Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Mrunal & Jiten
Meghalaya means the abode of clouds and this land really seems to be in a heavenly terrain filled with natural beauty and unique culture. It is one of the seven sisters of North East India. Here are some special offerings of this beautiful state of India that you should see once at least in your lifetime.
Let Us Check the Top 15 Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya
Table of Contents
Cherrapunji
This land was called the wettest place on earth at one point in time as it has rainfall all year round. Always green with flourishing flour it is also known for some amazing waterfalls such as Dain-Thlen, Nohkalikai and Kynrem waterfalls.
Nohkalikai Waterfalls
This is the tallest plunge waterfall in the country at 340 meters. A tragic legend of a local girl who jumped off the cliff here is attached to this fall.
One can take a moderately challenging trek with a time limit of 1.5 hours near Shella Bholaganj and enjoy the surroundings
Shillong
Shillong is also Scotland of the east for its rolling hills that reminded the British of their land.
It is the capital of Meghalaya.
Some spots to visit in and around this city are Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Museum, Lady Hydari Park, Ziro Valley, Laitlum Canyon, All Saints Cathedral and Sweet Falls.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest
The local tribe believes that this forest should be preserved at all costs as it is home to their deity, Labasa.
Soak in the tranquillity of the sacred site and also check out the Khasi Heritage Village to admire the unique architectural designs employed there.
Krem Liat Prah
It is the longest natural cave in South Asia and the longest limestone cave in the world!
It lies in Shnongrim Ridge of the East Jaintia Hills district and means Cave of the stone” in Khasi language. Enjoy exploring these amazing caves equipped with a good camera to create memories.
Mawsynram
This is a dream location in East Khasi hills receiving huge amounts of rainfall every year. The misty weather, the fluffy flying clouds, the lush greenery and the flowers gladden your heart.
Some amazing sights here are
- Krem Puri – longest sandstone cave
- Phlangwanbri village – trekking into jungles
- Krem dam – cave, beaches and underground waterway
- Mawlyngbna – water sports and fossil sites
- Lum Symper Hill and Mawjymbuin caves
Umiam Lake
This lake is a great picnic spot and the sunsets here are out of the world.
If you are an adventure junkie, this is the right place for you to go water cycling, kayaking, scooting and paddle boating. The lake is great for swimming as well.
Nohsngithiang Falls or Seven sisters falls
7 streams are cascading together and are hence called seven sisters.
The sunrays play with the water sprays creating gorgeous colour patterns. Visit this place in the rainy season to get the most scenic views of the thick water cascades that are falling into the valley below.
Kyllang Rock
This giant red stone rock is situated in West Khasi at an altitude of 5400 feet. It is the highest point in the state of Meghalaya and provides great views of the surroundings. Another alluring factor is the rhododendrons and colourful shrubs growing all over the place.
Double dicer living root bridge
This is a unique root bridge built by the locals over the period of many years… more than 200 years.
The bridge is 3 km long at a height of 2400 feet connecting the banks of the rushing Umshiang River.
Balpakram National Park
Also called “Land of Spirts,” this spot is loved by photographers and wild life lovers alike.
Animal residents of this park are Marbled cats, Wild cows, deer, Tiger, Wild buffalo, Elephant, Indian bison, Lesser Panda and Sterow.
Umngot River, Dawki
The speciality of this river is that it is crystal clear and you can see the bottom of it clearly.
A boat ride on this river will make you feel as if you are floating in the air. The Indo-Bangladesh border is close by.
Jowai
Jowai is another popular spot to understand the heritage and culture of Meghalaya. Its attractions are Jarain Pitcher Plant Lake, Thadlaskein Lake, Syntu Ksair Tryshi Falls, Stone Bridge, Krang Suri Falls, Umlawan Cave, Nartiang Monoliths and Lalong Park.
Mawlynnong Village
Here is one model Indian village that you will be proud of! Mawlynnong village is the “Cleanest Village in Asia” and the locals ensure the title is retained year after year.
Check out the beautiful waterfalls, and root bridges, admire the bamboo houses and interact with the locals. Homestays are easily available and give glimpses of the lives of the locals.
Nong Poh
This is a tiny town in the East Khasi hills. Some of the attractions in this town are
- Lum Sohpetbneng – a religious place for Khasis
- Lum Nehru Park – manicured lawns and boat rides in the enclosed lake
- Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary – Bird Lovers Paradise
- Thrills Fun park
- Dwar Ksuid Trek
When to visit
The best time to visit Meghalaya is between October to April. While the weather is pleasant you can also get to witness local festivals such as Wangala, and Shad suk Mynsiem among others.
How to reach
By air
Meghalaya has a single airport called Umroi and it is situated 35 km from the capital city Shillong.
By Road
You can reach Shillong by road through the NH40. The state is well connected internally and externally via the Meghalaya Transport Corporation.
By train
There are no train stations to Meghalaya. Guwahati station is the nearest one some 100 km away.
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