Nohakalikai Falls, Umiam Lake, Mawlynnong Village, Living Root Bridges, Laitlum Canyon, Dawki River, Cherrapunji, Mawsynram, Elephant Falls, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Seven Sisters Falls, and many other beautiful places.
Star attractions in the state are its waterfalls, caves, rainforests, hill stations and a lot more. Take a boat ride in the crystal clear water of Umngot River in Dawki, trek through the sacred forests of Mawphlang and walk across the world-famous living root bridges in Cherrapunji.
Numerous Meghalaya Tourist Places that are well-known all over the world as it boasts some of the most spectacular waterfalls like Nohkalikai Falls, Elephant Falls, and Mawlynnong Falls; the longest caves like Krem Liat Prah and Mawsmai Caves; and the wettest places in the world like Cherrapunji and Mawsynram. Meghalaya is blessed with so many unique places that you can easily spend a month exploring this beautiful state and still miss out on some of the most interesting ones.
Must Visiting Places
1 Elephant Falls
The Elephant Falls are amongst the most popular falls in the North-East, situated next to Shillong. The Britishers named this fall so owing to the presence of an elephant-shaped rock on one side of the fall.
The breathtaking Elephant falls were referred to as ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew’ by the local Khasi people, which means ‘The Three Step Waterfalls’, as these falls consist of three mesmerizing falls in succession. The first of the three waterfalls is tucked between the dense trees and is very broad. The second waterfall reduces to thin strands of water and is almost negligible in winter due to the receding water levels. The third and the most visible waterfall is the tallest with clear water flowing like a sheet of milk on the dark rocks in the backdrop. Out of the three, the third waterfall tends to strike the visitors as the most impressive. Elephant Falls is a great stopover destination before one heads for further journeys into Meghalaya.
2. Cherrapunjee
Cherrapunjee is on the edge of the Himalayas towering the pancake low-lying plains of Bangladesh. It is considered the wettest place on the earth given the massive monsoon rainfall that it sees. The lush green surroundings of Cherrapunjee very well justify Meghalaya’s over-used ‘Scotland of the East’ tag. Nohkalikai Falls here are particularly dramatic, especially during the monsoon season when they are brimming with a quantity which is 20 times more than the original. These can be seen from the viewpoint that is located on a plateau that lies at the edge of the 4.4 km mountain ride from the Sohra market.
3. Siju Cave
Siju Cave is an ideal spot for history buffs and is a must-visit site in Meghalaya. It boasts of some of the finest river passages in the world. It is situated near Naphak Lane and Simsang River. It is Third-Longest Cave in India.
Also, people used to call as ‘Bat Cave’ This Cave has magnificent limestone rock formations that leave spectators awestruck, and it is, home to many different species of bats. The cave is dark since the sunlight does not reach inside it. Princess Di’s Chamber is another reason why visitors cannot skip this place on their trip to Meghalaya. The uniqueness of the cave makes it a popular spot among photographers too.
4. Lalong Park
Lalong Park is popular for its green spaces and nature escapes. Located in the Jaintia Hills District, Ialong Park is home to many sacred groves. The park overlooks the picturesque Pynthorwah Valley which adds more charm to its scenic natural setting. Over the past few years, the park has gained popularity among tourists seeking peace in a place with a negligible crowd. Visitors can’t miss a visit to this pretty and peaceful park where nature resides.
5. Balpakram National Park
This place attracts visitors because of its wide range of exotic flora and fauna and its picturesque landscapes. Sitting at an elevation of 3000 feet, this wildlife park, located near Garo Hills in Meghalaya, covers a verdant land of 200 sq. km.
Apart from tigers and elephants, you may spot animals like leopards, hillock gibbons, barking deer, and golden cats at Balpakram National Park. It is also known as “The Land of Spirits”.
6. Mawthadraishan Peak
Mawthadraishan Peak is located on the northern side of the main road that connects Nongstoin and Shillong.
The fish ponds located at the top add to the picturesqueness of this place. The peak is famed among tourists for the panoramic views it offers.
On clear days, you can see the Garo Hills to the west. Khasi Hills to the east, the Himalayas to the north, and Bangladesh to the south from Mawthadraishan Peak. Trekking is the best way to explore the essence of this place.
7. Nartiang Monolith
Jaintia Hills are known to be the home to the world’s tallest monoliths. Though monoliths can be found in various parts of Khasi and Jaintia hills, Nartiang Market claims the largest collection of monoliths in one place. The collection is made up of Menhirs, Moo Shynrang and Dolmens.
It is believed that these monoliths were erected at least 500 years ago. These monoliths highlight the culture of Jaintias and Khasi. To discover a different aspect of Meghalaya, Nartiang is among the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
8. Mawkdok Dympep Valley
The beauty of this valley is ecstatic in the truest sense. A viewpoint at Duwan Sing Syiem Bridge is the best spot from where you can witness the breathtaking vistas of this valley and capture them with your camera. It is located on Shillong -Cherrapunji Road.
9. Rainbow Falls
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Meghalaya, the Rainbow Falls near the small village of Tyrana known for the amazing living root bridges is a sight to behold for sure.
As if the stream of water steadily falling into the deep-hued turquoise pool below wasn’t mesmerizing enough, the rainbow-like reflections generated from the falls give it a whole new level of beauty to be proud of.
10. Garo hills
Situated close to the Indo-Bangladesh Border, the Garo Hills are part of the Patkai hill range, which extends across the Indo-Myanmar border.
The Garo tribe is a culturally rich ethnic group, attaching tradition and significance to many parts of their natural surrounding. In doing so, they protect and respect their habitat, thereby preserving the immaculate allure of their surroundings. The tree of Boldak Matchu Karam, the rock of Naka Chikong, and the lake of Napak are all examples of these traditions, and the maintenance of the same attracts hordes of tourists all year round. Between September and December, the post-harvest festival of 100 Drums Wangala is celebrated with great pomp at the Asnang village, now becoming a multicultural attraction with neighboring tribes participating in the festivities with great enthusiasm as well. The largest town in the hills is Tura.
11. Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Double Decker Living Root Bridges is a beautiful and only one of its kind among living root bridge in Meghalaya and it is located in Jingkieng Nongriat, a few kilometers away from Cherrapunjee.
This bridge is a unique creation of the Khasi tribes by roots of ancient rubber trees, found in the northeastern region. These roots grow in such a way making it the form of a bridge at the top of a river and creating a pathway for the local people to cross the river easily. It is also an ideal place for trekking. Two bridges are formed here due to the entanglement of roots transforming itself in the form of a Double Decker Root Bridge. It is a wonder, astonishment and a unique spot for travelers to visit while they are in Cherrapunjee.
12. 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 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 to make and maintain 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. Mawlynnong village also offers pleasant weather throughout the year and especially during monsoon, the village tends to extend its elegance which makes the visitors feel like heaven on earth. Apart from its cleanliness, Mawlynnong is also famous for its living root bridges, tribal locals having a 100% literacy rate with exceptional women empowerment and offering warm hospitality to the visitors.
13. Wakaba Fall
One of the many, and most beautiful waterfalls in Cherrapunji, Wakaba Falls is a two-tiered waterfall perched atop nearly 190 meters The water courses through a densely forested hill and plunges down a canyon straight into a deep gorge. The mellifluous roar of the cascading falls can be heard from far off, while the silvery waters of the tiered plunge look like a glistening ribbon amidst lush greenery.
While the waterfall can be visited throughout the year, monsoons breathe new life into the place, and the waters play peek-a-boo amidst the rising mist. The other side of the falls affords a panoramic view of the surrounding beauty. It is truly one of the most adventurous places to visit in Cherrapunji.
14. Krem Phyllut
Sitting a mere 12 km from Cherrapunji, Kynrem Falls is housed amidst the sweeping greenery of Thangkharang Park. Shadowed in the East Khasi Hills district, it is India’s 7th highest waterfall! Plunging from a height of 305 meters, the thunderous roaring of the waterfall can be heard before the beauty unveils itself.
It plummets down in three tiers and reaches its peak in the monsoons. Viewed from the park, the cascade appears as an entwining streak of silvery white cutting through dense woods. Venture a little closer to the falls, and feel the light spray of the waters, and the compelling force of nature. It is one of the most unmissable places to visit in Cherrapunji.
15. Nohkalikai Falls
Situated at about 7 km away from Cherrapunjee, the picturesque waterfalls is worth visiting. It is counted among the tallest waterfalls in India and is one of the very popular Cherrapunji Tourist Places. With the lush greenery surrounding the place, it is ideal for a monsoon visit. It is during monsoon that the water gushes down in full force thus adding to its existing beauty. The water gets collected in the pool below and makes it look blue in winter. On the contrary, during summers, the plunge pool turns green. It is a must-visit place while on your trip to the Cherrapunji.
16. Dawki
A beautiful river with crystal clear waters, Dawki is one of the most picture-perfect spots you’ll find in Meghalaya. Travelers 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 to experience a boat ride in its famed Umngot River and enjoy the nearby sights and sounds. People also come here directly from Shillong for a day trip.
The city becomes a hotbed of tourist activities, especially during the spring months as it hosts the boat riding competition on the Umngot River. The surrounding greenery, the cold water of the river and the beautiful suspension bridge on the River Umngot make Dawki a place worth a visit. Dawki is also a major center of trade between India and Bangladesh as it’s an important border town.
17. Thangkharang Park
One of the most refreshing tourist places in Cherrapunji – Thangkharang Park sits right opposite the famous rock Khoh Ramhah and commands a breathtaking view of the coiling roads below. You can also catch a glimpse of the vast Bangladesh plains and a handful of waterfalls of Meghalaya. Spanning about 100 acres of land, the park is also home to a wide variety of floral species that bathe the place in vibrant hues every spring.
The Kynrem Falls also sits in the park, with its roaring three-tiered cascade. A one-day trip to Thangkharang Park will be enough for you to explore the area, along with its two marvels, the Khoh Ramhah Rock, and the Kynrem Falls.
18. Khoh Ramhah
This single rock entity known as the Khoh Ramhah, Pillar Rock, or the Mothorp, is a major tourist attraction in Cherrapunji. The shape of this somewhat conical rock is just mesmerizing to look at.
It is joined by two rocks of similar shapes but much smaller in size, adding to the beauty of the whole scene, with a small stream flowing by them which then turns into a small waterfall. A place associated with legends, this is one of the best places to see in the National Park.
19. Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama
Started in the year 1924 by the great Swami Vivekananda himself, the Ashrama has evolved to become one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. Surrounded by a sea of green, the iconic building is most easily recognizable by anyone entering Cherrapunji or living here.
