Things to Do in Meghalaya
Meghalaya a state in India is situated in the North-eastern part of the country. Bangladesh shares borders with it on the south and southwest, and the Indian state of Assam shares borders with it on the north and northeast. The hill town of Shillong, which is situated in east-central Meghalaya, is known as the state capital. The whole state Meghalaya is covered in beautiful forests, and there are a number of pines, sal, and bamboo trees found here, some other species which can be found here include magnolia, oak, birch, and beech. The state is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, wild pigs, gaurs (wild bison), mithan (or gayals, the domesticated variant of the gaur), wolves, anteaters, monkeys, and apes, as well as squirrels, snakes, hares, and sambar deer. Peacocks, partridges, pigeons, hornbills, jungle fowls, mynas, and parrots are some of the birds found in Meghalaya.
The majority of people that live in Meghalaya are Tibeto-Burman (Garos) or Mon-Khmer (Khasis) natives, and these people speak languages and dialects that are related to them. The only speakers of the Mon-Khmer language in India are the Khasis. Other languages spoken in the state include Pnar-Synteng, Nepali, and Haijong, as well as the plains languages of Bengali, Assamese, and Hindi. Khasi and Garo are the state’s official languages, along with Jaintia and English. There are three main religions that are practised here and they are Christianity, Hinduism, and Hinduism in its animistic manifestations. A tiny proportion of people also identify as Muslims, while even smaller groups do so as Buddhists and Sikhs. There aren’t many towns in the state, and most of the population lives in rural areas. Shillong is the major town; the other urban areas are Tura, Mawlai, Nongthymmai, and Jowai, listed in decreasing order of population.
Things to Do in Meghalaya
1. Visit Nohkalikai Falls
2. Trek To Bewildering Living Root Bridge
3. Witness the charm of Umiam Lake
4. Explore Mawphlang Sacred Forest
5. Visit Mawsynram
6. Discover the Rainy Paradise of Cherrapunji
7. Take Jowai Tour
8. Delve into Agriculture
9. Venture into the Mawsmai Cave
10. Witness the Elephant Falls
You may enjoy a quick hike to the top of this three-step waterfall. One of the best things to do in Meghalaya is to enjoy short treks and photography. Every step you take on your journey gives you something special. The first fall is wide and hidden by forests, while the second fall provides you with some picturesque surroundings. However, the third one is the tallest and most well-known one, allowing you to see all the splendour with your own eyes.
The local Khasi people referred to the magnificent Elephant Falls as “Ka Kshaid Lai Patang Khohsiew,” which means “The Three Step Waterfalls,” since they are composed of three magnificent falls that proceed one after the other. The first of the three waterfalls are wide and concealed by tall trees. Due to the decreasing water levels, the succeeding fall diminishes to thin strands of water and is essentially negligible in the winter. The third waterfall is the tallest and most easily seen with the unaided eye. In the background, clean water can be seen gushing like a sheet of milk and slamming against rocks. One of the most popular sites to visit close to Shillong is this waterfall because of its spectacular surroundings and picturesque vistas.
11. Journey through Balpakram National Park
12. Explore Siju Cave
13. Stroll Around Ward’s Lake
14. Hiking at Laitlum Canyons
15. Swing into Nature at Shillong Golf Course
16. Tour the Mawphanlur village
One of the best places to relax while surrounded by beautiful surroundings, a clear sky, and the sweet residents of the town. You may participate in the community market, enjoy an amazing hot cup of tea, buy for local artwork and crafts, play with children, and soak up some sun in this environment, which is bursting with beautiful colours. This location also provides some amazing adventure sports. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in Meghalaya because there is so much to do there.
17. Witness the Kyllang Rock
A trek to Kyllang Rock’s highest point gives you the chance to take in the breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Kyllang Rock is allegedly surrounded by ancient Red Rhododendrons and has an unusually lovely field. The southern half of the gigantic dome is closed off, but the northern side is covered in rhododendrons and other vegetation.
18. Walk through the Double Decker Living Root Bridge
19. Shop at Bara Bazar
20. Explore Emangre
21. Witness Views at Shillong Peak
22. Explore Baghmara
The “Princess Di’s Chamber,” a gorgeous arrangement of limestone rocks inside the caverns, is particularly amazing. As if this weren’t enough, the Siju Bird Sanctuary offers to keep aficionados of avian life enthralled with the rarest species that migrate here during the winter.
23. Wander through the Don Bosco Museum
Take a day out and take in the contests hosted here for musicians, authors, and lyricists if you wish to learn about the native culture of North East India. A seven-story building, the museum is situated in Mawlai. Additionally, Shillong, Meghalaya, is proud of the building’s design. To raise public understanding of the North East Indian region’s distinctive culture, the museum was founded.
One significant cultural hub, not only in Meghalaya but in the entire north east, is the ancient Don Bosco Museum. This hexagonal-shaped museum is one of the greatest in the region’s north east. The seven floors of the museum correspond to the seven north-eastern states. You can get a peek of the seven north-eastern Indian states’ rich culture, history, art, and heritage at this museum. The museum is home to a wonderful collection of artwork, sculptures, and artefacts. The museum also has a meeting room, a media room, and a sizable cultural library. This is the ideal location to learn about the seven northern sister states.
24. Step into Asia’s Cleanest Mawlynnong Village
25. Glide on the Dawki River
26. See the Snake Stone
27. Enjoy the Local Cuisine
28. Explore Chikong Naka
29. Bike Riding at Sohliya Village
30. Wander the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
The Brahamputra River, which provides water to several communities, receives the Ganol as it travels west from the southern hills where the Dareng originates. The highest peak in the West Garo Hills, Nokrek, is home to an abundance of unusual plants and wildlife. A highly rare kind of citrus known as Memang Narang can be found on Nokrek Hill. Its literal meaning is “orange of the spirits.” The Memang Narang is regarded as the earliest and source of all other citrus plant species in existence. The first gene sanctuary in the world has been established here in an effort to protect this endangered variety of citrus indica.
The park is around 47 sq km in size and is recognised as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The park is home to a variety of animals, including herds of wild elephants, as well as rare orchids, pythons, pangolins, hornbills, and leopards. This is where the remaining few red pandas reside. Here, it’s also possible to see bird species including hornbills, peacocks, and pheasants. The Simsang River Game Reserve, the Ronbang Dare Waterfalls, and the Nokrek Peak are further notable attractions.
31. Experience the Enthralling Krang Suri Falls
The Jaintia Hills’ lush greenery is traversed by the trail. The Krang Suri Waterfalls are among the best locations for filming because they have appeared in numerous Bollywood films. This is just additional justification for visitors to check out the waterfalls. The ideal way to enjoy the Krang Suri waterfalls is to sit on the rocks behind the falls and take in the sight of the cascading water in front of you. For a restorative bath, one can also plunge into the chilly water. Before leaping, one must be informed of the areas that are off-limits to swimming.
Frequently Asked Questions on Things to do in Meghalaya
Meghalaya offers its visitors the most amazing experience. There are a lot of unique things to do in Meghalaya which includes the following:
➤Explore the living root bridges of Cherrapunji & Mawlynnong
➤Engage in boating on the crystal-clear Dawki River
➤Trek to Nongriat village & Double Decker Living Root Bridge
➤Visit mesmerising waterfalls like Nohkalikai Falls, Elephant Falls & Seven Sisters Falls
➤Try caving adventure at Mawsmai and Siju Caves
➤Discover culture at Mawphlang Sacred Forest & Khasi villages
2. What are the adventurous things to do in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya has many fun and exciting activities for adventure lovers. Some of the top activities are listed below:
➤Trekking
➤Camping
➤Boating
➤Scuba Diving
➤Zip Lining
➤River Canyoning
➤Snorkeling
3. How many days are required for a trip to Meghalaya?
A journey to Meghalaya should last 5 days if you want to see all of the state’s top sights. Shillong can be visited for two days, Cherrapunji for one, Mawlynnong (Asia’s cleanest village), and Dawki for another. If you plan well, you can cut your journey to Meghalaya down to 3 to 4 days, but it will be rushed.
4. What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?
From November to February is considered to be the ideal season and the best time to visit Meghalaya. These are the months with the most pleasant weather because there are neither harsh winters nor a lot of rain. You will be able to fully take part in all the events and experiences.
5. How can one plan a budget-friendly trip to Meghalaya?
Meghalaya is a land of waterfalls, valleys, spanning flora and rich cultural heritage. In order to explore major Meghalaya tourist attractions, atleast 5-6 days are required or you can shorten your trip to 3-4 days. Explore our budget-friendly packages like Meghalaya tour with Mawphlang, 5 Days Meghalaya Offbeat Tour, Thrilling 3 Days Meghalaya Trip, and many more.
6. What are the offbeat or hidden places to visit in Meghalaya?
There are a number of less-visited spots in and around the outskirts of Meghalaya, which includes:
➤Tyrshi Falls
➤Butterfly Museum
➤Syntung
➤Phe Phe Falls
➤Wahkaba Falls
➤Spread Eagle Falls
➤Arwah Cave, Sohra
➤Rynji Falls
7. What are the top 5 places to visit in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya is an abode for various amazing places. Yet some of top places of interest in Meghalaya are:
➤Cherrapunji (Sohra)
➤Shillong
➤Dawki
➤Mawlynnong
➤Mawphlang Sacred Forest
8. Are there any options for Zip-lining in Meghalaya?
Zip-lining is an amazing adventure available in the following places in Meghalaya:
➤Shnongpdeng located at a distance of approximate 8 km from Dawki
➤Mawkdok Dympep valley in Cherrapunjee
9. What is Meghalaya’s most well-known dish?
Meghalaya is known for its rice, fish, and meat dishes. Ki Kpu, Jadoh, Bamboo Shoots, Tung rymbai, Doh khlieh, Nakham Bitchi, Pumaloi, and Momo are a few of the widely consumed local dishes.
The Meghalayan Khasi people love the meal called “Jadoh.” Red rice is used to make jadoh, which is also cooked with a lot of pork. It is occasionally also prepared with chicken or fish.
10. What can one purchase in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya is well known for its bamboo handicrafts. Shillong offers a multitude of shops where you will find artisan things. Shawls and stoles can also be purchased. Meghalaya produces a wide range of organic goods that you may purchase, including tea, honey, and spices.
11. What are the best things to do in Meghalaya for couples?
There are various unique things to do in Meghalaya that makes it one of the most enchanting tourist attractions for couples in Northeast India.
➤Take a romantic boat ride on the crystal-clear Dawki River
➤Enjoy sunset views at Umiam Lake in Shillong
➤Enjoy delicious food of Meghalaya in some amazing cafe's.
➤Walk hand-in-hand across the living root bridges of Cherrapunji
➤Explore the serene beauty of Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong
➤Spend leisure moments at some enchanting waterfalls like Nohkalikai Falls and Elephant Falls
➤Explore local markets of Meghalaya together.
12. Which are famous places for wildlife safari in Meghalaya?
One of the most amazing adventure to experience in Meghalaya is wildlife safari. Some famous spots for the same includes:
➤Balpakram National Park
➤Kaziranga National Park
➤Baghmara Reserve Forest
➤Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
13. Is it safe to visit Meghalaya?
It is one of the questions widely asked by people of the country as well as people visiting from other countries. In India, it is undoubtedly among the safest locations to travel. The people of Meghalaya are incredibly kind and readily offer any aid that is needed. Travelers who identify as women might also unwind about their security.
14. How can one reach Meghalaya?
Guwahati serves as the main entry point into Meghalaya, as it does for other northeastern states. Shillong, the state’s capital, is where most trips to Meghalaya begin. Shillong has a domestic airport with flights from Kolkata, Guwahati, and New Delhi, but the best way to reach is via Guwahati.
Guwahati is the nearest railway junction. From Paltan Bazar near the railway station, you can find shared jeeps and taxis. Buses are also available from the ASTC Bus Stand near the station and the ISBT at Beltola. Road travel is recommended from Guwahati to Shillong. Shillong is about 100 km from Guwahati, with a scenic, hilly drive through lush greenery.
15. Is Meghalaya worth visiting?
Northeastern India’s Meghalaya is a picturesque rural hilly state that has long been undiscovered by tourists. This place of clouds is a living paradise with incomparable natural beauty and breathtaking tourist attractions. Meghalaya is a delightful state that is home to ravishing hills with glistening lakes, thunderous valleys, baffling caverns, and unmatched waterfalls. Meghalaya is undoubtedly worth a trip, whether you want to kayak on the cleanest river in India or explore the cleanest village in Asia.