Meghalaya Travel Guide: Best Stunning Places You Must See
Meghalaya is a beautiful place in North India. People call it the “Adobe of Clouds.” It gets a lot of rain, making it one of the wettest places on Earth. The state has amazing nature. You can find mountains, valleys, hills, and rivers. Famous waterfalls like Nohkalikai and Elephant falls are here. The Umngot river is also famous. Meghalaya is full of different plants and animals. Its people have unique cultures and festivals. It is a great place for nature lovers and those seeking adventure. Visiting Meghalaya offers a memorable time.
1. Shillong – The Scotland of the east
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It has natural beauty, hills, waterfalls, lakes, pleasant climate. It also has a great musical culture and heritage culture, along with it has some famous markets and foods. For its musical culture it earns the title of “Rock Capital of India”. Here are some famous Shillong tourist destinations:
- Shillong Peak: This is the highest point of Shillong (1,965 meters) and it also gives an amazing view of this city and the surrounding hills which making it popular.
- Elephant falls: This is a three-tiered waterfall and it has an elephant-shaped rock in its base, surrounded by lush greenery and refreshing atmosphere.
- Umiam Lake: It is a man-made reservoir, which formed while a dam built in the Umiam river. It is the perfect place for boating and a beautiful picnic spot for tourists.
- Don Bosco Museum: It is famous because the indigenous cultures of the region which attract many cultural enthusiasts.
- Police Bazaar: A bustling market of Shillong for local handicrafts, street foods, clothes.
2. Cherrapunji – Land of Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya
Cherrapunji is also known as Sohra, it is famous for being the wettest place on earth for highest rainfall. It is famous because it has deep valleys, beautiful landscapes, caves, waterfalls and living root bridges making it special tourism destination.
- Nohkalikai Falls: It is India’s tallest plunge waterfall its height is 1,115 feet (340 meters). In this waterfall the water falls from a cliff, eventually it makes a deep greenish pool at the bottom of the fall.
- Mawsmai Cave: A stunning limestone cave well-lit from inside with fascinating formations, which is the perfect place for exploration and photography.
- Krem Cave: It is the longest sandstone cave in the world, known for dinosaur fossils.
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge: A beautiful natural living root bridge of North India, which is very strong because it makes with a special type of rubber tree. These root bridges known as “Tajmahal of Meghalaya”.
3. Dawki: Experience the Crystal Clear Rivers of Meghalaya
Dawki is a small town it knows for the crystal-clear water of rivers, bridges and beautiful scenic views these things attract many tourists. This town closed to the India-Bangladesh borders.
- Umngot River: This river is famous for its crystal-clear water, which attract many tourists and it is perfect for boating. It gives amazing vibes you feel like you are in the air and eventually you can see the clouds in water clearly.
- Dawki Bridge: It is a suspension bridge of North India which is located on the Dawki river and connected the small town of Dawki.
- India-Bangladesh Border: This town closed to the India-Bangladesh borders and known as a border town.
4. Mawlynnong – Asia’s Cleanest Village
Mawlynnong is known for its cleanliness and for that reason it is called as the Asia’s cleanest village. It has many gardens, crops, stone paths, root bridges and a Sky View Tower.
- Sky View Tower: A tower made by bamboos and it offers an amazing view of village, rivers, valleys and offers the view of Bangladesh.
- Eco-friendly System: It maintains eco-friendly environment and also banned smoking and polythene.
5. Mawsynram – India’s Rain Capital
Mawsynram is a place of heavy rainfall, for that reason it calls as “India’s Rain Capital”. This place is popular for their unique cave formations, waterfalls, lakes, peaks, rocks formations. It shows the true beauty of nature and its surroundings.
- Mawjymbuin Caves: These caves are popular for unique rock formations and additionally it has a natural shaped “Shiva Linga”, Symper Rock where everyone can climb to enjoy the scenic views.
- Khreng Khreng Waterfall: It is a spectacular waterfall with beautiful greenery, amazing views, these are attracted visitors to experience these things.
- Mawlyngbna: A village with a beautiful lake, Umkhakoi and it used for kayaking, swimming and additionally it makes some rock formations.
- Jakrem Hot Spring: A naturally made hot springs of North India, moreover It is a relaxing place with amazing scenic views.
6. Laitlum Canyons – Awe-Inspiring Scenic Views of Meghalaya
Laitlum Canyons is heaven for hikers, photographers and mountain lovers, giving amazing views of valleys, hills covered by clouds. In afternoon while the sun sets and it lights are reflected in clouds, makes a gorgeous atmosphere.
- It is the perfect place for photography and hiking and best time to visit in afternoon.
- ‘Laitlum Canyons’ means “end of the world” or “end of the hills”.
7. Jowai – A Blend of Nature and Culture
Jowai is known for its natural beauty, parks, culture and historical significance. It is home of waterfalls, lakes, landscapes, lakes. This place is also known for festivals, Behdeinkhlam festival which is celebrated with full of enthusiasm.
- Krang Suri Waterfalls: A gorgeous waterfall of North India with crystal-clear blue water and surroundings.
- Thadlaskein Lake: A beautiful lake with historical importance and perfect picnic spot.
- Pnar Tribe: This tribe is the heart of Jowai, it’s known as Jaintias, additionally they have unique cultures and traditions.
- Nartiang Monoliths: These are the unique stone mountains which are considered the tallest standing in the world.
8. Tura – The Heart of Garo Hills
Tura is the largest town in the Garo Hills with verse of wildlife, hills, parks, religion’s culture. It also joins Nokrek Hills, which is the highest peak of the district.
- Nokrek National Park: It is a main area of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, controlled by the state forest department. Red Panda and Asian Elephant are the famous animals of this park, also it is the home of various plants.
- Pelga Falls: A beautiful waterfall near Tura, it is known for its peaceful atmosphere.
- Tura Peak: It is the highest peak of Tura. It has a Bungalow, Observatory Post and also cinchona tree garden near this peak.
Final Thoughts
Meghalaya is not only a tourist destination, it is the blend of nature, culture, historical significance and simplicity. This place gives the energy and enthusiasm to refresh yourself and you can breathe the fresh air. It is the perfect spot for tracking, adventure, sight-seeing, boating with family and friends. Meghalaya is the one of the best tourist destinations of North India and also it takes a top spot on every traveller’s tour list. Overall, these best places of Meghalaya shown the hidden gems of this place and its significance.
Moreover, you can read my another blog about “ Best places to visit in Japan“.
