Nestled in the enchanting embrace of India's northeastern region, Meghalaya is one of the seven sisters which translates to the abode of clouds, natural beauty, and cultural diversity. With its beautiful landscapes, beautiful waterfalls, and vibrant local traditions, this state is a light to the adventurous traveller. From exploring living root bridges to delving into the mysteries of ancient caves, Meghalaya offers a tapestry of experiences. Let's embark on a journey through the 10 best places to visit in Meghalaya.
If you are planning a trip to the abode of clouds do checkout the Meghalaya tour packages to the Meghalaya Backpacking trip
Places and best time to visit Meghalaya:
1. Dawki river:
This river which is present on the border of India and Bangladesh and is also known as Umngot is 15 to 20 feet deep, the water is so clear that the bottom of the river is visible even though it is very deep. Because of this, it is known as Asia's cleanest river and India's transparent river. The boating point is also located 1.5km west of the Umngot River.
This place is about 70 kilometres from Shillong, and the drive to this place consists of some of the most stunning scenic spots. The drives in this place are said to be the best and most attractive to the visitors. Best time to visit this place would be winter as the weather at this time does not become very cold and is very pleasant and enjoyable.
2. PHE PHE Waterfalls:
Present in Shkentalang village of the west Jaintia hills district, phe phe waterfalls are 80 Km away from Shillong. There are comfortable cottages present around the area in addition to huts and cabins. For the adventurous lot, there is a lot of room to set up tents as well. Phe phe is a Jantia word known as a paradise because of which this 2 tier waterfall is also known as “Paradise waterfalls”
Trek to the Phe phe waterfall takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
There are a few more scenic waterfalls present near the Phe Phe waterfalls worth visiting called Sualudong Waterfalls, Krang Suri Waterfalls, Umpliang Waterfalls, Thlu Amwi Falls, and Rynji Falls.
Although the Phe Phe waterfalls are open to visit throughout the year the best time to visit is from September to April as the weather is very pleasant during this time. These Waterfalls never dry up.
3. Natural Living Root Bridge
These are one of the biggest attractions of Meghalaya, they are grown over a period of time.
They are made up of tangled thick roots which give it a great structure and help it hold about 50 people at once.
The root bridges are present in the west Jaintia hills and east Khasi hills.
The area has a great view, pleasant weather, and is misty throughout the year, but it is best avoided in monsoon as roads get slippery.
The Double decker root bridge(Umshiang bridge) is present in Cherrapunji.
As a 30 mts long bridge, with a height of 2400 mts, this is the longest known living root bridge. The trek from Cherrapunji to Umshiang root bridge is one of the most challenging ways.
The bridge is 180 years old.
One can reach the single-decker root bridge by trekking a path that starts from Riwai which is close to Mawlynnong, which is Asia's cleanest village.
Mawlynnong is roughly 3 hours from Shillong close to the Bangladesh border.
The best time to visit the Root bridges are in Autumn and winter. That is October to March.
1. Wei Sawdong Falls:
This is a 3-level waterfall situated 60 Km south of Shillong in the east Khasi Hills district.
The falls are a little challenging to reach as the trek involved is not very easy, you will have to track down crossing bamboo ladders, but once finished with, the scene is worth the difficulty.
The falls are known for their bluish-green, crystal-clear water.
Any time during the year except monsoon would be the best time to visit this place as the roads get very slippery during this time.
2. Kongthong village:
In today's day, Kongthong village is easy to reach with a motorable road, but there was a time not too long ago (about 5 to 7 years) when one had to trek for 8-10 Km to reach Kongthong.
This place is 60 Km away from Shillong present in Kha tar Shnong, the Subdivision of east khasi hills with a population of 700.
The Kongthong village is also known as the Whistling village as everyone here has a melodious name, each name here is a bit tuned.
It is a very clean village with trash cans present in every corner of the village.
Best time to visit this place would be from October to the end of may as the weather at that time is recorded to be the most pleasant and cool.
3. Sacred forest:
This forest present in Mawphlang is also known as the untouchable forest, as one is not allowed to take anything from here.
It is believed that a curse follows if anything is taken from here.
They say “Leave only footprints and take only memories.”
The trek through the forest place is about an hour or two long.
The Sacred Forest is present 25 Km away from Shillong.
The entry ticket to this forest is Rs 100.
This place is at its best throughout the year so there is no specific best time to visit this place, it can be visited at any time during the year.
4. Balpakram National park:
This is a national park present to the south of Garo Hills in Meghalaya. It is present at a height of 3000ft (910m).
Balpakram national park is loaded with a variety of flora and fauna.
This park is about 150 Km from Shillong. This place can be visited anytime during the year but locals say it's better to avoid it in monsoon because of the heavy rains and slippery roads. The best time to visit Balpakram national park would be October to March because of the pleasant weather and the visibility of the number of animals during this period of time.
Few other beautiful national parks and sanctuaries worth visiting in Meghalaya are Nokrek park, Siju bird sanctuary, Nongkhyllem sanctuary, Baghmara Reserve forest.
1. Nohkalikai falls:
The Nohkalikai Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Cherrapunji. Cherrapunji is known as one of the wettest places on Earth because of its heavy rainfall throughout the year.
The Nohkalikai Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness its natural beauty.
The waterfall drops from a height of 340m (1,120 ft).
The falls are especially captivating during the monsoon season when they are at their fullest due to the increased rainfall so, the best time to visit would be the monsoon season.
Few other waterfalls to visit in Meghalaya include 7 sister falls, Bishop and Beadon falls (best time to visit these falls are after monsoon), Elephant falls.
1. Nongkhnum Island:
Nestled in the West Khasi Hills, Nongkhnum Island is the largest river island in Meghalaya. Surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Kynshi River, the island offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Trekking enthusiasts can explore its lush terrain and discover natural swimming pools and waterfalls. It's a serene retreat for those seeking solace in nature's lap.
This place is very beautiful and open to visit throughout the year, but specifically speaking the summers and monsoons in Nongkhnum Island is the pleasant and beautiful, so the best time to visit The Nongkhnum hills would be April to May during the summers and June to September during monsoons.
2. Siju Cave:
Hidden in the Garo Hills, Siju Cave is a subterranean wonder. Its vast chambers and intricate limestone formations make it an awe-inspiring spelunking destination. The cave is home to a variety of unique and endemic species, including blind fish. Exploring its depths with experienced guides is like entering a mysterious underworld, revealing nature's artistic marvels carved over millennia.
It is not at all a good idea to visit during monsoons as the water level increases and it gets very dangerous. October to April would be the best time to visit Siju caves, even during this period the water levels are too deep.
Conclusion:
Meghalaya, a realm of natural wonder and cultural diversity, unveils its treasures throughout the year, but the optimal times to experience its magic vary with each enchanting destination. From the transparent depths of the Dawki River to the misty allure of living root bridges, each place has its own season of splendor. Phe Phe Waterfalls, Kongthong Village's melodious charm, and the serene Sacred Forest of Mawphlang beckon during autumn to late spring.
Start your Meghalaya Backpacking trip and explore the adventurous, the depths of Siju Cave is best from October to April, while the magnificence of Nohkalikai Falls peaks during the monsoons. Nongkhnum Island's tranquil beauty graces the summer and monsoon months, and Balpakram National Park reveals its rich biodiversity from October to March.
As you embark on your journey through Meghalaya, let the rhythm of the seasons guide you, offering a symphony of experiences that range from mist-shrouded roots to crystalline waters, from lush forests to hidden caverns. Whenever your heart leads you, Meghalaya's diverse landscapes and cultural tapestry await your exploration.
