10 Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya: Plan a Getaway to the Abode of Clouds

Meghalaya is a soulful destination that exudes a happy vibe and has a strong cultural identity. The heart of this state is the natural beauty and the mesmerizing views that one is greeted by as they step foot here. The places to visit in Meghalaya do justice to its name, which means the “Abode of Clouds.” It’ll feel like being in paradise as you walk around, exploring the elegant and breathtaking attractions here. The cascading water from the falls, the dense forests, the crystal-clear rivers, and the vistas of magnificent hills all add up to make this place a famous tourist destination.

Places to Visit in Meghalaya: Set Your Eyes on North-East's Wonderland

The hills of Meghalaya are calling out to you, so escape to this hidden paradise and spend time amidst nature. This unrivalled destination is a must-visit place if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat and a simple way of life. Let’s look at the famous places to visit in Meghalaya that you must add to your vacation plans.

1. Shillong
2. Cherrapunji
3. Mawlynnong Village
4. Double Decker Living Root Bridge
5. Laitlum Canyon
6. Elephant Falls
7. Nohsngithiang Falls
8. Balpakram National Park
9. Kynrem Falls
10. Mawthadraishan Peak

1. Shillong: Venture to the Scotland of the East

Staying true to the title bestowed on this city, Shillong is like the mini version of Scotland with dense forests, mist-covered hills, and natural beauty. This popular city was named after a goddess who is still worshipped at the Shillong Peak, Lei Shyllong. What sets this place apart from the other destinations is its pleasant weather and lush greenery that instantly uplifts your mood. This capital of Meghalaya is home to tall mountain ranges, magnificent waterfalls, shimmering lakes, and much more, which is why it’s one of the top places to travel in India. You can consider Shillong as the gateway to Meghalaya as the major airport of this state is in this capital city.

Best time to visit Shillong: September to May

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 31 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 97 km from Guwahati Station

Places to visit in Shillong: Elephant Falls, Wards Lake, Shillong Peak, Lady Hydari Park

Things to do in Shillong: Boat in Umiam Lake, shop at Lewduh Market, trek on the David Scott Trail, ride on a horse to the Shillong Peak

Famous restaurants in Shillong: Dejavu, Café Shillong, ML 05 Café, Dylan’s Cafe

Famous hotels in Shillong: Hotel Polo Towers, Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, Vivanta Meghalaya, The Heritage Club

How to reach Shillong: You can either take a flight to Shillong Airport or board a train to Guwahati Railway Station, and then take a cab or taxi to the city

2. Cherrapunji: Explore the Rainy City of Meghalaya

Cherrapunji  was once the wettest place on Earth because of the constant rainfall there. You’ll still find this place washed by the rain, providing a clear picture of the views and beautifying everything to a whole other level. The smell of sand after rain would waft through your nose, calming you down instantly. This city is located at the edge of the Himalayas with the plains of Bangladesh beneath it. The lush greenery here is all thanks to the monsoons and the breathtaking attractions in Cherrapunji would leave you in awe of its charm and allure. There’s so much to explore and marvel at here that you’d never wish to leave this place. So, add this to your list of places to visit in Meghalaya and make the most of your time here.

Best time to visit Cherrapunji: September to May

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 167 km from Guwahati Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 145 km from Guwahati Station

Places to visit in Cherrapunji: Double Decker Living Root Bridges, Nohkalikai Falls, Wahkaba Falls, Mawsmai Caves

Things to do in Cherrapunji: River Canyoning, boating in Dawki River, ziplining over Mawkdok Dympep Valley,

Famous restaurants in Cherrapunji: Chef Cherrapunjee, Orange Roots, Avron Restaurant, Halari Restaurant

Famous hotels in Cherrapunji: Polo Orchid Resort, Labana Hotel, Four Season Eco Resort, Jiva Resort

How to reach Cherrapunji: Take a flight to Guwahati Airport or a train to Guwahati railway station. Hire a cab or taxi from there to reach Cherrapunji

Suggested Read: Char Dham Yatra Tourist Guide: A Union with the Divine

3. Mawlynnong Village: Walk Around the Cleanest Village in Asia

You heard it right, Mawlynnong Village was declared the cleanest village in Asia in 2003 and that’s part of the charm this village holds. Apart from being the cleanest place, this destination is also known as “God’s Own Garden” because of the natural beauty it’s blessed with. From the gorgeous waterfalls to the valleys against the backdrop of verdant greenery, this place would make its way to your heart. What’s more, this is one of the villages in India that has a matrilineal society; wherein, women gain all the wealth and property from their mother and pass it on to their daughters, which makes this quite a unique destination.

Best time to visit Mawlynnong Village: September to November

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 103 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 169 km from Guwahati Station

Places to visit in Mawlynnong Village: Dawaki River, Umgrem Falls, Sky Walk, Mawlynnong Waterfall

Things to do in Mawlynnong Village: Boating in Dawki River, walk on the Living Root Bridge, hike up the Brun Khongmen Viewpoint

Famous hotels in Mawlynnong Village: Polo Orchid Resort, Jiva Resort, Betelnut Resort, Shada Pathor Hotel and Resort

How to reach Mawlynnong Village: You must take a flight to the nearest airport, which is Shillong Airport and then hire a cab or taxi to cover the rest of the distance

Suggested Read: Adventure Activities in Gangtok to Experience the Adrenaline Coursing Through You

4. Double Decker Living Root Bridge: Walk on the Marvelous Natural Bridge

The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is one of nature’s wonderous creations with the contribution of the locals. This root bridge in Cherrapunji is almost 200 years old and is made from the roots of the rubber tree that are only grown in the North-East. You’ll find these attractions here from time to time. The roots of the rubber tree have been shaped like a bridge for years by the locals, and that resulted in a strong bridge that can accommodate approximately 50 people on it. Walking on this bridge at an altitude of 2400 ft with the Umshiang river flowing underneath it is among the thrilling adventures in India. The natural beauty surrounding this place would make you want to stay here a while longer.

Best time to visit Double Decker Living Root Bridge: March to May

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 88 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 154 km from Guwahati Station

Restaurants near Double Decker Living Root Bridge: Jiva Grill Sohra, Orange Roots,

Hotels near Double Decker Living Root Bridge: Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort, San Nael La Resort, Abode of Clouds Resort, Jiva Resort

How to reach Double Decker Living Root Bridge: You can reach this attraction by taking a flight to Shillong airport or boarding the train to Guwahati Station. You can take a cab or taxi from there to this root bridge

Suggested Read: Places to See in Darjeeling: Breathe in the Fresh Mountain Air

5. Laitlum Canyon: Treat Your Eyes to this Magnificent View

Have you ever wondered what it’ll be like to be close to the clouds? Well, now you’ll know because the Laitlum Canyon is a paradise for nature lovers. The lush greenery paired with the clear blue sky offers a mesmerizing combination that feels like a haven in a chaotic world. The view of the East Khasi Hills would leave you spellbound, and the mountain breeze would rejuvenate you instantly. The highlight of this place is the 3000 steps stairway that lets you climb up and down the edge of the hills. Plan a trip to this mesmerizing location during sunrise or sunset because that’s when the beauty of this place is elevated to a jaw-dropping level.

Best time to visit Laitlum Canyon: April to June

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 137 km from Guwahati Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 118 km from Guwahati Station

Attractions near Laitlum Canyon: Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Museum, Lady Hydari Park

Restaurants near Laitlum Canyon: Dejavu, Café Shillong, Dylan’s Café, ML 05 Cafe

Hotels near Laitlum Canyon: Capital O 2402 Hotel HighWinds, Hotel Heiga, La Castle Residency, Hotel Polo Towers

How to reach Laitlum Canyon: Take a flight to Guwahati Airport or a train to Guwahati Station and then a cab or taxi to Shillong from there, and the Laitlum Canyon finally

Suggested Read: Tourist Attractions in Tawang: Travel to Ladakh 2.0 for an Unforgettable Holiday

6. Elephant Falls: Listen to the Soothing Sounds of the Waterfall

Elephant Falls is named such because of the elephant shaped stone at the bottom of it, which enhances the beauty of this waterfall. This attraction is also known as the “three-step waterfall” because it cascades down in three steps from the midst of lush greenery against rocky surface. It’s ideal to visit this place during summers when the water level’s high because during winters, the waterfall turns into thin strands of water trickling down the surface. You’ll have to climb down around 150 steps to reach the waterfall, but it’s worth it.

Best time to visit Elephant Falls: 10 A.M to 6 P.M

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 122 km from Guwahati Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 103 km from Guwahati Station

Attractions near Elephant Falls: Airforce Museum, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Laitlum Canyon

Restaurants near Elephant Falls: ML 05 Café, Heritage Club, City Hut Family Dhaba, Dejavu

Hotels near Elephant Falls: Ladybird Hotel, Hotel Heiga, Hotel Centre Point, White Orchid

How to reach Elephant Falls: You can either fly to Guwahati Airport or take a train to Guwahati Station to reach Shillong. From there, you can hire a cab or taxi to cover the rest of the distance

Suggested Read: Fun Things to do in Uttarakhand: Time to Indulge in Adventurous Escapades

7. Nohsngithiang Falls: Witness the Highest Waterfall in India

You’re in for a magical view as you witness seven waterfalls merge into one as they crash down on the surface. Therefore, this waterfall is also famous as the Seven Sister Waterfall or the Mawsmai Falls, since it’s located in the Mawsmai Village. It’s a sight to behold as you watch the segmented waterfalls become one; however, this waterfall is only visible during monsoons because that’s when the water levels increase. The waterfalls signify the seven sister states in North-East, which are Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya.

Best time to visit Nohsngithiang Falls: June to September

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 83 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 148 km from Guwahati Station

Attractions near Nohsngithiang Falls: Mawsmai Cave, Nohkalikai Falls, Arwah Cave

Restaurants near Nohsngithiang Falls: Jiva Grill, Orange Roots,

Hotels near Nohsngithiang Falls: Polo Orchid Resort, San Nael La Resort, Jiva Resort, Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort

How to reach Nohsngithiang Falls: Take a flight to Shillong Airport or a train to Guwahati Station and take a cab or taxi to reach Nohsngithiang Falls

Suggested Read: Adventures in Mcleodganj for a Heart-Pumping Thrilling Holiday

8. Balpakram National Park: Spend Time Among a Myriad of Flora and Fauna

Being one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya, you’ll definitely want to add this to your itinerary. It feels like God blessed this place with abundant beauty and rich biodiversity because you’re in for a fun time staying close to nature. The variety of flora and fauna here would keep you amused and fascinated, and you can expect to see animals like Red Panda, Elephants, Marbles Cat, Leopards, and so on. There’s even a legend associated with this place that as per the Garo tribes living here, the spirits pass through this place on their way to the afterlife. Nature here talks to you and narrates different stories that would intrigue you, so consider this as one of the places to visit in Meghalaya in October.

Best time to visit Balpakram National Park: October to March

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 229 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 310 km from Guwahati Station

Attractions near Balpakram National Park: Nokrek National Park, Siju Caves, Pelga Falls, Tura Peak

How to reach Balpakram National Park: You’ll have to take a flight to Shillong Airport or board a train to Guwahati Station, then take a cab or taxi to this park

Suggested Read: Attractions in Gangtok, Sikkim to Create Special Memories

9. Kynrem Falls: Soak in the Magnificence of this Waterfall

You’ll be in awe of the glorious sight in front of you as you watch the milky white water cascading down an undulated surface. The waterfall falls from the height of 305 m, making it the 7th highest waterfall in India. These gorgeous attractions are what make this destination ideal for honeymoon in India. This waterfall is also divided into three tiers and is at its loudest during the rainy season. You can go to the viewing deck, which offers an alluring view of this waterfall from different angles.

Best time to visit Kynrem Falls: October to December

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 96 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 161 km from Guwahati Station

Attractions near Kynrem Falls: Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Waterfall, Dainthlen Falls

How to reach Kynrem Falls: Book a flight to Shillong Airport or a train to Guwahati Station, take a taxi or bus from there to the falls

Suggested Read: Places to Travel in Sikkim: The Gateway to North-East India

10. Mawthadraishan Peak: A Scenic Viewpoint for Panoramic Views

The last tourist attraction on our list is the Mawthadraishan Peak, which offers a panoramic view of the Khasi Hills to the East, Garo Hills to the West, the Himalayas to the North, and Bangladesh to thew South. So, you can imagine the charm of this place that attracts tourists from all over the world. This peak also has a fishpond, which adds to the beauty of this location. You can trek to the top of the peak for a bird’s eye view of the hills and the verdant greenery to rejuvenate yourself. It’s among the things to do in Meghalaya that you shouldn’t miss out on. Therefore, this is an exciting destination for tourists.

Best time to visit Mawthadraishan Peak: September to May

Distance from the nearest airport: Approx. 99 km from Shillong Airport

Distance from the nearest railway station: Approx. 148 km from Guwahati Station

Attractions near Mawthadraishan Peak: Kyllang Rock, Weinia Falls, Mawphanlur Natural Lake, Kshaid Thum

Restaurants near Mawthadraishan Peak: Kong’s Road Side Restaurant, Wah Kynshi

Hotels near Mawthadraishan Peak: Mawphanlur Guest House, Traveller’s Nest, DLM Guest House

How to reach Mawthadraishan Peak: Reach the Shillong Airport via flight or board a train to Guwahati Station. Then take a cab or taxi to reach the base of the peak

Suggested Read: South India Temples: That Sing the Glory of Sanatana

Additional Information

Here are a few more things you should know before traveling to this place.

How to reach Meghalaya

You must either take a flight to Shillong Airport or Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati. You can also board a train to Guwahati Railway Station and then take a cab or taxi to reach your destination.

Travel tips for Meghalaya

• You might require a permit to access certain locations, so be prepared with the required documents for it
• Carry clothes based on the season in which you’re visiting
• Try the local cuisine
• Respect the culture and traditions
• Wear comfortable walking shoes

Meghalaya is one of the most culturally rich and vibrant state in North-East India and should undoubtedly be on your bucket list. The swoon-worthy places to visit in Meghalaya would enamor you and leave you in awe of its allure. This state is bestowed with abundant natural beauty, and there’s no denying that. So, plan a trip to this grounded yet mesmerizing location for your next vacation. Book our Meghalaya tour packages for a getaway to this gorgeous place.

FAQs