Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful states of Northeast India. This State is one of the 7 sisters of Northeast India. The beauty and charm of this place attracts various tourists every year. If you haven't visited this place till now, just plan a trip to explore here. In Meghalaya there are various things to do such as water activities, sports, tracking, paragliding, boating, walking on long roads and much more.
A place that literally translates to abode of the clouds, serenity here is a given. Breaking the gender stereotypes, Meghalaya has matriarchal society, where women are the decision makers. Its a society, where if a girl child is born, it is followed by the celebrations and if a boy is born, they humbly accepts as a gift of God. Khasi tribes has shown that there is no shame in reversing the role in households, but they also respects both the genders.The weather plays an extremely important role in deciding when to visit your chosen holiday destination. The ideal time to travel can be decided by weighing down all the pros and cons. For Meghalaya, between October and June is the suggested time to pay a visit. Between the months of April and June is when the weather is warm and comfortable and the temperature ranges from 16°C to 31°C, with cherry blossom trees in full bloom.
The meaning justify the state’s name. Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful state of India especially among seven sister states. Visiting and exploring Meghalaya can be a mind blowing idea and it is worthy to execute it. Travelers who have seen the north-east of India know that Meghalaya is like a dreamland with superb locations and tourist spots.
If you are visiting this place or region first time, of course without iota of doubt you should visit Meghalaya. There are many more amazing experiences and tourist attractions waiting for you which no one can explain. It is more about the feeling and being in the real scene. Whatever you heard, read or seen in picture is just a glimpse, it is definitely more then that.
One among the eight sisters of Northeast India, Meghalaya is for sure to amaze you with its sheer natural beauty, countless waterfalls, spotless villages, matriarchal society, and many more. Surrounded by the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills, Meghalaya offers simple and unspoiled beauty to its visitors.
Meghalaya also have quite a lot of natural and artificial lakes. You will regret not visiting Meghalaya during the monsoon as the surroundings get a lot more romantic during the season whilst you let that breezy raindrops shower on you. This rainy state of India is a great place to go on treks, walks, and all kinds of nature fun.
So, if you visit Meghalaya during the monsoon season, you can get everything from booking accommodations, transportation, food at cheap rates. It is because of the lush beauty of the seven sisters that we have coherent reasons on why you should visit Meghalaya during the monsoon season.
If you like greenery, mountains, waterfalls and want to live in peace amidst nature, then Meghalaya is a good option for you. There are many adventurous places to visit here. Meghalaya is a confluence of the beauty of mountains, water, waterfalls, greenery. Apart from this, the culture here also attracts all of you.
This hilly region is famous for its waterfalls and temperate climate conditions. The most preferred time to visit this region is during the monsoon months. This place is perfectly loaded with many things, for instance, ravishing waterfalls, thrilling treks through the forests, and living Root Bridges.
Meghalaya also lets you experience its lush greenery and irresistible charm of the atmosphere which is something you'd never want to miss. The best part about being in Meghalaya during the monsoon season is that you can get everything at an affordable price. The state of Meghalaya records the highest rainfall in India and every bit is filled with rainwater, making Meghalaya a less preferred tourist destination.
To reach Meghalaya you can book flight or train tickets. The nearest airport of Meghalaya is Shillong airport which is approx 18 km from Meghalaya. Guwahati airport is 66.72 km away from Meghalaya.
The nearest railway station of Meghalaya is in Guwahati. Recently in Mendipathar a railway station was inaugurated which connects Shillong railway station and some other nearest railway stations.
Well, just have a look at the top tourist destinations of Meghalaya where you can visit.
1. Umiam lake
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong has attractive places where you can spend some quality time. Umiam lake is one of the popular tourist attractions of Shillong. Man-made reservoir Umiam lake is located 15 KM away from Shillong. Nature lovers must visit here to see the flora and fauna of this beautiful lake. This is the best place for students and children to spend some time in nature.
If you love to explore the flora and fauna then Umiam lake is a great choice. During the trip to Meghalaya, you must visit Umiam lake.
2. Nohkalikai falls
In Meghalaya, Nohkalikai falls has a height of 340 meters. It is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Must visit here to witness Nohkalikai falls and its sightseeing. You can also ask locals about the mythological story of Nohkalikai falls. If you love to enjoy waterfalls and feel the positivity of nature's beauty, do not forget to put Nohkalikai falls in your tour list.
3. Dawki river
Next stop from the cleanest village in Asia is the cleanest river in India. Have you seen the crystal clear water of a river on a social media platform? This is a picture of the Dawki river. This river is one of the cleanest rivers of India. You can explore this beautiful attraction of Meghalaya and take many pictures. These pictures will buzz with likes and comments on your social media posts. So, get ready with your handycam to explore this awesome river.
For a budget trip to Dawki river, Meghalaya you do cheap flight ticket booking online. Via online air ticket booking you will get discounts or other offers on Meghalaya trip.
Dawki near Shillong becomes a heaven of sorts during December-January with pleasant temperatures ranging from 12 degrees and 20 degrees. It is a must to visit place if you don’t want to face harsh and extreme winter conditions and looking only to relax. A crystal clear Umngot river awaits your presence at the Dawki Lake on the border with Bangladesh where you can literally see your shadow beneath the face of the lake.
You can go for boating while exploring the Jaintia Hills. This experience is best served with raindrops. The emerald green water of this river is so crystalline that you can see the river bed at 12 feet deep. You can take a boat ride, swim in the water, fish, eat freshly cooked fish or simply appreciate the beauty of this border town. Near the border of Bangladesh flows the Jadukata River, which has an abundant population of mahseer.
When you're here, you'd just want to sit and look into nature's magnificence — the endless horizon where the blue rivers meet, surrounded by leaves in all shades of green. Dawki's highlight is the Umngot River, which is like a floating mirror. This mountain-fed rivers green water is so transparent you can practically see the riverbed.
From fresh fruit and vegetable stalls to essentials like groceries and clothing stores, Dawki local market has enough variety as that of a shopping mall. Nestled alongside the famous Dawki River, the market is also well known for its eateries and delicacies so don’t miss out on the delicious Meghalayan non-veg curries. The market is open from 8 am to 5 pm.
4. Elephant falls
Elephant waterfalls has three falls. The name of this falls has been taken due to its stone at the foot side looks like an elephant. This beautiful waterfall is one of the best tourist places of Meghalaya. If you are a photography lover, this place will offer you awesome sightseeing and landscapes to take pictures. Monsoon is the perfect time to explore this beautiful waterfall.
5. Don Bosco Museum
The historical Don Bosco museum of Meghalaya is situated in Shillong. This museum has lots of attractive things which you must see. By visiting this museum you can explore the lifestyle of northeast India. You can have a glimpse of tribal culture and tradition in this Museum.
6. Jaintia hills
In the southern part of Meghalaya, Jaintia hills attracts tourists every year. The breathtaking views of this hill will make you feel like staying there forever. Awesome views, beautiful nature and pleasant climate will make your trip to Jaintia hills memorable forever. Winters are the perfect time to explore this awesome hill.
7. Mawlynnong
In Shillong apart from the local scenic beauty you can spend a day at Mawlynmong located in the East Khasi Hills. It is one of the asia’s cleanest village and the view of the Bangladesh plains is just breathtaking. A small village that won the status by Discover India of being the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong is a complete paradise on the earth.
Located in the East Khasi Hills and around 100km from Shillong, this place is home to some of the most amazing Living Root Bridges that you can ever come across. You can even enjoy breathtaking views from the bamboo-made Sky Viewpoint from where you can have a bird’s eye view of Bangladesh and India. The Mawlynnong waterfall is another amazing place to unwind with your family and loved ones. Also, you also explore the Living Root Bridge which is a man-made bridge and is one of its kind.
Explore Asia's cleanest village, the Mawlynnong village where rainfall is a plus point. It is a sustainable village with an appropriate waste management system. After spending some great time at Mawlynnong you can head out to Cherrrapunji next day which is just 54 kms from Shillong. And when in Cherrapunji you cannot miss the Double Decker Bridge which is another man-made bridge. Tucked in the khasi hills, there are waterfalls, caves with hidden lakes inside and most importantly the trek to the living root bridges. Created out of the roots of the trees, the bridges are truly a wonder. This is one of a kind as the bridge is made of thick roots on the trees forming a bridge.
One the way to Dawki from Cherrapunjee lies this quaint and quiet village that is known for being the cleanest village in Asia. As expected Mawlynnong village is spotless and well-maintained having bamboo dustbins at every nook and corner to ensure cleanliness. With greenery all around, blooming orchids, and root bridges spread across, this village is unlike any other place you’ll ever see.
Backpack through whole of Meghalaya and you’ll never regret it.
8. Laitlum Canyon
25 km from Shillong is this picturesque place called the Laitlum Canyon. The hike to the top of the hill is between moderate and difficult, but it is well worth the effort, as you will be rewarded with views of the valley below you. You can also go by bicycle or taxi to the top of the hill. There is a staircase of 3,000 steps leading to a village called Raslong. On your way, you will find bamboo plantations and colorful orchids.
9. Mawphlang Sacred Grove
Perched on the eastern hills of Khasi, near the village of Mawphlang and surrounded by fields, is one of the most important tourist sites of Meghalaya, the Sacred Forest of Mawphlang. There are many sacred forests in these hills and the Jaintia hills of the state, but this is the best known.
There are many medicinal plants, including those that can apparently cure cancer and tuberculosis, and Rudraksh trees. According to local tribal beliefs, a deity known as labasa inhabits the forest. The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council has created a Khasi Heritage Village in front of the Mawphlang Sacred Forest. The culture and heritage of the tribe are also exhibited during the two days of the Monolith Festival held there.
It may seem unremarkable, and even somewhat disappointing, for the uninitiated. However, a local Khasi guide will reveal its mystery. Drink pure rice beer in the jungles of Meghalaya, You will never again stand the taste of preservative rich beer, vodka, and whiskeys.
10. Mawphlang David Scott Trail
The David-Scott trail, one of the most popular trekking routes in Meghalaya, is located behind the forest. David Scott trail is a simple trek of 20 km, lasting 6 hours, which takes us through spectacular landscapes. This walk is simple but suggested for adults. This is because at some point you will have to cross a stream in water up to your waist.
In this post we have shared the top tourist places to visit in Meghalaya. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful state of Northeast India, book a flight ticket for Guwahati or Shillong airport. Then you can take a cab or taxi to reach Meghalaya. You can find affordable tickets if you book tickets in advance.