10 Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya for an Alluring Getaway

Meghalaya is a soulful destination that exudes a happy vibe and has a strong cultural identity. The heart of this state is the natural beauty and the mesmerizing views that one is greeted by as they step foot here. Nestled in the northeastern part of India, Meghalaya is a hidden treasure that attracts visitors with its pristine natural beauty. The places to visit in Meghalaya do justice to its name, which means the “Abode of Clouds.” You will feel like being in paradise as you walk around, exploring the elegant and breathtaking attractions here. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the iconic locations in Meghalaya that will leave you in awe of its magical allure. The cascading water from the falls, dense forests, crystal-clear rivers, and the vistas of magnificent hills all add up to make this place a famous tourist destination.

Top Places to Visit in Meghalaya that Must Lie in Every Traveler’s Bucket List

Meghalaya’s charm lies in its ever-changing landscapes, from mist-covered hills to verdant valleys. The best time to visit Meghalaya is during the cooler months, between October and June when the weather is pleasant. The hills of Meghalaya are calling out your name, so escape to this hidden paradise and spend time amidst nature. This unrivalled destination is a must-visit place if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat and a simple way of life. Let’s look at the famous places to visit in Meghalaya that you must add to your vacation plans.

1. Shillong
2. Cherrapunji
3. Mawlynnong Village
4. Double Decker Living Root Bridge
5. Laitlum Canyon
6. Elephant Falls
7. Nohsngithiang Falls
8. Balpakram National Park
9. Kynrem Falls
10. Mawthadraishan Peak

1. Shillong: Venture to the Scotland of the East

Staying true to the title bestowed on this city, Shillong is like the mini version of Scotland with dense forests, mist-covered hills, and natural beauty. This popular capital city was named after a goddess who is still worshipped at the Shillong Peak, Lei Shyllong. What sets this place apart from the other destinations is its pleasant weather and lush greenery that instantly uplifts your mood. This capital of Meghalaya is home to tall mountain ranges, magnificent waterfalls, shimmering lakes, and much more, which is why it’s one of the top places to travel in India. You can consider Shillong as the gateway to Meghalaya as the major airport of this state is in this capital city. Also, if you are in search of some of the best places to visit in Meghalaya in October, Shillong lies on that list too with its clear skies and pleasant weather.

Best time to visit Shillong: September to May

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 31 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 97 km from Guwahati Station

Things to do in Shillong: Boating in Umiam Lake, shop at Lewduh Market, trek on the David Scott Trail, ride on a horse to the Shillong Peak

How to reach Shillong: You can either take a flight to Shillong Airport or board a train to Guwahati Railway Station and then take a cab or taxi to the city.

Hotels in Shillong:

• Hotel Polo Towers, Shillong
• Hotel Barbareek
• Hotel Lake View Inn
• Cloud social
• Hotel Boulevard

Restaurants in Shillong:

• City Hut Family Dhaba
• Hong Kong Restaurant
• Qzine Restaurant
• Zodiac Restaurant
• Coffee Sandwich Corner

Major Attractions in Shillong:

• Umiam Lake
• Elephant Falls
• Shillong Peak
• Laitlum Canyons
• Mawlynnong

2. Cherrapunji: Explore the Rainy City of Meghalaya

Cherrapunji was once the wettest place on earth because of the constant rainfall there. You’ll still find this place washed by the rain, providing a clear picture of the views and beautifying everything to a whole other level. The smell of sand after rain would waft through your nose, calming you down instantly. This city is located at the edge of the Himalayas with the plains of Bangladesh beneath it. The lush greenery here is all thanks to the monsoons and the breathtaking attractions in Cherrapunji would leave you in awe of its charm and allure. There are many amazing places to visit in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, including Nohkalikai Falls and Mawsmai Cave that you should definitely explore during your visit. So, add this to your list of top places to visit in Meghalaya and make the most of your time here.

Best time to visit Cherrapunji: September to May

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 167 km from Guwahati Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 145 km from Guwahati Station

Things to do in Cherrapunji: River Canyoning, boating in Dawki River, ziplining over Mawkdok Dympep Valley

How to reach Cherrapunji: Take a flight to Guwahati Airport or a train to Guwahati railway station. Hire a cab or taxi from there to reach Cherrapunji.

Hotels in Cherrapunji:

• Saimika Resort
• The Crescent Hotel
• Manha Hotel
• Jiva Resort
• Sohra Plaza

Restaurants in Cherrapunji:

• Pine leaf restaurant
• D Cloud Restaurant
• 7trep Restaurant
• Golden Spoon Dhaba Sohra Cherapunjee
• Gemis Indian Cuisine

Major Attractions in Cherrapunji:

• Mawsynram
• Mawlynnong
• Mawsmai Cave
• Nohkalikai Waterfalls
• Double Decker Living Root Bridge

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3. Mawlynnong Village: Walk Around the Cleanest Village in Asia

You heard it right, Mawlynnong Village was declared the cleanest village in Asia in 2003 and that’s part of the charm this village holds. Apart from being the cleanest place, this destination is also known as “God’s Own Garden” because of the natural beauty it’s blessed with. From the gorgeous waterfalls to the valleys against the backdrop of verdant greenery, this place would make its way to your heart. What’s more, this is one of the villages in India that has a matrilineal society; wherein, women gain all the wealth and property from their mother and pass it on to their daughters, which makes this quite a unique destination. If you’re making your plans to explore this cleanest village, try to travel during the months of September and November due to the charming weather and clear skies, thus making it one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya in November.

Best time to visit Mawlynnong Village: September to November

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 103 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 169 km from Guwahati Station

Things to do in Mawlynnong Village: Boating in Dawki River, walk on the Living Root Bridge, hike up the Brun Khongmen Viewpoint

How to reach Mawlynnong Village: You must take a flight to the nearest airport, which is Shillong Airport and then hire a cab or taxi to cover the rest of the distance

Hotels in Mawlynnong Village:

• Benjamin Homestay
• Saffy Cottage Home Stay
• Ha Lad Homestay
• Ka Bri War Resort
• Shnongpdeng Riverview Campsite

Restaurants in Mawlynnong Village:

• Dapbiang Restaurant
• IAIKYRSOI Cafe
• Shangyiar food corner
• Sunita Restaurant
• Ha Lai Trep Food and Lodging

Major Attractions in Mawlynnong Village:

• Umngot river/Dawki river
• Bophill Falls
• Umgrem Falls
• Living root bridge and Riwai village
• Mawlynnong Waterfall

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4. Double Decker Living Root Bridge: Walk on the Marvelous Natural Bridge

Double Decker Living Root Bridge is among the best places to visit in Meghalaya in April due to the nice weather and clear skies, making it ideal for exploring this major landmark without getting disturbed by extreme climatic conditions. The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is one of nature’s wonderous creations with the contribution of the locals. This root bridge in Cherrapunji is almost 200 years old and is made from the roots of the rubber tree that are only grown in the North-East. The roots of the rubber tree have been shaped like a bridge for years by the locals, and that resulted in a strong bridge that can accommodate approximately 50 people on it. Walking on this bridge at an altitude of 2400 ft with the Umshiang river flowing underneath it is among the thrilling adventures in India. The natural beauty surrounding this place would make you want to stay here a while longer.

Best time to visit Double Decker Living Root Bridge: March to May

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 88 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 154 km from Guwahati Station

How to reach Double Decker Living Root Bridge: You can reach this attraction by taking a flight to Shillong Airport or boarding the train to Guwahati Station. You can take a cab or taxi from there to this root bridge

Hotels Near Double Decker Living Root Bridge:

• The Crescent Hotel
• Manha Hotel
• Labana Hotel & Restaurants
• Sohra Plaza
• Joyous Rooms

Restaurants Near Double Decker Living Root Bridge:

• Pine Leaf Restaurant
• Jiva Grill
• D Cloud Restaurant
• Niba & Riba Restaurant
• 7trep Restaurant

Major Attractions Near Double Decker Living Root Bridge:

• Mawlynnong
• Dawki
• Nohsngithiang Falls
• Mawsmai Nongthymmai Eco Park
• Mawsmai Cave

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5. Laitlum Canyon: Treat Your Eyes to this Magnificent View

Have you ever wondered what it’ll be like to be close to the clouds? Well, you’ll get your answer once you visit Laitlum Canyon, one of the best places in Meghalaya to visit especially a paradise for nature lovers. Basically, it is a picturesque mountain ridge located near Smit known for its mesmerizing views, cultural significance, and challenging hikes. The lush greenery paired with the clear blue sky offers a mesmerizing combination that feels like a haven in a chaotic world. The view of the East Khasi Hills would leave you spellbound, and the mountain breeze would rejuvenate you instantly. The highlight of this place is the 3000 steps stairway that lets you climb up and down the edge of the hills. Laitlum Canyon is one of the stunning places to visit in Meghalaya in June, owing to the cool weather which is ideal for nature walks and hiking. Plan a trip to this mesmerizing location during sunrise or sunset because that’s when the beauty of this place is elevated to a jaw-dropping level.

Location: CWX5+GHH, Meghalaya 793015

Opening Hours: 5 AM to 5:30 PM, Daily

Best time to visit Laitlum Canyon: April to June

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 137 km from Guwahati Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 118 km from Guwahati Station

How to reach Laitlum Canyon: Take a flight to Guwahati Airport or a train to Guwahati Station and then a cab or taxi to Shillong from there, and the Laitlum Canyon finally

Hotels Near Laitlum Canyon:

• Hotel Blizz
• Hills View Hotel
• Treebo Omega Stay Inn
• Pine Hill Homestay
• The Phoenix Residency

Restaurants Near Laitlum Canyon:

• La Familia Restaurant
• Mac Restaurant, Smit
• The Coral Restaurant & Cafe
• Rashi Kitchen
• Banpyndap Restaurant

Major Attractions Near Laitlum Canyon:

• Spread Eagle Falls
• Police Bazar
• Don Bosco Museum
• Ward's Lake
• Cathedral Of Mary Help of Christians

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6. Elephant Falls: Listen to the Soothing Sounds of the Waterfall

Elephant Falls lies among the list of top 5 places to visit in Meghalaya and is named such because of the elephant shaped stone at its bottom, which enhances the beauty of this waterfall. This attraction is also known as the “three-step waterfall” because it cascades down in three steps from the midst of lush greenery against a rocky surface. It’s ideal to visit this place during summers when the water level is high because during winters, the waterfall turns into thin strands of water trickling down the surface. You’ll have to climb down around 150 steps to reach the waterfall, but it’s worth it.

Location: Upper, Shillong, Meghalaya 793009

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee:

• INR 20 per person
• INR 20 for camera charges
• INR 20 for parking

Best time to visit Elephant Falls: October and March

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 122 km from Guwahati Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 103 km from Guwahati Station

How to reach Elephant Falls: You can either fly to Guwahati Airport or take a train to Guwahati Station to reach Shillong. From there, you can hire a cab or taxi to cover the rest of the distance

Hotels Near Elephant Falls:

• Pine Hill Homestay
• Treebo Omega Stay Inn
• Pine Hill Comfort Stay & Restaurant
• Woodstock Farmhouse, Shillong
• OYO 19688 Silver Brook Resort

Restaurants Near Elephant Falls:

• AR Restaurant
• Restaurants Mattilang
• Tasty Bites
• Ziyana Restaurant
• Omega's Kitchen

Major Attractions Near Elephant Falls:

• Air Force Museum
• Shillong Peak
• Rhino Heritage Museum
• Crinoline Falls
• Malki Forest

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7. Nohsngithiang Falls: Witness the Highest Waterfall in India

Nohsngithiang Falls, also known as Seven Sisters Falls or Mawsmai Falls, is a picturesque waterfall located in Meghalaya’s Mawsmai Village. It is among the most important places to visit in Meghalaya and contributes to Meghalaya’s tourism by attracting many tourists from around the country. It’s a sight to behold as you watch the segmented waterfalls become one; however, this waterfall is only visible during monsoons because that’s when the water levels increase. The waterfalls signify the seven sister states in North-East, which are Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya. The major highlights of this place can be seen during sunset when the rays of the sun fall on Nohsngithiang Falls creating a perennial rainbow that increases its beauty multiple times.

Location: 4 km from Cherrapunji (Sohra)

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Best time to visit Nohsngithiang Falls: June to September

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 83 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 148 km from Guwahati Station

How to reach Nohsngithiang Falls: Take a flight to Shillong Airport or a train to Guwahati Station and take a cab or taxi to reach Nohsngithiang Falls

Hotels Near Nohsngithiang Falls:

• Saimika Resort
• The Crescent Hotel
• Manha Hotel
• Jiva Resort
• Labana Hotel & Restaurants

Restaurants Near Nohsngithiang Falls:

• Pine leaf restaurant
• Jiva Grill
• D Cloud Restaurant
• Avron Restaurant & Lodging
• Manna Restaurant, Sohra

Major Attractions Near Nohsngithiang Falls:

• David Scott Trail
• Mawlynnong
• Mawjymbuin Cave
• Mawsynram
• Mawphlang

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8. Balpakram National Park: Spend Time Among a Myriad of Flora and Fauna

Being one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya, you’ll definitely want to add this to your itinerary. It feels like God blessed this place with abundant beauty and rich biodiversity because you’re in for a fun time staying close to nature. The variety of flora and fauna here would keep you amused and fascinated, and you can expect to see animals like Red Panda, elephants, Marbles Cat, leopards, and so on. There’s even a legend associated with this place that as per the Garo tribes living here, the spirits pass through this place on their way to the afterlife. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful retreat in nature, with opportunities for wildlife spotting and trekking through its picturesque trails. Nature here talks to you and narrates different stories that would intrigue you, so consider this as one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya in October.

Location: Rongchenggiri, Meghalaya 794114

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Saturday – 6 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday – Closed

Entry Fee:

• INR 50 for adults
• INR 25 for children

Best time to visit Balpakram National Park: October to March

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 229 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 310 km from Guwahati Station

How to reach Balpakram National Park: You’ll have to take a flight to Shillong Airport or board a train to Guwahati Station, then take a cab or taxi to this park.

Hotels Near Balpakram National Park:

• Mongri Homestay
• Hotel Polo Orchid Tura
• Alda Nok Resort
• Hotel Sundare
• Dongrama Home Stay, Tura Meghalaya

Restaurants Near Balpakram National Park:

• ML 07 Restaurant
• Chingcha Restaurant
• Niribili Shimanto Garden Restaurant
• Cool Bar and Fast Food
• Urban Cafe

Major Attractions Near Balpakram National Park:

• Siju Caves
• Siju Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nokrek National Park
• Tura Peak
• Rongbang Dar Waterfalls

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9. Kynrem Falls: Soak in the Magnificence of this Waterfall

Kynrem Falls is among the top places to visit in Meghalaya in December that stands as the pride of Thangkharang Park. You’ll be in awe of the glorious sight in front of you as you watch the milky white water cascading down an undulated surface. The waterfall falls from the height of 305 metres, making it the 7th highest waterfall in India. These gorgeous attractions are what make this destination ideal for honeymoon in India. This waterfall is also divided into three tiers and is at its loudest during the rainy season. You can go to the viewing deck, which offers an alluring view of this waterfall from different angles. Kynrem Falls is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers, providing great opportunities to capture astonishing moments.

Location: Cherrapunji, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Opening Hours: 24/7

Best time to visit Kynrem Falls: October to December

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 96 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 161 km from Guwahati Station

How to reach Kynrem Falls: Book a flight to Shillong Airport or a train to Guwahati Station, take a taxi or bus from there to the falls

Hotels Near Kynrem Falls:

• Saimika Resort
• The Crescent Hotel
• Jiva Resort
• Labana Hotel & Restaurants
• Sohra Plaza

Restaurants Near Kynrem Falls:

• Pine leaf restaurant
• Jiva Grill
• D Cloud Restaurant
• 7trep Restaurant
• Golden Spoon Dhaba Sohra Cherapunjee

Major Attractions Near Kynrem Falls:

• Thangkharang Park
• Mawsmai Cave
• Krem Phyllut (Krem Puri Cave)
• Mawsmai Nongthymmai Eco Park
• Nohsngithiang Falls

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10. Mawthadraishan Peak: A Scenic Viewpoint for Panoramic Views

The last tourist attraction on our list is the Mawthadraishan Peak, which offers a panoramic view of the Khasi Hills to the East, Garo Hills to the West, the Himalayas to the North, and Bangladesh to the South. So, you can imagine the charm of this place that attracts tourists from all over the world. This peak also has a fishpond, which adds to the beauty of this location. You can trek to the top of the peak for a bird’s eye view of the hills and verdant greenery to rejuvenate yourself. Trekking to Mawthadraishan Peak is among the top things to do in Meghalaya that adventure enthusiasts shouldn’t miss out on.

Best time to visit Mawthadraishan Peak: September to May

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 99 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 148 km from Guwahati Station

How to reach Mawthadraishan Peak: Reach the Shillong Airport via flight or board a train to Guwahati Station. Then take a cab or taxi to reach the base of the peak

Hotels Near Mawthadraishan Peak:

• The Nongstoin Kitchen
• Tai Resort
• WS GR Resort
• Kiva Homestay
• Hotel Niladri (Guest House)

Restaurants Near Mawthadraishan Peak:

• Red Coral Restaurant
• Nongsiej Restaurant
• Vigil Hut Restaurant
• The Nongstoin Kitchen
• AROMA Restaurant

Major Attractions Near Mawthadraishan Peak:

• Double Decker Living Root Bridge
• Kyllang Rock
• Weinia Falls
• Lady Hydari Park
• Air Force Museum

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Here are a few more things you should know before traveling to this place.

How to Reach Meghalaya

You can either take a flight to Shillong Airport or Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati. You can also board a train to Guwahati Railway Station and then take a cab or taxi to reach your destination.

Travel Tips for Meghalaya

• You might require a permit to access certain locations, so be prepared with the required documents for it
• Carry clothes based on the season in which you’re visiting
• Try the local cuisine
• Respect the culture and traditions
• Wear comfortable walking shoes

Famous Trekking Trails in Meghalaya:

• David Scott Trail
• Umden Village Trek
• Mawlongbna Village Trekking
• The Living Roots Bridge Trek
• Smit Trekking
• Weiloi to Umngi Trek

Famous Food in Meghalaya:

• Jadoh
• Doh Khleh
• Momo
• Pumaloi
• Nakham Bitchi
• Minil Songa

Meghalaya is one of the most culturally rich and vibrant statesin NorthEast India and should undoubtedly be on your bucket list. The swoon-worthy places to visit in Meghalaya would enamor you and leave you in awe of its allure. This state is bestowed with abundant natural beauty, and there’s no denying that. So, plan a trip to this grounded yet mesmerizing location for your next vacation. You can book from our thought fully curated Meghalaya tour packages for a serene getaway with your loved ones. .

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