World’s Rain Capital, Cherrapunjee, is a dream destination for every traveller. Waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, misty valleys covered in fluffy clouds and the serene sounds of gushing rivers, every element of the place has a story to tell. So, if you are ready to embark upon a journey into this paradise, we have a list of places to visit in Cherrapunjee and everything you need to know before planning a trip.
Cherrapunjee, officially known as Sohra, is a small city located on the southern edge of the Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya. Due to its geographical location, the city lies directly on the Southwest Monsoon and the deep gorges around Cherrapunjee help to funnel and converge the low-flying rain-bearing clouds over the region. A trip to the land of lush greenery, waterfalls and crisp mountain breeze is all you need for a relaxing and refreshing getaway. Due to its breathtaking beauty and peaceful atmosphere, it is also one of the best honeymoon destinations in India.
So, why wait any longer? Let’s explore some of the most amazing places to visit in Cherrapunjee, the best time to plan a trip and how to reach your destination.
7 Places to Visit in Cherrapunjee
1. Double Decker Living Root Bridge:
One of the most incredible places to visit in Cherrapunjee, which you cannot miss, is the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of its kind, made of intertwined roots that look unreal. These bridges have been built for centuries by the indigenous people of the region (Khasis and Jaintias). The bridges, which were used by them to cross the overflowing river in the monsoon, have naturally built an ecosystem of local flora over the years.
As the longest living root bridge, it stands strong as a symbol of relationship and knowledge of nature by the locals. So, your trip is never complete without taking a first-hand experience of walking on them.
2. Nohkalikai Falls:
Another magical site to behold is the Nohkalikai Falls in Cherrapunjee. With a height of 340 mt, it is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. The mesmerising view of the waterfalls leaves the visitors awestruck by its breathtaking beauty.
The Nohkalikai Falls are fed by the rainwater collected on the summit of a comparatively small plateau and are in their full glory in the monsoon season, so the best time to visit is from June to September.
3. Mawsmai Cave:
The Mawsmai Caves are one of the best places to visit in Cherrapunjee. They are known for their unique limestone formations and underground corridors. These fascinating subterranean realm makes you wonder about the magical powers of Mother Earth.
Once you begin your journey inside the caves, you are welcomed with cold and wet surroundings. Walking a little further, you will come across tiny corridors, low ceilings and unique rock formations formed by millions of years of water erosion. The best time to visit these caves is from June to September.
4. Mawlynnong:
Mawlynnong, one of the cleanest villages in Asia, feels like “God’s Own Garden”. The fruit orchards, the rushing streams, the swaying palms, the well-preserved traditions of the Khasis and the evergreen surroundings make it one of the best places to visit in Cherrapunjee.
So, if you want to experience the tradition and natural beauty of Cherrapunjee, Mawlynnong is the perfect place to visit. The best time to visit the village is from October to April.
5. Dawki
The border area in the south of Meghalaya, Dawki, is the best place to witness a blend of culture and changing topography. Here, the hills merge into the plains of Northern Bangladesh, offering stunning views, especially during the evening when the lights glow above the neighbouring plains over the gentle dark river.
It is one of the most Instagrammable places to visit in Cherrapunjee, where you can enjoy boating on the crystal clear waters of the Umngot River. Other adventure activities include camping, swimming, ziplining and fishing. The best time to visit Dawki is post-monsoon from October to May.
6. Mawsynram:
The wettest place on Earth, Mawsynram, is located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the village received 26,000 millimeters of rainfall in 1985 and 1003.6 millimeters in a span of 24 hours on 17th June 2022. It is the highest of all-time single-day records so far.
The journey towards the Maysynram is full of adventure during the monsoon, as the vehicles have to pass through cascading waterfalls from the mountainside. You can enjoy some natural trails, kayaking, swimming and bird watching. Additionally, the village is also home to the Krem Puri, the longest sandstone cave in the world.
7. Wei Sawdong Falls:
One of the most mesmerising waterfall places to visit in Cherrapunjee, Wei Sawdong boasts crystal-clear waters cascading gracefully into the emerald pools. The fall is a three-tier structure, which is a rare phenomenon that makes it one of the unique waterfalls in the world.
The area is surrounded by dense forests and limestone cliffs, offering breathtaking views for a relaxing getaway. So, if you are looking for peaceful places in India, Cherrapunjee’s Wei Sawdong Falls has to be on your bucket list. The best time to visit the site is from October to March and June to September.
Some of the other famous tourist places to visit in Cherrapunjee that you can add to your itinerary are the Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point, Nohsngithiang Falls and Mawphlang Sacred Forest for a wholesome travelling experience.
Best time to visit in Cherapunjee
Cherrapunjee is a one-of-a-kind place that is always wet and cold. The area receives rainfall throughout the year, offering similar climatic conditions year-round. So, you can visit the place at any time of the year. During the summer season, from March to May, Cherrapunjee receives moderate rainfall. The monsoon starts to escalate from May and continues to September. However, it is best to avoid travelling during May to September, if you want to explore the tourist places to visit in Cherrapunjee.
The intensity of rain slows down during the winter season from October and February, making it the best time to visit Cherrapunjee and experience the beauty of the place. So, whatever time you choose to visit the place, its mesmerising beauty, tourist attractions and pleasant weather will leave you spellbound.
How to Reach Cherrapunjee
You can reach Cheraapunjee through various modes of transportation. Here is a detailed description of different ways you can choose from based on your preferences:
By Road
Cherrapunjee is connected with major cities, including Shillong and Guwahati, through excellent road networks. There is a regular bus service from these cities. You can also take a private taxi for convenient and comfortable travelling.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Cherrapunjee is the Guwahati Railway Station, at around 144 km. The station is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata. From there, you can book a taxi or take a bus to reach Cherrapunjee.
If you can extend your trip for a day or two, exploring places to visit in Guwahati can be a great idea. You can stay at affordable hotels in Guwahati and enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay before heading towards Cherrapunjee.
By Air
The nearest airport to Cherrapunjee is located in Shillong, the capital city of Cherrapunjee. Shillong Airport is a domestic airport located around 60 km from Cherrapunjee. The airport is well-connected to the major cities of the country. For international flights, Guwahati International Airport is the closest. From these airports, you can either take a taxi or a bus. You can also take a break and book your stay at hotels in Shillong, to explore these beautiful tourist places in the North East.
Now that you have everything to know about the places to visit in Cherrapunjee, when are you planning a trip to the wonders of the world?
