Meghalaya means ’abode of clouds and it is one of the seven North-eastern states in India. The state is famous for its Hills, forest, biodiversity, and high rainfall. Listed below are the most beautiful places to visit in Meghalaya.
The Garo Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya are famous throughout the world for their beauty and for the presence of amazing landscapes. Once you start exploring Meghalaya, you shall be thrilled and amazed at the beauty of what falls, mysterious caves, legs, and a variety of fruits and spices.
The best time to visit Meghalaya is during the monsoon season from June to September, as the state receives heavy rainfall and the waterfalls are at their best during this time.
Meghalaya is also home to the cleanest village in India and also for the presence of the wettest place on earth. It is a perfect destination as you want to enjoy some time being close to nature. It is a perfect tourist spot for all kinds of people; whether you are going on a vacation or a honeymoon, Meghalaya won’t disappoint you.
List of beautiful places in Meghalaya
1. Shillong
| Climate | pleasant summer, high rainfall in monsoon, winters are quite cold |
| Best time to visit | September to May |
| Major attractions | Umiam Lake, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Laitlum Canyons, Ward’s Lake, Lady Hydari Park, Air Force Museum, Phan Nonglait Park, Sweet Falls, Sohpetbneng Peak, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Spread Eagle Falls, Mawphlang Village, Mawjymbuin Cave, Rhino Heritage Museum, Lumpongdeng Island, etc. |
| Activities to do | Rock climbing, trekking, river rafting, golfing, angling, horse riding, kayaking, exploring caves, etc. |
| Elevation | 1525m |
| Nearest airport | Shillong Airport is operational from Kolkata only |
| Nearest Railway Station | Guwahati Junction |
Shillong, also known as the Scotland of the East, is undoubtedly the most popular places to visit in Meghalaya, India. It is famous for its breathtaking beauty and pleasant climate, which attracts people from all over the country. If you are planning to visit Meghalaya, then Shillong should be on top of your list of tourist places in Meghalaya to visit.
The dense forests, the waterfalls, the hills, the landscapes, etc. attract people from all parts of India to this amazing spot. It is a great place for those who love trekking and want to explore the virgin state of nature.
2. Cherrapunji
| Climate | wet season is comfortable, muggy, and mostly cloudy and the dry season is cool and mostly clear |
| Best time to visit | September to May |
| Major attractions | Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Mawsynram Village, Mawsmai Nongthymmai Eco Park, Dainthlen Waterfall, Mawlynnong Village, Mawkdok Dympep Valley View, Mawsmai Cave, Thangkharang Park, Khasi Monoliths, Arwah Caves, etc. |
| Activities to do | River Canyoning, Boating, exploring caves, picnicking at Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Photography, shopping, etc. |
| Elevation | 1430m |
| Nearest airport | Guwahati Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station | Guwahati Junction |
Cherrapunji, a Meghalaya tourist spot, is famously known as the wettest place on earth and receives the highest rainfall in India. People love to visit this place during monsoons and explore a number of waterfalls and lakes that look splendid during these months.
As this place is covered by forest from all sides, it is difficult to find luxury hotels. However, some of the hotels are located in the lap of nature and a city in these hotels is a great experience that you will remember all throughout your life. If you are looking for places to visit in Meghalaya, then Cherrapunji should definitely be on your list of top tourist spots.
3. Balpakram National Park
| Climate | summers are humid and rainy, winters are pleasant |
| Best time to visit | October to February |
| Major attractions | Red panda, tigers, elephants, bison, black bear, leopards, sambar deer, etc. |
| Activities to do | Explore the Flora and Fauna, Visit the Balpakram National Park Caves, Photography, Sightseeing, etc. |
| Elevation | 910m |
| Nearest airport | Guwahati Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station | Guwahati Junction |
Balpakram National Park is one of the most popular tourist places in Meghalaya, and a paradise for those who love to explore endemic and exotic flora and fauna and love to take photos of nature. It is visited by thousands of tourists every year and the landscape of this place is often compared to the Grand Canyon of the USA. The most beautiful thing about this National Park is that it is pocket-friendly and the accommodations here are very close to nature.
4. Elephant Falls
| Climate | the average temperature is 24 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius |
| Best time to visit | Monsoon |
| Major attractions nearby | Shillong Peak, Air Force Museum, Ward’s Lake, Shillong View Point, Lady Hydari Park, Krem Marai Cave, etc. |
| Activities to do | Explore the Flora and Fauna, Photography, Sightseeing, etc. |
| Elevation | NA |
| Nearest airport | Guwahati Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station | Guwahati Junction |
This place had a rock that looked like an elephant but it was just destroyed by an earthquake. The area is surrounded by lush green forest and it is called Ka Kshaid Lai Patang Khohsiew by the locals which means the three-step waterfall. It is located 12 km from Shillong and the best time to visit this waterfall is during the monsoon season. It is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya
5. Mawlynnong Village
| Climate | the cool and pleasant temperature throughout the year |
| Best time to visit | July |
| Major attractions nearby | Mawlynnong waterfall, Jingmaham Living Root bridge, Dawki-Shnongpdeng, Mawlynnong Sacred Forest, Sky Walk, etc. |
| Activities to do | Enjoy delicious Khasi food in a homestay, enjoy the view of Bangladesh plain and nearby areas, Go for a short trek in the living root bridge, chat with friendly locals, etc. |
| Elevation | 1495m |
| Nearest airport | Guwahati Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station | Guwahati Junction |
It is one of the most popular places to visit in Meghalaya. It has earned the title of being the cleanest village in Asia, and it is a blessing to witness the beauty of this place. This particular village is quite exotic and surrounded by lush green vegetation, waterfalls, and many beautiful landscapes. It is a great place for those who love camping and want to spend some time in the lap of nature, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
6. Double-decker Living Root Bridge
Double-decker Living Root Bridge is one of the most famous tourist places in Meghalaya and a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Located in Cherrapunji, this bridge is made up of roots of the Indian rubber tree and is almost 3 km long with a height of approximately 2400 feet.
The view of the river flowing beneath the bridge is completely mesmerizing and a walk over the bridge is something that you will remember all throughout your life. It is also known as the oldest natural bridge that was formed almost 200 years ago. The Double-decker Living Root Bridge is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya, and the best time to visit is any time except for the monsoon season.
7. Kyllang Rock
Kyllang Rock is one of the top tourist places in Meghalaya, located 78 km away from Shillong and it is part of the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. One can find this rock at the height of 5400 feet above sea level and it is humungous in size.
If you can make it to the top of Kyllang Rock, the view from this point will take your breath away. It is also considered to be one of the highest points in Meghalaya and one can visit this place any time except for the monsoon season.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Meghalaya.
How many days are required to explore Meghalaya?
A. Minimum of 6 days are needed to visit the best places in Meghalaya. One can visit Meghalaya for 16 days to explore most of the beautiful spots.
Is bus service available for Meghalaya?
Yes, one can take a bus from Guwahati. However, most people prefer to travel to Meghalaya via plane or train. Nevertheless, the state is well connected via road to major cities.
What are some of the best cafes in Meghalaya?
The state has hundreds of great cafes such as Dylan’s Café, Cafe Shillong, Little Chef Cafe, ML 05 Cafe, Bread Cafe, Munchies Shillong, Cafe Shillong Heritage, Swish Cafe, You & I – Arts Cafe, Open Up Cafe Jaiaw, City Hut Family Dhaba, Madras Cafe, Café Coffee Day, etc.
Does Meghalaya have good resorts?
Meghalaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and has many amazing resorts in the lap of nature like Ri Kynjai Resort, Shillong; Polo Orchid Resort, Cherrapunjee; Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort, Sunshine Farms and Resorts, Shillong; Sa-I-Mika Resort, Cherrapunjee; Jiva Resort, Cherrapunjee; Kutmadan Resort, Cherrapunjee; Orchid Lake Resort, Umium; Roinam Resort, Borpani; San Nael La Resort, Meghalaya; etc.
Do I need an Inner Line Permit to visit Meghalaya?
No, one does not need ILP to visit the state of Meghalaya as of now.
Do I need warm clothes to visit Meghalaya?
One might need a few woolen clothes in winter. However, summers are pleasant and a jacket might be sufficient for the whole trip.
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