Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in India. Despite this, it still feels peaceful and untouched compared to many other popular tourist destinations. It is famously known as the “Abode of Clouds”as it rains most of the time here, specially in Cherrapunjee. Meghalaya is blessed with beautiful waterfalls, living root bridges, and caves.
If you are planning a trip to Meghalaya, there are a few places you simply should not miss. These are some of the best attractions which makes Meghalaya special among travellers.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Attractive Places in Meghalaya
Waterfalls
1. Elephant Falls
Elephant Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls of Meghalaya. It is located about 12 kilometers from Shillong. The waterfall is named after a giant elephant-shaped rock which was located near the waterfall but the rock was destroyed in an earthquake in 1897.
The waterfall is naturally formed into three tiers. Visitors can walk down through steps to see the different views of the waterfalls. It is an ideal place to relax and calm as you will experience the cool breeze passing through the surrounding trees.
2. Wei Sawdong Falls
Wei Sawdong Falls is one of the least explored waterfalls of Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya. It will leave your jaws dropped, due to the incredible 3-tiered fall, and the most unreal, almost blue, clear water gushing out. The walk is actually not a short stroll, but one has to put in a fair amount of effort walking down to the valley of trees over a tough rocky terrain.
One can totally feel the peace since the place is largely untouched. Nonetheless, reaching to the base of Wei Sawdong Falls is a complete bliss, as the water cascaded three levels to present such a breathtaking sight! One special thing about Wei Sawdong Falls is that the location does not have many tourists as a little trekking is required to get down to the falls. If you are a person who likes exploring hidden gems, Wei Sawdong Waterfalls should be in your Meghalaya itinerary.
3. Nohkalikai Falls
Meghalaya trip will be incomplete without visiting the famous Nohkalikai Falls. It is about 1,115 ft high and one of the tallest plunge waterfalls of India.
From the view point visitors can witness the water pouring down into a deep blue pool between the mountains. During monsoon the force of the waterfall increases and the view is even more spectacular.
If you are passionate about photography and nature, Nohkalikai Falls is a must visit spot.
Living Root Bridges
4. Double Decker Living Root Bridge
The double-decker living root bridge is an astounding, beautiful and most sought-after tourist trekking destination of Meghalaya. The root bridge is located in Nongriat, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya where nature’s architecture and human ingenuity meet perfectly. Trekking to the brdige requires stepping about 3000 stairs all along the routes through jungles, tribal villages and small Hanging Bridges. Instead of constructing any artificial structure of cement or steel the local Khasi tribe used the natural of aerial roots to make the bridge. For several years through this procedure they knotted the aerial roots of the rubber tree in such a way that it stretched to go across water stream and formed a naturally living suspension bridge.
5. Single Living Root Bridge, Riwai
Other than the Double Living Root Bridge, you should also opt for visiting the Single Living Root Bridge at Riwai. A little trek of not more than 10-15 minutes from the Mawlynnong Village willl take you to this root bridge.
Just like the double-decker bridge, the Riwai living root bridge has also been formed from the roots of the rubber tree by training the roots of trees cross over a stream. Every year, these root bridges grow wider.
Hidden Wonders of Meghalaya
6. Garden of Caves
Garden of Caves is an ideal place for travellers who prefer places away from large crowds.
Other than caves it has much to offer. You can walk in the area and see natural rock formations all around. There are small waterfalls, few bamboo bridges and beautiful garden.
It is a nice place to spend a few hours with family as the place is not as busy as other popular attractions. You can spend quality time here and admire the surrounding beauty.
7. Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai Cave is one of the easiest and most tourist friendly caves in Meghalaya. In Mawsmai Cave limestone has been shaped naturally over a thousand years and houses several marvelous rock patterns. The cave has a narrow passage and you can see inside stunning formations of millions of years old stalactites at the top. Mawsmai Cave is safe and properly lit for you to walk inside. Walking inside this beautiful cave will surely give you a lifetime experience. There are some areas in the cave where you have to bend down a little to make your way through.
Meghalaya offers you a lot of amazing places to spend your time whether it is the beautiful falls or the astounding living root bridges or amazing caves,
There is something for everyone in Meghalaya, whether you love trekking or you are a photographer, or someone seeking peaceful time to spend. Its natural beauty and unique places makes it one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Northeast India.
If you are planning your next trip, give Meghalaya a thought and you’ll get an experience to carry along for life.
Also Read: Women Travelers in Meghalaya: Destinations, Safety Tips & Travel Guide