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Places to Visit In Cherrapunji

Plunging from a dizzying height of 1,120 ft., Nohkalikai Falls in Cherrapunji is the country’s third-highest waterfall. It sits about 5 km away from the town and is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places to visit in Cherrapunji. It flows right out of the pristine forests of a hill and gushed down to form a puddle. Ideally, monsoons bring the falls to full bloom, but the beauty of Nohkalikai Falls can be admired throughout the year.  It is one of the most beautiful Cherrapunji waterfalls.

The roaring melody of its silver-streaked waters is audible from far off, and the envelope of greenery and mist make it seem like a fairytale. If you wish to explore the place more, there are a series of stairs that take you to different vantage points. There is also an interesting if a bit tragic, legend that revolves around the falls.

Location: East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

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The Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunji is one of its most admired wonders. Snuggled in the dense green forests of Meghalaya, the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge remains blessed with rain for a major part of the year. It is one of the most stunning partly man-made structures of Meghalaya, created partly by the Khasi tribe who conditioned the roots to grow in a certain manner. 

The roots entwine to form a dual canopy of bridges, one on the other, over a gushing river. Unlike wooden bridges, root bridges get stronger as they age. The bridge is a 3 km trek from Tyrna village. The upper bridge is 20 meters long, and quite daunting, but bears impressive rewards. The visitor’s physical fitness needs to be considered here.

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Location: Nongriat Village, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya

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Tagged as the wettest place on Earth, Mawsynram is a peaceful little village lapped in the East Khasi Hill district, about 15 km from Cherrapunji. It receives more than 11,000 mm of rainfall every year, bathing the village a lush green. The village houses are coated with thick grass to lessen the thunderous sounds of rainfall. 

Despite the boom of tourism, Cherrapunji remains blissfully shaded from the majority of crowd, perfect for those seeking respite and solitude away from the maddening hustle and bustle of life. If you’re a nature lover, you must visit Mawsynram in peak monsoons, when the vibrant colours of its landscape come alive. 

The people of Mawsynram are warm-hearted and welcoming, making the place one of the safest destinations in India.

Location: East Khasi Hill district, Meghalaya

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Sitting within touching proximity to Mawsmai village, Seven Sisters Falls, the fourth highest plunge waterfall in India, is nested within the East Khasi Hills District. It is essentially a cluster of seven different waterfalls, adjacent to each other. Locally known as Nohsngithiang Falls or Mawsmai Falls, this 315 meters high thunderous cascade is one of the most magnificent places in Cherrapunji. 

The waters plummet down the treacherous limestone cliffs of Khasi Hills, and into a cavernous valley. The rising and setting sun bathe the surrounding in a soothing golden hue, and the crystal streak of water glistens with glory. This place is a paradise for shutterbugs, with its picture-perfect surroundings, and stretches of lush greenery. 

Location: Mawsmai village, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

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Amongst the most easily accessible of the many caves in Cherrapunji, Mawsmai Cave is an entryway to the world of underground adventure. It is simple enough to navigate, and you can manage without a guide. One of the most popular places to visit in Cherrapunji, Mawsmai Cave sits about 6 km away from the main town. Shaded under a thick canopy of trees, the cave welcomes you with a yawning entrance and tapers down a bit further ahead. 

The cave walls can get too narrow for two to walk abreast, so large groups should be avoided. As the caves are very well lit, you may feel that some of the thrill fades. But don’t let that deter you, because if you've only just ventured into the world of cave exploration, Mawsmai Cave is an ideal place to start. 

Location: Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya 793108

Timings: 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Eco Park sits atop a high plateau and was installed by the government of Meghalaya for tourism. The hill affords beautiful views of the verdant hills crisscrossed by waterfalls, along with the Sohra valley. There also runs a crystal blue stream through the park. A beautiful crossover bridge opens up the sweeping views of the green canyons of Sohra, and the stretching Sylhet Plains of Bangladesh. 

The source of Nohsngithiang Falls, the Eco Park is replete with incredible variants of orchids. The place can be reached easily by road from Shillong. Proof of the diverse beauty of the North-Eastern landscape of India, The Eco Park is one of the most unmissable tourist places in Cherrapunji.

Location: Sohra Thangkharang Road, Cherrapunji 793108

Timings: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Entry Fee: INR 20 per head

Flanking the south-eastern border of Meghalaya, Dawki is a lovely little town located nearly 82 km away from Shillong. Cradled in the laps of the Jaintia Hills, the thrilling drive to Dwaki is littered with vines and gorges. The highlight of this town is the magical, emerald coloured river Umngot that snakes through it. It is believed to be one of the cleanest rivers in India, and that’s truly admirable. 

It flows between the Jaintia and Khasi Hills, right into Bangladesh. Boating in its waters is an enchanting experience, and makes you feel as if you’re afloat a crystal glass! Dawki is also host to adventures like kayaking, camping, zip lining, and snorkeling. It is a fairytale world, and amongst the loveliest places to visit in Cherrapunji.  

Location: Meghalaya, 793109

Falling en route the Shillong - Cherrapunji highway, the Mawkdok Dympep Valley is one of the most alluring tourist places in Cherrapunji. The vast, verdant stretches of the valley is a call of the wild to every nature lover and adventure seekers. The most thrilling experience is ziplining across the valley, with the cool breeze hitting your body and the elation that shadows aerial sports. 

The valley requires descending a series of steps to reach. The sprawling beauty of the valley appears quite striking against the backdrop of cool, cloudy skies which morph into a beautiful orange, come sunset. So, take a break from your drive, and take a short, refreshing excursion to this lush valley.

Location: Shillong-Cherrapunjee Highway, Cherrapunji

One of the most refreshing tourist places in Cherrapunji - Thangkharang Park sits right opposite the famous rock Khoh Ramhah and commands a breathtaking view of the coiling roads below.  You can also catch a glimpse of the vast Bangladesh plains and a handful of waterfalls of Meghalaya. Spanning about 100 acres of land, the park is also home to a wide variety of floral species which bathe the place in vibrant hues every spring. 

The Kynrem Falls also sits in the park, with its roaring three-tiered cascade. A one day trip to Thangkharang Park will be enough for you to explore the area, along with its two marvels, the Khoh Ramhah rock, and the Kynrem Falls.

Location:  Sohra, Thangkharang Rd., Meghalaya 793108

Timings: 07:00 AM to 04:00 PM

Entry Fee: INR 20 is charged per head.

One of the many, and the most beautiful waterfalls in Cherrapunji, Wakaba Falls is a two-tiered waterfall perched atop near 190 meters. The water courses through a densely forested hill, and plunges down a canyon straight into a deep gorge. The mellifluous roar of the cascading falls can be heard from far off, while the silvery waters of the tiered plunge look like a glistening ribbon amidst lush greenery. 

While the waterfall can be visited throughout the year, monsoons breathe a new life into the place, and the waters play peek-a-boo amidst the rising mist. The other side of the falls affords a panoramic view of the surrounding beauty. It is truly one of the most adventurous places to visit in Cherrapunji.

Location: East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Timings: Open 24 hours, every day.

Entry Fee: Free of cost.

Sitting at a mere 12 km from Cherrapunji, Kynrem Falls is housed amidst the sweeping greenery of Thangkharang Park. Shadowed in the East Khasi Hills district, it is India’s 7th highest waterfall! Plunging from a height of 305 meters, the thunderous roaring of the waterfall can be heard before the beauty unveils itself. 

It plummets down in three tiers and reaches its peak in the monsoons. Viewed from the park, the cascade appears as an entwining streak of silvery white cutting through dense woods. Venture a little closer to the falls, and feel the light spray of the waters, and the compelling force of nature. It is one of the most unmissable places to visit in Cherrapunji. 

Location: Thangkharang Park, Sohra, Thangkharang Rd., Meghalaya 793108

Timings: 07:00 AM to 04:00 PM

Entry Fee: INR 20 is charged per head.

One of the newly discovered caves in Meghalaya, Arwah Cave is one of the most unexplored places to visit in Cherrapunji. Despite its massive size, only part of it has been made accessible to tourists. The cave features limestone formation, and fosters fossils of marine animals that go back several millions of years! 

Nestled within the lush forest of Law Shynna, the cave is a dream destination for explorers and archaeologists everywhere, since many secrets are yet to be unearthed here. The cave is quite eerie and dark and requires a bright torch along with a proper guide. 

The winding passages and chambers of the cave make it easy for you to get lost in. You may even come across some stalagmite and stalactite formations inside.

Location: Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya 793108

Timings: 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM

Shaded in the East Khasi Hills District near Sohra, Dainthlen Falls is one of the many beautiful waterfalls in Meghalaya. According to a renowned legend, the waterfall is named after a massive snake that was killed by the locals in order to end the terror of the said snake. In fact, there are some stones near the falls which bear marking of this violent but heroic event. 

Tumbling from a height of about 90 meters, the waters snake through densely wooded hills. Monsoons bring the area thundering to life, but the place invites visitors year round. Though a little unheard of, compared to other prominent waterfalls, Dainthlen Falls is a beautiful respite for those looking to stray a little ways off the path.

Location: Nohkalikai Rd, Sohra, Meghalaya, 793111

Sitting not far from the Mawsmai Falls are these intriguing ancient structures called the Khasi Monoliths. They stand as a tribute to dead members of the Khasi tribe, and their ashes are laid in cenotaphs here. Such monoliths can be found lining several parts of Cherrapunji, and make for a fascinating history lesson, one that finds no mention in your history textbooks. 

Seated amidst expansive spaces of nature, you can spend hours here, wondering about the Khasi traditions and culture, or just soaking in the admirable norms of the North-Eastern folks of India. These monoliths are some of the most fascinating tourist places in Cherrapunji, giving you a dual dose of culture and nature.

Location: Near Mawsmai Falls, Cherrapunjee

Ka Khoh Ramhah, also famous as Pillar Rock, is one of the major tourist places in Cherrapunji. As the name suggests, it is an enormous rock that stuns visitors owing to its impressive shape resembling a massive cone. The beautiful Pillar Rock is graced by a snaking stream that cuts past the rocks to form a mesmerising waterfall. The top Ka Khoh Ramhah command brilliant vistas of the Sylhet plains of Bangladesh. 

Adding the general appeal of the place is this legend that the rock is a fossilised basket of an evil spirit that haunts it. Straying a little from the beaten path, a couple of roads from Cherrapunji approach the rock from behind, giving you an unprecedented view of the place. 

Location: Mawsmai - Shella Road, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya

Timings: Sunrise to sunset

Entry Fee: Free

One of the most beautiful destinations in North East India, Mawlynnong is the cleanest village in Asia. As far as Indian villages are concerned, Mawlynnong is light years ahead of its time, with it’s clean, functional toilets in every house, and plastic ban. Yet it manages to preserve the rustic, old world charm that makes you feel like you have travelled in time.

The villagers’ undying love for nature is beautifully reflected in everything that they do, right from proper waste management, to planting trees. Mawlynnong is also home to some truly interesting tribal communities. The cleanest Asian village has many wonders to explore, including several roaring waterfalls, and the Living Root Bridges which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Location: East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya