10 Best Places to visit in Meghalaya

If you are looking for a convenient and hassle-free travel experience, Meghalaya is the perfect destination for you.

Here, you can enjoy breathtaking hikes and scenic sightseeing while taking some time to relax in tranquil places.

Below are ten of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. Plan your trip today!

1. Shillong

2. Mawlynnong

3. Nongriat

4. Mawrynkhang

5. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram

6. Jowai

7. South Garo Hills

8. Mawphlang

9. West Jaintia Hills

10. Dawki

1. Shillong

Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is a beautiful hill station located in the East Khasi Hills district.

It is nestled among the hills at an elevation of 1,491 m above sea level and is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant weather.

The city is also home to a number of tourist attractions like the Shillong Peak, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Ward's Lake, Lady Hydari Park, etc.

One of the most popular places to see in Shillong is the Elephant Falls. These falls are located just outside the city and are a must-see for any visitor.

For those interested in history, there are several interesting landmarks to visit in Shillong.

The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures is a museum that showcases the culture and history of the indigenous people of Meghalaya.

The Museum of East Asian Art is another great option, as it houses a collection of artefacts from East Asian countries.

2. Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong is a village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India.

It is about 90 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Mawlynnong is known for its cleanliness, natural beauty and hospitality.

Mawlynnong was declared the cleanest village in Asia in 2003 by Discover India magazine.

The main occupation of the people of Mawlynnong is agriculture. The villagers grow betel nuts, bamboo and other vegetables. They also rear pigs and chickens.

Bee-keeping is also practiced here. The honey produced is of high quality and fetches good prices in the market.

The village has a number of tourist attractions like the Sky Walk, a living root bridge and a tree house.

There are also several hiking and trekking trails in the vicinity which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

3. Nongriat

If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in India, then head to Meghalaya and spend some time in Nongriat.

This remote village is located in the East Khasi Hills and can only be accessed by a suspension bridge or a series of steep staircases.

Once you make the trek, you'll be rewarded with picturesque views of the surrounding valley, as well as a chance to experience the unique culture of the Khasi people.

Nongriat is best known for its living root bridges, which are made from the roots of the Ficus elastica tree.

These bridges are incredibly strong and have been used by locals for centuries. Today, they are a major tourist attraction and draw visitors from all over the world.

There are also several hiking trails in the area that lead to waterfalls, caves, and other natural wonders.

So whether you're looking to relax or explore, Nongriat is definitely worth a visit!

4. Mawrynkhang

Mawrynkhang is a beautiful village located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.

The village is situated at an altitude of 1,700 metres and is surrounded by lush green hills.

Mawrynkhang is home to the Khasi tribe and is a popular tourist destination. The village is known for its traditional architecture, scenic beauty and friendly people.

The Mawrynkhang Trek is one of the most popular treks in Meghalaya and is a great way to explore the state’s natural beauty.

The trek takes you through some of the most scenic parts of Meghalaya, including the Khasi Hills, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

5. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram

Cherrapunji and Mawsynram are two places in Meghalaya that are definitely worth a visit.

Cherrapunji is known as the wettest place on earth, and Mawsynram is right next door - so you can imagine the amount of rainfall these two places get!

Cherrapunji is home to the Nohkalikai Falls, which at 335 meters is the tallest plunge waterfall in India.

The falls are best seen after the rains, when they are full and flowing. Cherrapunji also has some interesting caves to explore, like the Mawmluh Cave which is the longest natural cave in Meghalaya.

Mawsynram is another great place to visit in Meghalaya. The village is located in a valley between two mountains, and it's famous for its incredible natural beauty.

The village gets its name from the two mountains that surround it - Maw (meaning "east") and synram (meaning "west").

This region is famous for being one of the wettest places on earth and is home to some of the most unique and impressive natural formations.

The local caves are also definitely worth checking out – they’re said to be among the largest and deepest in Asia.

6. Jowai

Jowai is a beautiful town located in the state of Meghalaya. It is situated on the banks of the River Thrissur and is surrounded by forests.

Jowai is famous for its mountains, waterfalls, and caves. This northeastern state is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country, including the Jowai district.

Jowai is located in the heart of Meghalaya and is surrounded by verdant hills and valleys. One of the main attractions in Jowai is the Dymara Lake, a natural lake that's said to be one of the most beautiful in India.

Other popular activities in Jowai include trekking, bird watching, and visiting ancient temples.

7. South Garo Hills

The South Garo Hills region is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the state, including lush valleys, pristine forests, and majestic waterfalls.

One of the best ways to experience all that the South Garo Hills has to offer is to take a hike through one of its many trails.

There are trails suitable for all skill levels, so whether you're a seasoned hiker or just getting started, you'll be able to find a route that's right for you. And, of course, no hike in this region would be complete without stopping at a few of its stunning waterfalls.

It is home to some of the state's most popular tourist destinations, including Nokrek National Park and Tura Peak.

Nokrek National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. The park is home to a variety of rare and endangered plant and animal species, including the red panda. Tura Peak, meanwhile, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

8. Mawphlang

The Mawphlang Sacred Forest is a protected area in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state in north-eastern India. The forest is about 25 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.

The David Scott Trail is a hiking trail that winds through the Mawphlang Sacred Forest and adjoining woods.

The forest is an important sacred site for the Khasi tribe, who believe that their ancestors reside in the trees, rocks and streams of the forest. Parts of the forest are off-limits to visitors, as they are used for religious rituals.

The David Scott Trail was named after Captain David Scott, who surveyed the area in 1832. The trail was originally a mule track used by British soldiers stationed in Shillong.

It was rediscovered in recent years and has become a popular hiking destination.

The Mawphlang Sacred Forest and David Scott Trail offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of Meghalaya's forests and learn about the culture of the Khasi tribe.

9. West Jaintia Hills

The West Jaintia Hills region is home to some of the country's most beautiful scenery, including pristine forests, soaring mountains, and cascading waterfalls.

This area is famous for its limestone caves, which are a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

There are several different caves to explore in the West Jaintia Hills, each with its own unique features. The caves vary in size and depth, so there is something for everyone.

Many of the caves are also home to amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations.

10. Dawki

Dawki is a small town located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The town is situated on the India-Bangladesh border and is known for its natural beauty.

One of the main attractions in Dawki is the Umngot River, which flows through the town and is considered to be one of the most beautiful rivers in India.

The river is emerald green in color and is surrounded by lush green hills. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the river or go for a swim.

A 6 days Itinerary for Meghalaya

Imagine spending a whole week in one of the most beautiful places on Earth – Meghalaya! Here's a Meghalaya itinerary for 6 days that includes hiking, sightseeing and relaxing:

DAY 1 : Arrive before 11 AM at Guwahati Airport and head towards the capital city of Meghalaya- Shillong. Spend the evening at Shillong by strolling around the Police Bazar, try the local street foods and visit the famous cafes.

DAY 2 : Head towards The Mawphlang Sacred Forest, spend some time strolling around the forest and learn about the history, the stories and legends of this mystical place.

Then we head towards the starting point of the David Scott trail. The entire trek takes around 4-5 hours to complete. Stay overnight at Cherrapunji.

DAY 3 : Head towards Nongriat and hike to the Double Roots Bridge and Rainbow Falls (optional 1-2 hours), which takes around 4-5 hours in total to decend the 3000 steps and climb back up.

DAY 4 : Trek to Nohkalikai Falls and Wei-saw-dong falls.

DAY 5 : Caving : This is the main reason this is one of the best Meghalaya group trips.

DAY 6 : River Canyoning : A water sport for the brave.

DAY 7 : Head towards Mawrynkhang and complete Bamboo trek, which takes anywhere between 3-5 hours to complete. Then head to Dawki and camp around the Dawki-Umngot river.

DAY 8 : Head back to Shillong and spend the rest of the day in leisure.

DAY 9 : Depart from Meghalaya. Or, you can spend a day or 2 in Shillong and visit some of the best places around this beautiful city. Here, we have compiled a list of best places to visit in and around Shillong city.

DAY 10 -DAY 12: Wari Chora (Optional 3 days) Read more.

Caving in Meghalaya

Caving in Meghalaya is an awesome experience. The state is home to some of the longest and deepest caves in the world, and there are plenty of options for exploring them.

While most of the caves are located in the north-east, there are also a few in the south-west.

There are a number of different caves to explore, each with its own unique features.

The Krem Mawmluh cave is one of the most popular caves in Meghalaya and is known for its stunningly beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. The cave is also home to a number of rare animals, including the endangered bats.

The Krem Liat Prah cave is another popular option for tourists looking to explore the caves in Meghalaya. This particular cave is known for its unique rock formations and stunning views.

Finally, the Krem Dam remained hidden from the public for many years due to its remote location. However, it has recently been opened up to tourists and has quickly become one of the most popular caves in Meghalaya.

The best time to go caving in Meghalaya is during the dry season from October to April. During this time, the rainfall is at its lowest and the humidity is also relatively low, making it more comfortable to explore the caves.

River Canyoning In Meghalaya

River Canyoning In Meghalaya is one of the most thrilling adventure activities that you can undertake in the state.

Nestled in the northeastern part of India, Meghalaya is blessed with natural beauty in abundance. The state is home to some of the tallest waterfalls in the country, and its rivers offer a perfect opportunity for canyoning.

Canyoning involves Rappelling down from a great height into the river below. It is an activity that requires both mental and physical strength, and it is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

If you are looking for an ultimate adventure experience, river canyoning in Meghalaya is something that you must try.

What is the Best Time to Visit Meghalaya

There are a number of reasons why people choose to visit Meghalaya during the rainy season.

Firstly, this is when the hills and forests are at their most picturesque.

Secondly, there are fewer tourists around and you're more likely to have the area all to yourself.

And finally, prices for hotels and food are usually lower during the rainy season.

If you want to experience all that Meghalaya has to offer, the best time to visit is during the monsoon season. This is when the hills are at their greener and wetter best, and the temperature is usually milder.

Note that in case of heavy rainfalls or flash floods, it's always advisable to check with local authorities before travelling to Meghalaya.

Alternatively, you can also visit the Meghalaya in summers, just before the monsoon begins. The weather is pleasant around this time and you can enjoy a lot of activities that may not be hampered by rain.

How many days are enough for Meghalaya?

Meghalaya is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Its dense forests, misty valleys and remote villages are an inexhaustible source of fascination.

But with so many things to see and do in Meghalaya, how do you decide how many days to spend there?

You should stay for at least 4-6 days when visiting Meghalaya.

This allows you time to hike some of the country’s most popular trails, visit some of its most colorful villages and take in some of the region’s iconic views.

It also gives you enough time to relax and soak up the natural beauty of Meghalaya.

So that's 6 Days in Meghalaya for you

From the popular tourist attractions in Shillong, to the most scenic trails in the country, and the cleanest river in Asia, Meghalaya has a lot to offer. Whether you're looking for a laid-back trip, adventure activities, wildlife or hiking, Meghalaya has everything for each one of you.

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.