Cherrapunji, located in India's northeastern state of Meghalaya, is one of the most picturesque and magical lands.
A beloved place for the lovers of nature and adventure, Cherrapunji is also known as one of the wettest places on Earth. Anyone who has vacationed in this mystical land can attest to its lush greenery, the beautiful hills and the waterfalls that offer solace.
It is, without a doubt, a memorable experience.
In this blog we will answer the most common question, 'Is Meghalaya worth visiting?' and will talk about some hidden places to visit in Meghalaya tour along with a list of places to visit in Shillong and Cherrapunji.
Come along on this virtual tour of the unique traditions, cultures, tribes, cuisines, etc of Meghalaya.
So let's delve deeper and take a trip to the abode of clouds.
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Mawsynram Village: Where Blessings Are Showered Down
Mawsynram is located in the district of East Khasi Hills. Although it is a small village, it is one of the must visit locations for people traveling to Meghalaya. This village receives the highest rainfall in the world (approx. 11000 mm) and hence is known to be the wettest place on the planet.
However, even though it is prone to such heavy rain, it is one of the preferred locations for tourists. This is because of its rich culture and heritage, the beautiful sceneries including natural caves, living root bridges, splendid waterfalls, etc.
If you are planning on visiting Mawsynram Village as a tourist, here is a list of some fun activities to do:
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Explore the natural caves.
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Experience the local culture and traditions.
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You can plan and organize a hike to the living root bridges.
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You can trek to the beautiful waterfalls.
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Enjoy the local dishes and cuisine.
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Double Decker Living Root Bridge: The Nature’s Bridge
Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge, located in the Nongriat village of Cherrapunji, is without a doubt a natural wonder. It is by far one of the most impressive specimens of bioengineering on the planet.
To span across a river, the roots of the rubber fig tree or the Ficus elastica tree are trained to grow in a specific way. Over time, these roots become thicker and stronger resulting in a natural bridge that can easily support the weight of several animals and humans.
This natural wonder is located in the interior parts of the village and can be accessed only by trekking to it through the forests that surround it. It is one of the coolest places to visit in Cherrapunji.
If you are planning on visiting Double Decker Living Root Bridge as a tourist, here is a list of some fun activities to do:
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You can plan a homestay nearby for an overnight stay.
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Enjoy a guided tour of the area.
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Trek to the Living Root Bridge.
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Enjoy the culture of the Nongriat Village.
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After the hike you can enjoy a relaxing swim in the natural pools.
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Visit the Rainbow Falls situated near the bridge.
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Kynrem Falls: Enjoy The Roar Of The Water
Kynrem Falls is a three-tiered waterfall located in Cherrapunji with a splendid height of 1,001 feet or 305 meters. It is hidden among the lush green surroundings of the area and is the 7th highest waterfall in India.
Tourists love to visit the waterfall as it is one of the major tourist attractions of the Thangkharang Park. People can spend their day as a picnic or do adventure activities, whatever suits them. Since during the rainy season or the monsoon season the waterfall is filled to the brim, therefore it is one of the best times to visit these falls as you will be able to enjoy the scenery in its full splendor and glory.
But it is also important to keep in mind that during the monsoon season, due to the heavy rainfall, the roads tend to be dangerous as the water makes the roads slippery and hence prone to accidnents.
If you are planning on visiting the Kynrem Falls as a tourist, here is a list of some fun activities to do:
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Try out the local dishes and cuisine.
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Enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the falls.
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You can hike around the area through the trails that surround the falls.
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Visit other waterfalls nearby and explore the nearby caves.
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Explore Thangkharang Park and have a picnic with your family.
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Dawki: The Rockstar Of Jaintia Hills
Located in Meghalaya's West Jaintia Hills district is a beautiful and cozy town named Dawki.
One of the most popular attractions in Dawki is a river named Umngot. It is the main attraction of this area due to its crystal clear and serene water. There are various fun activities that can be enjoyed here such as boating and kayaking.
Local shop owners rent boats and kayaks to tourists and visitors for a reasonable fee so that they can take a ride along the corners of the river and enjoy its beauty. Fishing is also a common activity for tourists looking to spend quality time in the river.
It is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya in December or you can also visit during the months of November to February as it is dry weather and the river is the clearest during this time. You can also plan a trip to the Dawki Bridge which is another popular attraction in this area. This bridge connects Bangladesh to India.
If you are planning on visiting Dawki as a tourist, here is a list of some fun activities to do:
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You can camp on the river side.
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You can plan fun activities such as Kayaking or Boating on the Umngot River.
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The clear river is an awesome spot for nature lovers and photographers.
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You can tour the nearby villages.
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During a night-stay, you can enjoy star-gazing as the sky is clear during the dry season.
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Try out the local dishes and cuisine.
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Mawkdok Dympep Valley: Nature’s Panorama
When travelling through Cherrapunji and on the lookout for some sightseeing, Mawkdok Dympep Valley is one of the best places to do so. This is because of the stunning scenery of the lush green hills and the deep valleys that will surely take your breath away.
The Duwan Sing Syiem Bridge, also known as the Mawkdok Dympep Bridge is a suspension bridge located in the Mawkdok Dympep Valley. This bridge is the ideal spot for sightseeing as it offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding valleys. The steel V-shaped valleys are enough to make you fall in love with this place. There are a ton of fun activities to enjoy as a tourist in this area such as zip-lining and many other adventure sports and activities.
Local shopkeepers offer to click your pictures wearing a traditional Meghalayan dress or the Khasi traditional dress.
If you are planning on visiting the Mawkdok Dympep Valley as a tourist, here is a list of some fun activities to do:
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Enjoy the serene nature that is still far away from the hustle and bustle of commercialization.
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Enjoy fun activities and adventure sports such as zip-lining.
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Plan treks through the lush valleys