Top Places to Visit in Meghalaya for a Perfect Vacation

Meghalaya or "Abode of Clouds" is one of India's most stunning places. Surrounded by lush green forests, this beauty-packed Northern state boasts of dramatic landscapes, ancient caves, unspoiled waterfalls and a rich culture of tribal people that few other nations can match. From an adventurer to a nature enthusiast or a traveller interested in learning about its rich cultural heritages, Meghalaya has the extraordinary.

Here, we outline the best places that you must visit in Meghalaya for a memorable trip with the tips and tricks we've gathered for you. The hills of Shillong shrouded in mist, the water seeps out of the crystal clear dam of Dawki focus your attention, each part of this northeastern jewel is worthy of being explored better.

Did you know there are places in India which are not frequently visited?

Have you ever heard about the place in India which isn't a very popular location?

Before embarking on the best places to visit in Meghalaya, it may be helpful to know what makes this state so special. The forests are always verdant, its rivers are always rushing and its waterfalls are always roaring and beating with full force in Meghalaya due to some of the highest rainfall recorded in the world. Besides, the local Khasi, Garo and Jaintia people exist to provide a warm cultural experience, which again will add a unique touch to each trip.

Meghalaya: As compared to many tourist centres in over-populated India, this state remains wonderfully untouched. Now is a good time to check it out with the hope that soon, mainstream tourism won't desecrate the beauty.

1. The name Shillong translates to Scotland.Within the name Shillong is Scotland!

Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, and is the entry point for the entire state. It's a picturesque hillstation, known as the "Scotland of the East," which is approximately 1,496 meters above sea level. So, the climate is somewhat cool here, most of the time.

The highlights of Shillong are:

• Ward's Lake  This lovely artificial lake is surrounded by a garden and manicured lawn, ideal for a quiet morning walk.

• Don Bosco Museum: One of the best indigenous northeast Indians Museum in Asia.

• Shillong Peak  It is the height of the city from which one can see the scenic view of the surrounding valleys and hills.

• Shop at the vibrant Police Bazaar, browse for local handicrafts, traditional wear and sample local eats.

Shillong too is a city of music. Indeed, it is crowned as "Rock Capital of India" due to the passionate music scene in its city limits. This city is thus mosts pleasurable to those who like live music.

2. Cherrapunji (Sohra) – The Land of Rain and Wonder

Without mentioning the place Cherrapunji or Sohra, no list of top places to visit Meghalaya would be complete. This town has the record of being one of the wettest on Earth. Cherrapunji is not just famous for its rainfall however, past the stunning scene of the falls downpour, it offers among one of the most stunning naturally-rich environment in the nation.

Key highlights include:

Nohkalikai Falls – The grand drop of water is a 340m super tower in Turquoise green pool below, in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, which are the tallest plunge waterfall in India. What a spectacular view!

Seven Sisters Falls – Seasonal falling stream, separated in seven streams, occurring primarily in monsoon period.

Mawsmai Cave is a magnificent limestone cave formation with narrow passages and impressive rock formation.

Eco Park – A well preserved park, with beautiful views of the Bangladesh plains in a sunny day!

When you visit the area during or at the end of the monsoon season, the land becomes a surreal place; a place of green, mist and roaring waterfalls. Moreover, the view of the sunrise and sunset in the cliff of Cherrapunji is just beautiful.

3. Mawlynnong – Asia's Cleanest Village

The village of Mawlynnong is renowned throughout the globe as the cleanest village in Asia. This little Khasi village is approximately 90 kilometers away from Shillong and it is truly an example of community cleanliness and ecotourism. All families take an active role in cleaning the village up. In addition, flowering plants have been planted along the streets and care taken with positioning bamboo dustbins.

The village also has a very beautiful bamboo tree house called sky walk, which gives an aerial view of the surroundings, the farms and far away views of the plains of Bangladesh. The laid-back atmosphere and congenial people make Mawlynnong ideal for those seeking to unwind and discover true rural living.

4. Dawki – gateway to crystal clear waters

Among the most photogenic spots that form the best tourist places of Meghalaya, Dawki is one such place. Dawki, which lies close to the border of India and Bangladesh, is renowned for its very clear Umngot River that looks like a water bridge. The unobstructed, clear glass-like water makes it one of the nation's best photographed rivers ever.

In addition, Dawki is also a culturally interesting place, as it is a trade border town beside the river. Visitors may take a boat ride on the river, go shopping at the local market, or just sit by the riverbank and relax in the peaceful atmosphere. Moreover, the walk between Shillong to Dawki via narrow mountain roads and thick forests is also a memorable one.

5. Bridge of Life: The living root bridges of Nongriat village.

The living root bridges of Nongriat village are one of the most iconic and unique attraction in Meghalaya. The Khasi people create these amazing structures by weaving its way along the rivers and streams for decades using the aerial roots of rubber fig trees. Some of these bridges date back over 500 years, and one of the well-known and popular Double Decker Root Bridge is a UNESCO tentative heritage site.

This is a trek of around 3,500 steps down a rainforest path to reach the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, and then up the hill again. That is however well it would be worth the try though. Waterfalls, algae swimming holes and abundant greenery throughout the bridges bridge create atmosphere as if approaching to the fantasy world.

6. Mawphlang Sacred Forest

If you're interested in ancient culture and pristine natural environments, then the Mawphlang Sacred Forest should not be missed. This primeval forest is spread over an area of about 75 ha. and protected by the local Khasi community under a strict tribal law known as "law kyntang" and situated at a distance of some 25 km. from Shillong.

Even a leaf or a stone can not be taken away from this wood. The biodiversity is consequently very rich here. There are guided walks to explore the woodland and during these days the forest expert guides tell interesting stories about the medicinal plants, folktales and sacred heath customs of the Khasi tribesmen.

7. Shillong's Natural Wonder – Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls is three-tiered waterfall, situated just a few kilometersfrom the centre of Shillong, amidst a forest area. The name of the falls comes from an elephantlike rock that was once there. The beauty of the falls is still intact – it was destroyed by an earthquake but what remains of the rock is still marvellous.

The multiple levels produce a wonderful series of pools and foggy sprays for wonderful pictures. Elephant Falls is perfect for those with restricted time but seeking the natural beauty of Meghalaya without the hassle.Close to Shillong and accessible easily, Elephant Falls fits into the short stint of a tourist looking for the natural beauty of Meghalaya without hampering while traveling.

8. Balpakram National Park, home to the Garo Hills.

Balpakram National Park situated in Garo Hills of Meghalaya is a wonderful place to visit for wildlife lovers. I local name, "The Land of Perpetual Winds", explains the fact that this park is located on a plateau at the rim of the deep gorges and hosts the presence of tigers, elephants, gaur, clouded leopards, red pandas and many rare bird species.

The Garo tribe, the main tribal community, has great spiritual significance of the park as they believe the souls of the departed rest in this mysterious land. Besides the wide variety of wildlife, Balpakram provides incredible vistas of the surrounding gorges, forests and waterfalls. Thus, it is hard to consider it as a completion of any trip to South Meghalaya without at least spending a day there.

9. Laitlum Canyons

Khasi translates Laitlum Canyons to "End of Hills", and it is one of the most striking and dramatic sceneries in the entire Meghalaya. The series of ravines and canyons cuts into an average distance of approximately 40 kilometers from Shillong optimal visitations should this be done at the early morning hours with clouds swirling throughout the ravines like a natural smoke show for visitors.

Laitlum offers an amazing panoramic view of the Khasi Hills all the way to the horizon! Besides, there exist scattered small villages of the Khasi, meadows and waterfalls during seasonal change around the area. Laitlum is a place where you can never forget the sight of sunrise and sunsets.

10. Jakrem Hot Springs

Located in a quiet corner among the Garo hills, the Jakrem Hot Springs give a completely different experience in the locality of Meghalaya. The locals believe that these natural sulfurous springs have therapeutic properties and they use them to cure skin diseases and relieves the pain in joints. The warm mineral water gives one a soothing time and relaxation which is particularly felt after a long trek passing through the various trails of Meghalaya.

Surrounded by a forest and rolling hills it's a quiet respite in a respite. Therefore, it's an ideal place for travelers looking to include a leisurely, rejuvenating part to their Meghalaya tourism.

Best Time to Visit Meghalaya

October to April is the ideal time for a tour of the best tourist places in Meghalaya. Weather is decent, skies are clear and travel is comfortable during this time. People who want to see the highest of the waterfalls of Meghalaya and the breathtaking Monsoon scenery should also go between June and September as it'd be equally rewarding, but all the same with rigorous rains.

Conclusion

Meghalaya is a place which offers what each traveller can get out of it. Together, these places make the top destinations in Meghalaya one of the most other-invocable places to visit in India from the soaring height of Shillong and roaring river of Cherrapunji, ancient living root bridge and crystal clear river at Dawki.

While travelling to enjoy your holiday in Meghalaya, look for any legitimate Northeast India travel agency for an organized travelling experience, take Paradise Yatra as your trip companion. When you rely on expert knowledge, well-organized routes, and smooth coordination, every aspect of your trip to Meghalaya is enjoyable, unforgettable, and hassle-free during Paradise Yatra. Have Paradise Yatra as your guide to the best touristic places of Meghalaya in the best manner.