The Courtyard

Capacity details for The Courtyard are best confirmed directly with the Polo Orchid Resort events team, as the layout can vary depending on the nature of the event and seating arrangement. Reaching out to the resort with your expected guest count will allow them to advise on configuration options and any relevant requirements.

The Courtyard is an open-air venue set within the resort's grounds in Nongthymmai, Cherrapunji. The surrounding hills and natural greenery of the East Khasi Hills form its backdrop, making the outdoor setting central to the venue's character.

Cherrapunji is one of the wettest regions in the world, so weather planning is an important part of organising any event at The Courtyard. It is strongly advisable to discuss contingency arrangements — such as temporary shelter, canopies, or an alternative indoor space — with the resort team well before the event date. The resort's team will be best placed to advise on seasonal patterns and recommended precautions.

Cherrapunji receives heavy rainfall primarily between June and September during the monsoon season, so many event planners prefer the drier months between October and April for outdoor events. That said, even the shoulder seasons can bring unpredictable weather, and the resort team can provide guidance on what to expect during a specific period. Discussing timing early in the planning process is highly recommended.

Polo Orchid Resort in Nongthymmai, Cherrapunji is approximately 54 kilometres from Shillong, the Meghalaya state capital, and the journey is made by road through the East Khasi Hills. Taxis and private vehicles are the most common modes of transport between Shillong and Cherrapunji. Guests travelling from outside Meghalaya typically fly into Shillong Airport or Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport before continuing by road.

Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport) is approximately 67 kilometres from Cherrapunji and is the nearest commercial airport, though it has limited flight connections. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam, approximately 195 kilometres away, serves as the primary gateway for guests arriving on long-haul or connecting flights. From either airport, guests can continue to the resort by road.

Polo Orchid Resort is a hotel property and does offer guest accommodation, making it a practical choice for destination events where attendees are travelling from Shillong or further afield. Specific room types, availability, and group-booking arrangements should be discussed with the resort's reservations team. Booking accommodation and event space together can simplify logistics for out-of-town guests.

As a hotel property, Polo Orchid Resort is expected to have in-house catering capabilities; however, the specific menus, cuisine options, and whether outside caterers are permitted should be confirmed directly with the events team. Discussing dietary requirements, cuisine preferences, and service style early in the planning process will help ensure the catering arrangement matches the event's needs.

Details about available audio-visual equipment, sound systems, lighting, and technical support at The Courtyard are best verified with the resort directly, as open-air venues often have specific setups for outdoor use. It is advisable to communicate your event's technical requirements to the team in advance so they can advise on what is provided in-house and what may need to be sourced externally.

Many resort venues in Meghalaya work with both in-house and external décor vendors, but the specific policy at Polo Orchid Resort should be confirmed with the events team before engaging any third-party suppliers. Sharing your décor concept early will allow the team to advise on any restrictions, access arrangements, and setup timelines relevant to The Courtyard's open-air layout.

The Courtyard at Polo Orchid Resort is well positioned for destination weddings, given that Cherrapunji's dramatic East Khasi Hills landscape is itself a draw for guests making the journey. The resort's on-site accommodation means travelling guests can stay on the property, reducing logistics complexity. The combination of a scenic open-air venue and a genuinely distinctive location makes it a compelling option for couples seeking an event that feels like a true destination experience.

As an open-air venue, The Courtyard may be subject to local noise guidelines and resort-specific rules around amplified sound and event end times. These details should be clarified with the resort's events team during the planning stage, particularly for evening receptions or events featuring live music or a DJ.

Polo Orchid Resort is a hotel property with its own grounds in Nongthymmai, Cherrapunji, and is expected to have parking facilities on site. The exact capacity and any arrangements for larger event groups should be confirmed with the resort team when finalising event logistics.

Pricing for events at The Courtyard will depend on factors such as guest count, event type, duration, catering requirements, and the time of year. The best starting point is to contact the Polo Orchid Resort events team directly with the event date, approximate number of guests, and key requirements to receive a tailored quote. Policies around deposits, cancellations, and date holds are also worth clarifying at the initial enquiry stage.