Meghalaya’s Landscapes
The unforgettable landscapes of Meghalaya will stay in your heart, long after your journey is over. The table-top heights of Sohra (Cherrapunjee) are brimful with waterfalls, streams, and forest trails. Gaze at the Bangladeshi plains from the many vantage points on the state’s southern ridges. The outskirts of Shillong and the high plateau around Mylliem and Smit offer postcard perfect representations of the simple life – complete with pastel green meadows, tall pine groves, crisp cool air, and quiet villages with quaint cottages and wooden fences spread across the countryside.
Meghalaya is home to some of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world – from west to east, there are many subterranean tunnels and spots marked with ancient fossils and home to rare species. During the monsoons, the fast-moving rivers swell and drop into the plains in imposing, powerful cascades – a reason why Meghalaya is also termed as a land of waterfalls.
Top Attractions In Meghalaya
ShillongAs a capital city, Shillong is an integral part of Meghalaya tourism. Often referred to as the gateway to the state, Shillong will be an unmissable part of your Meghalaya tourism itinerary. Shillong is gradually accepting the modern way of life but you can still find traces of an old-world vibe in some parts of the city. Most tourist attractions are situated close to Shillong so while planning your Meghalaya tourism itinerary, we recommend making the city your base.
You can explore the entire city in one day but if you’d like to enjoy the local culture, we suggest staying here for at least two days. The mesmerising views, the unique culture and the delectable local cuisine are reasons enough for travellers to fall in love with the state’s capital. Wards Lake, Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Mawsynram and the Don Bosco Museum are a few other attractions that should be part of your Meghalaya tourism itinerary.
Mawsynramis situated approximately 60 kilometres from Shillong and it takes about two hours to cover the distance. You can hire a cab to explore the village or use local transport. One of the wettest places in the world, Mawsynram is a delight for nature lovers. The village is known for a huge formation of a stalagmite that is said to resemble aShivling. Mawsynram witnesses extreme rainfall and travellers are sometimes astonished by the intensity of the rain. It’s best to explore Mawsynram with a tour guide since it’ll be easier to navigate the language barrier and you might be privy to a few hidden gems in the area.
Umiam Lakeis another attraction that is on top of the list for travellers exploring Meghalaya tourism. The lake is situated 15 kilometres from Shillong and there are numerous transport options available from the main city. Travellers head to Umiam Lake for an exceptional boating experience and also to admire the spellbinding sunrise and sunset. The lake is surrounded by the thick East Khasi Hills and the views are mesmerising. There is a garden adjacent to the lake which is a hotspot for picnics. You will see numerous locals enjoying their Sunday in the midst of lush greenery here.Shillong is home to a range of guesthouses and luxury resorts that are a recent addition and a huge reason for the growth of Meghalaya tourism. If you’d like to spend a couple of days in Shillong, we recommend booking your trip well in advance.
CherrapunjiYou can’t imagine a trip to explore Meghalaya tourism without visiting the gorgeous town of Cherrapunji. It’s claim to fame is that it is one of the wettest places in the world. Another reason why travellers are attracted to Cherrapunji is the mesmerising double-decker living root bridge. If you have seen images of Meghalaya, we are sure that the living root bridge was among the top photos. The surreal natural beauty of the bridge is a sight to behold and sees hundreds of tourists every day.Cherrapunji is situated 55 kilometres from Shillong and you can easily hire a taxi from the capital city to cover the distance. We recommend spending a few days in Cherrapunji so you can include a visit to the numerous waterfalls in your Meghalaya tourism itinerary.
Double Decker Living Root Bridgeis located in the village of Nongriat and is among the most visited sites of Meghalaya tourism. It is three kilometres long and is perched at a height of 2400 feet. With the Umshiang River flowing beneath the bridge and lush greenery surrounding this natural attraction, it’s no wonder that this is on top of the list for most travellers. Your cab will drop you to Tyrna village from where you will have to trek to the bridge. The trek takes about two hours each way and while it’s an easy trek, you need to be prepared for sudden downpours.
If you are travelling with little ones or the elderly, you can hire travel guides and porters to help you tackle the distance. It’s best to start your journey early in the morning so that you have more time amidst surreal natural beauty. Mobile network is weak in the area and absent for the better part of the trek so ensure that your hotel is aware of your whereabouts in case of an emergency. There aren’t too many hotels or guesthouses in Nongriat so if you are planning to stay here, we recommend booking your stay in advance.Mawsmai Caves and Nohkalikai Falls are two tourist attractions that should be in your Meghalaya tourism itinerary for the sheer beauty that they offer. In fact, you can include a tour of Mawsmai Cave to add a little bit of adventure to your trip to Cherrapunji.
MawlynnongMawlynnong rose to fame a few years back when it was given the title of ‘Asia’s Cleanest Village’. The small, idyllic village is situated almost 100 kilometres from Shillong, close to the Bangladesh border. Replete with vibrant flower fields, small stretches of forest land and a few living root bridges of its own, Mawlynnong is a dream-like destination for nature lovers to explore. You must save at least two days for the village, especially if you are exploring Meghalaya tourism for the first time. However, if you are short on time, you can plan a day tour from Shillong.
Adventure enthusiasts should also save sufficient time in their Meghalaya tourism itinerary for Sky View Point. Priced at a mere cost of Rs.10, this experience will be etched in your memory. Sky View Point is on top of a tower that is made of cane and bamboo, and it offers breathtaking views of the Bangladesh border. The views are so surreal that you will feel as if you are floating amidst the clouds. Even if you are short on time, this is an experience that you must tick off your Meghalaya tourism itinerary.In order to learn more about the local culture, we suggest paying your respects at the Church of the Epiphany. The 100-year-old structure has stood the test of time and is the centre of all activities in the village. Surrounded by vibrant flowers, the church is open throughout the week and you can pay a visit any time of the day. Sundays in the village are dedicated to mass in the church and we recommend participating in the ceremony if you’re in town.
DawkiDawki, a small town in Meghalaya, is one of the most picturesque places in India. Situated near the India-Bangladesh border, the town is famous for the Umngot River. Dawki is situated around 95 kilometres from Shillong and is barely two kilometres from the Bangladesh border. The drive from Shillong to Dawki is mesmerising, with palm and betel nut trees on one side and rocky mountains on the other.
Although the town is a hub for cross-border trade, Dawki has become popular owing to the magical emerald waters of the Umngot River, also known as the Dawki River. One look at the river is sure to capture you in a spell. The images of boats in the river, that appear to be floating in the air, are a phenomenon on social media and the perfect introduction to this gem of Meghalaya tourism. A suspension bridge across the river offers the best views of the river as well as the surrounding Jaintia Hills. A boat ride in the pristine waters of the Umngot River is an experience to cherish for life.
Mawphunlur Village , Country side beauty70 Kms from Shillong ,the village is inhabited with 12 Houses. It is known as the landof seven lakes and admire the beauty of West Khasi Hills , It is surrounded with green hills with the scenicbeauty of the village
The countryside wonderland is a pure assault to your senses that secretly captivates you. With lush green hillock to stay at surrounded by gorgeous ponds, there is nothing but miracle in the moment.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest , MawphlangMawphlang Sacred Forest, is a beautiful village situated 25 kilometres away from Shillong, One of these forests still retains its significance today ,the Sacred Groves of Mawphlang. Visitors are not allowed to takeanything away from this hallowed forest, not even a pebble or a twig. Apart from rare plants, mushrooms, and
Wari Chora is a relatively unexplored and hidden place in Meghalaya. Located in the deep jungles of the Garo Hills, Wari Chora is nothing short of a paradise.Wari Chora is the land of the Seven Giant Serpents. Wari is a Garo word that translatesto deep water while Chora refers to long. It is a place surrounded by canyons and the tranquil turquoise water of river Rongdik passes through it.
The Rongdik River flows from Wari Chora to Jawai Wari through Aginma Wari and then to Emangre joining the Simsang River in Siju and eventually entering Bangladesh
