Known as the Abode of Clouds, Meghalaya is one of Northeast India’s most rewarding states to explore, with living root bridges, dramatic waterfalls and some of the country’s cleanest villages. Here is a full rundown of the destinations worth including on a Meghalaya itinerary.
Top 25 Places to Visit in Meghalaya
1. Shillong Peak. The highest point in Shillong at 1,965 metres, reached via a two hour hike and popular for both birdwatching and photography, especially at sunrise or sunset. Location: Mylliem, 10 km from Shillong. Timings: 9 am to 3.30 pm, closed Wednesdays. Entry: free.
2. Umiam Lake. A man made reservoir 15 kilometres from Shillong, ringed by pine trees and popular for picnics, best visited on weekdays to avoid crowds. Timings: 9 am to 5 pm. Entry: Rs 20 per person.
3. Nohkalikai Falls. India’s tallest plunge waterfall, dropping 335 metres near Cherrapunji into a turquoise pool. Timings: 8 am to 5 pm. Entry: Rs 20 per person.
4. Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Located in Nongriat village, this bridge is grown from rubber tree roots by local Khasi and Jaintia communities, reached via a short forest hike. Timings: 6 am to 5 pm. Entry: Rs 10 for Indian visitors, Rs 20 for foreign visitors.
5. Mawsmai Cave. A limestone cave near Cherrapunji stretching 250 metres, of which 150 metres are open to visitors. Timings: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. Entry: Rs 30 per adult, Rs 10 per child.
6. Mawlynnong Village. Known as Asia’s cleanest village, with tidy paths, colourful gardens and a nearby root bridge, plus a Sky View Point looking toward Bangladesh. Entry to Sky View Point: Rs 50.
7. Seven Sisters Falls. Also called Nohsngithiang Falls, this waterfall near Mawsmai village cascades over limestone cliffs in seven separate streams. Timings: 8 am to 5 pm. Entry: Rs 10 per person.
8. Laitlum Canyons. Meaning end of hills, this quiet spot about 25 kilometres from Shillong offers deep gorges and misty valley views along its trails, best visited October to April. Entry: free.
9. Dawki. Famous for the crystal clear Umngot River near the Bangladesh border, where boats appear to float in mid air, with boating priced around Rs 200 per person.
10. Don Bosco Museum. A seven storey museum in Shillong covering the tribal heritage of Northeast India, including Khasi, Jaintia and Garo culture. Timings: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, closed Sundays. Entry: Rs 200, guided tours Rs 500.
11. Elephant Falls. A three tiered waterfall 12 kilometres from Shillong named for a nearby rock formation, with easy access suited to families. Entry: Rs 20 per person.
12. Kynrem Falls. A three tiered, 1,000 foot waterfall inside Thangkharang Park, especially dramatic during the monsoon, with clear views best from October to February.
13. Mawphlang Sacred Forest. A forest protected under traditional Khasi customs, with guided walks that share the spiritual stories behind its old trees. Timings: 9 am to 4.30 pm. Entry: Rs 20 per person.
14. Krang Suri Falls. Near Jowai, this blue watered waterfall is reached via a 350 step descent and is popular for swimming, with life jackets provided for safety. Entry: Rs 50 per person.
15. Ward’s Lake. A central Shillong lake with gardens and paddle boats, a relaxed spot for families. Timings: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. Entry: Rs 10, boating Rs 50.
16. Balpakram National Park. Known as the land of endless winds, this park in the Garo Hills is home to red pandas and deer, best explored with a guide between October and April. Entry: Rs 50 per person.
17. Nartiang Monoliths. Ancient stones raised by Jaintia rulers, offering a quiet, historically rich stop about 27 kilometres from Jowai. Entry: free.
18. Phe Phe Falls. A hidden waterfall near Jowai reached through bamboo groves and forest trail, best visited October to February. Entry: Rs 50 park fee.
19. Lady Hydari Park. A flower filled park in Shillong with a small zoo, popular with families for a relaxed afternoon. Timings: 8 am to 5 pm. Entry: Rs 20, zoo Rs 10 extra.
20. Kyllang Rock. A large granite boulder in West Khasi Hills rising around 1,000 feet, known for its unusual magnetic properties and wide valley views. Entry: free.
21. Meghalaya State Museum. Located near Police Bazaar in Shillong, this museum displays pottery, tools, costumes and instruments from the state’s tribal communities. Timings: 10 am to 4 pm. Entry: Rs 5 per person.
22. Police Bazar. Shillong’s main market area, known for its restaurants, nightlife and local goods such as dry ginger and regional coffee. Timings: 8 am to 10 pm.
23. Garden of Caves. Located in Laitmawsiang village, this site combines waterfalls, caves and bamboo bridges formed over thousands of years, once used by locals to hide during the colonial period. Timings: 8.30 am to 6 pm. Entry: Rs 100 per adult, Rs 50 per child.
24. Garo Hills. The western region of Meghalaya, home to much of the state’s wildlife and several key attractions including Balpakram National Park, Siju Cave and the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve. Open 24 hours, entry free.
25. Krem Liat Prah. The longest natural cave in India, located near Moolasngi village in the East Jaintia Hills, popular among researchers and adventure travellers alike. Timings: 9 am to 4.30 pm. Entry: free.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Meghalaya famous for? Its waterfalls, living root bridges and green hills, along with a strong Khasi cultural presence.
2. Which is the most visited place in Meghalaya? Shillong Peak, thanks to its easy access and sweeping views over the city.
3. Which month is best to visit? October to March, when skies are clearer and the weather is cooler and drier.
4. Is Meghalaya good for a monsoon trip? Yes, especially around Cherrapunji, though trails can get slippery so plan carefully if travelling then.
Written by
Troova Team
A passionate traveler and writer sharing authentic stories from across India with Troova's community.