A Drive through Meghalaya
The land of swirling clouds
Meghalaya is one of the most bio-diverse places in the world. The unforgettable scenery of Meghalaya tourist places will stir your heart long after your vacation in this magical land. Known as the "Abode of Clouds," Meghalaya is worth visiting for several reasons. It is home to some of the most fascinating waterfalls, mysterious caves, amazing wildlife, along with diverse flora and unique tribal cultures.
On this tour, apart from places to visit in Shillong—often called the "Scotland of the East"—you’ll visit Cherrapunji, which until recently was the wettest place in the world. The tour also includes a visit to Dawki, a beautiful town at the Indo-Bangladesh border, Jowai, home to the longest natural cave in India, Laitlum Canyons, and Mawlynnong—acclaimed as Asia’s cleanest village!
Explore Meghalaya packages to plan your next adventure!
Places You Shall Visit
Shillong
The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong has always been a place with a cosmopolitan flavour which reflects in its culture and life. Nestled at an altitude of about 5000 feet above sea level between Garo and Khasi hills, Shillong is a charming all-season hill station. Due to its pleasant weather round the year and the natural beauty this city is blessed with, it has rightly earned the honour of being nicknamed as the ‘Scotland of the East’. Shillong is an amazing amalgamation of vibrant life characterised by nightlife, music and cafes alongside a way of life that follows its traditions and cultural practices.
What's in store for you here?
Experience its unique culture, salubrious weather and visit some of its landmarks such as Shillong Peak which offers a captivating view of Shillong city, Elephant Falls , Don Bosco Centre of Indigenous Culture and spice-up your evenings at one of the popular hangouts!
Dawki
Your trip to Meghalaya would remain incomplete without a visit to to Dawki, a small town along the Indo-Bangladesh border where you will witness a blend of cultures and changing topography as the hills merge into the plains of Northern Bangladesh. The evening scenery here, on a clear day is stunning to say the least, as you get to watch the lights glow above the neighbouring plains over the gentle, dark river.
What's in store for you here?
The scenic beauty of this quaint town and a memorable boat ride on Dawki Lake which is considered as one of the cleanest lakes in the world. This lake is so clear and pristine that even rocks, pebbles and fish swimming in it can be seen clearly. The boats look as if they are floating on a crystal clear glass surface!
Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji, formerly known as ‘sohra’ or ‘churra’ – Land of oranges is, nestled by the sharp cliffs and mountain terrain of East Khasi Hills. The journey to Cherrapunji will make you want to keep on driving because words aren’t enough to describe the beautiful scenery you’ll witness.
It was once “The Wettest Place on Earth” but the crown is now usurped by Mawsynram which is also located in Meghalaya. The cascades of waterfalls, the low lying plains and landscape similar to the Grand Canyon makes this place even more beautiful and worth visiting.
What's in store for you here?
Visit to the Nohsngithiang Falls (also known as the Seven Sisters Waterfalls or Mawsmai Falls), lazy walks in the countryside and a short trek to the famous Double Decker Root Bridges which are a unique mix of human innovation and natural wonder. These bridges have been created by the locals by tying up living trees over decades. These root bridges are so strong that some of them can carry 50 or more people at a time!
Jowai
Jowai is an exquisitely beautiful place located in the Jaintia Hills, considered as the heart of Meghalaya. The place is a humble fusion of heritage and vibrant culture that reflects in the lifestyle of the locals. It is home to the Pnar tribes, which are famous for preserving their unique customs and traditions.
What's in store for you here?
Visit to Krem Liat Prah, the longest natural cave in the whole of South Asia. You shall also get to see the famous monoliths of Jowai. These monoliths are upright structures carved from one single stone that serve as a monument or pillar. The Nartiang Monoliths near Jowai are believed to be the tallest in the world!
Mawlynnong
Tagged as one of the “Cleanest Villages in Asia” this charming hamlet is also known as “God’s own Garden” . Managed completely by the villagers, the cleanliness and beauty of the village makes you feel like you are walking through a picture postcard!
The scenic village has a remarkable sky view in the forest which is built on the tallest bamboo tree and offers a bird’s eye view of Bangladesh.
What's in store for you here?
A walk through this hamlet surrounded by lush greenery and fruit orchards and a visit to more than a century old, The Church of the Epiphany, a beautiful piece of European architecture tucked in the middle of this lush and verdant tropical paradise. You can test your fear of heights and climb up the tree houses close to the church which would give you a glimpse of seemingly endless plains of Bangladesh that lay just beyond and do a sky-walk which is 85 feet high!
Trivia
- •It is the only state in India that follows the matrilineal system that means the lineage and inheritance of families is traced through women.
- •The living root bridges were made 500 years ago, and still can carry 40 people at one time. It is said, it gets stronger as it grows old.
- •Mawsynram, holding the highest rainfall record makes Meghalaya the state with the highest rainfall.
- •The soundproofing system at Mawsynram and Cherrapunji is surprising and unique as the folks use grass to beat the sound of heavy rain falling on their huts.
- •Krem Liat, located in Jaintia hills of this state is the longest natural cave of India.
- •A mysterious insect found in one of the districts of Meghalaya stays underground for 4 years and come up only a month before the soccer world cup!
- •The X-mas frog which is 1/3rd of the size of your thumb is found in Shillong and they were discovered on Christmas day in 1970, hence the name!
