EXPLORING MEGHALAYA
Meghalaya, meaning “the abode of clouds,” is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush green hills, and cascading waterfalls. It is one of the wettest places on Earth and receives heavy rainfall throughout the year. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a charming hill station with a blend of British colonial architecture and local tribal culture. The state is famous for its living root bridges, formed by training the roots of rubber trees to create natural bridges over rivers and streams.
Meghalaya, located in northeastern India, is a breathtakingly beautiful state known for its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, stunning waterfalls, and unique living root bridges. Here are some of the top tourist spots in Meghalaya, along with brief descriptions:
Places to Visit in Meghalaya
1 Cherrapunji (Sohra):
Distance from the Shillong: Approximately 54 km.
Cherrapunji or Sohra is a sub-divisional town (Proposed District) East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is the traditional capital of ka hima Sohra (Khasi tribal kingdom)
Known as one of the wettest places on Earth, Cherrapunji is famous for its abundant rainfall and stunning landscapes.
👉 Attractions include the Nohkalikai Falls, one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India, and the Living Root Bridges, which are marvels of bioengineering.
2 Mawlynnong:
Distance from the Shillong: Approximately 78 km. via NH206 .
Mawlynnong, a tiny town located in Meghalaya, features stunning natural beauty with its verdant valleys, pristine river water, and plentiful blooming orchids hanging from the trees. Additionally, the immaculate roads make this location a must-visit for tourists seeking picturesque landscapes.
Often referred to as the “Cleanest Village in Asia,” Mawlynnong is a picturesque village renowned for its cleanliness and eco-friendly initiatives.
👉 Explore the skywalk, visit the living root bridges, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this charming village.
3 Shillong:
Distance from Guwahati: Approximately 98km. via NH6.
Shillong is a well-known tourist destination in Meghalaya and the North-East region due to its unspoiled beauty and picturesque hills. The city is decorated with stunning waterfalls, verdant fields, and majestic hills. It is often called the “Scotland Of The East” because of its scenic beauty.
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is known as the “Scotland of the East” due to its pleasant climate and rolling hills.
👉 Key attractions include Ward’s Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, and the Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures.
4 Dawki:
Distance from the Shillong: Approximately 82km. via NH206.
Located in Meghalaya, Dawki is a beautiful border town that is quite popular among tourists. One of its main attractions is the stunning suspension bridge, as well as the picturesque Umngot River. The crystal-clear waters of the river create a stunning illusion of boats gliding on a glass surface, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area.
Dawki is famous for its crystal-clear Umngot River, which forms a natural border between India and Bangladesh.
👉 Visitors can enjoy boating on the transparent waters and take in the mesmerizing beauty of the surrounding hills.
5 Mawsynram:
Distance from the Shillong: Approximately 60 km via Mawsynram-Shillong Rd.
Mawsynram, a charming village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya in north-eastern India, is renowned for its lush greenery. It holds a Guinness World Record for receiving a staggering 26,000 mm of rainfall in 1985, making it the wettest region on the planet. The village sits 1400 meters above sea level and is thought to receive such heavy rainfall due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. Mawsynram is a nature lover’s paradise, offering vibrant farms, stunning waterfalls, and misty natural wonders. If you’re visiting, here are the top things to do.
Like Cherrapunji, Mawsynram is renowned for its heavy rainfall and verdant landscapes.
👉 It’s an excellent place for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility amidst lush greenery.
6 Nongriat Village:
Distance from the Shillong: Approximately 65 km via SH-5
Nongriat is a hamlet in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district in north-eastern India. It is arguably most known for its living root bridges, the most stunning of which is the Jingkieng Nongriat, a double-decker suspension bridge. There are three working root bridges in the village.
Located in the heart of Meghalaya, Nongriat Village is known for its spectacular Double Decker Living Root Bridge.
👉 Adventurous trekkers can explore the scenic beauty of the village and witness the awe-inspiring root bridges.
7 Jaintia Hills:
Distance from the Shillong: Approximately 90 km. via NH6
Jaintia Hills attracts tourists for its spotless lakes, grand waterfalls, mammoth caves, and nature at its pristine best. Tourism in the Jaintia area is still at its nascent stage. The West Jaintia district witnesses more tourist activity than the East Jaintia area.
The Jaintia Hills are famous for their caves and limestone formations. The most prominent cave is the Mawsmai Cave, known for its intricate stalactites and stalagmites.
👉 This region offers unique opportunities for cave exploration and adventure.
8 Balpakram National Park:
Distance from the Shillong: Approximately 208 km. via Mawsynram-Shillong Rd and SH-4
Balpakram National Park is a national park to the south of Garo Hills in Meghalaya, India, located at an altitude of about 910 meters close to the international border with Bangladesh.
It was inaugurated in December 1987 and provides habitat for barking deer, Asian golden cat, Bengal tiger, marbled cat, wild water buffalo, red panda, and Indian elephant. Balpakram means “land of the eternal wind” according to the myth of the Garo people.
This national park is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and various species of deer. The park is also known for its stunning landscapes and panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
9 Nohsngithiang Falls (Seven Sisters Falls):
Distance from the Shillong: Approximately 58 km. via SH-5.
The Nohsngithiang Falls, also known as the Seven Sisters Waterfalls or Mawsmai Falls, is a magnificent waterfall comprised of seven segments. It can be found 1 kilometer (0.62 mi) south of Mawsmai village in the East Khasi Hills district of the Indian state of Meghalaya. The water cascades down from an impressive height of 315 meters (1,033 ft) and has a width of approximately 70 meters (230 ft). This makes it one of the tallest waterfalls in India.
These seven-tiered waterfalls are a captivating natural wonder located near Cherrapunji. The falls are particularly breathtaking during the monsoon season when they are at their full glory.
10 Mawphlang Sacred Forest:
Distance from the Shillong: Approximately 28 km. via Mawsynram-Shillong Rd.
The Mawphlang Sacred Grove is a beautiful forest located in Mawphlang village near Shillong, Meghalaya. Also known as Lawkyntang, it is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and is one of the top places to experience Shillong Tourism.
Located in the East Khasi Hills, the Mawphlang Sacred Forest has been preserved by the locals for centuries due to their religious beliefs that forests are sacred. Covering an area of 80 hectares, the Mawphlang Sacred Grove boasts a wide variety of rare medicinal trees and plants such as the English yew, the Chinese sumac, chinquapin, and more. It is also home to a number of tree species that serve as indicators of climate change, such as the Japanese blue oak and graffiti. In total, there are approximately 450 species of trees and plants in this forest, as well as rare animals and birds.
It is an absolute must-visit destination in Meghalaya, particularly if you have a passion for exploring the diverse natural beauty of the region. Since Shillong is located in close proximity to Mawphlang, it may be a good idea to spend the night there.
Meghalaya’s natural beauty and cultural richness make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an offbeat and enchanting experience in India’s northeastern region.
We arranged A self-drive Road Trip for ASSAM, MEGHALAYA, and ARUNACHAL PRADESH - Please visit our website if you’re interested
