Meghalaya
Half way to Heaven!
Meghalaya, meaning the “abode of clouds” is a paradise for nature lovers. A hill station that is home to a beautiful, mesmerizing sky in a true sense has captivated the minds of tourists all across the globe. It is perfectly nestled in the northeast of India in the Himalayas. Nestled in the northeastern Himalayas, Meghalaya takes the distinction of being the wettest place in the world. With lush green landscapes, picturesque surroundings, white clouds and mist, Meghalaya has been successful in playing an enchanting drama which never failed to capture the heart of the travellers.
Meghalaya best For adventure tourism, pristine nature, honeymoon destination, native culture, national parks, local festivals. If you want to be around nature, this is your best option. It is also the perfect place to head to on a romantic vacation or a honeymoon if both of you love nature, wildlife, and adventure.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Starting with nature’s exquisiteness, heading to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunjee will let the tourists catch sight of some enthralling nature’s wonders and witness the perfect blend of nature’s beauty and man’s ingenuity. The other places for sightseeing & tourist attractions in Meghalaya include Nohkalikai Waterfalls near Cherrapunjee, Umngot River in Dawki Town, Mawphlang Sacred Forest in Synrang Kaban, Laitlum Canyon from where one can get the bird’s eye view of Shillong. The cascading waterfalls of the state include, Nohkalikai Waterfalls which is considered to be India’s Tallest Plunge Waterfall and Elephant Falls which let the tourist get a refreshing retreat in the middle of a verdant forest.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MEGHALAYA
Blessed with a moderate climate all throughout the year, tourists can plan a trip to october to april.
HOW TO REACH
By Train
The nearest railway station from Meghalaya is located in Guwahati (Assam). It lies at a distance of 180 km. Guwahati Junction is connected to New Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu and Kashmir and Bangalore. To reach Meghalaya from Guwahati you can opt for buses or can hire a cab.
BY AIR
Major airport from Meghalaya is located in Guwahati (Assam) at a distance of 159 km (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport). The airport is well- connected to international cities of Tura and Bangkok along with Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Calcutta. Traveling to Meghalaya by flight is a unique experience in itself. There are no direct bus connection from Guwahati Airport to Meghalaya, but you can hire a cab to reach your destination.
By Road
Meghalaya is well-connected to major cities through roads. The roads are mostly smooth and well-frequented with traffic. Many travelers find monsoon as the best month for traveling to Meghalaya for the love towards unlimited rain.
PLACES TO VISIT IN MEGHALAYA The land of simple yet so lively and amusing natives, Meghalaya is a jewel in the crown of Northeast India. The sublime beauty of places to visit in Meghalaya and the state itself spellbound the visitors.
CHERRAPUNJI
Known as Sohra or Churra, Cherrapunji is a paradise for any avid traveler and one of the popular monsoon holiday destinations in India. Cherrapunji sees the highest rainfall during the year and is considered one of the wettest places on earth. This is one of the reasons that makes it a top place to visit in Meghalaya. Trekking over here is a fulfilling experience.
Attractions: Double Decker Living Root Bridges, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Wakaba Falls, Krem Mawmluh
Places to stay: Jiva Resort Cherrapunjee, Saimika Resort, Polo Orchid Resort Cherrapunjee
How to reach: 79km from Cherrapunji Umroi Airport, 166km from Guwahati Airport.
Best time to visit: March to May
Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Cherrapunji
If you want to start your Meghalaya trip with something awe-inspiring, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Umshiang), nestled in the verdant forests of Cherrapunji, fits the bill perfectly. Suspended at a height of 2400 feet and 3 km in length, this iconic bridge was created by joining the roots of two ancient rubber trees. The creative credit goes to the Khasis, who “train” the roots of many such trees (for 10 to 15 years) to grow in a way so that bridges can be formed. Umshiang Root Bridge, however, is the most well-known, owing to its size and the astonishing way it marries science and nature. It is also robust enough for you to cross the quietly flowing Umshiang River.
How to reach:
By Air: Fly to Guwahati Airport (177 km from the bridge) and hire a taxi to reach Tyrna Village, from where you need to trek.
By Train: Reach Guwahati Railway Station (154 km from the bridge) and hire a cab to reach Tyrna Village. Trek from there.
By Road: Board a bus from Sohra Bus Stand in Shillong (63 km from the bridge) to reach Cherrapunji and then get a taxi to reach Tyrna Village. You can trek from there.
Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Cherrapunji
Boasting a height of 115 feet, Nohkalikai Falls is known to be India’s tallest plunge waterfall and one of the most beautiful places in Meghalaya. A gem that is nestled in the green lap of East Khasi Hills, the waterfall descends from a plateau and is fed by rain. It forms a gorgeous green pool at the bottom, which can be accessed via a flight of stairs. It is a sight to behold, especially when the plateau is shrouded with mist. The legend associated with the waterfall is a heartbreaking one though, which probably makes its beauty surreal. It is believed that Likai, a woman who remarried after her husband’s death, could not shower her second husband with enough love as she used to be preoccupied with her daughter. Driven by jealousy and anger, the second husband killed the little girl and cooked a meal with her flesh, which Likai, unknowingly, consumed after a gruelling day. But, when realisation dawned on her, she jumped to her death from the place where the Nohkalikai Waterfalls originates.
Best time to visit: September to October
How to reach
By Air: Fly to Guwahati Airport (169 km from the falls) and hire a taxi.
By Train: After you reach Guwahati Railway Station (146 km from the falls), take a cab.
By Road: You can drive down from Shillong (55 km from the falls) or hire a taxi.
Mawsmai Caves, Cherrapunji
Isn’t there something mysterious, strange and wondrous about caves? The Mawsmai Caves, formed from limestone, will especially make your jaw drop with their strange curves, swirls, grooves, and cragginess. They get ample natural light for you to get around without torches, during the day. While tourists can explore up to 150 metres, the rest of the caves are closed. But, you will still get the chance to admire nature’s handiwork and what water’s abrasion can do. The stalactites and stalagmites inside the caves grab eyeballs with their unusual forms. Bats and many insects have made these caves their home, and that adds to their wild beauty. Note that you might have to bend and squeeze in some places while exploring the maze of caves here.
Best time to visit: August to September
How to reach:
By Air: Fly to Guwahati Airport (172 km from the caves) and then take a taxi.
By Train: Once you reach Guwahati Railway Station (149 km from the caves), taking a cab is ideal.
By Road: You can drive from Shillong (58 km from the caves) or board a bus to reach Cherrapunji (nearest bus stand to the caves is at 4 km) and then hire a taxi.
Seven Sisters Falls or Nohsngithiang Falls, Cherrapunji
The rainy season is the best time to visit this dramatic waterfall that descends from a height of 315m and is among the tallest falls in the country. As the name suggests, it has seven segments that are fed by rainwater and gush powerfully over limestone cliffs in the East Khasi Hills. The verdant green surroundings and the play of sunlight on the cascading water (watch out for the rainbow effect), make for an enchanting view.
Best time to visit: June to September
How to reach:
By Air: Flying to Guwahati Airport (155 km from the falls) and then hiring a taxi is the best option.
By Train: You can reach Guwahati Railway Station (190 km from the falls) from any major city and then take a cab.
By Road: You can board a bus from Shillong to reach Cherrapunji (the nearest bus stand to the falls is at 4 km) and hire a cab then. Or, you can drive from Shillong.
Eco Park, Cherrapunji
There is no better place than Eco Park to marvel at the mesmerizing view of the ‘Green Canyons’ of Cherrapunji. The park is known for offering panoramic views of the Sylhet plains of Bangladesh. A waterfall originating from here, adds to its natural charm. Tourists never fail to visit this top tourist attraction in Cherrapunji.
Walk past the crossover bridge to arrive at its end for admiring the nice views of the canyons. The views from here are simply breathtaking. Right from the other side of the park, admire the amazing views of the plains of Bangladesh. The park also has a vast variety of indigenous orchids given by the Shillong Agri-Horticultural society. These orchids are placed in the Green House of the park. This unique park is a newly developed one. Placed atop a plateau, this park offers nice views of the Sylhet Plains of Bangladesh. The southern corner of the Eco Park is the originating point of the popular Nohsngithiang Falls.
Best time to visit
How to reach
By Air
The nearest airport is at Shillong which is 82 Km away.
By Train
The nearest railway station is at Shillong which is 81 Km away
By Road
The private taxi is available from Shillong to the park.
Balpakram National Park
Balpakram National park, it is considered as the traveller’s paradise. This place is referred to as the ‘Land of Spirits’ by many tourists that come here to explore the rich biodiversity of Balpakram National park. If you are in Meghalaya you should visit Balpakram National park, it is considered as the traveller’s paradise. This place is referred to as the ‘Land of Spirits’ by many tourists that come here to explore the rich biodiversity of Balpakram National park.
A paradise for all the wildlife enthusiasts or wildlife photographers as you can spot animals like Red Panda, Wild Buffalo, Elephant, Tiger, Deer, Leopards, Wild Cows, Marbled Cat, etc. Some rare species include Lesser Panda, Indian Bison, and Sterow.
One of the best places to see in Meghalaya, tourists often compare this pace to the Grand Canyon in the USA. It is one of the best national parks in Meghalaya and you can easily find budget-friendly accommodations here.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach:
By Air: First, fly to Guwahati Airport (118 km from the park) and then take a bus or taxi to reach Tura (72 km from the park). From there, hire a Sumo.
By Train: Once you reach Guwahati Railway Station (135 km from the park), hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Tura. Then, take a Sumo.
By Road: From Guwahati (131 km from the park), take a MTDC or private bus or taxi to reach Tura. Next, hire a Sumo.
Shillong
Shillong is one of the scenic hill stations of India. Rolling hills around the town reminds of the European settlers of Scotland and has bestowed the place with the title ‘Scotland of the East’. Although, the hill station can be visited any time of the year but it is an ideal place to beat the heat. Hence September to May is the best time to visit Shillong. The capital city of Meghalaya is dotted with numerous crystal clear lakes, mountain peaks, museums and golf courses etc.
PLACES TO VISIT IN SHILLONG
Some of the famous tourist spots in Shillong include Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Lady Hydari Park, Wards, Lake, and Don Bosco Museum.
Umiam Lake, shillong
Umiam Lake is a gem of the Northeast India. Visiting Umiam Lake is one of the best things to do in Shillong and completes the trip Meghalaya. Looking at the lake, one can easily judge why it is no wonder to get fascinated by its charm. Partake in adventure activities like water cycling, kayaking, scooting and boating. Unwind completely and observe the daily lives of the natives who visit here daily for collecting twigs or grass. There is something for everybody at the lake.
Umiam Lake is often compared with the beautiful and mesmerizing Lakes of Scotland because of its panoramic and picturesque surroundings.
Covering an area of 221 sq. km, Umiam is a man-made lake.
There is nothing better than waking up to stunning views of the lake everyday by staying in a little house boat at Lumpongdeng Island.
Best time to visit: March to June
How to reach
By Air: Once you fly to Guwahati Airport (103 km from the lake), hire a cab.
By Train: Reach Guwahati Railway Station (79 km from the lake) and then take a taxi.
By Road: Drive or take a taxi from Shillong (17 km from the lake) and follow the NH6 route.
Elephant Falls
Originally named after a rock that resembled an elephant, during the British era, this stunning waterfall is composed of three falls. While the first fall is a broad one and concealed by trees, the second one is weak. However, the third one catches the eye with milky white water happily cascading over rocks that are covered in fern. With thick vegetation on either side, Elephant Falls can be accessed by carefully descending along slippery and steep steps. The good news is that, you will find benches at the first and second level of the waterfall, where you can unwind, click pictures and soak in nature’s unparalleled beauty.
Best time to visit: January to April
How to reach:
By Air: After flying to Guwahati Airport (127 km from the falls), you can hire a taxi.
By Train: Guwahati Railway Station (103 km from the falls) is the nearest train station. After reaching it, take a cab.
By Road: From Guwahati, you can board a bus to reach Shillong (the nearest bus stand to the falls is at 11 km). Then, hire a taxi.
Ward’s Lake, shillong
A splendid family-vacation in Northeast India can be spent at the Ward’s Lake. Nestled amidst the manicured botanical gardens, the artificial lake is an amazing evening getaway. Stroll with your loved ones around this shoe-shaped lake or delight-in the lure of the colorful floral beds. The lake greets honeymooners, family vacationers and holidaymakers alike. Pollock’s Lake is the other name given to this natural wonder.
The lake has been named after Sir William Ward. The lake is believed to be over a 100 years old.
Best time to visit: September to May
How to reach:
By Air: Take a taxi after you reach Guwahati Airport (120 km from the lake).
By Train: After reaching Guwahati Railway Station (97 km from the lake), take a bus or taxi to reach Shillong.
By Road: You can board a bus or hire a taxi from Guwahati to reach Shillong (the nearest bus stand to the lake is at 1 km).
Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, shillong
Opened in 2003, Don Bosco Museum is a privately owned museum under the control of Salesian order of the Catholic Church which enlightens the history and culture of the north eastern states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. It is a three-in-one institution that combines a museum with a research and publication center. With its vast collection of artifacts spreading over several galleries, the museum acts as the cultural and historical treasure trove of North-East India.
The Museum is a hexagonal shaped seven-storey building brimming with art & culture. It houses 17 well-laid out galleries of the international standard containing fibre glass figures, paintings, artefacts, music instruments, costumes, ornaments and a lot more.
Besides, these galleries display a wide arrangement of expressions, antiques, clothing types, weapons, and painstaking work that exhibit the way of life and culture of different tribes and individuals of Meghalaya. Don Bosco Museum is additionally acclaimed as one of the best in Asia.
Best time to visit throughout the year
How to reach
By air shillong airport 28 km
By train shillong railway staion 35 km
By road At a distance of 3 km from Shillong Bus Stand
Mawlynnong Village, East khasi hill
Mawlynnong, nestled in the East Khasi Hills, is not just famed for being the cleanest village in India, but it is also lovingly called God’s Own Garden. Everyone in this picture-perfect village, be it a child or an elderly, knows the importance of hygiene, sanitation and neatness. In fact, children happily clean up the streets before they head to their schools. The village encourages rainwater harvesting and bans the use of plastic and the practice of smoking.
The icing on the cake comes in the form of fragrant fruit orchards, dense greenery and playful streams. You will also fall in love with the quaint European vibe of the Church of the Epiphany and the awe-inspiring living root bridge of Nohwet.
Best time to visit: March to June
How to reach:
By Air: You can fly to Guwahati Airport (187 km from the village) and then hire a cab.
By Train: After reaching Guwahati Railway Station (164 km from the village), hire a taxi.
By Road: You can drive or hire a car from Shillong (73 km from the village).
Kyllang Rock, west khasi hill
This extraordinary giant rock made out of red stone is about 78 km away from Shillong. Kyllang Rock is in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and is 5400 ft above sea level. Kyllang Rock is an impressive natural monolith – a giant grey dome that juts out of the pine forests of West Khasi Hills. There is a path which you can climb along with rest stops and summer houses along the way. The view from the top of the rock is spectacular – from green woods and quaint villages to mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets if you time your hike accordingly. Lum Kyllang is a geological marvel – an imposing rock formation that is about a thousand feet wide at its most prominent girth. Another attraction here is the presence of rare white rhododendrons scattered across the depressions and bushes at the base of the dome. Old oaks
Best time to visit: Anytime, but good to avoid in monsoon. October to April is a good time to explore Lum Kyllang or Kyllang rock since the weather is clear and the landscape is dry.
How to reach
By air Nearest Airport is Guwahati Airport.
By rail Nearest Railway Station is Guwahati Railway Station.
By road shillong is just 78 km from kyllang rock on NH 44E and can be reach by bus car or cab.
Tura
Tura is one of the most visited places in Meghalaya and this is because of its serene environment. It is located in Garo Hills and it is filled with wonderful places to visit. Tura is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It boasts undisturbed biodiversity and is shrouded with the fragrance of mountains and greenery.
Nokrek National Park and Siju Caves are notable attractions that you must visit on your trip to Tura.
Nokrek National Park, tura
Settled in the heart of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Nokrek National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting this park is one of the best things to do in Meghalaya. A number of species of animals, birds, amphibians and reptiles dwell at the national park in their natural habitat. The park is also shrouded by pristine canopy of thick, lush green and tall forests cover.
Best time to visit: October to May
How to reach:
By Air: You can fly to Guwahati Airport (170 km from the park) from Kolkata, Agartala, Delhi or Jorhat and then hire a taxi.
By Train: Reach Guwahati Railway Station (160 km from the park) from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Bangalore and hire a cab then.
By Road: Board a private or state-run bus from Guwahati and then take a taxi to reach the park (the nearest bus stand is at 15 km).
Siju caves, tura
Remember that fantastical story about Alibaba and 40 Thieves you read when you were a child? A look at Siju Cave will make you feel as if you are about to enter such a dark and mysterious den. Also known as Bat Cave, it is famed for its unique stalactites and stalagmites and houses some rare species of bats indeed. Though Siju Cave is nearly 4 km in length, most parts are impossible to access and flooded with water. This awe-inspiring limestone cave has a river running through it and is surrounded by the gorgeous greenery of Garo Hills.
Best time to visit: October to May
How to reach:
By Air: At 193 km, Guwahati Airport is the nearest airport. You can hire a cab from there.
By Train: Guwahati Railway Station is 209 km from the cave. Hire a taxi to cover the distance.
By Road: You can take a bus from Guwahati or Shillong to reach Siju, or you can hire a cab.
Jowai, garo hill
Located in Garo Hills, Jowai is another one of the famous tourist places in Meghalaya. The place is famous for its mix of heritage and culture. Experience the local lifestyle of town folks and learn about their culture. What makes this town one of the most astounding places to see in Meghalaya are its lakes. Located in the Jaintia Hills district, Jowai located at a distance of 66 Kms from Shillong, is famous for its bucolic setting and breathtaking views with the perfect mix of heritage and culture. Jowai, much like Cherrapunji prides itself in being a destination much loved for a scenic drive and boasting of lakes, vast open valleys and waterfalls. The Thadlaskein Lake and Lalong Park are the famous tourist hot spots while Syntu Ksiar is also a popular destination on the shores of river Myntdu. Festivals such as Behdeinkhlam, Chad Sukra and Laho Dance attract many tourists from across India each year.
Visit Thadlaskein Lake and spend a few hours contemplating life as you gaze at the serene views.
Best time to visit: March-May
How to reach Jowai
by air
The nearest airport to Jowai is located in Guwahati, which is around 104 km away. Flights and helicopters can be taken from this airport. You can hire a taxi from Guwahati or travel in buses that run regularly on this route.
by train
The nearest railway station is Guwahati. This station is well connected to other cities in the country by regular trains. From Guwahati, you have to take a car to reach Jowai.
by road
Getting to Jowai through bus can be little difficult, as it is located in eastern part of the country. However, there are buses which run from Shillong (60 km away) Assam, Mizoram and Tripura which can connect you to Jowai.
DWAKI, West Jaintia Hills district
Dawki needs no introduction. It is one of the most popular tourist places in Meghalaya. Known for its clear river, Dawki is one of the most instagrammable places on earth. If you are visiting Meghalaya anytime soon, then you should put Dawki on your itinerary. Since it is sandwiched between India and Bangladesh, it is also a major trade hub.
Umngot river, dwaki
At a time when the world is battling with pollution, getting the chance to see a crystal-clear river where boats seem to float in mid-air is sheer good fortune. Umngot River, reflecting the lush greenery on either side, is like a fairyland where you can spot colourful fishes without diving into the cool waters. The pebbled bed of the river is effortlessly visible to the naked eye too. You can go boating or kayaking to find out how it feels to glide over glassy waters or camp on a bank. Flanked by Khasi and Jaintia hills, the emerald-green river sparkles mag ically under the sun. If you take a boat ride, you might also come across secret alcoves and short streams in the hills on either side, while you listen to the twitter of birds. No wonder, it is among the best places to see in Meghalaya.
Best time to visit: November to May
How to reach:
By Air: Once you fly to Guwahati Airport (200 km from the river), hire a taxi.
By Train: First, reach Guwahati Railway Station (177 km from the river) and then board a bus or take a cab.
By Road: You can either drive down from Shillong (86 km from the river) or take a bus to reach Dawki (nearest bus stand to the river is at 5 km) and then take a cab.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Nongrum
The enchanting Meghalaya boasts of a diverse array of forests that capture the imagination of any and every adventurous soul who has set foot there.The lush green tropical rainforests are fueled by the heavy rainfall that they receive by virtue of their position. Meghalaya, dubbed the rainiest state of the country, gets ample rainfall annually to help the forests thrive in pristine condition. As per the local Khasi tribe, this divine spirit protects the forest as well as the community in the form of a tiger or leopard. Hence, you cannot do anything to upset the deity, or else ill luck might strike the offender. However, you can explore as much as you want, admire the thousand-year-old trees, medicinal plants, dense canopies, peaceful trails, and monoliths or stones where animals are sacrificed to appease the forest god.
Best time to visit: September to October
How to reach:
By Air: Once you fly to Guwahati Airport (142 km from the forest), take a cab.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, at 118 km. After you reach it, hire a cab.
By Road: Buses run from Guwahati to Shillong on a daily basis. After you reach Shillong (the nearest bus stand to the forest is at 27 km), hire a taxi.