2. Mawsmai Cave

Mawsmai Cave is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Meghalaya. It is a beautiful cave that is located in Mawsmai village, approximately 2 hours away from Shillong.

Mawsmai Cave is a great place to visit if you are new to the area. The cave has an interesting history and it is also a great place to hike.

This cave offers an incredible experience as you get to walk through its narrow passages and see the amazing stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.

How to reach Mawsmai Cave: Mawsmai is about an hour drive from the nearest town of Jowai. It is located in the Khliehriat village. Mawsmai is on NH-17 and can be reached by various means of transportation including buses, taxis and auto rickshaws from Shillong.

3. Dain-thlen Falls

Dain-thlen Falls, located in the north-west of Meghalaya, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. The falls are situated on the banks of the Lidder River and are a natural wonder for visitors from all over the world.

The falls can be reached by foot or by a cable car. The walk to the falls takes about 30 minutes, but it is well worth it! The view from the falls is amazing and you will be able to see different types of plants and animals at close range.

If you are looking for a quieter destination, Dain-thlen Falls may not be the best option for you. However, if you are looking for an adventure that will take your breath away, this is definitely the place to visit!

How to reach Dain-thlen Falls: You can take a bus or a cab to Dain-thlen Falls from Shillong, which should take around 2 hours to reach.

4. Double-Decker Living Root Bridge

The double-decker living root bridge is located a few kilometers away from Sohra. The trek to this bridge is a tough one. It takes about 3200 steps and approximately 1 - 1.5 hours one way.

The Rainbow falls, which is closer to this bridge, will take another 1-2 hours to reach.

There are a number of living root bridges throughout Meghalaya, but this one is very special as it has double-decker bridge which is one and only in the state.

These bridges are half man-made and the other half is completed by nature. This bridge is said to be 600 years old and was made by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya.

How to reach the Double-Decker Living Root Bridge: The easiest way to reach the bridge is via public transport from Shillong. By public transport, you can either travel by taxi or share a public bus. Walking to the area may take up to 2 hours but it is an experience you will never forget!

5. Nohkalikai Falls

Nohkalikai Falls is known to be the tallest plunge waterfall in India, that is situated a few kilometers away from Cherrapunji.

The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation and offer a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. There are many different trails that lead to the falls, so there is plenty of opportunity to explore the area.

Nohkalikai Falls is also a great place to enjoy some tranquility and relaxation. The waterfalls offer a calm environment that is perfect for taking in the natural beauty of Meghalaya.

How to reach Nohkalikai Falls: Nohkalikai Falls is situated in Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India. It is located near Jowai and Jaintia Hills. You can reach it by road from Guwahati or Tezpur while going to Shillong. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi at the nearest town of Jowai and ask for directions to Nohkalikai Falls.

6. Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the state of Meghalaya, India. The falls are well-known for their scenic beauty and are a popular tourist spot for visitors to Meghalaya.

The falls can be accessed by road or by boat. The road route is slightly longer but offers a better view of the falls. The boat route is much faster but can be more dangerous since there are no guardrails.

How to reach Elephant Falls: The nearest airport to Elephant Falls is Shillong Airport which is about an hour’s drive from the falls. You can reach the falls by driving on NH-9, also known as the Shillong-Imphal Highway.

This highway is well-maintained and takes around two hours to reach the falls from Shillong. You can also visit Elephant Falls by boat from Diphu in Assam. This journey takes around four hours and you will have to travel through some beautiful villages along the way.

7. Spread Eagle Falls

Spread eagle Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the east Meghalaya district of North Garo Hills. The falls can be reached through a long walk or by taking a short ride on a local bus.

The hike to Spread Eagle Falls is well worth the effort. The views are spectacular and the waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests. If you are looking for a relaxing day out, Spread Eagle Falls is definitely the place to go.

The falls can also be visited during the monsoon season when the water levels are high. This is an ideal time to see the falls at its best as the water flows over the rocks in turbulent waves.

How to reach Spread Eagle Falls: Due to the hilly terrain in the area, it is difficult to reach Spread Eagle Falls. The best way to get there is by hiring a rickshaw from Meghalaya. To make it easier for you, we have listed below some of the nearest bus and train stations where you can catch a bus or train that would take you near Spread Eagle Falls.You can also hire a jeep/vans and take an easy drive towards the waterfall.

8. Nongriat Village

If you're thinking of visiting the beautiful state of Meghalaya, there are few places better than Nongriat Village to start your exploration. This small village is located in South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The village is home to some of the most stunning examples of traditional architecture in the state, with centuries-old houses made from wood and bamboo. Some of the most iconic features of Nongriat Village include the Chowk (market), the Temple, and the Pagoda.

Visiting Nongriat Village is a great way to get a taste of the traditional lifestyle of the Meghalayan people. If you're looking for something more adventurous, consider exploring some of the nearby trails and caves.

How to reach Nongriat Village in Meghalaya: There are frequent buses and share-taxis between Shillong-Jowai via Jowai and longer journeys by road. Buses run 5 times a day from Shillong to Nongriat with a 2.5-hour journey and cost Rs 100 to Rs 150. Share taxis from Shillong to Jowai via Nongriat are also available.

9. Dawki

Dawki river in Meghalaya is a very popular tourist destination. Dawki is situated in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya and is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the state. 

It has one of the cleanest rivers in the world and is a major attraction for tourists. There are numerous things to do in Dawki-Umngot river, ranging from swimming and boating to fishing and picnicking. The river is also a great place for bird watching, as there are many different species of birds that can be found in the area.

How to reach Dawki river: The nearest airport is in Guwahati. You can reach Dawki river both from Guwahati and Shillong. It takes about 3 hours to reach Dawki from Shillong.

You can take a private cab or a bus to Dawki from the city of Shillong, which is roughly about 105 km. If you are in Cherapunji, you can also take a private cab to reach Dawki river, which should take around 4 hours to reach.

10. Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Meghalaya. It is a beautiful town with a lot to offer tourists, including amazing temples and scenic views.

There are a number of different places to visit in Cherrapunji, including the markets, the temples, and the lakes. Each of these attractions has its own unique story and charm.

This town is known for being the wettest place on earth and receives an annual rainfall of over 11,000 mm. It is also home to some of the tallest waterfalls in India, such as Nohkalikai Falls and Dain-thlen Falls.

If you are visiting Cherrapunji for the first time, make sure to plan your trip carefully so that you can see as much of the town as possible. There are also plenty of other great attractions in Meghalaya that you should consider visiting too!

How to reach Cherrapunji: There are direct buses, shared cabs and private cabs available from the Shillong city, which takes about 1.5 hours in road.

What is the best time to visit Meghalaya

The best time to visit Meghalaya is during the monsoon season, from June to September. This is when the state is at its most picturesque.

Alternatively, you can also visit before and after the monsoon is over and you will be able to experience a number of outdoor activities which would otherwise be impossible to do in the rain.

However, Meghalaya can be visited any time of the year and you can experience a beautiful weather all year long. But, in the peak summer months, the weather is very hot and humid during the day-time and slowly starts to cool off in the evening.

What is the most beautiful place in Meghalaya?

The most beautiful place in Meghalaya is definitely the Khasi Hills. These hills are filled with lush forests and stunning waterfalls. You will also find some of the best hiking trails in Meghalaya here.

If you want to explore less crowded and less touristy places around the Khasi hills, Mawlynnong, Mawrynkhang, Mawphlang and the surrounding areas are some of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.

The Khasi hills is home to a large number of tribal villages. You will be able to experience the traditional lifestyle of these people and observe how they live and work.

Finally, if you want to experience the city life of the people of Meghalaya, then you should head to Shillong. The main city of Shillong has the largest market in the state, buzzling streets, cafes, restaurants and local street food delicacies.

So that's the best places to visit in Meghalaya for the first-time

If you're planning a trip to Meghalaya and are looking for some places to visit before you arrive, here are five of our favorites.

Whether you're drawn to the jungle or the beaches, we've got something for everyone on this list. Be sure to check them out before your trip so that you can make the most of your time in this beautiful state!

FAQs

1 . How long should I spend in Meghalaya?

We recommend atleast 9 days

2. What are things not to miss in Meghalaya?

Dawki, Bamboo trek , Living roots bridge , Proffesional caving and Cafes in shillong are some of the things you should'nt miss.

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

When packing for a trip to Meghalaya, be sure to bring comfortable clothes and shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking. Also, don't forget to pack your camera to capture all the amazing sights!

Clothes : 2 Fleece jacket , 3 Synthetic / cotton pants ,4 Full sleeves tees , Sunhat

Shoes & socks: High ankle shoes or comfortable shoes that will hold throughout multi-day hikes , cotton/ wool mix socks

Skin care essentials : Sunglasses with UV/ protection ,Lip balm Cold cream, Sunscreen lotion

Other accessories : LED Torch/ headlamps (If already bought)

4. Do i need any permit to enter Meghalaya?

Meghalaya does not need an Inner line permit like other north eastern states, But during covid times Meghalaya government had implemented a E invite procedure that has to be done through a mobile App ( Meghalaya tourism ) : Apple , Android .

5. Is there any fee while visiting these Meghalaya Tourist spots?

Understand that most places are maintaiened by Community in Meghalaya. Hence, a small fee might be leived at the entrance of these places.