Top 10 Perfect Tourist Destinations in Meghalaya: Book Your Trip Now!
Meghalaya is a beautiful destination filled with enchanting landscapes and ancient tales that speak to the soul of modern travellers. Often referred to as the “Abode of Clouds,” this region offers a symphony of natural wonders and cultural treasures that transcend mere geography.
As the sun rises over Meghalaya’s hills, a beautiful scene emerges. The rolling terrain is covered in lush green fields created by the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. The morning mist creates a dreamy atmosphere where sunlight and fog blend, creating an otherworldly ballet that inspires awe.
Find Beauty and Resilience!
Meghalaya offers a serene environment that allows individuals to appreciate the essence of life at a slower pace. The air is filled with stories of the past, and the land is alive with primal energy. It’s a testament to the beauty of creation, where nature, culture, and humanity come together in a mesmerizing dance.
Shillong
Shillong is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning landscapes, pleasant climate, and vibrant culture. The city can be accessed by road from the nearest major city, Guwahati, which also has an airport with connections to other major Indian cities. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes, Shillong is often called the “Scotland of the East” for its resemblance to the Scottish Highlands. Notable natural attractions include Shillong Peak, Umiam Lake, Ward’s Lake, Elephant Falls, and Lady Hydari Park. Laitlum Canyons, offering breathtaking views of deep gorges and lush hills, is an emerging tourist attraction near Shillong. For adventure enthusiasts, Shillong offers trekking, caving, and rock climbing opportunities, with the Meghalaya caves, including the famous Mawsmai Cave, known for their intricate formations.
Cherrapunjee
Sohra, also known as Cherrapunji, is a town in the Meghalaya region of India’s East Khasi Hills district. It is famous for its abundant rainfall and green landscapes. The city boasts a prominent limestone cave system that attracts tourists. The caves are illuminated, and guided tours allow visitors to explore the fascinating underground world. Nohkalikai, one of India’s tallest waterfalls, is a sight as water cascades from approximately 1,100 feet into a pool surrounded by lush vegetation. The falls are named after a local legend involving a serpent-like creature named “Thlen” and are accessible by a brief hike. Thangkharang Park is ideal for taking a stroll and enjoying the scenery, offering a picturesque view of the Bangladesh plains and Kynrem Falls.
Dawki
Dawki, located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India, is a delightful small town famous for its unspoiled natural scenery and transparent water. It serves as a gateway to the international border with Bangladesh. The most notable attraction in Dawki is the Umngot River, which is famous for its incredibly clear and transparent waters that showcase a unique turquoise hue. It is an ideal destination for boating and other water activities. Visitors can enjoy boating and kayaking on the Umngot River. Shnongpdeng, a nearby village, is a great place to relax and enjoy the picturesque landscapes and pristine surroundings. It also offers adventure activities such as zip-lining and cliff jumping for thrill-seeking visitors. Camping is also an option along the riverbanks.
Siju Cave
Siju Cave, also known as Siju Dolomite Cave, is a fascinating destination for adventure enthusiasts and geological enthusiasts. It is one of the most extended cave systems in the Indian subcontinent. Siju Cave boasts intricate limestone formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique geological structures, making it an incredible underground experience. Navigate through various chambers, tunnels, and passageways. One of the most impressive chambers within Siju Cave is the Dobakkol Chamber, considered one of India’s most extensive cave chambers. The cave’s passages can be narrow and require careful navigation, making it a destination for those who enjoy caving and underground exploration. It’s important to note that caving can be physically challenging, so adequate preparation is necessary before embarking on such an adventure.
Umiam Lake
Have you heard of Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani Lake? It’s a beautiful reservoir near Shillong, Meghalaya’s capital city. One of the lake’s main attractions is the opportunity for water sports like kayaking, sailing, paddle boating, and more. If you visit Umiam Lake, check out Nehru Park, a popular attraction on an island in the middle of the lake. The park offers walking paths, viewpoints, and a children’s play area. You can access the park by boat and enjoy the lake’s beauty. Another great reason to visit Umiam Lake is to witness the stunning sunsets. The beauty of the sky reflecting on the lake’s waters creates a magical ambience during the evening hours. It’s truly a sight to behold. Plan to make the most of your visit from October to April when the weather is mild and clear. With so much to see and do, Umiam Lake is worth a visit!
Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong is a charming and scenic village with a reputation as one of the cleanest in Asia. This location has gained popularity among tourists looking for a unique experience. One of the village’s main attractions is the Sky Viewpoint. This bamboo structure offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills, the village, and even the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. Visitors often enjoy taking photos of this spot. Another exciting feature of Mawlynnong is the balancing rock, a large boulder that appears to defy gravity as it rests on a smaller rock. This natural formation is a fascinating sight that draws curious visitors. The area also boasts a lovely waterfall, which adds to the beauty of the lush surroundings and provides a tranquil atmosphere with the sound of cascading water.
Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai Cave, located near Cherrapunji (Sohra) in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India, is a well-known limestone cave that attracts many tourists. This cave offers a unique opportunity to explore the underground world and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. The cave passages are well-illuminated, allowing visitors to admire the intricate formations and easily navigate the terrain. However, exploring Mawsmai Cave can be challenging as visitors need to walk through narrow alleys, sometimes requiring them to stoop or crawl. This adventurous activity is suitable for those interested in caving and underground exploration. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for walking through cave passages.
Laitlum Canyon
Laitlum Canyon, located near Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, India, is a stunning natural attraction that takes your breath away. It’s a perfect destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in Meghalaya’s natural beauty. Laitlum Canyon boasts panoramic views of deep gorges, rolling hills, and mist-covered valleys. The viewpoint’s name, “Laitlum”, means “end of hills,” and the vista lives up to its name by providing breathtaking views that seem to stretch to the horizon. To access Laitlum Canyon, visitors must hike from Smit, a village near Shillong, through lush forests, offering a rewarding experience for trekking enthusiasts. The sunrise and sunset views from Laitlum Canyon are genuinely magical. The changing colours of the sky against the backdrop of the landscape create a surreal atmosphere that is simply unforgettable.
Double-decker Living root bridge
It is a remarkable attraction in the village of Nongriat, near Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India. This natural wonder showcases the impressive creativity of the local Khasi people, who have fashioned living bridges from tree roots. The Ficus elastica tree’s aerial roots have been skillfully guided and manipulated through bioengineering to construct a sturdy bridge over a river, showcasing an impressive feat. The bridge has two levels, with the older and more mature levels at the top. To access the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, visitors must trek from Nongriat village, which takes them through lush forests, beautiful landscapes, and other living root bridges, adding to the thrill of the adventure.
Elephant Falls
One of the popular tourist attractions near Meghalaya’s capital city, Shillong, is the Elephant Falls. This magnificent waterfall comprises three waterfalls, each with its unique character. It is easily accessible and well-known in the region. Visitors can take a paved path and a staircase to reach the bottom of the third waterfall. However, the walk requires descending several steps, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Surrounded by lush greenery, Elephant Falls creates a picturesque backdrop for the cascades. The vibrant foliage adds to the charm of the place. Visitors can view the first and second falls from a platform, which provides an excellent vantage point for photography.
Epilogue
Discover Meghalaya’s hidden paradise. Explore misty hills, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Capture stunning Nohkalikai Falls and marvel at living bridges. Immerse yourself in traditional dances and vibrant attires. Let Meghalaya enchant your soul.
Plan your journey today with Unimoni!