Ultimate Travel Guide To Meghalaya

It’s beautiful because the sky pours in here all the time. It won’t be an exaggeration to say so, but for the winters, which are comparatively dry in Meghalaya, the Abode of Clouds. No wonder this yet-to-be-fully-explored part of Northeast India is the wettest place on the planet.

Mawsynram, a small yet spectacular village in the Khasi Hills, has defeated Cherrapunji (11,777 mm) with a startling 11,872 mm of rainfall annually. Previously, the record-holder was Cherrapunji tourism Meghalaya.

So, is Meghalaya worth all the rain-drenching and soaking?

Well! Apart from being in the wettest place on Earth, Meghalaya has many other feathers to its hat. It is slowly gaining momentum as an adventurer’s playground. Owing to the geography of this limestone plateau, with Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia hills, it is becoming a favourite destination for caving, trekking, tribal manifestations, and much more.

Moreover, nestled amidst rich biodiversity, Meghalaya is a land of spellbound cliffs, lush jungles, gushing rivers, and exquisite valleys. The idyllic monsoons, local festivals, and stunning terrain are some things for which Meghalaya is famous. While the luxuriant green landscape is a treat to the eyes, the outskirts offer a postcard-perfect representation of quaint villages, pine groves, and green pastures.

Besides the abundant scenic beauty, Meghalaya provides a rich blend of traditional and modern city life. The towns are bustling with markets, quaint shops, and local eateries. The vibe of the city is modern yet friendly. There are many tourist places in Meghalaya, India, to enjoy with family and friends.

It is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The Shillong Airport, also known as Umrai Airport, is the only civil airport operating in Meghalaya and is connected only to Kolkata and other neighbouring states. The best way is to fly to Guwahati and then proceed to Meghalaya by train or road.

Places to visit in Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a perfect holiday destination loaded with never-ending magnificence and picturesque backdrops. It is one of the most beautiful northeast Indian states and a bucket list must-have for all nature lovers. Get to know some of the famous places to visit in Meghalaya.

Meghalaya Caves

These caves are perfect to satiate the madcap in you. Kudos to the topography of the plateau. Due to the years of heavy rainfall, the soft limestones of the three hills – Garo, Khasi and Jaintia, have been sculpted to form caverns, canyons, and plunging ridges. Even as a solo traveller, visiting Meghalaya Caves is a surreal experience.

Meghalaya Waterfalls

Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, and Mawsmai Falls are some of the famous waterfalls in Meghalaya. Some of these marvels of nature are located in hills and jungles, offering a blissful and life-altering experience. Looking at the pristine water gushing through the mountains is a must in your travel itinerary.

Lady Hydari Park

When in Meghalaya, you will never want to give it a miss. It’s a colourfully manicured part with its own mini zoo and a small museum. Phan Nonglait Park, popularly known as Lady Hydari Park, is a Japanese-inspired park dotted with many flowering plants.

Umiam Lake

It is a man-made lake situated between Guwahati and Shillong. It is famous for water sports such as boating and kayaking. Its surroundings are picturesque, making it one of the most popular photography spots.

Dawki

Dawki is a quaint town that borders Bangladesh. It is famous for its pristine, clean, and emerald green lakes. The road en route to Dawki is quite panoramic, including a drive up the mountains, and going down into the valley. You will also find many small waterfalls and lakes along this passage. Tourists come here to see the main attraction, the river itself. It is so crystal clear that you can see its bottom.

Cherrapunji

It is one of the most famous places to visit in Meghalaya. Cherrapunji was known as the wettest place in the country until Mawsynram took over. Cherrapunji Tourism, Meghalaya, ensures that you gain a memorable travel experience. The star attraction of this place is the Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest waterfall in India. The Seven Sisters waterfall, also known as Nohsngithiang, is a must-visit in Cherrapunji and is about half an hour away from Nohkalikai Falls.

Another spectacular site in Cherrapunji is the single and double Living Root Bridge. It is one of the most dramatic locations in Cherrapunji, located in Nongriat Village. This bridge is declared a heritage site by UNESCO.

Balpakram National Park

Also known as the “Land of Spirits”, Balpakram National Park is a paradise for wildlife and adventure enthusiasts. Home to wild buffaloes, elephants, tigers, leopards, and other wild animals, the wilderness of this national park is mindblowing.

Mawlynnong Village

It is known as the cleanest village in Asia. From stunning waterfalls and root bridges to stunning vistas, this village has everything you will love. It also has little bamboo houses where you can stay and enjoy the local lifestyle and delicacies.

Laitlum Canyon

Laitlum Canyon is a heaven for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. While witnessing the low-flying clouds and oh-so-wow views, you will slowly immerse in its beauty. This place also has a 3000-step staircase that provides a thrilling escapade for adventure lovers.

Nongpoh

It is a small town located in the East Khasi hills. You will enjoy gushing rivers, scenic views, and greenery in this town. It also has a wildlife sanctuary and a national park.

Best time to visit Meghalaya

The ideal time to visit Meghalaya is from October to June. During this time, the climate is serene and pleasant. However, if you love the rains, visit from July to September. Moreover, if you want to witness the dazzling Cherry Blossom Festival, you should come to Meghalaya in November. Finally, plan a trip from October to June to make the most of your trip and visit all the tourist places in Meghalaya, India.

Best places to stay in Meghalaya

Below is a list of the best places to have an unforgettable experience in Meghalaya.

Polo Orchid Resort, Cherrapunjee

Located on a cliff-top estate, this is a beautiful property with a picturesque view overlooking a small village.

Royal Heritage Tripura Castle

If you are looking for a perfect getaway from the bustling crowd, the Royal Heritage Tripura Castle is the best place to be. It has been a summer retreat for one of the most affluent families of North East India, the Manikya dynasty. Set amid solitude and tranquillity, you will love it.

Hotel Centre Point, Shillong

It is a comfortable, cosy, and luxurious hotel located in Shillong. It is popular among tourists due to its easy and flexible check-in, check-out process, parking facility and room service.

Ri Kynjai: Serenity by the lake

It is one of the most stunning hotel properties to stay in Meghalaya. Located in a beautiful location, you will find comfort and peace here.

Tips, Tricks & Travel hacks

For a memorable travel experience while exploring the beauty in Meghalaya, keep the following in mind.

  • As Meghalaya is a northeastern state of the country, make sure to learn about the permits required (if needed) in and around the state. Having accurate information about these permits prevents any hassle or unnecessary obstacles during your visit to a particular place.
  • Meghalaya expects a tourist rush during the winter season. It is better to make all the bookings in advance to avoid inconveniences.
  • Pack winter essentials before departing for the Meghalaya trip. Always carry extra warm uppers and lowers to avoid the biting cold weather.
  • Plan your expenses. If you plan to indulge in adventure activities, it is advisable to chalk out all the costs and keep some extra cash to avoid any inconvenience.

Conclusion

Be it Cherrapunji or Shillong, Meghalaya is uniquely rich and beautiful. The greenery, pristine lakes, and tranquil aura make it an ideal destination to visit with friends or family. Choose the best Meghalaya tourism packages to ensure a well-planned travel experience. Check out some famous places to visit in Meghalaya while planning your trip.

If you are searching for the best Meghalaya tourism packages, let Cleartrip help you make your vacation a wonderful one. Book yourself a Meghalaya tour package that will reconnect you with the untouched beauty of Meghalaya.

FAQs

How many days are sufficient for Meghalaya?

Six to seven days are enough to visit Meghalaya. However, you will need at least 15 days if you wish to cover the entire Northeastern belt.

What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?

The months between October and June are ideal for visiting Meghalaya, as the weather is pleasant at that time of the year.

Is Meghalaya safe to visit?

Yes, Meghalaya is one of the safest places to visit, even for solo travellers. The locals are friendly, warm and hospitable towards tourists.

Is an Inner Line Permit required when visiting Meghalaya?

No, ILP is not required while travelling to Meghalaya. The ILP law is still in the process.

Is a negative RT-PCR report necessary for travelling to Meghalaya?

It depends on the mode of your transportation. While travelling by air, you may need to show your vaccination certificate or negative RT-PCR report.

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