well connected by air from major Indian metros; Tezpur and Dibrugarh serve as useful secondary entry points for eastern-Assam or Arunachal-heavy itineraries |
India’s Northeast is home to the well-known “Seven Sister” states Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura a term that also gives its name to the genuinely spectacular Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls) near Cherrapunji, whose seven parallel streams symbolise the seven states. Bayard’s “3 Sisters” package is a deliberately focused introduction to three of those seven states Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh chosen because they combine easily into one well-paced circuit with strong road and rail connectivity between them, unlike a full seven-state tour, which would involve considerably more time and more complex logistics. If you’re specifically looking to visit the Seven Sisters Falls itself, it’s included as a highlight of the Meghalaya leg of this circuit.
The 3 Sisters circuit is ideal if you want a domestic trip that feels genuinely different but is still easy to manage. English and Hindi are widely understood in tourist hubs, vegetarian and North/East Indian food is easy to find, and the region offers a strong mix of culture, nature and adventure without needing a passport or visa.
• Assam gives you wildlife, tea gardens and river-life energy.
• Meghalaya adds hill-station charm, waterfalls and living-root bridges.
• Arunachal Pradesh adds high-altitude Himalayan flair, monasteries and border-region culture.
Key reasons to choose the 3 Sisters circuit:
• A genuinely “off-beat” India experience without going international
• A strong mix of wildlife, mountains, villages and monasteries in one trip
• Easy to find vegetarian and North/East Indian food
• Works well for families, couples, adventure seekers and repeat domestic travellers
• Strong value for money compared to many international hill-country destinations
Bayard’s 3 Sisters packages range from ₹22,999 per person for a compact 6-night Assam-and-Meghalaya trip to ₹47,999+ per person for a fuller 10-night circuit that adds Arunachal Pradesh. Flight costs from major Indian cities to Guwahati typically run ₹5,000–₹15,000 per segment (economy), depending on season and airline, and are quoted separately unless bundled.
3 Sisters package price by travel style
Travel style | Typical duration | What’s included | Approx. price (per person, land only) |
Budget | 6–7 days | 3-star hotels, breakfast, basic transfers, limited sightseeing | ₹22,999–₹35,000 |
Budget–mid | 7–8 days | 3-star plus some 4-star, more meals, more transfers, some safaris | ₹29,999–₹45,000 |
Mid-range | 10–12 days | 4-star mix, more activities, better safari operators | ₹47,999–₹70,000 |
Premium / Adventure | 12–14 days | Superior hotels and vehicles, Tawang, monasteries, extra safaris | ₹70,000–₹1,00,000+ |
Get a fixed price for your dates →
Assam & Meghalaya - 7 Days / 6 Nights
From ₹22,999 per person · Best for families, couples, first-time Northeast travellers, and wildlife/photo enthusiasts
• Day 1 — Arrive in Guwahati, transfer to Shillong.
• Day 2 — Shillong sightseeing: Ward’s Lake, Shillong Peak, local markets.
• Day 3 — Day trip to Cherrapunji: waterfalls (including the Seven Sisters Falls), living-root bridges, viewpoints.
• Day 4 — Drive back to Guwahati; relax or a short city walk.
• Day 5 — Kaziranga National Park jeep safari (rhinos, elephants, birdlife).
• Day 6 — More of Kaziranga, or a tea-estate visit in Jorhat, as per package.
• Day 7 — Departure after breakfast.
Customise this itinerary →
Full 3 Sisters Experience - Assam, Meghalaya & Arunachal Pradesh, 10–12 Days
From ₹47,999 per person · Best for families on winter holidays, couples wanting culture plus scenery, and travellers wanting a full-length domestic break
Typical route: Guwahati → Shillong → Cherrapunji → Guwahati → Kaziranga → Tawang/Bomdila/Tezpur, depending on season and package. Highlights include Kaziranga’s rhino and elephant safaris, Meghalaya’s waterfalls and root bridges, and Tawang’s monasteries and high-altitude passes.
Build a full 3 Sisters trip →
Guwahati is well-connected by air from major Indian metros, making this one of the more accessible off-beat circuits in Bayard’s domestic portfolio.
• Direct flights to Guwahati from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and other major metros the usual entry point for a 3 Sisters tour.
• Tezpur and Dibrugarh serve as useful secondary entry points for Assam-and-Arunachal-weighted itineraries.
• Flight duration from major Indian cities to Guwahati is usually 2–3 hours easy to combine with a long weekend or a standard holiday window.
• From Guwahati, the route typically continues to Shillong (Meghalaya) by road, then to Kaziranga and onward to Arunachal Pradesh via well-maintained highways, subject to season and permit rules.
Get a quote for your city →
Since this is a domestic India trip, there’s no foreign visa to arrange but parts of Arunachal Pradesh do require a permit, and it’s worth knowing what applies before you travel.
• A valid photo ID (Aadhaar, voter ID or passport) is required for all travellers throughout the circuit.
• An Inner Line Permit (ILP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP) is needed for certain parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Tawang and other border areas this doesn’t apply to the Assam or Meghalaya legs of the trip.
• Bayard arranges these permits as part of your package, so you don’t need to apply for them separately but it’s worth confirming this is included when you book, especially for shorter or highly customised itineraries.
• Always confirm the latest permit rules and weather-related road conditions before travel, especially around the monsoon (July–September) or peak winter, when high-altitude passes can close.
For most travellers, the best time to visit is October to April, when the weather is cooler, skies are clearer, and road conditions are generally better.
Region | Best months | Notes |
Assam (Guwahati, Kaziranga, tea estates) | November–March | Pleasant weather, good for wildlife safaris and river walks |
Meghalaya (Shillong, Cherrapunji) | October–April | Monsoon months (July–September) bring heavy rain and slippery roads |
Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang, Bomdila) | October–May | High-altitude passes may close in peak winter or heavy snow |
The monsoon season (July–September) can be genuinely beautiful for greenery and waterfalls the Seven Sisters Falls itself is at its most dramatic during this window but road delays and restricted activities are common. If your priority is wildlife safaris and hill-station sightseeing, winter and early spring are the safest, most comfortable months.
Assam Wildlife and Tea Country
Assam is the gateway to the 3 Sisters circuit, rich in culture, tea and wildlife. Best for first-timers to the Northeast, families, and wildlife/nature lovers. Highlights: Kaziranga National Park (rhinos, elephants, birdlife), tea-estate visits and tastings, Brahmaputra River walks and boat rides near Guwahati, and local markets and cultural shows.
Meghalaya - Hills, Waterfalls and Living-Root Bridges
Meghalaya adds hill-station charm and some of India’s most unique nature experiences. Best for couples, honeymooners, photographers and nature-trail lovers. Highlights: Shillong (Ward’s Lake, Shillong Peak, local markets and music-friendly cafés), Cherrapunji/Mawsynram (the Seven Sisters Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, living-root bridges), and the crystal-clear waters of the Dawki River.
Arunachal Pradesh - Himalayan Border Culture
Arunachal brings a near-Himalayan, high-altitude feel, with monasteries, mountain passes and remote villages. Best for mature couples, adventure seekers, repeat domestic travellers and culture enthusiasts. Highlights: Tawang (Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, high-altitude lakes), Bomdila (monasteries, viewpoints and walking trails), and a strong blend of Buddhist and tribal cultures along the route.
Included | Not included |
Hotel stays in Guwahati, Shillong, Cherrapunji, Kaziranga and Tawang/Bomdila, as per itinerary | Airfare to/from Guwahati or Tezpur, unless bundled in a “fly-in” package |
Daily breakfast; some packages include full meals | Some lunches and dinners not listed in the inclusions |
Airport/rail-station transfers in Assam and Meghalaya | Optional paid activities or premium jeep-safari upgrades |
Local sightseeing and transfers (jeep/city tours, waterfalls, tea-estate visits, Kaziranga safaris) | Personal expenses: shopping, tips, mini-bar |
Permit-handling support for Arunachal Pradesh segments | — |
On-trip assistance and local guides | — |
• A clear, honest explanation of what “3 Sisters” actually means relative to India’s well-known Seven Sister states, instead of a confusing waterfall description
• Real permit handling for Arunachal Pradesh, so ILP/PAP requirements don’t become a last-minute surprise
• Honest pacing across wildlife, hill-station and high-altitude experiences, so the trip feels immersive rather than rushed
• Flexible route-building — a compact Assam-Meghalaya break, a honeymoon-style Meghalaya-focused trip, or the full 3-state adventure with Arunachal Pradesh
Talk to a Northeast India specialist →
What does “3 Sisters” mean?
It refers to Bayard’s curated circuit covering three of India’s seven Northeast “Sister” states Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh chosen because they combine well into one manageable trip. The full “Seven Sisters” also includes Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
Do I need a visa for the 3 Sisters circuit?
No — this is a domestic India trip, so no visa is needed. A valid photo ID (Aadhaar, voter ID or passport) is required for all travellers, and an Inner Line Permit or Protected Area Permit is needed for parts of Arunachal Pradesh, which Bayard arranges as part of your package.
How much does a 3 Sisters trip cost?
Bayard’s packages range from around ₹22,999 per person for a 6-night Assam-and-Meghalaya trip to ₹47,999+ per person for a fuller 10-night circuit that adds Arunachal Pradesh. Longer, premium circuits with Tawang can run ₹70,000–₹1,00,000+.
How many days are enough for the 3 Sisters?
7–8 days covers Assam and Meghalaya comfortably. 10–14 days allows a fuller circuit that adds Arunachal Pradesh and Tawang.
What is the best time to visit?
October to April, when the weather is cooler, skies are clearer and roads are in better condition. The June–September monsoon can disrupt roads and activities, especially in Meghalaya and at Arunachal’s high-altitude passes.
Is the Seven Sisters Falls part of this trip?
Yes the Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls) near Cherrapunji is included as a highlight of the Meghalaya leg of the itinerary. It’s most dramatic during the monsoon (June–September), when all seven streams are flowing at full strength.
Do I need a permit for Arunachal Pradesh?
Yes, for parts of the state including Tawang and other border areas — an Inner Line Permit (ILP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required. Bayard arranges this as part of your package.
How do I get to the 3 Sisters region?
By air into Guwahati, which has good flight connectivity from major Indian metros (roughly 2–3 hours’ flight time), followed by road travel to Shillong, Kaziranga and onward to Arunachal Pradesh. Tezpur and Dibrugarh serve as secondary entry points for some itineraries.
What is included in a Bayard 3 Sisters package?
Hotels in your itinerary cities, daily breakfast, local transfers and sightseeing, and permit-handling support for Arunachal Pradesh. Airfare to Guwahati, some meals, and optional paid activities are quoted separately unless bundled.
Planning a Northeast India holiday?
Tell us your city, your dates and who’s travelling. We’ll send back a costed itinerary that already accounts for the right pace across Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, with permits handled for you.
Enquire now · WhatsApp · Call
Handpicked signatures and top-rated escapes in 3 sisters
Not just another travel company. We're dreamweavers, adventure architects, and memory makers.
Explore
Meet Bayard Buddy – Advanced AI Chatbot for Everyday Help








Northeast India—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya—represents India's cultural frontier. Ancient kingdoms (Ahom, Tezpur, Khasi), tribal heritage spanning millennia, colonial transformation, and modern integration into the Indian federation. Start planning your perfect Northeast India vacation to explore this region that preserves pristine forests, indigenous traditions, and a diverse ethnic tapestry unmatched in India.
Northeast India—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya—represents India's cultural frontier. Ancient kingdoms (Ahom, Tezpur, Khasi), tribal heritage spanning millennia, colonial transformation, and modern integration into the Indian federation. Start planning your perfect Northeast India vacation to explore this region that preserves pristine forests, indigenous traditions, and a diverse ethnic tapestry unmatched in India.
Indigenous tribes—Khasi, Garo, Mishing, Apatani, Naga—thrived in forested regions. Sophisticated agrarian systems (jhum cultivation), tribal governance structures, oral traditions preserved. No written records but archaeological evidence confirms settlements. Sacred groves, animistic beliefs shaped sustainable ecosystems. Trade routes connected to Myanmar, China, Tibet.
Ahom dynasty founded powerful kingdom in Assam valley. 600-year reign transformed region: irrigation systems, administration, military organization. Tai people (Thai-Kadai origin) assimilated into local culture. Peak power (16th–17th centuries) resisted Mughal expansion. Architecture: Ahom temples, palaces. Literature, music flourished. Ended with British conquest (1826).
Meghalaya: Khasi kingdom established matrilineal governance (unique to region). Garo, Jaintia kingdoms maintained independence. Arunachal Pradesh: Monpa, Naga kingdoms preserved traditional structures (headmanship, village councils). Limited external contact; internal autonomy maintained. Trade in spices, forest products.
East India Company conquered Assam (1826); extended control to adjoining regions. British established tea plantations (Assam tea became world-famous). Infrastructure: railways, roads, colonial architecture. Indigenous populations marginalized; forest resources exploited. Hill tribes classified as 'scheduled tribes' (administrative designation). Resistance movements emerged (Assam Rebellion 1835–1851).
Assam independent state (1947); partitioned with Muslim-majority Sylhet to Pakistan (1947). Arunachal Pradesh acquired from China (1962 war); remained union territory until statehood (1987). Meghalya separated from Assam (1972); became independent state. Modern period: ethnic tensions, indigenous movements, development challenges. Preservation of tribal culture alongside modernization.
Ahom Kingdom
1228–1826
600-year reign; resisted Mughal expansion
Khasi Matrilineal Society
Millennia-old
Unique property inheritance; women's rights
Cherrapunji Rainfall
11,777 mm/year
World's wettest place; Meghalaya identity
One-Horned Rhinos
2,600+
Kaziranga National Park; global significance
Exceptional Service and Stunning Views! I just returned from a trip to Kerala curated by Bayard Vacations, and I'm still thinking about the views. Unlike generic packages, Dhanushree from Bayard took the time to tailor the itinerary to my preferences. Every hotel and houseboat was chosen for its...
We went to Dubai, and Bayard Vacations made our entire trip truly joyful and memorable. Adarsh from Bayard Vacations was extremely helpful in arranging the yacht and managing a few issues promptly, which made our vacation smooth and stress-free.
We had a wonderful vacation in Dubai, all thanks to Bayard Vacations. From planning to execution, everything was smooth and well-organized. The itinerary was perfectly balanced, the accommodations were comfortable, and all arrangements were completely hassle-free. A special thanks to Mr. Adarsh for...
We had an amazing time in Dubai with Bayard Vacation. Adarsh, our destination specialist, explained everything super smoothly and stayed in touch with us the whole time, which made the trip feel really easy and well organized. The team was great with the transport arrangements too. The drivers were...
Best iternary prepared by them. The best travel agency I suggest
We recently went on a trip to Coorg and Wayanad with Bayard Vacations, and the experience was seamless. We opted for a private package, and all the arrangements were excellent. The communication was clear throughout the process. A special thanks to our agents, Rahul and Sowmya, who handled the plann...
We had a wonderful vacation in Thailand thanks to the...
We booked our Hampi and Badami tour with Bayard Vacation and had an absolutely amazing experience! Everything was perfectly planned and very smooth from start to finish. The hotel location was excellent and close to all major places, and the drive was super comfortable. The whole trip was completely...
We recently completed a 4-5 day Andaman trip with Bayard Vacation, and overall it was a very pleasant and well-organized experience. From the planning stage to the end of the journey, the team especially team of Rahul, Dhanushree, was supportive and responsive, making the trip smooth and stress-free.
Loved our trip to Kerala(Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Varkala and Kovalam) with Bayard Vacations. They've tailored our package and made adjustments according to our itinerary. Agents Sooraj and Dhanushree were the ones who planned and executed our trip so well🙌🙌. They were very polite and friendly. The vehicle arranged was a comfortable and spacious one for our family of 9. We were apprehensive about the tour but returned with beautiful and lifelong memories🫶🫶. A trip with Bayard Vacations is value for money ♥️♥️.
I recently took a 5N/6D trip to Kerala with Bayyard Vacation, and it turned out to be a lovely experience. Even before the trip began, the Bayyard team, especially Sooraj, helped me with every little detail and was super quick with his responses. Our assigned driver, Jbin Alex, was incredibly humble, kind, and supportive throughout the journey. I’d strongly recommend him if you’re planning a Kerala trip, and I’d definitely suggest choosing Bayyard Vacation for your travels. There was a small miss where one of the complimentary items mentioned in the itinerary couldn’t be fulfilled, but aside from that, everything went smoothly. Overall, I’d rate Bayyard Vacation a solid 4.5/5.
Manasa, sincere thanks for curating such an elegant and seamless Thailand experience. Every aspect of the journey was impeccably planned—from punctual transfers and smooth pickups to a perfectly balanced itinerary. The attention to detail, premium coordination, and effortless execution truly elevated the trip. Everything flowed with precision, allowing us to relax and enjoy each moment without a single concern. Your professionalism and commitment to excellence were evident throughout. Bayard Vacations delivers not just a trip, but a truly luxurious and memorable travel experience. Highly recommended.
We recently traveled to Malaysia and had a fantastic experience with Bayard Vacations. Their quick responses and excellent service made the entire planning process smooth and stress-free. Balaji’s recommendations were absolutely on point and perfectly matched our preferences. His attention to detail and prompt support truly made a difference. Highly satisfied with the overall experience and would definitely choose Bayard Vacations again for future trips. Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The trip was very beautiful. We have experienced many places and we got chance to have the package. They guided us very safely and assured as everything that you need and food was also good and was in care of everything was fantastic trip. We went to Thailand and Bangkok, and we did alKaiser show Quarter Island and we explored a lot in the Water, also like paragliding Jaki riding And there was a dinner cruise in Bangkok. Also was very nice. Totally we really appreciate for the trip and we will like to do more.
Join 25,000+ happy travelers who explored 3 sisters with us.