Meghalaya, in northeast India, used to be part of Assam. Known as the Abode of the Clouds, it’s famous for being the wettest place on earth. The “abode of the clouds” is a nature-lover’s dream come true, as it blows your mind with sparkling waterfalls, dense forests, exotic spices and fruits, mysterious caves, and tranquil lakes. It is also home to the cleanest village and the wettest place on earth! Whether you love leisurely travelling, adventurous treks, adrenaline-fuelled activities or hours of nature photography, Meghalaya will steal your heart the moment you set your eyes on it. So, read on about the 14 top places to visit in Meghalaya that you just cannot miss.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Cherrapunji
The local tribe of Khasis is to be credited with helping towards the creation of this feat of nature. 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. This is also one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Balpakram National Park
Nestled in the beautiful and green South Garo Hills, Balpakram National Park has an impressive area of 220 sq. km. If you wish to experience a rendezvous with Indian elephants, barking deer, red pandas, Bengal tigers, or wild water buffaloes at an elevation of more than 900m, this is the place to visit. The dense vegetation is mostly tropical deciduous and subtropical, and you can catch sight of various colourful and twittering birds too. Pitcher plants have made this park their home, in case you are curious about carnivorous plants. This park is not just ideal for hiking and trekking, but you will also get to admire thrilling views of deep canyons, cliffs and waterfalls. That’s not it! A Schima wallichii tree here, with a mysterious depression in its trunk, has given rise to a legend that spirits find shelter in it before they head to their final destination.
In this National Park, you get to spot animals like Red Panda, Wild Buffalo, Elephant, Tiger, Deer, Leopards, Wild Cows, Marbled Cat, etc. It also a paradise of all wildlife enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Tourists often compare this place to the Grand Canyon in the USA. This is also one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Shillong
Scotland of the East, Shillong is one of the most popular Meghalaya tourist places in the Northeast that is on everybody’s checklist. Far from the busy life, it has forested hills, pleasant climate, scenic beauty which attracts many tourists from around the world. This prepossessing land is a beauty that floats on high over vales and hills, where the tall pine trees are seen fluttering and dancing in the breeze, and the clouds find a space along the margins of a hill unfolding the enchanting blue sky. The mystique land perched on an escarpment is more than enough to leave your imagination spell-bound.
The capital city of the state Meghalaya – a perfect blend of old charm and fresh essence, this bliss of solitude carries a number of things like falls, parks, peaks, landscapes and museums to keep a traveller’s head tossing in sprightly dance.
With the best places to visit in Shillong, this surprising holiday destination will make you forget to stop the shutters of your cam. The god’s honest harvest is ready to find a space among the favourites in your travel diary. This is also one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Elephant Falls
The dense forests of the evergreen Meghalaya spread all around the state. Meghalaya is also known for its amazing waterfalls. Elephant Falls is the highlight of Meghalaya. It has an elephant-like stone at its foot and hence obtained the name Elephant falls. This falls is one of the most popular falls in the North-East and is one of the most mesmerizing places in Meghalaya.
The majestic Elephant falls is called as ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Patang Khohsiew’ by the Khasi people. It means ‘The Three Step Waterfalls’ since this falls comprises of three wonderful falls in progression. This is also one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Umiam Lake , Shillong
The name ‘Umiam’ means ‘water of tears’ in Khasi, and there’s a fascinating story around it. According to the fable, there were once two sisters who began their journey from heaven to descend to Meghalaya, the beautiful abode of clouds. The younger sister lost her way during the journey. The grief of not being able to find her sister was unbearable for the elder sister, and she shed tears continuously. The tears thus formed the Umiam Lake.
The Umiam Lake is a reservoir formed after a dam was built on River Umiam in 1965. The dam was constructed as part of north-east India’s first hydel power project, the Umiam Untru Hydroelectric Power Project. The power plant was built by the Assam State Electricity Board. The dam and the reservoir hence formed, stored enough water for the generation of hydroelectric power in the area.
The Umiam Dam is built on River Umiam, on the Brahmaputra River basin in seismic zone-V. It is a Gravity and Masonry type of Dam and was constructed in 1965 for the purpose of generating Hydroelectric Power in the region. The dam stands about 74 metres above the foundation and has a length of 175 metres.
The design flood is about 28 cubic metre per second, and with two spillway gates, the spillway capacity of the dam is 1850 cubic metre per second. Each spillway gate measures 12.12 x 12.12 metres. To the north of the lake is the Umiam Stage I powerhouse. This powerhouse has 4 Francis type of turbine generators that generate 9 MW of energy each. This means the powerhouse can create a total of 36 MW of electricity.
A leisure boat ride should never be missed at Umiam Lake. The sight of the serene waters of the reservoir, the lush green forests that surround the lake under the enchanting skies is truly exhilarating.
Boating is one of the most preferred activities in the region and visitors can choose between Group, Family, Couple and Solo boat rides between 9:00 AM and 05:00 PM at costs starting from INR 20.
Water sports are highly recommended in the lake waters. Adventure seekers can satisfy their craving for adventure sports at the Water Sports Complex by the Umiam Lake that has provisions for Solo boating, Angling, Kayaking and Water Skiing. This is also one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Mawlynnong Village
The cleanest village in Asia? Yes, the Mawlynnong village. It is one of the most exotic locations in Meghalaya to go through the day. From beautiful waterfalls and root bridges to a clean environment and the scenic view, this town invites you with everything that is basic to make your Meghalaya excursion pivotal. Apart from this, there are numerous bamboo houses where you’ll need to have a stay to adapt more with the location.
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. Mawlynnong village also offers pleasant weather throughout the year and especially during monsoon, the village tends to extend its elegance which makes the visitors feels 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. This is also one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Tura
Located in the western part of Meghalaya, as the administrative headquarters of the West Garo Hills district, Tura is an eco-tourist hub of the state. It is located 311 Kms from Shillong and 219 Kms from Guwahati in Assam. As opposed to Shillong, which is growing highly multi-cultural, Tura is relatively deeply rooted in its native Garo roots. Tura and the other regions of the district boast of rich undisturbed biodiversity and natural attractions such as waterfalls, caves and rivulets. The primary languages spoken are Garo and English.
The main attraction of this town is the Nokrek National Park which is 12km from the city where various animals such as the leopard, golden cat, wild buffalo, pheasant and many more reside. One may also visit the Rongbang Dar Falls, while a trip to this area, without visiting the Siju caves, would remain somewhat incomplete. Tura Peak, part of a reserve forest is an excellent destination for treks and sightseeing, as it allows panoramic views of the valley from the observatory accompanying it. This is also one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Dawki
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. 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 centre of trade between India and Bangladesh as it’s an important border town. This is also one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
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.
The misty valleys and the waterfalls in the region make a long drive through Cherrapunji ideal for those who love road trips. The breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and waterfalls such as the famous Nohkalikai Waterfalls are wonderful experiences to be had during the sunny winter days. For those with a bit of time on their hands, the town of Dawki at the border with Bangladesh offers a wonderful clearwater boating experience in the winter season. This is also one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Nohkalikai Waterfalls
The 4th most noteworthy waterfalls on the planet, Nohkalikai falls fall somewhere in the range of 335 meters from a verdant cliff to the ground giving the depiction of gigantic and extraordinary heavenliness. The pride of the territory of Meghalaya, the falls are one of the most wonderful and terrific falls in the nation.
Taken care of between the evergreen rainforest of the Khasi Hill and streaming with all its glory and may, the falls dive into a tidal pond which is as blue as the evening sky. This fall is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Don Bosco Museum
Meghalaya is a state with rich culture and heritage, and there is no better place to learn about the culture and the cultural history of Meghalaya than Don Bosco Museum, which has also been acclaimed as one of the finest and the largest museums in Asia.
The museum has 7 floors featuring 17 galleries that display artefacts that will help you take a walk through the culture of Northeast India. Apart from artefacts, the museum also stores wide ranges of artworks, attires, handicrafts, and weapons displaying the culture and lifestyle of the indigenous people of the region.
Don Bosco Museum is the most popular choice among history buffs and culturally curious tourists visiting Shillong, and the reason is obvious. Visit this museum for an excellent dose of Northeast Indian culture. This also falls in one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
If you are interested in witnessing the cultural history of Meghalaya, then you must book our Packages to Northeast including places like Don Bosco Museum, Police Bazar and many more.
Laitlum Canyon
This place qualifies for one of the most spectacular landscapes in India and one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. This not-so-explored Meghalaya tourist spot is worth at least a visit for more than just a couple of reasons. If you are a photographer, this place is your chance to capture paradise through your lens.
If you are a nature lover, this abode of clouds, perched into the East Khasi Hills is your escape into nature. If you like living on the edge, this place has a 3000-steps-stairway that lets you climb up and down on the edge while staring at dreamy vistas that surround this place. Sunsets and sunrises add a magical charm to the beauty of its scenic hill slopes and make it appear surreal. . This also falls in one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Seven Sisters Falls
If you wish to surprise yourself by witnessing something extraordinary in Meghalaya, Seven Sisters Falls or Nohsngithiang Falls will do the trick. Located 1 km south of Mawsmai Village, these magnificent seven-segmented falls are among the most popular tourist places in Meghalaya. This is among the highest waterfalls in the country.
The water streams come flowing from the middle of the dense forest and plummet down the plateau from a height of 315 meters, creating a heavenly sight worth capturing in cameras and hearts. You cannot afford to miss the sight of these falls on your visit to Meghalaya. . This is also one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
All Saints’ Church, Shillong
Counted among the oldest churches in Shillong, All Saints’ Church was constructed during the British era, in 1877. Though an earthquake ravaged the entire building in 1897, a new one was set up in 1902. The colonial architecture of this church is eye-catching and makes for beautiful photographs. The sharp steeple, gently sloping roofs and latticework on the external walls paint a pretty picture indeed. Surrounded by lofty trees and well-kept green lawns, this church is perfect for seeking spiritual bliss and is counted among one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
