A trip to Meghalaya is like a beautiful dream. Exotic fruits and spices, dense forests, sparkling waterfalls, tranquil lakes, and mysterious caves await you in Meghalaya. Meghalaya, the “Abode of Clouds,” is the best place to visit if you enjoy nature photography, exotic activities, adventurous treks, and relaxed travel. From the moment you walk in, it will steal your heart. The following are the top 15 places to visit in Meghalaya that you should not miss.
1. Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji is known as one of the wettest places on earth because it receives the most rainfall throughout the year. Tourists come from all over the world to see the Dain-Thlen, Kynrem, and Nohkalikai waterfalls, which are known as Cherrapunji’s most popular waterfalls. The town is home to some of Meghalaya’s most beautiful waterfalls. Living-Root bridges, Mawsmai cave, Seven Sisters Falls, Eco-park, and a cave garden are all popular attractions here. Because it is located in a forest, there are no luxury accommodations available; however, there are resorts in Meghalaya and some hotels in the midst of nature that would be ideal for a stay with family and friends.
Image Source: Gaurav Singh (Flickr)
2. Shillong
Shillong, known as the “Scotland of the East,” is one of the most popular Meghalaya tourist destinations in the Northeast. It has forested hills, a pleasant climate, and scenic beauty that attracts many tourists from all over the world. Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Lady Hydari Park, Wards, Lake, and the Don Bosco Museum are just a few of the city’s well-known tourist attractions. Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal, and Langrim are the local tribes in Shillong. Shillong is also known as the Meghalayan gateway because it is home to the state’s main airport. If you’re making a list of places to visit in Meghalaya, make sure you keep Shillong as a priority.
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3. Balpakram National Park
If you’re in Meghalaya, make a point of visiting Balpakram National Park, which is known as a traveler’s paradise. Many tourists who come here to explore the rich biodiversity of Balpakram National Park refer to it as the “Land of Spirits.” Animals such as the Red Panda, Wild Buffalo, Elephant, Tiger, Deer, Leopards, Wild Cows, Marbled Cat, and others can be seen here, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Lesser Panda, Indian Bison, and Sterow are examples of rare species. Tourists frequently compare this pace to the Grand Canyon in the United States, making it one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. It is one of Meghalaya’s best national parks, and you can easily find affordable lodging here.
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4. Elephant Falls
Elephant Falls, Meghalaya’s natural beauty, has an elephant-like stone at its base. The nearby Khasi people referred to the majestic Elephant falls as ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Patang Khohsiew,’ which means ‘The Three Step Waterfalls,’ because they consist of three wonderful falls in succession. The first of the three waterfalls is wide and tucked between thick trees. Because of the retreating water levels, the subsequent fall reduces to thin strands of water and is practically insignificant in the winter. The tallest and most visible waterfall to the naked eye is the third, with clear water flowing like a sheet of milk against the rocks in the background. This waterfall, with its majestic surroundings and scenic views, is one of the most popular places to visit in Meghalaya.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
5. Living Root Bridges
Wherever you go to Meghalaya, you’ll almost certainly come across some enthralling natural wonders that are well worth seeing. You will, however, come across some unique attractions that are a perfect blend of nature’s beauty and man’s ingenuity at times. The well-known Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya are found in the dense valleys of the Khasi Hills region of the state. The Khasi tribe is proud to be the creators of this masterpiece. The most beautiful of all the bridges is the Umshiang Double-Decker Bridge, which is over 180 years old. Because most of the bridges in the region are single root, this is the only one with two levels. When the water in the monsoon season reached the first level, the locals of the Khasi tribe built the second level.
Image Source: Robins Mathew (Flickr)
6. Don Bosco Museum
Many visitors are very interested in learning about the state’s cultural history. The Don Bosco Museum in Shillong is a seven-story historical center with 17 galleries and exhibits that take you through Northeast India’s way of life. Furthermore, these galleries exhibit a diverse range of expressions, antiques, clothing styles, weapons, and painstaking work that depict the way of life and culture of Meghalaya’s various tribes and individuals. The Don Bosco Museum is also regarded as one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya when it comes to museums and historical architecture.
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7. Mawlynnong Village
Mawlynnong, in the East Khasi Hills district, is one of Meghalaya’s most exotic tourist destinations. This village welcomes you with everything you need to make your Meghalaya vacation memorable, from waterfalls and root bridges to clean surroundings and panoramic viewpoints. Aside from that, there is a slew of bamboo guest houses where you’ll want to stay to get a better sense of the area.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Living Root Bridges at Mawlynnong Village
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
8. Kyllang Rock
Kyllang Rock, an extraordinary giant rock made of red stone, is located in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, approximately 78 kilometers from Shillong. The Rock is a mammoth square of granite stone that is a piece of the Khasi fables and appears to be lovely in its shape. It is 5400 feet above sea level and has a width of around 1000 feet. Climbing to the top of Kyllang Rock allows you to take in the breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Kyllang Rock is said to have an unusually attractive field, which is surrounded by age-old Red Rhododendrons. The southern side of the mammoth dome is blocked off, but the northern side is brimming with rhododendrons and shrubs.
Image Source: https://www.meghalayatourism.in/
9. Dawki Town
Dawki Town, about an hour’s drive from Mawlynnong, is a true naturalist’s paradise and one of the most serene places to visit in Meghalaya. This town, located in the West Jaintia Hills on the international border of India and Bangladesh, boasts of being completely unspoiled. Umngot is the name of the river that runs through the town. Because of its crystal clear emerald water, this river has recently gained a lot of popularity as a must-see tourist attraction in Meghalaya. Nature is incredibly well preserved in this surreal location, as one would expect. Believe it or not, the river’s water is so clear that on a sunny day, you can see the riverbed as well.
Image Source: Suman Raju (Flickr)
10. Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Mawphlang Sacred Forest, another delight in the East Khasi Hills, is a well-preserved Meghalaya attraction. One interesting aspect of this location is that the locals believe it is protected by Gods, so taking anything out of the forest is strictly prohibited, which is why this lovely forest has remained intact to this day. Nature lovers will not find a more beautiful place to quench their thirst for exploring the unknown than this. The forest’s incredible network includes plants and trees that are nearly 1000 years old. Some of these plants are also medicinal in nature. Khasi Heritage Village is located near the forest and features various types of mock tribal huts. The David Scott trail, an old horse trail from the British era, is also a must-see attraction in the forest. This 16-kilometer scenic trail begins in Mawphlang and concludes in Lad Mawphlang.
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11. Nongkhnum Island
The offbeat destination of Nongkhnum island is best described as “enchanting as a blue moon and ravishing as always.” Although the island may not be on every tourist’s itinerary, it is well worth considering because of its beautiful scenery. Nongkhnum is a forgotten island despite being Asia’s second-largest of its kind. Nongkhnum is known for its flourishing dense forests, verdant grasslands, luminous lakes, and charming waterfalls in the West Khasi Hills. The entire setting of this must-see tourist attraction in Meghalaya creates an entirely new experience that can only be felt rather than described in words. Locals can be found engaging in fishing, which is a popular pastime in the area. If you’re a big fan of nature, Nongkhnum Island is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Image Source: https://www.meghalayatourism.in/
12. Baghmara
Every wildlife enthusiast should pay a visit to the Baghmara Reserve Forest, which is only 4 kilometers from Baghmara town and is home to elephants, feathered creatures, and langurs. The Siju caverns are the third-longest cavern framework in the Indian subcontinent, with endless mazes and chambers for labyrinth lovers. The ‘Princess Di’s Chamber,’ a magnificent limestone rock arrangement inside the caverns, is particularly spectacular. As if that weren’t enough, the Siju Bird Sanctuary promises to keep bird lovers enthralled with the rarest of species relocating here during the winter months.
Image Source: Meghalaya Tourism (Facebook)
13. Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai Cave is without a doubt the most beautiful of all the caves in the area. Inside the cavern, there is a lot of vegetation to catch one’s eye. The cave is only 150 meters long, which isn’t the longest in comparison to other caves in the area, but it most likely provides a glimpse into underground life. Mawsmai Cave, in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, is only 6 kilometers from the heart of Cherrapunjee.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
14. Umiam Lake
Umiam Lake, a lovely man-made reservoir 15 kilometers north of Shillong, is located. The lake was formed as a result of the construction of a dam to generate hydroelectric power. The beautiful Umiam Lake is surrounded by lush green East Khasi slopes, providing an all-encompassing view for nature lovers. The sunrise over the lake is a sight to behold with your own eyes and should not be missed. Tourists can enjoy a long boat ride on the lake, while adrenaline junkies will enjoy drifting and other water sports.
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15. Tura
Tura, with its serene environment, is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. Tura, located in the Garo Hills, is a wildlife and nature lover’s paradise. Tura is 12 kilometers from Nokrek National Park. Leopards, golden cats, wild buffalo, and pheasants are among the animals that can be found here. Another attraction worth seeing on your trip to Tura is the Siju Caves.
Image Source: chaloghumane.com
With that, we’ve come to the end of our list of things to do and the best places to visit in Meghalaya. Meghalaya is the ideal place to visit if you enjoy mountains and want to find some inner peace. While you’re there, make sure you have a good time. Remember to leave your valuable feedback, suggestions, and questions in the comment section.