One of India’s seven northeastern states is Meghalaya, which is located there. Meghalaya, which in Sanskrit means “abode of clouds,” lives up to its name. They are among the top sites to visit in Meghalaya because of their renowned for their thick woods, heavy rainfall, and diverse biodiversity. Meghalaya tourism is bordered by Bangladesh in the south and Assam in the northeast. The Khasis, Garos, and Jaintia tribes are substantial population contributors.
The “border of the northeast” is Meghalaya, the “abode of clouds.” Meghalaya is a unique planet with many tourist attractions to discover. It is a beautiful state with incomparable beauty in all kinds of nature. From north to south and east to west, the state is home to innumerable waterfalls, caves, pristine lakes, and rivers.
The best thing is that its tribes, who have long practised matrilineal culture, set an example by coexisting peacefully with nature and refraining from exploiting it for personal gain. Their uniqueness includes the wonderful Living Root Bridges, the highest level of cleanliness, calling each other by singing a song, and numerous other activities.
With all of its fantastic, unfathomable ways, it truly continues to be one of the most beautiful states to visit in India. Meghalaya is the destination you must visit this year if visiting the wettest region on earth, taking a stroll through a sacred forest, and swimming in chilly mountain streams seem appealing to you.
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Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya
You won’t expect the variety of things Meghalaya has in store for you. Escape to the Northeastern mountain state of Meghalaya, which is surrounded by forests and lush green valleys. Here are some places to visit in Meghalaya that you should note to explore Meghalaya.
1. Shillong
Shillong, the well-known hill town of North East India, is the beginning point of every trip to Meghalaya, whether it be a honeymoon excursion or a family holiday. It is fondly referred to as the “Scotland of the East” for its undulating hills and valleys. As the entrance of Meghalaya, the region of waterfalls, caverns, rivers, and stunning vistas, the location bears the name of a god known as U Blei Shillong (the God of the Khasis).
Shillong is 103 kilometres away from Guwahati, which has train and air services to many major Indian towns. Since its founding, Shillong has seen a significant increase in the number of tourists. Up until 1972, it served as the unification of Assam’s administrative centre. It goes without saying that Shillong is the most popular tourist destination in Meghalaya due to its nice climate, pollution-free environment, stunning Khasi Hills sceneries, attractive lakes, and bustling marketplaces.
2. Cherrapunjee
Cherrapunjee, a charmingly named town in the South Khasi Hills, is a popular tourist destination in Meghalaya and is well-known for its caves, fossils, waterfalls, and live root bridges. Cherrapunjee, also known as Sohra, is the traditional capital of the Khasi tribal kingdom and the ideal location to learn about the people.
When the monsoon season in Meghalaya begins, Cherrapunjee or Sohra springs to life. However, in the summer, the Khasi Hills’ tropical trees make for the ideal backdrop thanks to the clear skies. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Meghalaya include swimming beneath tumbling waterfalls, going on daring caving expeditions to look for fossils, and hiking to living root bridges in Nongriat.
3. Elephant Falls
The Elephant Falls, one of the most well-known falls in the Northeast, are close to Shillong and were given its name after an elephant-like stone at their base. With three tiers of the falls accessible to the general public from various vantage points, it is a tourist hotspot. Because there is an elephant-shaped boulder on one side of the fall, the British gave it that name. However, an earthquake in 1897 caused the stone to crumble and be swept away. Elephant Waterfalls is a great location for relaxing in the great outdoors and capturing unforgettable moments for your souvenir.
The indigenous Khasi people called the magnificent Elephant Falls “Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew,” which translates to “The Three Step Waterfalls,” since they are composed of three mesmerising falls that occur one after another. The first of the three waterfalls is tucked away behind tall, broad trees. Due to the falling water levels, the second waterfall becomes barely perceptible in the winter and decreases to thin strands of water. The third waterfall, which is also the most noticeable, is the tallest, and the crystal water cascades over the black rocks in the background like a sheet of milk. Visitors frequently find the third waterfall to be the most stunning of the three. Before continuing on to other destinations in Meghalaya, Elephant Falls is an excellent place to stop over. It is one of the most popular falls in the lovely state and is 12 kilometres from Shillong, the capital.
4. Kongthong
Kongthong hamlet, a distinctive community that has recently emerged as one of Meghalaya’s most popular tourist destinations, is situated in the East Khasi Hills District. To go to the village, also referred to as the “whistling village” in the world, you must travel about 60 kilometres from Shillong.
The UNWTO (The World Tourism Organization) has nominated this hamlet as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” for inclusion on its list in 2021. This town is unique in that residents utilise whistling to communicate with one another. Even the villages have a distinctive cry that corresponds to their other names.
The mother sings a song to the newborn, and that song becomes his name. Mother’s love song, Jingrwai Lawbei, is the name of this melody. Every citizen of Kongthong has both a regular name and a song name. There are two variations of the song’s name: the long form and the short form, which is a nickname that is used at home. Unquestionably, one of the nicest things to do on a Meghalaya trip is to take a tour of this special village, talk to the locals, and learn about the origin of names like these.
5. Dawki
The Meghalayan border town of Dawki draws a lot of people who like water sports all year round. Because of its position, the Umngot River, and the adjacent villages of Shnongpdeng and Darrang, it is ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in Meghalaya. The Umngot River’s crystal-clear water is the most popular tourist destination of them all.
Around 82 kilometres from Shillong, in the West Jaintia Hills District, is where you’ll find Dawki. It is the ideal location to observe the blending of Bangladeshi and Indian topography and culture. One magnificent sight you shouldn’t miss seeing at night is the neighbouring country’s (the plains of northern Bangladesh) perspective with lights over the dark river.
Boating on the Umngot River is another pastime that should not be missed by visitors. You will have a calming experience thanks to the clean water and the serene surroundings. The river is at its cleanest in December, making it the ideal time to go boating because you can see the riverbed. If you and your partner wish to experience camping and various water sports, you may also choose Dawki as your honeymoon location. You can perform these tasks in Shnongpdeng and Darrang, respectively.
6. Umiam Lake
Umiam Lake is a must-visit location when on a sightseeing trip of Meghalaya because it serves as the centre for several water sports. It is conveniently accessible from Shillong on the first day of your tour since it is situated on the Guwahati-Shillong road.
The Umiam Lake, which was built in the early 1960s for a hydroelectric power project, is where the lake, one of the best sites to visit close to Shillong, is located. In the north of the lake, you can also see the Umiam Stage I powerhouse, which has four nine-megawatt turbine generators.
All around the lake are verdant hills that are framed by eye-catching bridges. On Umiam Lake, you may go water skiing, water biking, boating, and kayaking, among other water sports. Additionally, there is a government-owned resort where you may swim while admiring the lake’s picturesque surroundings and have some snacks in the restaurant while taking in the breathtaking views.
7. Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia, has recently gained recognition on a global scale. It is another excellent location to see the well-preserved traditions of the Khasi people and is situated 79 kilometres away from Shillong.
The captivating town of Mawsynram, which is 61 kilometres south of Shillong and is known as the wettest place on earth, is a haven for nature lovers and an ideal weekend getaway location. Mawsynram narrowly defeats Cherrapunjee to claim the title of India’s wettest location.
The word “Maw” in Mawsynram means “stone” in Khasi. It represents the distinctive megaliths discovered in the Khasi Hill region. The town is well known for its enormous stalagmite formation that resembles a “Shivling.” Mawsynram, a town in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hill district, lies 1400 metres above sea level. Mawsynram’s residents must use thick grass to soundproof their homes from the violent rain because the storms are so strong there.
8. Balpakram National Park
Balpakram, which is situated in the foothills of the Garo Hills, is the habitat of Meghalaya’s endangered wildlife and plant species. Balpakram, dubbed “the region of continuous winds,” is a popular wildlife and nature tourist destination in Meghalaya and an essential component of the Garo Hills Conservation Area.
Many legends in Garo folklore are based on the forests, plains, enormous cliffs, and strong rivers of Balpakram. The plants have long drawn botanists from all around the world since they are natural in their purest form. The red panda, Asian golden cat, Indian elephant, wild water buffalo (an endangered species), and many other creatures can be seen in the national park. While visiting Balpakram, you will also have the opportunity to observe several breathtaking waterfalls plunging from the tall cliffs and the park’s main canyon.
9. Williamnagar
Williamnagar, formerly known as Simsanggre, was named after the first Chief Minister of Meghalaya. Williamnagar, the administrative centre for the East Garo Hills District, is significant historically since it was there that the Garo people waged their final battle against the British invasion in 1837. On December 12, 1837, the British assassinated the illustrious Garo leader Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma outside of Williamnagar.
It is a significant centre for the state’s economy, culture, and education in addition to being a historical location. It is a planned community where nature and modernity coexist. While visiting this picturesque city in Meghalaya, you may experience a number of tourist attractions including Memo Lake, Mrik Wari, and waterfalls like Me Dare.
10. Nohsngithiang Falls
One of the tallest waterfalls in India is the Nohsngithiang Falls, which is roughly 4 kilometres from Cherrapunjee and is a popular tourist destination. It is also known as Mawsmai Falls because it is located in the Mawsmai village of Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills District. The Nohsngithiang Falls, also known as the Seven Sister Waterfalls, is a waterfall that cascades from a height of roughly 1033 feet and is divided into seven distinct pieces. Only during the wet season does the sparkling cascade plunge over the limestone-covered slopes.
Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, and Meghalaya are the seven sister states of India’s North East represented by the Nohsngithiang Falls, also known as the Seven Sister Falls. The captivating waterfall offers a breathtaking vantage point to take in Mawsmai’s surrounding splendour but cannot be entered. When the sun’s rays fall on Nohsngithiang Falls at dusk, creating a perpetual rainbow—also one of the location’s main attractions—their beauty is beyond description.
Other tourist attractions near Meghalaya
- Nongpoh
- Jowai
- Baghmara
- Garo Hills
- Jaintia Hills
- Mawsmai Cave
- Tura
How to Reach Meghalaya
The distance between Bagdogra Airport and the closest airport to Meghalaya, Guwahati Airport, is 124 kilometres from Gangtok (150 km). Take a bus or a private taxi from there for about 5 hours to get to your selected location in Meghalaya.
Best time to visit Meghalaya
The best time to visit Meghalaya is generally said to be from April to June when the weather is comfortably warm. It is simple for visitors to visit all of Meghalaya’s top tourist destinations at this time of year because the usual temperature hovers around 20 degrees Celsius.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya
1 Which Meghalayan village must tourists visit?
– Meghalayan villages are renowned for their exquisite beauty. The best villages to visit in or near Meghalaya are Mawlynnong Village, Laitlum Canyon, Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat Village, Jowai Village, Tura, and Mawlai.
2. How far is Guwahati from Meghalaya?
– Guwahati is 85 kilometres away from Meghalaya. You can travel here by bus, taxi, or cab for a distance of 99.7 kilometres. The drive from Meghalaya to Guwahati is renowned for its beautiful landscapes.
3. What is famous in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya is well known for its captivating beauty. There are many tourist attractions in this area that draw visitors from all over the world. The most well-known locations to visit in Meghalaya include Nohkalikai Falls, Umiam Lake, Cherrapunji, Root Bridges, Laitlum Canyon, Dawki, Mawsynram, Shillong, etc.
4. The number of airports in Meghalaya.
– Shillong Airport is Meghalaya’s only and primary airport. The airport welcomes planes all year long and has excellent connections to India’s major cities.
5. What is the famous food of Meghalaya?
– The most well-known foods to try in Meghalaya include Jadoh, Dohkhlieh, Nakham Bitchi, Pumaloi, Bamboo Shoots, and Momo. rice with fiery fish and meat dishes. They raise cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, and goats.
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