Best Time to Visit
Meghalaya in Summer- : As a region with the heaviest rainfall, Meghalaya's summer season begins in March and ends in May. From March to April, there was medium and heavy rainfall. Summer is the perfect time to explore the unexplored places in the area and indulge in significant festivals like Shak Sud Mynseim. The lush greenery and blooming flora make summer an idyllic time to visit Meghalaya.
Meghalaya in Monsoon- Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on earth. It receives heavy rainfall from June to September, with temperatures up to 12°C. It is the perfect time to visit for monsoon lovers and capture the blooming greenery and thundering clouds in the rainiest cities of Meghalaya—Mawsynram and Cherrapunji. Experience the mystical charm of Meghalaya as the region transforms into a mesmerising, mist-shrouded wonderland during the monsoon.
Meghalaya in Winter- Meghalaya experiences low temperatures up to 3°C with foggy rain from October to February and celebrates the most important festival- Nongkrem Dance in November. The cool climate gives the perfect atmosphere for trekking, boating, and walking amid misty forests.
How To Reach
By Air- The nearest airport is Umroi Airport near Barapani, located about 40 km from Shillong. It is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai. To reach your destination, hire a cab from the airport. The airport offers convenient connectivity, making Meghalaya easily accessible for travellers.
By Train-The nearest rail station is Guwahati, about 105 km from Shillong. You can take a bus from the Guwahati bus stop or rent a cab to reach your destination. Though not directly connected, the rail network provides a comfortable and scenic journey to Meghalaya.
By Road-The summer and winter seasons are the best times to embark on a scenic road trip to Meghalaya. Take the road via NH 40, connecting Shillong with Guwahati, and turn right for Meghalaya. Cover a distance of about 65 km to enter your destination through Nongpoh. The scenic road journey lets you soak in the breath-taking landscapes and stop at quaint villages.
Major Tourist Attractions
Double Decker Living Root Bridge- -One of the top attractions among backpackers in Meghalaya, situated in Cherrapunji. The bridge is made of an Indian rubber tree about 3 km long and 2400 feet high. You’ll be left amazed by the architecture of this bridge and how well-maintained it is to date.
Nohkalikai Falls- Capture the enchanting views of the fourth-highest waterfall in India, Cherrapunji. Gushing from a height of about 330 meters, the place is a paradise for picnics, hiking, and photography. The waterfalls' enchanting and cold breeze vibe will make you want to stay here forever.
Mawlynnong Village- Mawsynram is Asia's wettest village, located around 12 km from Cherrapunji, and gets rain throughout the year. It is one of Meghalaya's most exotic tourist destinations, where you can stroll amid stunning greenery and misty hills. The chilly rain vibes make the greens even greener, making every scene better and more mesmerising.
Laitlum Canyon- Located about 25 km from Shillong, Laitlum is a heaven-like retreat for travelers, offering verdant grasslands, murky mountains, and scenic valleys. It is a less-explored, seasoned trekking destination in Meghalaya best explored from September to May. This place's calm, serene, and less-crowded vibe will make you love it.
Dawki- Dawki is a perfect picnic spot for family, friends, and couples. The magnificent Bophill Falls and Umngot River offer photogenic scenery and various great outing activities, such as boating and hiking, making it an offbeat place to explore in Meghalaya—the best place to take photos and make memories with your family.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest- It is a picture-perfect place to visit in Meghalaya for nature lovers and adventure buffs, and it holds mythological significance for the locals. Located in the Nongrum region, the place houses a thousand years old trees and sparkling streams. This dense forestry is just above and beyond the shallow experience of living in your house and chilling on the couch.
Caves- Explore some of the largest caves in Meghalaya, including Arwah Cave, Mawsmai Cave, and Krem Mawmluh, known for inhabiting the fossils of marine animals from millions of years ago and has winding passages with some stalagmite and stalactite formations and little pool and confluence point of five rivers inside. It’ll for sure take you to the time of the ancient creatures and make you think about them.
Williamnagar- Enriched with bountiful flora and fauna, William Nagar is the most beautiful town in Meghalaya. The place is popular beside the Simsang River for its glorious natural charms of verdant hills and water bodies. Come and explore the rich and varied river formations and be one with nature through the water bodies.Monoliths- Visit one of the most admired treasures in Meghalaya, the Nartiang Monoliths, divided into two sections—one is known as the Mehris, representing male, and the other is called Ki Moo Kynthai, representing female. Located in the Jaintia Hills, they are the tallest monoliths in Meghalaya and attract travelers worldwide. Visit and see the alluring scenery of nature, and get ready to be left amazed.
Thrilling Activities To Do
Trekking and Camping: Trekking is a famous and adventurous activity among backpackers in Meghalaya. Cross the Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge, cherish the sunset at David Scott Trail, explore the scenic Umden village, and so on. However, be careful about your safety and the safety of your loved ones as well.
Indulge in Major Festivals: Witness the distinct culture and traditions of Meghalaya tribes by indulging in several colourful and significant festivals of Meghalaya, including Behdeinkhlam in July, Shad Suk Mynseim (Khasi Festival) in April, and the Nongkrem Dance Festival in November. These experiences are one-in-a-lifetime, so grab this opportunity and don’t let the fun go.
Ziplining is one of the most fun things to do in Mawkdok Dympep Valley in Cherrapunji. Get a panoramic view of the valley, which is glorified with lush forests and sparkling water streams. Feel the nature as you glide from one end to another smoothly. But be vigilant about your security while performing the activity.
Rock Climbing- Try an adrenaline sport in Shillong at Diengiei Peak, about 6200 ft high, making it a perfect spot for rock climbing. Rappelling is also available for those who like a bit more challenging adventure sports in Meghalaya—the ones who look for a thrill in everything can find this to be just what they need.
Boating and Water Sports- It is one of the top tourist activities in Meghalaya, with kayaking and boating in the Dawki River and river canyoning at Laitkynsew Hills. Enjoy this experience with your family members and have fun. Its calm and serene vibe can be delightful for all the old souls in the house who just want a calm and peaceful vacation.
Festivals
Blogs
