10 Places to Visit in Cherrapunji: Listen to the Mountains Calling You

Cherrapunji is like a breath of fresh air amidst the bustling cities. The natural beauty of this city in Meghalaya is reflected in the form of lush greenery, glorious mountains, and serene lakes that make up the most gorgeous places to visit in Cherrapunji. Regardless of where you are in this hill station, the view in front of you would knock the wind out of you and sweep you off your feet in an instant. It’s the kind of view you’d like to wake up to every day. Cherrapunji’s famous as the “wettest place on Earth” and the constant rainy weather is what enhances the beauty of this destination, making it ideal for a vacation.

10 Best Places to Visit in Cherrapunji: A Paradise for Nature Lovers

The beauty of Cherrapunji, from the cascading waterfalls and sun-kissed greenery to mist-covered hills, everything feels like the poetry of Earth. The unique culture, heritage, and traditions of this city are what set it apart from others and bring out the charm of this place. These magnificent views are the reason this hill station is considered a romantic honeymoon destination as well. So, let’s look at the tourist places to visit Cherrapunji.

1. Double Decker Living Root Bridges
2. Nohkalikai Waterfalls
3. Mawkdok Dympep Valley View
4. Garden of Caves
5. Mawsynram Village
6. Krem Mawmluh
7. Wakaba Falls
8. Dainthlen Falls
9. Dawki
10. Thangkharang Park

1. Double Decker Living Root Bridges: A Marvel on Earth

Paradise alert! The Double Decker Living Root Bridges are the best of both human ingenious and nature. The Khasis tribe living in this forest have been shaping the roots of the Rubber tree into a bridge for years. This bridge is around 200 years old and can only withstand the weight of approximately 50 people at once, that’s how strong the roots of this tree have become. This 20 m bridge is a marvel of nature and the efforts of the people living here, making it among the topmost places to visit in Cherrapunji. You’ll find such root bridges in several parts of Meghalaya because the Rubber tree is specifically grown here. However, that’s not all, the Umshiang River flows underneath this bridge enhancing its beauty.

Best time to visit: June to September

Things to do: Trekking, going for a nature walk, clicking aesthetic pictures, marveling at nature’s art, camping, swimming in the river

Attractions near Double Decker Living Root Bridge: Rainbow Falls, Nongriat Village

Travel tips:

• Don’t carry heavy bags on a trip to this place as you’ll come across eateries around the bridge
• Wear comfortable trekking shoes
• Dress up in comfortable shoes

Distance from Cherrapunji: Approx. 21 km

Other root bridges in Cherrapunji: Ummunoi Root Bridges, Ritymmen Root Bridge, Umkar Root Bridge, Mawsaw Root Bridge

2. Nohkalikai Waterfalls: A Date with Nature

If you wish to see a spectacular view in Cherrapunji that would feel nothing less than a daydream, then going to the Nohkalikai Waterfalls is the right choice. Get ready to be amazed by the glorious view of the tallest waterfall in India cascading from a scenic location. Watching this pride of Meghalaya surrounded by the evergreen rainforests and falling into a gorgeous lagoon is a sight to behold. However, there’s a tragic story behind this mesmerizing waterfall of a woman named Ka Likai. She married a man who wanted her to love him more than her own daughter. So, one day he killed her daughter and fed her meat to Ka Likai, when she came to know about this, she jumped down this waterfall and killed herself. This waterfall was then renamed “Noh Ka Likai” after her.

Best time to visit: October to December or March to May

Things to do: Trekking, angling, bird watching, swimming, photography, camping, swimming, exploring nearby villages

Attractions near Nohkalikai Waterfalls: Khasi villages, Maswsmai Caves, Double Decker Living Root Bridge

Travel tips:

• Carry an extra set of clothes
• Wear comfortable shoes

Distance from Cherrapunji: Approx. 7 km

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3. Mawkdok Dympep Valley View: The Green Valley of Cherrapunji

You’re in for a breathtaking view of this V-shaped valley from the Duwan Sing Syiem Bridge, which was built by the government as a viewpoint. You’ll be awestruck by the green valley ahead of you that appears to be merging with the sky as it goes farther away. It’s a blessing to be able to view this natural beauty in all its glory, and you can also enjoy this astounding location by ziplining over it. It’ll be a memory you’ll always cherish because nothing can beat the moment you zoom past this gorgeousness. You even get Khasi traditional dresses to wear and click pictures, which enriches the experience even more, so don’t miss out on one of the most amazing attractions in India.

Timings: 6 A.M to 6 P.M

Things to do: Enjoy the mesmerizing view, click pictures, try ziplining over the valley

Attractions near Mawkdok Dympep Valley: Elephant Falls, Mawlynnong Village, Eco Park

Travel tips:

• Zipline over the valley
• Dress up in traditional clothes
• Wear comfortable shoes

Distance from Cherrapunji: Approx. 24 km

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4. Garden of Caves: Heal Your Soul at this Tranquil Spot

If you’re a child of nature, then this is one of the places to visit in Cherrapunji that is perfect for you. This location is adorned by curling vines, verdant greenery, and several minor waterfalls that beautify this place. You can spend some quality time here alone or with your partner. It’s quite a romantic destination for couples and honeymooners because of the serenity and less crowded aspect. There’s even a heart-shaped rock, ideal for clicking pictures or you could sit by the Riat Umlwai Falls. There’s even a bamboo bridge at the entrance of this garden, which offers stunning views of the attractions in this place. It truly feels like connecting with nature on a personal level.

Timings: 8 A.M to 5:30 P.M

Things to do: Explore the garden, sit by the waterfalls, admire nature

Attractions near Garden of Caves: Mawsmai Cave, Arwah Cave, Wah-Kaba Falls

Distance from Cherrapunji: Approx. 15 km

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5. Mawsynram Village: Blessed by the Rain Gods

This village in the East Khasi District of Meghalaya beats Cherrapunji by a close margin by being the wettest place on Earth. The Mawsynram Village witnesses rain throughout the year and is therefore the greenest place in this state. The rainfall here shouldn’t be a reason to not explore this natural beauty because it’s the rain that makes this village a famous tourist attraction. Spending time here by sipping a cup of hot tea and walking around the streets with everything clear and clean due to the downpour is quite enthralling. Also, the 'Maw' in Mawsynram refers to “stone” in Khasi language because of the awe-inspiring megaliths discovered here. One of them even resembles a shivling, which is why you must add this place to your list of places to visit in Cherrapunji.

Best time to visit: September to November

Things to do: Enjoy the rainfall, marvel at the megaliths, trek to the living root bridges, venture into the caves

Attractions in Mawsynram Village: Mawsmai Caves, Mawsmai Falls, Mawlyngbna, Nohkalikai Falls

Travel tips:

• Always carry an umbrella with you
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Immerse yourself in the cultural scene of the village

Distance from Cherrapunji: Approx. 81 km

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6. Krem Mawmluh: Venture into the Underground World

Cherrapunji is famous for its caves, so it’s imperative to visit at least one of the caves here to explore the underground world. Krem Mawmluh or Mawmluh Caves are a popular tourist attraction in this city because it’s the fourth longest cave in India spanning 7 km. Don’t think of this limestone cave as any other cave because you’ll come across various chambers, small streams, ponds, and other such beautiful things here that makes exploring this cavern even more exciting. It’s an adventurous activity as well because of the narrow places to walk through. Since these caves are quite underrated, you won’t find much of a crowd here; thus, making it the perfect place to spend some peaceful downtime.

Timings: 7:30 A.M to 4 P.M

Things to do: Trekking, nature walks, photography

Travel tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes
• Stay hydrated

Distance from Cherrapunji: Approx. 4 km

Other caves in Cherrapunji: Mawsmai Cave, Arwah Cave, Krem Liat Prah, Krem Phyllut

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7. Wahkaba Falls: Witness this Bewitching Beauty

You’re in for an enchanting time as you trek to the location of the Wahkaba Waterfalls, which is a tiered waterfall against the backdrop of red stone cliffs and lush greenery. It’s one of the incredible things to do in India, after all. Watching this waterfall and listening to its soothing sound is beguiling, which makes spending time here a treat for your senses. You can spend hours here, lost in trance and feel refreshed and rejuvenated instantly by the gorgeous surroundings and beauty all around you. It’s one of the best places to visit in Shillong and Cherrapunji during monsoon season because that’s when the alluring beauty of this place is truly appreciated.

Best time to visit: June to September

Things to do: Trek to the falls, admire the beauty, relax and unwind

Attractions near Wahkaba Falls: Arwah Cave, Double Root Bridge, Elephant Falls

Travel tips:

• Wear comfortable trekking shoes
• Stay hydrated

Distance from Cherrapunji: Approx. 8 km

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8. Dainthlen Falls: The Legend of the Dainthlen Falls

The mystical beauty of this waterfall is one of the major reasons why it witnesses a huge tourist influx; however, there’s another reason associated with it as well. The rock carvings at the top of the waterfalls narrate the story of an evil python or “thlen” who was killed there. The snake was a symbol of greed and evil. Therefore, this place is named “Dainthlen.” Apart from this legend, the waterfalls are among the top 10 places to visit in Cherrapunji, falling from a height of 80 m and creating a thundering sound. You can watch the picturesque view from behind the iron railings and indulge in activities like bird watching, sightseeing, etc. It’s quite a popular viewpoint that you must visit.

Timings: 6 A.M to 5 P.M

Things to do: Bird watching, sightseeing

Travel tips:

• Stay behind the iron railings at the top of the waterfall
• Wear comfortable shoes

Distance from Cherrapunji: Approx. 11 km

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9. Dawki: Experience Nature at its Best

If you’re looking for places to visit in Cherrapunji in one day, then you should definitely add Dawki to your itinerary. This crystal-clear river in Jaintia Hills is perfect for boating and spending some peaceful downtime being lulled by the calm waters. If you visit this place during the spring months, you can indulge in various activities like the boating competition. There’s a suspension bridge on top of this river, which offers some spectacular views of the surrounding beauty and is among the major tourist places to visit in Shillong. A relaxing time near this river after a fulfilling day of exploration sounds tempting, right?

Best time to visit: All year round

Things to do: Boating, kayaking, sightseeing

Attractions near Dawki: Root Bridges, India-Bangladesh Friendship Gate, Mawlynnong Village

Travel tips:

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
• Enjoy a picnic by the riverside
• Watch the stunning views from the bridge

Distance from Cherrapunji: Approx. 32 km

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10. Thangkharang Park: An Unrivalled Destination

A mesmerizing view of the valleys of Bangladesh is exactly what you need to complete your trip at a high point, quite literally. Places like these are what make Cherrapunji a famous destination for honeymoon in India. The highlight of this park is the abundant greenery and stunning views that make you want to spend hours here. It’s one of the places to visit in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya where you can sit with your thoughts while looking out at the cloudy sky and the beautiful valley. There’s also a rock here shaped like a shivling, which is quite popular, and you can also visit the Kynrem Falls, which is a three-tiered waterfall. This park comes under the State Forest Department, and they’ve maintained the various attractions here, like the greenhouse, fountain, viewpoints, and so on. There’s also a market outside the park that you can shop from.

Timings: 7 A.M to 4 P.M

Things to do: Look at the valley view, visit the nearby attractions, spend some me-time, enjoy a picnic

Attractions near Thangkharang Park: Kynrem Falls, Khoh Ramhah Rock, rock shaped like a shivling

Travel tips:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Stay hydrated

Distance from Cherrapunji: Approx. 10 km

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You can’t get over these places to visit in Cherrapunji because of the charm and allure they exude. This absolutely enthralling hill station in Meghalaya is where you need to plan your next vacation because of the awe-inspiring hidden gems it keeps within. From the breathtaking waterfalls to the scenic viewpoints, you’ll only find beauty in every nook and cranny of this city. Exploring this underrated destination that is ideal for families and couples is one of the best decisions you’ll ever take, so book our Meghalaya travel packages for an enchanting vacation.

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