Top 10 Places to visit in Cherrapunji In 2024

Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, is the land of perpetual rain and breathtaking natural beauty! This charming small town, located in the Northeastern state of Meghalaya, India, is famous for its stunning waterfalls, lush green hills, and unique living root bridges. 

Despite holding the record for being one of the wettest places on earth, receiving a staggering amount of rainfall each year, Cherrapunji remains a mesmerizing destination that shouldn’t be missed. The places around Cherrapunji are the ultimate destinations that you should visit once in your lifetime.

Escape your life: Breathtaking places to visit in Cherrapunji

Looking for a break from your monotonous routine? Inject some excitement and joy into your life by embarking on a thrilling adventure.

Cherrapunji is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in nature and discover breathtaking waterfalls and mountains. To help make your trip unforgettable, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to visit in Cherrapunji.

1. Seven Sisters Falls

Whether you refer to it as Nohsngithiang Falls, Mawsmai Falls, or Seven sisters Falls, one thing is for sure – it’s an absolutely majestic wonder that will leave you completely spellbound. 

The Seven Sisters Falls is a group of seven waterfalls that flow together into one large waterfall. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests and offer stunning views of the valley below. 

This stunning waterfall system comprises multiple falls that cascade down a steep cliff, creating a mesmerizing curtain of intermingling water that’s truly a sight to behold. Each of the individual falls takes a unique route and form, adding to the splendor of this natural wonder.

Seven Sisters falls is definitely one of the best places to visit in Cherrapunji

Activities To Do

People, besides sightseeing from the viewpoint, also trek till the edge of the fall to get an adventurous experience. The wonderful sight will not let you get bored even after gazing for hours. As you gaze upon the sheer cliff and its stunning surroundings, you’ll be transported to a world of pure magic. 

Best Time To Visit

While the falls are rain-fed, the monsoon season is undoubtedly the best time to visit, as the streams are overflowing with rainwater, creating a perennial rainbow that’s truly a feast for the eyes. 

The best time to visit the falls is during the monsoon season (June-September) when the waterfall is at its fullest.

2. Nohkalikai Falls

Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India and one of the main tourist attractions near Cherrapunji. It is about 350 meters in height and located and is the 3rd highest waterfall in India.

It’s the fourth-highest waterfall in India. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green hills and offers breathtaking views of the valley below. 

Legend has it that a woman named Likai threw herself off the cliff after she found out that her husband had killed and cooked their daughter. The name Nohkalikai literally means “Jump of Likai” in the local language.

Activities To Do

The gruesome story aside, the waterfall is a delight for adventure lovers. There are many things to do when visiting the falls like trekking, camping, bird watching, landscape photography, swimming and angling. 

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit would be around post or pre-monsoon. During the period of September-November and March-May, the weather is pleasant and also the water flow is good enough. 

The only problem during the monsoon is that the clouds mostly cover the beautiful sight of the falls and keep on hovering a few feets above. It might take a while to get the skies clear.

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3. Mawsmai Cave

Meghalaya is home to over 200 caves, but Mawsmai is undoubtedly the most visited. Mawsmai cave got its name from the Khasi language, where “Maw” means cave and “Smai” means Oath.

Mawsmai Cave is a limestone cave near Cherrapunji and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. The cave is filled with unique rock formations and is illuminated by natural light. 

Mawsmai Cave is a network of underground caves consisting of stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations. These formations are created by the slow process of limestone deposition, which takes millions of years.

Activities To Do

You can take a tour of the cave by yourself. In your journey to exploration, you might need to squeeze and creep through the narrow passage of the cave. Besides exploring the cave, travellers mostly find themselves relaxing in the surrounding forest which is constantly humming with bird’s chirping.

Best Time To Visit

The cave can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (November-April) when the cave is less likely to be flooded.

4. Arwah Cave

Arwah Cave is another limestone cave near Cherrapunji and is known for its unique rock formations and underground streams.The interiors are illuminated, showcasing fascinating fossils of fish, shells etc that have been etched into the limestone walls.

Arwah cave is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in natural history, and its numerous twists and turns will undoubtedly leave you spellbound. As you explore this intricate maze, you’ll find yourself walking under high cave ceilings one moment and sliding through narrow passageways that lead to other sections the next. 

Activities To Do

As you make your way towards the Arwah Cave, you’ll be greeted by a mesmerizing trail that winds through lush greenery, offering breathtaking scenery. The pathway even passes along the side of the Lawshynna Hill, providing an unparalleled view of the waterfall and the picturesque valley beyond. Along the trail, there’s a lovely seating area where you can sit back, relax, and soak in the stunning vistas. 

Best Time To Visit

The cave is perfect for visiting anytime of the year. You can take a guide along with you from the entrance gate. 

5. Double Decker Living Root Bridge

The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a unique attraction near Cherrapunji where two bridges are stacked on top of each other. These bridges are made by weaving the roots of Ficus elastica trees, which are known for their strong root systems. 

The bridges are over 100 years old and are still used by locals to cross the river. It attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world and is among the best places to visit in Cherrapunji.

Activities To Do

Don’t let the naysayers rain on your parade when it comes to the trek you’ve been eyeing. Yes, it may consist of around 3,000 steps and cover a distance of 3 kilometers, but trust us, the stunning destination at the end is worth every drop of sweat. 

And while it may take around 2 hours to finally reach your goal, the sense of accomplishment and awe-inspiring views will leave you feeling invigorated and ready for more adventures. So, don’t let the journey intimidate you from experiencing the thrill of this awesome trek!

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Double Decker Living Root Bridge is during the dry season (November-April) when the water levels are low.

6. Dainthlen Falls

Dainthlen Falls is a beautiful waterfall and is named after a legendary serpent called Thlen. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green hills and offers stunning views of the valley below. 

The falls hold a special place in local folklore, as it is said to be the site of a great battle against the Thlen – a massive serpent that was believed to embody all things evil. Legend has it that the residents of an ancient village, now known as Sohra, finally vanquished the Thlen at this very spot. 

Activities To Do

As you stand before the thundering Dainthlen Falls, surrounded by the open landscape, hillocks, and capricious winds, it’s easy to see how this incredible natural wonder could inspire such a grand legend. So, channel your inner adventurer and make your way to the Dainthlen Falls for a truly unforgettable experience!

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the falls is during the monsoon season (April-July) when the waterfall is at its fullest.

7. Wei Sawdong Falls

Nestled deep within the heart of Meghalaya lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered – the mesmerizing Wei Sawdong Falls. This three-tiered waterfall system boasts crystal clear waters that cascade down a series of rocky ledges, creating a breathtaking display of natural beauty. 

Accessible only via a challenging trek through the dense forest, Wei Sawdong Falls is a haven for adventure enthusiasts who crave an off-the-beaten-path experience. With stunning views, refreshing pools of water, and a tranquil atmosphere, Wei Sawdong Falls is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.

Wei Sawdong can be a perfect addition to your itinerary while visiting Dainthlen Falls as it is only around 1.6 kilometers away on the same route.  It is one of the top places to visit in Cherrapunji.

Activities To Do

Experience an adventurous trek through the picturesque trail by grabbing a bamboo trekking pole at the entrance for a minimal fee of 10 INR. As you make your way down the trail, be prepared to encounter steep climbs, steps, and thrilling bamboo bridges. 

Take a break whenever necessary, especially if it’s your first time trekking, as your feet may start to tremble. Fortunately, there’s a midway view point where you can catch your breath and snap some incredible photos of the gorgeous waterfall.

Best Time To Visit

It is advisable to visit the falls post monsoon. During the monsoon, due to the rain, the trek becomes even more challenging and dangerous. The water also will be muddy when it is raining heavily. The period of October – April would be more favorable.

8. Wah-kaba Falls

Wah-kaba Falls is located right beside the road, and hence very accessible. The fall starts at a high cliff and the water dives into a deep Gorge. The fall is surrounded with sight of breathtaking green valleys giving you a spiritual retreat.

Activities To Do

One can reach the edge of the fall and feel that adventure. You can get some awesome pictures there.

Best Time To Visit

It is advisable to go in the monsoons during the rainy season as the falls will be in its full glory.

9. Kynrem Falls

With a height of 305 m (1,001 feet), Kynrem Falls cascades down three levels from the top of a hill, making it one of Meghalaya’s tallest waterfalls. This wonder of nature is a sight to behold, with its cascading streams merging together to create a magnificent display of power and beauty. 

The waterfall originates from Thangkharang Park and is the 7th highest waterfall in India.

As the falls flow down to the base, a motorable road passes through it, and a small bridge provides a means for vehicles and people to cross. 

It is one of the offbeat places to visit in Cherrapunji.

Activities To Do

Thangkharang Park is undoubtedly the best vantage point to catch a breathtaking view of the Kynrem Falls. Though one can take the road connecting Cherrapunji to Bangladesh and reach the bottom of the falls, the panoramic view from the park is incomparable. 

So why not spend your leisure time in the serene atmosphere of Thangkharang Park and marvel at the splendid view of the majestic Kynrem Falls.

Best Time To Visit

The falls are at their most impressive during the monsoon season, when they flow in full force. However, it is also tricky to catch a complete glimpse of the fall when you visit on a rainy day, as the clouds keep on hovering. 

During the winter, the water starts dribbling. So it is recommended to visit during April-July. 

10. Thangkharang Park

Last but not the least is the Thangkharang Park. It is a beautiful park near Cherrapunji that offers stunning views of the Bangladesh plains. 

The park is also home to a variety of rare orchids and birds. 

This verdant oasis boasts a lovely green house, a charming little fountain, and not one, but two strategically placed viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the Khoh Ramhah or the pillar rocks and the valley below.

Activities To Do

As you explore the park, you’ll come across a quaint little bridge that’s there to help you cross over to the other section of the park, should the stream below overflow with water. So, pack a picnic basket, grab your camera, and lose yourself in the enchanting beauty of this magnificent park.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the park is during the dry season (November-April) when the weather is clear.

How to reach Cherrapunji

By Air: The best option is to fly till Guwahati airport in Assam and then take other means from there. Meghalaya also boasts of an airport at Umroi, however, it lacks flights from major cities.

Guwahati has flights flying in from all major cities in India. Also it is only 164 km away from Cherrapunji via NH6.

By Rail: Board till Guwahati railway station and take a cab or a bus from Guwahati. This is the best option so far.

The Meghalaya rail network still needs to be developed further. It has only 2 railway stations in the North Garo Hills which are far from central Meghalaya.

By Road: You can board a government or privately run bus from Paltan Bazar, Guwahati, just at the railway station itself or from Guwahati ISBT to reach Shillong first. You can also hire a sumo/taxi or shared sumos from these locations. Also you will find a lot of shared sumos at Khanapara.

After reaching Shillong, you can take a bus from Bara Bazaar at Shillong or find any shared or privately booked taxi to reach Cherrapunji.

If you are planning to visit these places in Cherrapunji, it’s better off to take a private taxi as it is not possible to visit all these places using a shared one. 

If bike riding is your poison, you can also rent a bike from Shillong or Guwahati. Do not forget your raincoat though!

Accommodation in Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. There are budget-friendly guesthouses and homestays for travelers on a tight budget, as well as luxury resorts and hotels for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

Many of the accommodations in Cherrapunji are located amidst stunning natural surroundings, offering breathtaking views of the lush green hills and valleys. Some of the popular options include cottages, eco-resorts, and camping sites that provide a unique and immersive experience of living close to nature.

It’s recommended to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to avoid any last-minute hassles. Some of the popular areas to stay in Cherrapunji include Laitmawsiang, Mawsynram, and Sohra market area.

Final Thoughts on top places to visit in Cherrapunji

Overall Cherrapunji and its surrounding areas are a treasure trove of natural beauty and unique attractions. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful part of India. The best time to visit depends on your preferences, but generally, the dry season (October-April) is the best time to visit if you want to avoid heavy rainfall. 

FAQ’s About Places to Visit in Cherrapunji