Places to Visit in Meghalaya: Our Top 5 Pick

Meghalaya is a Sanskrit word meaning "abode of clouds".
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Northeast India is a true nature wonder of India, and Meghalaya is a traveler’s and tourist paradise. A must-visit place for nature lovers.

You may get lost in the wonders of landscapes, waterfalls, and vibrant culture, so this guide of 5 places to visit in Meghalaya is what you need.

Meghalaya is a Sanskrit word meaning “abode of clouds”. In your schools, you may have read that the wettest place on Earth is Cherrapunji; well, that is indeed in Meghalaya.

Meghalaya is nested among the hills of Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia tribal regions. Not only breathtaking landscape, but Meghalaya also has a rich, long tribal culture to explore.

It is a place where modernity has found a harmonious balance with nature.

Quick things: 

  • Capital – Shillong
  • Wettest Places – Cherrapunji and Mawsynram
  • Attraction – Landscape, Hills, Waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, ancient monoliths and wildlife sanctuaries
  • Who should visit – Nature lovers, adventure seekers, trekkers.

Let’s explore these 5 places to visit in Meghalaya so that you can plan your next trip to this beautiful land of northeast India.

5 Places To Visit In Meghalaya

If you are a little too excited, here is a quick list of the top 5 places to visit in Meghalaya.

  • Shillong
  • Cherrapunji
  • Mawsynram
  • Mawlynnong
  • Dawki

1. Shillong: Also known as “The Scotland of the East”

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is often referred to as the “Scotland of the East” for its picturesque beauty. This city is a unique blend of old-world charm and urban vibrancy. 

It is also the headquarters of East Khasi Hills. 

Its colonial-era architecture, bustling marketplaces, and cool climate make it a must-visit destination. To reach this charming city, you can either fly into Shillong Airport or take a scenic drive from Guwahati.

Here’s a cool thing – You can take a helicopter ride in this hill station.

How to travel: 

  • You can fly into Shillong Airport or drive or take a cab/bus from Guwahati.

Must Things to Do:

  • Visit the Elephant Falls, where the water gracefully cascades down amidst lush greenery.
  • Explore the Shillong Peak, which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.
  • Take a stroll around Ward’s Lake, a popular spot for picnics and boating.

Best Time to Visit: 

  • March to May because of pleasant weather.

2. Cherrapunji: Also known as “Sohra”, the local name

Cherrapunji is located in the East Khasi Hills, about 50 km southwest of Shillong. It is also known for its record-breaking rainfall. It receives about 11777 mm of rainfall each year. 

Cherrapunji is famed for the incredible living root bridges, which are unique to the region. The living root bridges are a marvel of sustainable engineering, formed over centuries by guiding tree roots. These remarkable structures have garnered recognition and are now included in the provisional list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Cherrapunji is not only a place of natural beauty but also a testament to the age-old traditions of the Khasi people. 

How to Travel: 

  • You can drive from Shillong.

Must Things to Do:

  • Drive through the scenic route from Shillong, which takes about 2-3 hours. You can enjoy the lush green valleys.
  • Explore the mesmerizing living root bridges crafted over generations from the aerial roots of trees.
  • Visit the Mawsmai Cave, a well-lit cave with stunning limestone formations.
  • Witness the grandeur of Nohkalikai Falls, one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India.

Best Time to Visit: 

  • June to September for lush greenery.

3. Mawsynram: The Wettest Place on Earth

Yes, Cherrapunji is also known as the Wettest Place on Earth. Still, Mawsynram is too because both the villages are located nearby 15 km in distance. 

The journey to Mawsynram from Cherrapunji is an exploration of the rain-soaked landscapes and mist-covered hills. The village itself is a wonder, where you can experience a climate unlike anywhere else on the planet. This is a place where you can witness the unique weather phenomenon of Meghalaya.

How to Travel: 

  • Drive from Cherrapunji.

Must Things to Do: 

  • Drive from Cherrapunji, which is about 1-2 hours away.
  • Explore the village’s surroundings and visit the Mawsynram Cave.
  • Witness the fascinating weather phenomenon that has made this place famous.
  • Venture into the Krem Puri Cave, known for its mysterious underground passages.

Best Time to Visit: 

  • November to February to witness the unique weather phenomenon.

4. Mawlynnong: Asia’s Cleanest Village

Mawlynnong proudly holds the title of Asia’s cleanest village, and it’s a shining example of community-driven cleanliness and eco-consciousness.

So if you visit Shillong, make a plan to visit Mawlynnong, which is just 80 km. Apart from the utmost importance of cleanliness and environmental conservation, you can see living root bridges, skywalks with lush vegetation, and panoramic views.

How to Travel

  • Drive from Shillong.

Things to Do

  • Explore the Living Root Bridge, a testament to the ingenious Khasi engineering.
  • Stroll through the village, where cleanliness and eco-consciousness are a way of life.
  • Hike to the Sky View Point for panoramic vistas of the Bangladesh plains.

Best Time to Visit

  • Year-round, but avoid the monsoon season for a more comfortable experience.

5. Dawki: Cleanest river in Asia

If you are looking for places to visit in Meghalaya, then you can’t miss Dawki, which is famous for its crystal-clear river Umngot. 

This river is known for its exceptionally clear water, allowing visitors to see the riverbed and the colorful stones beneath its surface.

The surrounding lush greenery, twittering birds, and fluttering butterflies add to the idyllic setting, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The river also serves as a natural boundary between India and Bangladesh, and the suspension bridge over it offers breathtaking views of the river and the bordering landscapes.

How to Travel

  • Drive from Shillong, which is about 81 km, through scenic landscapes.

Things to Do

  • Enjoy a boat ride on the surreal Umngot River, where the riverbed is visible through the clear water.
  • Visit the Dawki Bridge, which serves as a border crossing point with Bangladesh.

Best Time to Visit

  • October to November for calm waters.

Plan Your Next Adventure Trip To Meghalaya

Meghalaya is filled with natural beauty blessed with lush green landscapes, pristine forests, some of the wettest places on Earth, and crystal-clear rivers and deep forests. 

There are so many places to visit in Meghalaya, among which these are the top 5 places you can check out. Plan your journey carefully to visit these places for breath-taking landscapes, unique experiences, and a deep connection with this enchanting region.

If you miss nature, then this is the place you must visit; you can connect with nature, and, of course, tons of photography you can do there. 

Meghalaya has something incredible to offer, making it a dream destination for any traveler.

Stay tuned for an updated version with more places to visit in Meghalaya.

Visit a nearby state Assam, here the top places to visit in Assam.

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