Meghalaya, aptly named the "Abode of Clouds," is a captivating state in northeastern India known for its misty hills, lush landscapes, and vibrant tribal cultures. Renowned for its living root bridges, breathtaking waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, Meghalaya offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Best Time To Visit Meghalaya

• Winter Season (October to April):

• Ideal for experiencing pleasant weather and clear skies.

• Perfect for sightseeing, exploring living root bridges, and visiting waterfalls.

• Day temperatures range between 10°C and 25°C, with night temperatures dropping to around 6°C.

• Monsoon Season (June to September):

• Best time to witness Meghalaya's lush green beauty and vibrant waterfalls.

• Ideal for nature lovers who enjoy rain-drenched landscapes and misty views.

•  Meghalaya Weather Highlights:

• October offers clear views and vibrant landscapes after the monsoon.

• Heavy rainfall during the monsoon months makes the region one of the wettest places on Earth, with areas like Cherrapunji and Mawsynram coming alive.

10 Places To Visit In Meghalaya

1. Shillong – The Scotland of the East

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a vibrant hill station known for its picturesque landscapes, colonial charm, and cool climate. Set amidst rolling hills and pine forests, it offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The bustling markets, serene lakes, and cascading waterfalls make Shillong a must-visit destination.

• Places To Visit: Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum, Police Bazar

• Things To Do: Boating at Umiam Lake, shopping at Police Bazar, trekking to Shillong Peak, exploring local cuisine

• Places To Stay: Hotel Polo Towers, Ri Kynjai Resort, The Heritage Club, Pinewood Hotel

• Nearby Attractions: Laitlum Canyons, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Mawlynnong Village, Dawki

• Famous For: Scenic beauty, vibrant markets, local music scene

• Ideal Duration: 2-3 days

• How To Reach: The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (Umroi), with connections to major Indian cities. It’s a 3-hour drive from Guwahati.

2. Cherrapunji – The Land of Living Root Bridges

Known for being one of the wettest places on Earth, Cherrapunji is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and unique living root bridges. Its verdant beauty and misty hills provide a experience for nature lovers and adventurers.

• Places To Visit: Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Caves, Seven Sisters Falls, Double Decker Living Root Bridge

• Things To Do: Caving, trekking to living root bridges, visiting waterfalls

• Places To Stay: Polo Orchid Resort, Saimika Resort, Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort

• Nearby Attractions: Mawlynnong, Dawki, Laitkynsew

• Famous For: Heavy rainfall, root bridges, waterfalls

• Ideal Duration: 2 days

• How To Reach: Accessible by road from Shillong (2-hour drive).

3. Mawlynnong – Asia's Cleanest Village

Mawlynnong, often called the "Cleanest Village in Asia," is known for its well-kept streets, eco- friendly practices, and vibrant greenery. The village also offers stunning views of Bangladesh from its skywalk.

• Places To Visit: Living Root Bridge, Sky View Point, Balancing Rock

• Things To Do: Explore the village, walk the bamboo skywalk, interact with locals

• Places To Stay: Local homestays, Mawlynnong Guest House, Maple Pine Farm

• Nearby Attractions: Dawki, Riwai Root Bridge

• Famous For: Cleanliness, sustainable tourism

• Ideal Duration: 1 day

• How To Reach: 3-hour drive from Shillong.

4. Dawki – The Crystal-Clear Waters

Dawki is renowned for its crystal-clear Umngot River, which offers a magical boating experience. Close to the Bangladesh border, Dawki is a picturesque destination perfect for nature lovers.

• Places To Visit: Umngot River, Dawki Suspension Bridge, Jaflong Zero Point

• Things To Do: Boating on Umngot River, camping, photography

• Places To Stay: Riverside camps, local guesthouses, Shnongpdeng Homestay

• Nearby Attractions: Mawlynnong, Shnongpdeng, Jaintia Hills

• Famous For: Crystal-clear river, border town

• Ideal Duration: 1 day

• How To Reach: 3-hour drive from Shillong.

5. Laitlum Canyons – Meghalaya’s Grand Canyon

Offering panoramic views of the Khasi Hills, Laitlum Canyons is a hidden gem perfect for trekking and photography. The name "Laitlum" translates to "end of hills," describing its breathtaking vistas.

• Places To Visit: Laitlum Viewpoint, Rasong Village

• Things To Do: Trekking, photography, village exploration

• Places To Stay: Shillong accommodations (close by)

• Nearby Attractions: Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Shillong

• Famous For: Scenic treks, panoramic views

• Ideal Duration: Half-day trip

• How To Reach: 1-hour drive from Shillong.

6. Mawsynram – Wettest Place on Earth

Known as the wettest place on Earth, Mawsynram offers lush landscapes, caves, and dramatic weather patterns. It's a paradise for rain lovers and adventure seekers.

• Places To Visit: Mawjymbuin Cave, Mawsmai Falls

• Things To Do: Explore caves, nature walks, photography

• Places To Stay: Local homestays, Shillong hotels

• Nearby Attractions: Cherrapunji, Mawphlang

• Famous For: Heavy rainfall, caves

• Ideal Duration: 1 day

• How To Reach: 2.5-hour drive from Shillong.

7. Jowai – The Cultural Hub of Jaintia Hills

Jowai is known for its scenic landscapes, cultural richness, and heritage sites. It's a gateway to the beautiful Jaintia Hills.

• Places To Visit: Krang Suri Falls, Thadlaskein Lake, Nartiang Monoliths

• Things To Do: Boating, visit historical sites, explore local culture

• Places To Stay: Homestays, Jowai Tourist Lodge

• Nearby Attractions: Ialong Park, Syntu Ksiar

• Famous For: Waterfalls, monoliths

• Ideal Duration: 2 days

• How To Reach: 1.5-hour drive from Shillong.

8. Nongriat – Trek to the Double Decker Root Bridge

A trekker’s paradise, Nongriat is home to the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge. The challenging hike through dense forests rewards visitors with stunning views.

• Places To Visit: Double Decker Root Bridge, Rainbow Falls

• Things To Do: Trekking, swimming in natural pools

• Places To Stay: Homestays in Nongriat

• Nearby Attractions: Cherrapunji, Tyrna Village

• Famous For: Root bridges, challenging treks

• Ideal Duration: 1-2 days

• How To Reach: Trek from Tyrna (1-hour drive from Cherrapunji).

9. Umiam Lake – A Serene Getaway

Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani, is an expansive reservoir surrounded by hills. It's perfect for water sports and relaxation.

• Places To Visit: Umiam Lake Viewpoint, Nehru Park

• Things To Do: Boating, kayaking, picnicking

• Places To Stay: Ri Kynjai Resort, Orchid Lake Resort

• Nearby Attractions: Shillong, Laitlum Canyons

• Famous For: Water activities, scenic views

• Ideal Duration: Half-day trip

• How To Reach: 30-minute drive from Shillong.

10. Mawphlang Sacred Forest – A Nature Lover’s Paradise

This ancient forest is considered sacred by the Khasi tribe and is home to rare flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy guided nature walks and learn about local legends.

• Places To Visit: Sacred Grove, Khasi Heritage Village

• Things To Do: Nature walks, cultural exploration

• Places To Stay: Homestays near Mawphlang

• Nearby Attractions: Shillong, Laitlum Canyons

• Famous For: Sacred forest, biodiversity

• Ideal Duration: 1 day

• How To Reach: 1-hour drive from Shillong.

FAQs for Meghalaya

1. What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?

• The best time to visit Meghalaya is from October to April. The weather is pleasant, and it’s ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and outdoor activities. The monsoon season (June to September) offers lush landscapes and vibrant waterfalls but may be challenging for travel.

2. How can I reach Meghalaya?

• By Air: The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, about 120 km from Shillong. From there, you can take a taxi or bus. Shillong Airport (Umroi) offers limited flights.

• By Rail: The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station.

• By Road: Well-connected by roads, with regular buses and taxis available from Guwahati to Shillong.

3. What are the must-visit places in Meghalaya?

Top attractions include:

• Shillong: Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake

• Cherrapunji: Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Caves, Double Decker Root Bridge

• Dawki: Umngot River

• Mawlynnong: Asia's cleanest village

• Mawsynram: Wettest place on Earth

4. What is Meghalaya famous for?

Meghalaya is renowned for its:

• Natural beauty: Waterfalls, caves, and living root bridges

• Unique culture: Rich tribal heritage of Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes

• Climate: One of the wettest places on Earth

• Adventure tourism: Trekking, caving, and boating

5. Is it safe to travel to Meghalaya?

• Yes, Meghalaya is considered safe for travelers. The locals are friendly, and tourism is well-supported. However, it’s advisable to follow local guidelines and respect tribal customs.

6. What are some famous festivals of Meghalaya?

Notable festivals include:

• Shad Suk Mynsiem: Celebrated by the Khasi tribe in April

• Wangala Festival: Garo tribe’s harvest festival in November

• Nongkrem Dance: A Khasi thanksgiving festival in November

7. What should I pack for a trip to Meghalaya?

• Warm clothing: For cool evenings, especially in winter.

• Rain gear: Essential during monsoon season.

• Comfortable shoes: For trekking and exploring root bridges.

• Essentials: Flashlight, power bank, and basic first aid kit.

8. Are there any special foods to try in Meghalaya?

Yes, some local delicacies include:

• Jadoh: Rice cooked with pork and spices.

• Dohneiiong: Pork with black sesame seeds.

• Pumaloi: Steamed rice cake.

• Tungrymbai: Fermented soybean curry.

9. How many days are ideal for a trip to Meghalaya?

• A 5 to 7-day trip is ideal to cover major attractions like Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawlynnong, and nearby villages.

10. Do I need a permit to visit Meghalaya?

• Indian tourists do not require a permit. However, foreign nationals need to register with the Foreigner Registration Office (FRO) upon arrival. Certain border areas may have restrictions.

Come and Visit Meghalaya!

Experience the magic of Meghalaya, where misty hills, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant tribal culture await. Whether you're trekking to living root bridges, exploring ancient caves, or simply soaking in nature's beauty, Meghalaya offers something for every traveler. Come, immerse yourself in its lush landscapes, savor traditional Khasi cuisine, and create memories that last a lifetime. Your perfect escape into nature's paradise begins here!☁️✨