Places to visit in Meghalaya: tourist attractions
When to go: October to May; the monsoon (June to September) brings very heavy rain around Cherrapunji, when the waterfalls and root bridges are at their most dramatic.
Getting there: Guwahati airport in Assam, about three hours by road from Shillong, and the smaller Shillong airport at Umroi; Guwahati is also the nearest major railway station.
Meghalaya, "the abode of clouds", has rolling hills, waterfalls, caves and living root bridges, and is one of the wettest places on Earth.
Shillong
The capital, Shillong, has Ward's Lake, Shillong Peak with views over the city, Elephant Falls, the Don Bosco Museum of north-eastern cultures and lively markets such as Police Bazaar.
Sohra (Cherrapunji)
Sohra and nearby Mawsynram are among the rainiest places in the world. Nohkalikai Falls plunges into a green pool, and the Mawsmai caves can be walked through. From Tyrna, a long flight of steps leads down to Nongriat and its double-decker living root bridge, grown from the roots of rubber trees.
Mawlynnong and Dawki
Mawlynnong, often called the cleanest village in Asia, has a living root bridge and a bamboo viewing tower. At Dawki, on the border with Bangladesh, the Umngot river is so clear that boats seem to float in the air.
Jaintia and Garo hills
The Jaintia Hills have the Krang Suri waterfall and the monoliths of Nartiang. In the Garo Hills, Nokrek and Balpakram National Parks and the Siju caves are less visited but beautiful.
Sources
- Meghalaya Tourism: Government of Meghalaya
- Government of Meghalaya: official portal
- Meghalaya Forest Department: Government of Meghalaya
- Incredible India: Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Plan your visit
The best time to visit each place, where to book on official sites, and more about it on this site. For hotels and tours across Meghalaya: Meghalaya Tourism.
| Place | Best time to visit | Book (official sites) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shillong | October to May; the cherry blossom festival is in November | – | Meghalaya Festivals, About Shillong |
| Sohra (Cherrapunji) | June to September for waterfalls; October to April for clear views | – | Meghalaya Adventure |
| Mawlynnong and Dawki | November to April, when the Umngot river is clear | – | Meghalaya Adventure |
| Jaintia and Garo hills | October to April; Behdienkhlam (Jowai) is in July and Wangala (Garo hills) in November | – | Meghalaya Festivals, Meghalaya Wildlife |
Seasons, opening days and booking rules change; check the official site before you travel. Every booking link goes to a government or official site.