mawsynram-meghalaya

Things to do in Meghalaya

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

The most popular things to do in Meghalaya are list below:

Agriculture

The state’s primary economic sector is agriculture. About 80% of the people in Meghalaya depend wholly on agriculture for their livelihood, making it a largely agricultural dependent state. Rice, millet, corn (maize), potatoes, pepper, chilies, cotton, ginger, jute, betel nuts, fruits (such as oranges and mangoes), and vegetables are the principal crops farmed in Meghalaya. The soil has been degraded by jhum (shifting agriculture), a prevalent practise of communal land ownership. Visitors can also participate in agriculture, learn about the methods used to plant the crops, and become familiar with the many crops that are grown here.

Nohkalikai Falls

This is a fascinating fall of Meghalaya, located 5 km from Cherrapunji, allows you to make your vacation a one to remember. One of the best things to do in Meghalaya is to visit Nohkalikai Falls to take in the surrounding splendour. With its height of 1115 feet, this attraction offers a picturesque scenery of the surrounding that you just cannot miss.
Here, you can have a picnic with your loved ones. With its tree root bridges and abundance of flora, this lovely waterfall is twice as much fun. It is one of India’s tallest waterfalls and gets a lot of rain. And one of Meghalaya’s top locations to visit.

Trek To Bewildering Living Root Bridges

These root bridges in Meghalaya are one of the world’s most breathtakingly beautiful and enigmatic wonders. Your breath will be taken away by the trip to this impressive double decker root bridge, also referred to as the living root bridge in Cherrapunji. One of the various activities in Cherrapunji is trekking. You will be in awe of this natural marvel, which is one of the most popular exotic natural destinations among tourists. Trekking through the tangled, verdant jungles on the route to the amazing location is as thrilling.

Umiam Lake

This lake is yet another stunning location in Meghalaya that has evolved into the state’s playground. There are magnificent houseboats in the lake, peaceful surroundings, joyful bird sounds, a cool breeze, and all of these things. Without a doubt, this is among the nicest picnic spots in Meghalaya. You can enjoy your holiday by enjoying such scenic beauty at this place. 
From boating to camping, this scenic beauty around makes your tour worth remebering.  In this place you can enjoy thrilling-packed activities like zip-lining, joomering, rock climbing, rappelling, and many more. You can witness the trees that lived the history and lush green spectacular beauty.

Cave of Mawsmai

Meghalaya’s Mawsmai Cave is one of the top tourist destinations close to Shillong and is highly liked, visited and enjpyed by the visitors. These amazing caves provide for an exciting journey in Meghalaya. The caves are dark, deep and quite tight. The caves are extremely tough to navigate because there is only one entry point and one exit point amid a hostile landscape. Tourists frequently find this titillating encounter a little frightening, yet they nonetheless participate because of the intense sensation it provides. Tourists go to this adventure because of the impressive, exquisite stalagmite and stalactite formations in the cave, the shocking sensation, and the adrenaline rush it provides. One of the greatest December activities in Meghalaya is this.

Sacred Forest of Mawphlang

Mawphlang Sacred Forest, a tropical rainforest tucked away in Meghalaya’s Nongrum district, is home to a diverse array of plants and animals. These t all trees, which are believed to be a 1000 years old, covers this area. This forest’s attractive vegetation portrays the magnificence of Meghalaya’s natural beauty. The woodland is revered by the locals since it also has mythological significance to them. Unquestionably, the forest is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Meghalaya and provides a breathtaking sight for nature enthusiast.

Mawsynram

Mawsynram is the rainiest region among all the tourist destinations in Meghalaya. This community, which is surrounded by hills covered in beautiful greenery, receives enormous amounts of rainfall every year. The community is surrounded by gorgeous scenery, low-flying clouds, foggy conditions, and cool waterfalls. Mawsynram is one of the most remarkable tourist destinations in Meghalaya due to its average annual rainfall of about 11,872 millimetres.

Cherrapunji

As the most annual rainfall is predicted, Cherrapunji is one of the wettest places on earth. The Dain-Thlen, Kynrem, and Nohkalikai waterfalls, which are referred to be the well-known waterfalls of Cherrapunji, draw visitors from all over the world. The town is home to some of Meghalaya’s best waterfalls.

Jowai

Jowai, another beautiful and known tourist destination in Meghalaya, is situated in the Garo Hills. The region is renowned for its unique blend of heritage and culture. Discover the local way of life and culture of town residents. Its lakes are what make this town one of Meghalaya’s most breathtaking tourist destinations. Spend some time at Thadlaskein Lake admiring the peaceful surroundings.

Elephant Falls

This mesmerising and stunning waterfall, which is close to Shillong Peak, lets you admire the beauty of nature. This is a lovely place to spend some time and photograph the breathtaking scenery. This waterfall has entrancing natural beauty and appears to be the size of a large elephant. You can take a cool break in the lush forest there, where you’ll be treated to a beautiful scene that you’ll treasure forever.
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.

National Park of Balpakram

Rethink what it means to have fun and enjoy yourself in Balpakram National Park’s wilderness. For lovers of wildlife, this park in Meghalaya is among the best places to visit. Witnessing the amazing biodiversity will heighten the excitement of the trip and make the experience of your trip even better. This park offers you a fantastic opportunity to see the best animals and is spread out over a sizable 352 sq km area. Numerous animal species, including the Tiger, Deer, Leopard, Wild Cow, Marbled Cat, Red Panda, Wild Buffalo, Elephant, and many others, can be seen. 

Cave Siju

One of the first naturally lit cave in the nation is at Siju. One of the states of Meghalaya’s breathtaking natural wonders are these century-old lime formations. Due to the abundance of flying bats inside, these are often referred to as “bat caves.” These magnificent caves are unparalleled in their originality, according to tourists and archaeologists. a great location for travellers to discover Siju Cave’s amazing mysteries.

Ward’s Lake

Definitely ward’s lake is the paradise in Meghalaya.  The finest thing about its captivating natural beauty is that weekends may be spent here. You must definitely visit Ward’s lake if you’re travelling with your significant other to go on your honeymoon or to mark your anniversary. You may get to a number of cafeterias and get refreshments and drinks by walking. A lovely garden with flowerbeds and cobblestone walkways surrounds the lake. Additionally, there is a breathtakingly beautiful fountain, allowing you to take in the area’s supreme natural beauty while strolling.

Laitlum Canyon hiking

The Meghalayan hills’ Laitlum Canyon makes for an amazing trekking route. Probably one of the best journeys for trekking in the entire north east is this one. Despite being small, this journey isn’t among the easiest because of the challenging terrain and surroundings. The hike is filled with breathtakingly beautiful vistas, but the ones from the peak are particularly stunning and immensely satisfying. Tourists adore this adventure because the walk only takes 4 to 5 hours to complete. This wonderful walk offers breath-taking views of the sundown and daybreak.

Go golfing at Gleneagles

One of the highest, biggest, oldest, and cutest natural golf courses in the world is the Shillong Golf Course. This gorgeous golf course is located in a picturesque valley and is encircled by oak and tall pine trees. Because of its breathtaking celestial beauty and lush green surroundings, this gorgeous, extraterrestrial golf course is often known as the “Gleneagles of the East.”

Mawphanlur village

Mawphanlur village in Meghalaya is an absolutely lovable community filled with heavenly natural beauty and extremely kind locals. Before arriving in the traveler’s nest, you must first reach Mawphlang, where you will tour the sacred groves. To appreciate the breathtaking surroundings, you will enjoy wandering through Lum Symper, Mawten, Lum Kyllang, Lum Nohkrek, Rambrai, and Mawdoh.
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.

Kyllang Rock

The spectacular Kyllang Stone, a gigantic red stone rock located in Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills, is around 78 kilometres from Shillong. The Rock is a massive square of granite stone that is 5400 feet above sea level and has a width of almost 1000 feet. It is a piece of Khasi folklore and has a magnificent shape.
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.

Double Decker living Root bridge

It is one of the liked and known tourist spot in North East India. A double-decker live root bridge formed of the roots of an Indian rubber tree is noteworthy for being located at Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. The bridge spans a distance of 3 kilometres and rises 2400 feet. The Umshiang river flowing beneath the bridge while you are crossing it makes for the most beautiful scene. Only 50 people can cross it at once, despite the fact that it is the oldest natural bridge and dates back almost 200 years. You must visit this bridge if you have a sense of adventure. Additionally, enter the Tyrna village if you enjoy the true flavour of excitement. You will reach the Double Decker Living Root Bridge once you have crossed the river. It is a walk that requires 3,000 steps, which is difficult to complete in a single day. To get there quickly, however, you can cross the river.

Shop in Shillong’s Bara Bazaar

The wonderful vibrant markets of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, also help to explain why it is sometimes referred to as the “Scotland of the east.” The bara bazaar in Shillong is one such market. The market, which is surrounded by hills and pine trees, is rich with Meghalaya textile artwork, local artwork, handicrafts, and souvenirs that you may purchase. No other venue will satisfy you as much as this lively market.

Emangre

The settlement of Emangre is located in the South Garo Hills. One of the 172 settlements in the Baghmara Block is this one. The majority of locals are illiterate. Within the traditional tribal grounds of the Garo communities, the Rewak-Emangre Corridor is situated in the southern Garo Hills. 60% of the 1,800 Asian elephants that inhabit the highland areas of Meghalaya live in these hills. Agriculture is the main industry in the area. Jhumming, or traditional slash-and-burn farming, is practised here. In these formerly heavily wooded areas, the productivity of the jhummed fields has declined over time, and other problems like soil erosion and water scarcity have emerged.

Baghmara

The Baghmara Reserve Forest, which is only 4 km from the town of Baghmara and is home to elephants, birds, and langurs, should be visited by everyone who enjoys nature. The Siju Caverns, the third-longest underground system in the Indian subcontinent, offer limitless chambers and labyrinths for those who enjoy them.
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.

Laitkor Peak, Shillong View Point

Shillong Viewpoint should be on every traveler’s list.  Shillong View Point offers you the nicest views of Shillong city, as you may already be aware if you’ve been to Meghalaya before. This location provides visitors with a panoramic view of the city. Bhutan and Bangladesh are the closest neighbours. Travelers, if you’re travelling to Meghalaya to photograph its natural beauty, please come to this location.

Museum of Don Bosco

In addition to housing objects related to the local culture, the Don Bosco Museum in Meghalaya also hosts exhibits. A research, publication, newsletter, and calendar of cultural events are all produced by this institution. Various cultures are discussed in the museum together with the local aristocracy.
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.

The Mawlynnong Village

In addition to promoting eco-tourism, the village of Mawlynnong is referred to be the “cleanest village in Asia,” setting the bar for other Indian towns and cities. There are numerous benefits to visiting this village and taking in its greeneries adventures because it is also known as God’s Own Garden and has a 100% literacy rate. Make sure you visit soon and get to know the people there by talking to them or checking out their tribal way of life. To refresh yourself, you could also decide to visit Meghalaya’s greatest valleys and experience its untamed landscape. Along with providing you with the best views of Meghalaya’s ethereal beauty, the state of Meghalaya is home to several incredible resorts that will ensure your comfort during your visit.

River Dawki

Meghalaya takes pride in having some of the cleanest water bodies in the world, with the Dawki River being just one example. It is also home to the cleanest village in all of Asia. One of the best things to do in Meghalaya is to row across one of the cleanest rivers in India, where you can see the bottom as you do so via the water’s perfect clarity. Your mind and soul will be captured by the emerald-green waves.

Snake Stone

The snake stone, located in Mahendraganj near the international border, is a truly extraordinary stone formation since it is an elongated reproduction of a snake that archaeologists unearthed in the village of Kawegre. The stone has a 20-foot snake-like shape. When building a road into their hamlet, the Kawegre inhabitants unintentionally dug on this snake stone. Stone idols and earthen pots were also found there by the people during the excavation. Nothing substantial regarding the history of this location can be said until it has been thoroughly excavated.
Since this archaeological site in the South West Garo Hills is thought to have been a significant religious centre expelled from the powerful Brahmaputra in the fourth century AD, history has been completely rewritten. Only a small number of pilgrims, tourists, and students visit this location because it hasn’t been effectively promoted. It demands immediate awareness, acclaim, publicity, and investigation.

Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Meghalaya is known for its unique cuisine, which may be broadly categorised under the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia types of cooking. Meghalaya is known for its outstanding regional cuisine, which includes rice, stewed vegetables, curries, bamboo shoots, and meat. Meghalaya is known for its many delectable foods, some of which include Jadoh, Doh-Khlieh, Nakham Bitchi, Doh-Neiiong, Tungrymbai, Pudoh, and others.

Chikong Naka

It is 120 kilometres away from Williamnagar. In the centre of the Ildek River in Badaka village, there is a large rock with large hollows. The East Garo Hills’ most priceless rock is that one. It is a common folktale that this large rock is home to an abundance of fish, and that if somebody unintentionally touches the large rock that contains the fish, all of the fish in the river will vanish. People enjoy having picnics there and swimming in the lake. People can step from one boulder to the next because the area is completely filled with them. The locals come here to have fun and play around.

Bike riding in Sohliya Village

One of the best things to do in Meghalaya is to engage in the thrilling activity of mountain biking, which will also provide you the opportunity to see the breath-taking scenery of the Sohliya town. Enjoy yourself in the serenity of this small community, ride through the forested pathways, country trails, and lush green excursions, and discover more about the Khasi tribe as you savour a mouth-watering traditional meal amidst the surreal splendour of this sleepy town.

Krang Suri Waterfalls

One of the most stunning and mysterious waterfalls that one may see in their lifetime. It takes some time to travel there from Shillong because it is in the Jaintia hills. Krang Suri boasts a rare blend of sunlight and captivating blue waters. It is definitely a wonderful pool in nature’s splendour. Krang Suri, a quirky location hidden in the Jaintia Hills’ mountains, is well-known for its unusually beautiful landscapes. The naturally coloured stones present in the area were used to create the cobbled walk that leads to the waterfalls.
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.

Biosphere of Nokrek

On the Tura Range, in the northeast of India, is where you’ll find the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve. With a height of 1,412 metres, Nokrek is the Garo hills’ highest mountain. While the south of the reserve is characterised by steep slopes, the north contains sloping hills. Major rivers and streams that make up a year-round catchment system are found within the biosphere reserve. Rivers like the Ganol, Dareng, and Simsang are part of it. The Simsang is the longest and largest of them and originates in the Biosphere Reserve’s northern region.
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.

Frequently Asked Questions on Things to do in Meghalaya

1. How do you get to Meghalaya?

Guwahati offers access into Meghalaya, just like it does for the other northeastern states. The most significant and capital city of Meghalaya is Shillong. Most likely, your trip to Meghalaya will begin in Shillong.
A domestic airport serving Shillong is serviced by flights from Kolkata, Guwahati, and New Delhi. However, arriving in Guwahati and then continuing on to Shillong would be the ideal method to enter Meghalaya. Guwahati is the nearest railway junction. At Paltan Bazar, just outside the Guwahati Railway Station, you may find shared jeeps and taxis. Additionally, shared taxis and jeeps are available from Khanapara in Guwahati. Additionally, buses may be accessible from the ASTC Bus Stand outside the train station. Regular buses are also accessible from Guwahati’s ISBT, Beltola. From Guwahati to Shillong, there are additional helicopter transportation options. However, we advise you to travel by road. Shillong is only 100 kilometres from Guwahati, and the drive there is picturesque and hilly through a lot of vegetation.

2. Why is Meghalaya a famous place?

Meghalaya, a state in northeastern India, is well-known for its beautiful waterfalls, clear rivers, lush forests, and unspoilt beauty. Moreover, it is noted for its stunning orchid gardens.
Another distinctive feature of Meghalaya that is well-known is that it is located in one of the regions with the greatest biodiversity. The abundance of fruits, vegetables, spices, and flowers makes this place a delight to explore.

3. 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.

4. What time of year is ideal for a trip to Meghalaya?

From November to February is the ideal season to travel to 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. 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.

6. Meghalaya is located where?

India’s northeastern region has the state of Meghalaya. Meghalaya was formed from the Assam state, and its western and southern boundaries are shared with Bangladesh and Assam, respectively.

7. 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.

8. In Meghalaya, what can I purchase?

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.

9. 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.

    Query Form