Meghalaya, the abode of clouds, is one of the most beautiful states in North-East India offering a variety of sights, activities, food and festivals to the tourists. Well known for Cherapunjji, the place which receives one of the maximum rainfall in the world, Meghalaya can mesmerise you with its hills, valleys, lakes, caves and waterfalls which when combined with the beautiful clouds, give it a very serene, beautiful look.

The best time is between October and June. Considered the wettest region in the country, Meghalaya is not often recommended to tourists during peak monsoons. The state receives an average rainfall of 250 cm. The season begins in May and goes on till the end of September or sometimes till mid-October. One can, however, explore the beautiful state in the beginning or by the end of the monsoon season when the rains are not heavy and the terrain is mesmerizingly beautiful.

Jadoh is the most popular Khasi street food items. This red rice and pork preparation is mouth-meltingly yummy! Meghalayan cuisine celebrates pork in all its glory. Be it steamed, boiled, fried or grilled, PORK plays a key role in most of the dishes eaten by the local population. One such is Doh-Khleih. Nakham Bitchi is a hot and spicy soup dish.

The shops in Meghalaya are also known for selling handloom and handicraft items. Some items which are available in the shops include Endi silk shawls, decorative items, artistic wood carving and many more.

In Meghalaya, three languages are very familiar and these popular Meghalaya languages are Khasi, Garo, and English. There are few people who speak Nepali, Assamese, Bengali, and Bodo. Most people will happily communicate with tourists in Hindi or English.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES – (AS OF MARCH 2023)

*Meghalaya’s natural treasures have once again caught UNESCO’s attention.

The MAWMLUH CAVE in SOHRA, Meghalaya, was selected by the International Union of Geological Sciences – IUGS (UNESCO) as one of the ‘FIRST 100 IUGS GEOLOGICAL SITES’ in the world.

1.SHILLONG

A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, this hill station is known for its weather, picturesque locations and traditions. This place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes.

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is home to numerous waterfalls. The key reasons people visit Shillong are the exciting mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, breathtakingly beautiful golf courses, cafes, and museums. Apart from the natural beauty, Shillong also acts as the gateway to Meghalaya, the state famous for heavy rain falls, caving, tallest waterfalls, beautiful landscapes and amazing people and culture.

Places to visit in Shillong: Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Don Bosco Museum, Kyllang Rock, Ward’s Lake

2.ELEPHANT FALLS

Named after an Elephant like stone at its foot, the Elephant Falls are amongst the most popular falls in the North-East, situated next to Shillong. It is a tourists’ paradise with three layers of the falls accessible to the layman from different vantage points. Elephant Waterfalls is a superb place for spending some time in the midst of nature while capturing the incredible moments for your keepsake. Located 12 km away from the capital city of Shillong, it is one of the most visited falls in the beautiful state.

3.UMIAM LAKE

Umiam Lake, a mesmerizing man-made reservoir, is located at a distance of 15 kilometres north of Shillong which is the capital of the north-eastern Indian state of Meghalaya. The lake was formed after a dam was constructed to generate hydroelectric power. The scenic Umiam Lake is encircled by lush green East Khasi hills that form one of the best panoramic sights for nature-lovers in the country. The sunrise at the lake is a treat to watch and shouldn’t be missed. The Umiam Lake has a park adjoining it which is a hotspot for picnics and frequented by locals for a getaway from their busy schedule.

4.DOUBLE DECKER LIVING ROOT BRIDGE

Hidden deep in the lush, green forests of the wettest place in India: Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya; one can find the magnificent Jingkieng Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge; more commonly known as the Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge or simply just the Double Decker Root Bridge.  This area is famous for root bridges made of Indian Rubber Tree, but the Double Decker Bridge is the most famous of all due to its large size. It is 3 kilometers long and placed at a height of 2400 feet! A unique attraction and quite an innovative mix of nature and engineering. The Umshiang River flows beneath the bridge.

5.CHERRAPUNJI

Earlier the wettest place on the Earth, Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, also known as SOHRA, is known for its double-decker living root bridge. Located around 50 Kms from Shillong, this sub-divisional town is famous for its rich flora and natural attractions. Although Mawsynram is now the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji still holds the record for the highest recorded rainfall in a calendar year. Apart from the famous living root bridge, other natural attractions include cave formations such as the Mawsmai Caves and Krem Phyllut. Asia’s cleanest village, Mawylyngnong is another famous tourist spot here, where visitors can live and experience the food and culture of the village.

Places to visit in Cherrapunji: Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Mawsmai Cave, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Dawki

6.NOHKALIKAI FALLS

Set at a height of 1115 ft and about 7.5 km away from Cherrapunji town, Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. The falls are fed by rainwater only. So, the best time to visit Nohkalikai falls is after monsoons when it looks most voluminous.

7.DAWKI

The small border town Dawki of Meghalaya is popular for its famous UMNGOT RIVER and a beautiful suspension bridge. A beautiful river with crystal clear waters, Dawki is one of the most picture-perfect spots you’ll find in Meghalaya. Travellers love spending a day outing here, especially boating in the pretty surroundings. Dawki is a small town in the Jaintia Hills and is a border town between India and Bangladesh. The small town, besides being a trade hub is also famous for its tourism, with many people flocking to the town in order to experience a boat ride in its famed Umngot River and enjoy the nearby sights and sounds.

8.MAWLYNNONG

Mawlynnong is a small village situated around 90 km from Shillong in the East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya and is also known as God’s own Garden. It was declared as the cleanest village in Asia in 2003 by Discovery India which certainly which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Indian state. Mawlynnong village is a community-based ecotourism initiative where the entire community made collective efforts in making and maintaining the cleanliness of the village.

Mawlynnong offers some of the most picturesque natural beauty with lush green valleys, crystal clear water in the river, an abundance of flowering orchids hanging from the trees and extremely clean roads which makes this small village a worth visiting destination for tourists visiting Meghalaya.

9.MAWSYNRAM

Acknowledged as the wettest place in the world, the mesmerizing village of Mawsynram, located 61 kms south of Shillong is a nature lover’s delight and the perfect destination for a weekend trip. Mawsynram trounces Cherrapunjee by a slight margin in being the wettest place in India.

10.KRANG SURI FALLS

Nestled amidst the mountains of Jaintia Hills district, Krang Suri Waterfalls is one of the most stunning natural attractions in India.  Its breathtaking beauty is the reason why Krang Suri Waterfalls has also been featured in many Bollywood movies. There is no motorable road to the fall. From the parking place, a short trek through a small forest is required to reach the steps leading to the fall.

11.MAWPHLANG SACRED FOREST

Known as ‘Nature’s Museum’, this forest is one of the oldest and most famous sacred groves of Meghalaya, harbouring a diversity of flowering and medicinal plants, trees, mushrooms, birds and insects. The forest is situated in the village of Mawphlang – meaning ‘moss-covered stone’ in Khasi – which is amongst the numerous settlements named after monoliths. Spanning a land area of 193 acres, the forest is protected by members of the Lyngdoh clan. It is believed to be the abode of the Khasi deity, Labasa, who is said to protect the clan and the village from all harm.

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