Meghalaya, which means “Abode of Clouds,” is a state in Northeast India that attracts visitors with its beautiful scenery, lively culture, and food that will stay with you even after you leave.
Here lies Cherrapunji, a place that feels like a fairy tale. It is mostly covered in mist, has many scenic waterfalls that seem to come out of nowhere, and some of the largest cave systems in the country.
Apart from being the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji is also home to the living root bridges that are unique in the world. You can explore these best natural wonders in here with our Meghalaya Trip Packages. This Cherrapunji Travel Guide has all the information you need to know – why it rains so much here, the best places to visit, when to go, and how to get there.
Why is Cherrapunji the Wettest Place on Earth?
Cherrapunji is popularly known as the wettest place on Earth because of its geographical location and the annual monsoon cycle. Cherrapunji is in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, and falls in the path of monsoon winds that come in from the Bay of Bengal.
When these moisture-heavy winds reach the Khasi Hills, they are forced to move upwards, cool down quickly. Due to this process, they then release heavy amounts of rainfall onto the valleys and ridges below. This cycle repeats every year – which is why Cherrapunji gets more rain than almost any other place on Earth.
Cherrapunji Travel Guide – Places to Visit
- Nohkalikai Falls: Nohkalikai is the most stunning waterfalls in India, and is a must-visit attraction in Cherrapunji. The water falls from a height of approximately 1,100 feet, and creates a pool of turquoise water at the base. The color is so bright that it looks almost unreal. The sad local legend behind its name makes it even more interesting. It’s a story that is deeply rooted in Khasi folklore and adds an emotional depth that makes it a top place to visit in the Cherrapunji Travel Guide.
- Mawsmai Cave: Mawsmai Cave is a well-lit limestone cave and easy to explore, even for first-time visitors. The stalactites and stalagmites inside are really cool, and the narrow passages make the place feel both scary and interesting. It’s a short visit, but a memorable one.
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge: The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a famous example of sustainable architecture. It is an engineering marvel and one of the most amazing natural structures in the world. These bridges are made by guiding the aerial roots of rubber fig trees in the village of Nongriat. To get here, you will have to climb down about 3500 steps through beautiful forests and charming villages.
- Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls): Seven different streams of water flow down the cliff side by side in a way that’s hard to describe. The best time to see it is during or right after the monsoon, when the water level is highest and the whole hillside turns into mist and cloud.
- Dainthlen Falls: Khasi folklore says that Dainthlen Falls is linked to the story of a huge snake called “Dain-Thlen” that once scared the area but was killed by the villagers later. The waterfall is beautiful on its own, but the mythical setting makes it feel like you’re stepping into a story.
- Eco Park: A stop that is quieter and more laid-back. The park is on a hill with a great view of the Seven Sisters Falls and the plains of Bangladesh in the distance. A great place to relax or have a picnic after a morning of hiking.
- Mawkdok Dympep Valley View: One of the best viewpoints along the Shillong–Cherrapunji highway. The Mawkdok Dympep Valley below is densely forested, the roads wind dramatically through the hills, and on a clear day you get views that stretch far into the horizon. Worth a stop even if you’re just passing through.
- Thangkharang Park: This park is near the Mawsmai Cave and has beautiful orchids and other exotic plants. It looks out over the plains of Bangladesh. If you like quieter, greener places that aren’t on the main tourist route, this is a good place to visit.
- Krem Mawmluh Cave: As one of the longest caves in the Indian subcontinent, Krem Mawmluh cave offers a challenging yet fascinating caving experience. It is known for its impressive stalagmites, stalactites, and underground rivers that are tricky to navigate.This one is ideal for travellers who like their experiences a little raw and unfiltered.
Cherrapunji Travel Guide – Best Time to Visit
The weather at Cherrapunji is nice all year long, but the best time to go is between October and May. The weather is excellent during this time, so travelers don’t have to worry about heavy rains when they go sightseeing.
The monsoon season is from June to September and brings heavy rainfall. This may limit outdoor activities; but it enhances the scenic beauty of the region with waterfalls running in full flow and the clouds hugging the mountains. If such experience appeals to you, this 6D Meghalaya Monsoon Trip is worth looking into.
How to Reach Cherrapunji
Meghalaya is in the northeast section of India, and Cherrapunji is in the East Khasi Hills area of that state. The Khasi Hills plateau, which is around 1,484 meters (4,869 feet) above sea level on average, is where Cherrapunji is located. It lies around 56 kilometers southwest of Meghalaya’s capital, Shillong.
This Cherrapunji Travel Guide will help us learn how to get to this magnificent place that has rolling hills, rich green valleys and charming villages with great views. Here are the best ways to reach Cherrapunji:
By Road: It is easy to reach Cherrapunji by road because of regular bus services from Shillong and Guwahati. You can also rent taxis and private cars.
By Air: The closest airport to Cherrapunji is Shillong Airport, also called as Umroi Airport. It is around 40 kilometers away. Flights from cities like Kolkata and Guwahati go to Shillong. You can also take a bus or a taxi from the airport to get to Cherrapunji. But the best way to get there is to fly to Guwahati (which is connected to major Indian cities by flights) and then drive to Cherrapunji.
By Rail: The closest major station is Guwahati Railway Station, which is well connected to cities across India. From there, it’s about a 147 km journey to Cherrapunji, you can either hire a taxi or hop on a bus depending on how you like to travel.
Cherrapunji isn’t the kind of place you just visit and forget. It lingers. Maybe it’s the moment you stand at Nohkalikai Falls, watching the water plunge into that impossibly blue pool below or the thrill of finding your way through the dark passages of Krem Mawmluh. Or maybe it’s something as simple as walking across a living root bridge knowing it took generations to grow into what it is today?