Meghalaya means the abode of clouds. Staying true to its name, this charming state will leave you spellbound by its lush green valleys, dense forests, high rainfall, and also by its varied bio-diversity.
So we are making it easy to visit Meghalaya for You By Creating a list of the Best 10 Places to visit in Meghalaya
1. Cherrapunji – Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Cherrapunji is one of the wettest places on earth. It’s also the place that receives the highest rainfall in India. The Dain-Thlen, Kynrem, and Nohkalikai waterfalls are the popular waterfalls of Cherrapunji and they attract thousands of tourists every year. Major attractions in Cherrapunji include Living-Root bridges, Mawsmai cave, mesmerizing waterfalls, Eco-park, and the garden of caves. Visiting Cherrapunji is a must when it comes to the best tourist places to visit in Meghalaya.
- Best time to visit: March to May
- Ideal duration: 3 – 4 hours (approx.)
- How to reach: Fly to Guwahati Airport (177 km from the bridge) and hire a taxi to reach Tyrna Village, from where you need to trek
- map link -> https://goo.gl/maps/hhvSfJcV6EEs6j6n7
2. Elephant Falls, Shillong
The dense forests of the evergreen Meghalaya spread all around the state. Meghalaya is also known for its amazing waterfalls. Elephant Falls is the highlight of Meghalaya. Named after an Elephant like a stone at its foot, the Elephant Falls are amongst the most popular falls in the North-East, situated next to Shillong. It is a tourists’ paradise with three layers of the falls accessible to the layman from different vantage points.
- Speciality: Surrounded by lush greenery and offers spectacular views.
- Location: 12km from Shillong
- Best time to visit: Monsoon
- Map Link -> https://goo.gl/maps/V2x9vzeePMz7M38w5
3. Mawlynnong Village –God’s Own Garden
Mawlynnong, nestled in the East Khasi Hills, is not just famed for being the cleanest village in India, but it is also lovingly called God’s Own Garden. Everyone in this picture-perfect village, be it a child or an elderly, knows the importance of hygiene, sanitation, and neatness. Children happily clean up the streets before they head to their schools. The village encourages rainwater harvesting and bans the use of plastic and the practice of smoking. The icing on the cake comes in the form of fragrant fruit orchards, dense greenery, and playful streams.
- Best Time: Sep-Nov
- Ideal duration: 1 – 2 days
- Specialty: Encompasses gorgeous landscapes and scenic surroundings.
- Location: East Khasi Hills, Shillong
- Map Link -> https://goo.gl/maps/DgtCL7nVkxyiGoe48
4. Umiam Lake, Shillong
Umiam Lake is a stunning man-made lake that is about 15 kilometers north of Shillong. The lake was formed after a dam was developed to produce hydroelectric power. The picturesque Umiam Lake is enclosed by lavish green East Khasi slopes that make for an encompassing sight for nature lovers. The dawn at the lake is a treat to witness with naked eyes and something that shouldn’t be missed. You can also take a long boat ride in the lake, and can also appreciate drifting and different water sports.
- Best time to visit: March to June
- Ideal duration: 1 – 2 hours
- Timings: Lake is open at all times. Water sport activities are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
5. Shillong -Scotland of the East.
A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, this hill station is known for its weather, picturesque locations and traditions. This place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes.
- Ideal duration: 2-4 days
- Best Time: September – May
Book Flights to Shillong
6. Balpakram National Park
Second, on our list of top places in Meghalaya is the Balpakram National Park. This National Park is a traveler’s paradise. This place is also referred to as the ‘Land of Spirits’ by the tourists and locals.
In this National Park, you get to spot animals like Red Panda, Wild Buffalo, Elephant, Tiger, Deer, Leopards, Wild Cows, Marbled Cat, etc. It is also a paradise for all wildlife enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
This park is one of the must-visits in Meghalaya. Tourists often compare this place to the Grand Canyon in the USA.
- Best time to visit: November to May
- Ideal duration: 3 – 4 hours
- Specialty: Houses exotic wildlife.
- Location: South Garo Hills
7. Dawki
Dawki needs no introduction. It is one of the most popular tourist places in Meghalaya. Known for its clear river, Dawki is one of the most instagrammable places on earth. If you are visiting Meghalaya anytime soon, then you should put Dawki on your itinerary. Since it is sandwiched between India and Bangladesh, it is also a major trade hub.
- Specialty: Gorgeous river with clear waters.
- Location: West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya
- Best time to visit: November
8. Lady Hydari Park, Shillong
Named after the wife of the first governor of Assam, because initially, Shillong was under the Assamese government, this park is a great highlight to visit in the city. Landscaped gardens built with the basis of Japanese garden style in mind, the place has many ponds dotting the area and making for a pleasing sight to look at.
Housing a mini zoo in itself, the Lady Hydari Park is home to many species like Jackal, Himalayan black bear, porcupine Leopard, Serow, and Deer, and birds like Hornbill, Kite, Mynah, etc. There is also a museum in the park, making this place a complete experience and a must-visit. Book a tour package of Meghalaya including Lady Hydari Park
- Location: Lachumiere, Shillong, Meghalaya
- Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM to 5 PM
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Entry Fees/Price: Adults (12 years and above) INR 10, Children INR 5
9.Mawphlang Sacred Forest (25 km from Shillong)
The state of Meghalaya is known for its Tropical rainforests, and one of the most popular and sacred ones among them is Mawphlang Sacred Forest. A nature lover’s fantasy cannot be bewildered than this forest. This forest houses an extraordinary network of plants and trees, some of which are believed to be more than 1,000 years old.
But it is not the biodiversity alone that makes the forest so interesting; it is the beliefs of the local community regarding this forest and its sacredness. The forest is called sacred is because the locals believe that it is the home of a deity named Labasa, who appears in the form of a tiger or leopard and also protects the local community.
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs. 20 per person
- Location: Nongrum, Meghalaya 793121
10. Nongpoh
Nongpoh, located 60 km from Guwahati in Assam and 51 Kms from Shillong is a petite town to be found to the North of the East Khasi Hills. Situated very close to the gorgeous Brahmaputra plains, this location is quite a favorite as a stopover before reaching Shillong from Guwahati.
- Specialty: Picturesque environment
- Attractions: Lum Nehru Park, Dwar Ksuid, Nongkhyllem wildlife sanctuary, Lum Sohpetbneng
- Places to stay: Ri Kanaan Resort, Ri Kynjai – Serenity By The Lake, Orchid Lake Resort
- Location: Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya
- Best time to visit: August-November
Wonderful views on that!
That’s very good point
I was just telling my friend about that.
Right on my man!