Top 10 places to visit in Meghalaya: Shillong, Elephant Falls, living root bridge, Dawki, and more

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Oct. 12 (EMN): If you are a nature lover, Meghalaya is one place you can’t miss.

Also known as the Abode of Clouds, Meghalaya is located in the Northeast India. It measures about 22,430 sq. km in area and its estimated population is 2,964,007 as per 2011 census. The distance between Guwahati Airport and state’s capital Shillong is about 115 km via National Highway-6, which is about three-and-a-half-hour drive on road, while the distance from the Guwahati Railway station is a little more than 90 km.

Home to several breathtaking waterfalls, huge caves, mesmerizing landscape and rich biodiversity, the state offers an array of places to visit, including Elephant Falls, Nongriat Root Bridges, Mawsynram – wettest place on earth — and more, making it difficult to make a list.

Here are top 10 places to visit in Meghalaya:

1) Shillong

Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is a happening place with a cosmopolitan feel and known for its love for music. The Shillong Chamber Choir, which won the reality talent show India’s Got Talent in 2010, is based in the city.

Besides its scenic view and a vibrant downtown area, tourists can visit the Shillong Heritage Walk, Phan Nonglait Park, Ward’s Lake, Golf Links, and Don Bosco Museum.

2) Elephant Falls

Located in East Khasi Hills, Upper Shillong, the Elephant Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the state. Visitors can have an up-close view of the giant waterfall, a treat for nature lovers and photographers.

The waterfall is about 127 km from Guwahati Airport, 104 km from Guwahati Railway station, and 38 km from Shillong Airport

3) Siju Cave and Rock Formations

Adventurers will love the famous bat cave of Garo Hills – Siju – which has underground streams, ponds and waterfalls as well. It is the third longest cave in India. Visitors will be awestruck by the unique rock formations as well.

The cave is situated 250 km from Shillong (via road), 275 km from Shillong Airport, 193 km from Guwahati Airport and 209 km from Guwahati Railway station.

4) Mawsynram

Most people may identity Mawsynram for being the wettest place in the world but the region has many beautiful places to visit, including Krem Puri, the longest sandstone cave in the world; Phlangwanbroi village, which is known for Hoolock Gibbon; Mawlyngbna, known for Umkhakoi lake; and Mawjymbuin and Krem Dam caves.

Located in East Khasi Hills, Mawsynram is 61 km from Shillong (via road), 86 km from Shillong Airport, 162 km from Guwahati Airport and 151 km from Guwahati Railway station.

5) Dawki – Shnongdeng

A boat ride on the crystal clear water of the Umngot River during pre-monsoon, autumn and winter seasons at Dawki (India’s border town with Bangladesh) and Shnongpdeng is a quite an experience, attracting hordes of visitors every year. The places have many resorts and camps for tourists.

Located in West Jaintia Hills, Dawki-Shnongdeng is 82 km from Shillong (via road), 124 km from Shillong Airport, 196 km from Guwahati Airport and 173 km from Guwahati Railway station.

6) Krang Shuri Falls

Unlike other waterfalls in Meghalaya, the Krang Shuri Falls looks like a curtain made of turquoise water. It’s a photographer’s delight as visitors can have a complete view of the waterfall.

Located in West Jaintia Hills, Krang Shuri Falls is 91 km via NH-6 and 110 km via NH-206 from Shillong, 94 km from Shillong Airport, 202 km from Guwahati Airport and 179 km from Guwahati Railway station.

7) Nongriat Root Bridges

The Nongriat Root Bridges, also known as double-decker living root bridge, is of the most popular tourist destinations in Meghalaya despite approximately 3000 steps (one way) one has to take to reach the spot from Tyrna village, as it’s a marvelous traditional and botanical architecture.

It is located in East Khasi Hills and about 65 km via State Highway-1 from Shillong, 91 km from Shillong Airport, 179 km from Guwahati Airport and 156 km from Guwahati Railway station.

8) Mawlynnong village

While most people may identify Mawlynnong for its reputation as the cleanest village in Asia, it is also known God’s Own Garden for its sprawling fruit orchards, vegetation and natural beauty. The visitors to this village should walk on the Nohwet Living Root Bridge and check out the tree houses. The Church of the Epiphany, which is more than a century old, and the “balancing rock”, wherein a huge boulder rests on a smaller stone, are attractions.

The village is located in East Khasi Hills, which is about 79 km from Shillong (via road), 99 km from Shillong Airport, 187 km from Guwahati Airport and 164 km from Guwahati Railway station.

9) Mawsmai Cave – Sohra

Mawsmai cave, which is close to Sohra, has underground pools and fossils, offering a unique experience to the visitors. The thick forest in the vicinity also attracts travelers who love trekking and adventure.  

The cave is located in East Khasi Hills and about 58 km from Shillong (via road), 83 km from Shillong Airport, 171 km from Guwahati Airport and 148 km from Guwahati Railway station.

10) Laitlum and Smit

Meghalaya’s grand canyon – Laitlum – is a picturesque tourist destination, a treat for nature lovers and the adventurous. Near this site is Smit village which is known for its countryside scenery and is supposed to be a cultural centre of the region. Shillong Peak, which is not far away from the village, offers a panoramic view of the state’s capital city and the surrounding areas.

Located in East Khasi Hills, Laitlum is about 22 km from Shillong (via road), 60 km from Shillong Airport, 123 km from Guwahati Airport and 100 km from Guwahati Railway station.