Meghalaya, which means “Abode of Clouds” in Sanskrit, is a land of unparalleled beauty. With pristine rivers, gushing waterfalls, and emerald-green mountains, this paradise on earth is a dream destination for all adventure seekers. From visiting gigantic caves to cruising on crystal clear rivers, Meghalaya Tourist Places are perfectly housed in the lap of Mother Nature.
Meghalaya is home to one of the wettest places on earth and is also India’s Cherry Blossom Capital. The Cherry Blossom which blooms in autumn(around November end), is a popular tourist attraction in Meghalaya.
The beauty of Meghalaya is that these wonderful lands have not been destroyed yet by excessive tourism and once you reach these lush green valleys, the calm and untouched aura transports you to a different plane. If you are planning a visit to this picturesque terrain, here are the top 7 places to visit in Meghalaya, that make for a perfect adventure trip that you can take solo or with family. For each of the below-listed tourist places, I have provided a brief description of what to expect, the best time to visit, and the entry fees charged to view these places.
How to Reach Meghalaya
The easiest and fastest way to reach Meghalaya is by air. There is an airport in Shillong, however, it operates only 2 to 3 flights daily, none of which are direct ones. Also, the flight fares from any Source city to Shillong are extremely expensive, so I would suggest taking a flight to the Guwahati airport and then hiring a cab to Shillong. The cab will cost Rs. 3000 and it is a mere 3-hour ride from the airport, on well-built roads.
If you want to travel by train, you need to reach the Kamakhya Junction Railway station and hire a cab to Shillong from the Paltan Bazaar area.
Top 7 Meghalaya Tourist Places
1.Double Decker Root Bridge
Meghalaya is home to several living root bridges, the most notable one being the Double Decker living root bridge. Living roots are a powerful example of the coexistence of Nature and mankind. The specialty of this particular tourist attraction is the double-span structure formed by the arterial roots, thereby giving the name “Double Decker”.
How to Reach: The Double Decker root bridge is located near Nongriat Village. To reach this point, you will need to hire a car and travel about 22 km from Cherrapunji (that is 30 mins) and reach Tyrna village. Here you can park the car, and begin the descent down. You can reach this amazing attraction by hiking down 3500 steps and crossing a couple of wired bridges on narrow streams.
The Experience: The hike down to the bridge is a steep and long one. Of the 3500 steps, the first 2500 steps are a steep descent. While the descent is easy, the hike back up is very physically demanding and will take every ounce of your mental and physical strength to climb back. However, the pain is worth it, because seeing the structure of the root bridge and being able to climb and experience this manmade wonder is truly priceless. The serene and lush green surroundings and the chirping of birds only add to the experience.
Entry Fees: Car parking at Tyrna village will cost Rs.100. The entry to Nongriat village where the living root bridges are present, costs Rs. 30 per person. If you choose to take a guide, it will cost you Rs. 700.
2.Umngot River in Dawki
Umngot River is known for its clear, emerald-green waters and is a part of the border between India and Bangladesh. The river is also called the Dawki River. The crystal clear and exceptionally clear waters, allow visibility of the riverbed up to several meters deep. This clarity of the water is attributed to the limestone rocks in the region.
The Umngot River forms a natural border between India and Bangladesh. The Dawki Bridge, also known as the Indo-Bangladesh Friendship Bridge, spans the river and serves as a connection between the two countries. The Dawki River is host to an annual boat race event that attracts participants and spectators. The boat race is a colorful and lively event, adding to the cultural and recreational significance of the region.
How to Reach: Dawki is located at an almost 4-hour drive from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. It is equidistant from Cherrapunji, but to be honest, the roads to reach Dawki are terrible. The roads are full of potholes caused by the excessive rainfall. So, if traveling with elderly family members, I would suggest avoiding this destination.
The Experience: The area around the Dawki River is characterized by lush greenery, hills, and scenic landscapes. The riverbanks offer breathtaking views, making it a picturesque destination for nature lovers and photographers. Boating on these lovely waters is an ethereal experience. Boats used are the traditional wooden ones and one can see the fish and rocks near the river bed.
Entry Fees: The locals charge Rs. 50 to enter the Umngot area vicinity. Boating charges are Rs.250 per person for a duration of 20 to 25 mins.
3.Wahrew Sohbar
This is a hidden gem and has not yet been discovered by commercial tourism operators. It is an innately beautiful and scenic river, where the longest arch bridge was built. The beauty of this Meghalaya tourist place is doublefold, the picturesque mountains and crystal clear Wahrew river and the longest arch bridge in India, that is built over it.
How to Reach: This is located about 25km from Sohra Cherrapunji, and since the road is a winding one, it will take about 45 mins by car. Wahrew is close to the Bangladesh border, which runs across this river. Once you reach the car park, you can see the arch bridge from far away, but to reach the river you need to climb down about 500 steps.
The Experience: This is one of the most mesmerizing places I have visited in my life. The panoramic views from the arch bridge captivate your senses. The crystal clear waters are ethereal, you can spot the rocks and fishes near the river bed with your naked eyes. The Bangladesh plains are visible from the arch bridge when you look southwards. on the other side, i.e. northwards you can spot the river flowing from amidst the cliffs.
Entry Fee: The parking here is free. The entry fee is Rs. 30 per person. Boating charges are Rs.150 per person for a short 15 to 20-minute ride.
4.Nohkalikai Falls
Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on Earth and home to many rainfed waterfalls, and one of the most beautiful ones is the Nohkalikai Falls. It is particularly famous for its height and is considered one of the tallest waterfalls in India. The waterfall plunges from a height of approximately 340 meters and is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a picturesque and popular tourist destination.
How to Reach: Nohkalikai Falls is located about 7km from Sohra Cherrapunji, and you can reach here by car. One tip is that Google Maps shows the wrong location of these falls, so it is better that you ask the locals and reach them instead of following maps. Once you park the car, you will need to walk a bit to reach the viewpoint, but there are no stairs
The Experience: Like all of the other Meghalaya tourist places, the region surrounding Nohkalikai Falls is known for its stunning landscapes, with rolling hills, deep valleys, and numerous waterfalls, making it a popular destination for those seeking natural beauty and adventure. Visit at dusk, you can see the falls an illuminated white against the backdrop of dark blue mountains and a setting crimson sun.
There is a restaurant cum shop here, run by the locals, who have an extended balcony that overlooks the falls. Trust me, the views from this point are better than the actual viewpoint some paces above.
Entry Fee: The locals charge Rs. 50 per person and Rs. 50 for a car.
5.Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai Cave is a limestone cave system located near Cherrapunji in Meghalaya. Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra. It is a popular tourist attraction in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore the intriguing geological formations of this lush and nature-endowed Abode of Clouds.
How to Reach: Mawsmai cave is located about 6 km from Sohra and is quite close to the Nohkalikai Falls. So tourists typically cover these together.
The Experience: The specialty of this cave is that is not extremely long, making it suitable for tourists with varying levels of physical fitness. Visitors can explore the cave, experiencing the narrow passages, chambers, and unique rock formations inside. When inside, the rocks, the semi-darkness(the cave is illuminated with artificial light sources), and the stillness humble you to the realization of how mighty the Himalayas are. The entry and exit points of the cave are different, so after having scrambled through the dark cave, you will feel joy and exhilaration for having completed the tour and re-emerged into sunlight.
Entry Fee: The entry fee to the cave is Rs. 100 per person and if you are carrying a camera, there are additional charges to be paid. No charges for mobile cameras though.
6.Seven Sisters Falls
The Seven Sister Falls, also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, is a group of seven segmented waterfalls located near Cherrapunji. The falls are named after the seven individual streams of water that cascade down the cliffs. The falls collectively form one of the tallest waterfall systems in India, with an impressive height of approximately 315 meters and are one of the most famous Meghalaya tourist places.
According to local folklore, the falls are named after seven sisters who are believed to reside in the nearby hills. Each of the seven streams is said to represent one of the sisters. The legend adds a cultural and mythical dimension to the natural beauty of the falls.
How to Reach: Located at a distance of about 8 km from Sohra, the falls are accessible by road, and visitors can reach the viewpoints to get a good vantage point for viewing and photographing the waterfalls.
The Experience: The falls are most spectacular during the monsoon season when Cherrapunji receives a substantial amount of rainfall. The heavy rains lead to a robust flow of water over the cliffs, creating a stunning natural spectacle. There are viewpoints near the Seven Sister Falls that allow visitors to admire and photograph the scenic beauty of the waterfalls and the surrounding landscape. There are binoculars available for Rs. 20 to view the waterfalls in their fullest grandeur.
Entry Fee: The locals charge a parking fee of Rs. 50. There are no other charges to be paid.
7.Elephant Falls
Shillong is known for its waterfalls and a visit to Shillong is incomplete without seeing the Elephant Falls. It is situated at a distance of about 15 km from Police Bazaar on the way to Cherrapunji. The waterfall is unique because the stream falls over multiple levels, down the slope making this a 3 tiered waterfall. It is named after an elephant-shaped rock that was destroyed by an earthquake years ago.
The Best Time to Visit Elephant Falls in Shillong is in monsoon, from June to October when the waterfalls are teeming with water and the surroundings are a resplendent green! You can also visit from November to March when the weather is cool and pleasant.
So, the waterfall has three levels, each with a different view and experience. You can walk down the stairs to see each level and enjoy the spray of the water and the sound of the flow. Elephant Falls is a popular tourist place in Shillong, especially for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. You can also find some stalls selling snacks and souvenirs near the entrance
How to Reach: This is located about 15km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. It takes about an hour to reach this waterfall from Police Bazaar owing to the traffic conditions. This is accessible via road.
The Experience: The waterfall has three levels, each with a different view and experience. You can walk down the stairs to see each level and enjoy the spray of the water and the sound of the flow. Elephant Falls is a popular tourist place in Shillong, especially for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. You can also find some stalls selling snacks and souvenirs near the entrance
Entry Fee: The fee charged is Rs. 100 per person. There are no parking charges here.
If you are looking to stay in Shillong and want to check out Places to visit in Shillong, check my other posts.
If you are looking for options in Kashmir, check out my posts on Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Snowfall in Kashmir, and Best time to Visit Kashmir. If you are looking for options in Ladakh, check out Ladakh Weather, Nubra Valley, 5 Days Kashmir Itinerary, Best Packing tips for Ladakh & best tourist places in Ladakh.
If you are looking for places to visit in the Andaman Islands, please check my post on Radhanagar Beach & Ross Island.
If you are looking for other seaside options, check my posts on Murud Janjira, Kashid, and Kihim Beach in Maharashtra or Malshej Ghat. Alternatively, if you are interested in some Religious tourism, please check my posts on Golden Temple, Kamakhya, Trimbakeshwar, and Kashi Vishwanath. If you are looking for North East Adventure tours, check my posts on Shillong, Meghalaya, Dawki, Double Decker Living Root Trek, and 7 Day North East Itinerary.
If you are planning visit to Sikkim, check out Tsomgo Lake. You can also check out my post on Best Places to Visit Mahabaleshwar.
If you are looking for some spirituality, you can check out Ganga Aarti in Dashashwamedh Ghat or Ghats in Varanasi.
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