Known as being one of the rainiest places on earth, Cherrapunji (also called Cherrapunjee) holds the distinction of being the only place in India with the monsoon season throughout the year. Situated approximately 56 km (34 miles) away from Shillong, it’s a beautiful piece of land where the clouds float through the valleys, and sweep over the hills. Cherrapunji, a subdivisional town in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, is a paradise for nature buffs. It is an ideal destination if you want to spend some quality time in the lap of nature. The lush green hills and waterfalls are a delight to the eyes. During monsoon, one can take a bath in mountain streams, waterfalls, and cool springs as well as a trek to the Living Root Bridges. In winter, one can do river canyoning, swim in natural swimming pools, go adventure caving, trekking, or enjoy campfires in the evenings. The ideal time to visit Cherrapunji is between the months of June to October.
Known for its orange plantations, orange honey, and the limestone caves, Cherrapunji is a place where the rainfall can be recorded in feet rather than in millimeters. Be sure to check our list of best things to do when planning your itinerary to Cherrapunji, India!
1. Nongsawlia Presbyterian Church
Built and established in 1848, Nongsawlia Presbyterian Church is the oldest one of its kind in Meghalaya. It was founded by Rev. Thomas Jones, the first missionary to the Khasi hills and the founder of the Khasi script. What draws tourists here is not only the church’s historical importance but the structure itself with its red brick edifice and magnificent bell tower. The breathtaking natural views around the church and graveyard on the top of the nearby hill are also noteworthy.
Nongsawlia Presbyterian Church
Address: Shella Road, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 793108, India
2. View Point Of Cherrapunjee
View Point Of Cherrapunjee is the best spot to visit for you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the entire valley of Cherrapunjee. The viewpoint is developed by the government to further promote tourism.
As the viewpoint is on the top of a hill, expect a bit of an inclined hike to get to this place. As soon as you get to the top, however, you’ll certainly be amazed by the scenic views of the town, the surrounding hills, and the sea of clouds. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
View Point Of Cherrapunjee
Address: 7PFM+J2H, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 793108, India
3. David Scott Memorial Stone
David Scott Memorial Stone is a commemorative monument erected to honor David Scott, a political agent during the British period who was known to be an outdoor enthusiast and explore the heavily wooded areas in Assam. The memorial stone is basically a huge obelisk that is made of ashlar stone masonry and raised over a square platform. An inscription on the monument can be read that tells about David Scott’s life and his contributions to the development of the area.
David Scott Memorial Stone
Address: 7PFM+6J4, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 793108, India
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4. Bangladesh Plains View Point
Another awesome spot to enjoy a fantastic view is definitely Bangladesh Plains View Point. As the name suggests, the spot overlooks the hilly and wooded Bangladesh Plains, offering a fantastic view, not to mention a tranquil natural environment that can certainly calm anyone who visits the place.
The place, however, tends to be a bit foggy when it’s cold, so we suggest going between noon and late afternoon when the fog usually clears up so you can fully appreciate the scenic views here.
Bangladesh Plains View Point
Address: Unnamed Road, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 793108, India
5. Mawsmai Monoliths
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located near the Mawsmai Falls near the entrance to the caves, you’ll find the Mawsmai Monoliths. This popular tourist draw features large stones erected to commemorate the much revered Khasi ancestors, which offers a sneak peek at the ancient culture and civilization in the North-East part of the country.
The monoliths are scattered in a huge green open area where visitors can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the region. Visitors usually spend some time here to enjoy nature and take some interesting pictures of these intriguing stones before heading to the caves and falls.
Mawsmai Monoliths
Address: Mawsmai Cave Road, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 793108, India
Opening hours: 24 Hours
6. Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Posted by SunDeep Coomar Joydhar on Thursday, 25 December 2014
A UNESCO Heritage Site and beauty of mother nature, the trek to Double Decker Bridge is through a long tiring track of more than 4,000 steps, but the journey itself is worth it. The trek is beautiful, with amazing scenery. A walk over the bridge and the view of water flowing below it gives an astonishing feeling. Just dip your feet in the lake underneath the bridge and experience the natural fish spa, you won’t want to move from that place.
It is a wonderful experience, but not advisable for elderly persons or people with heart or knee problems. Keep an entire day reserved for this, as it is tiring as well as time-consuming.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Website: Double Decker Living Root Bridge
7. Seven Sister Falls
Seven sisters falls, Cherrapunjee
Posted by Shillong Tours & Travels on Tuesday, 16 August 2016
This is one of the most important tourist attractions in Cherrapunjee, located 1 km (0.6 miles) south of Mawsmai village. There is a viewing point for the falls on the road to Cherrapunjee. The viewpoint gives a distant and beautiful landscape with the seven segments of the waterfall plunging down the limestone cliffs of Khasi Hills.
Against the backdrop of limestone cliffs, the rainwater-fed waterfall presents an enchanting view. The spectacle of slanting sunlight reflecting off the water is fascinating. The Polo Orchid Resort is located on the hills opposite to the falls, which offers a great view of the falls and the plains of Bangladesh beyond.
Seven Sister Falls
Website: Seven Sister Falls
8. Mawkdok Dympep Valley
Mawkdok Dympep Valley enroute to Sohra (Cherrapunjee) 📷 Kaushik Saikia
Posted by Visit Shillong on Saturday, 6 May 2017
The beautiful Mawkdok Dympep Valley is located along the Shillong - Cherrapunji route. The center of attraction is the Dympep Valley viewpoint because the orientation of the view is such that one is looking at the cross section of the valley. Apart from breathtaking views, this place has zip lining. There are two zip lines here and the second one traverses the cross section from one side of the valley to the other with an enthralling experience.
Mawkdok Dympep Valley
Website: Mawkdok Dympep Valley
9. Mawsmai Cave
OUR NORTH-EASTERN STATE OUR PRIDE : MEGHALAYA: MAWSMAI CAVE-CHERRAPUNJEE Situated around 6 Kms from Cherrapunjee...
Posted by Colours of North-Eastern India on Saturday, 4 July 2015
Mawsmai Cave is very narrow with many uneven stones on the path. Adventurous people will love this natural limestone cave replete with fossils and stalactites. With water spread everywhere and dropping from the top, the journey through the uneven path is adventurous. The insides are amply lit and you can see formations of stalactite and stalagmites here.
Mawsmai Cave
Website: Mawsmai Cave
10. Nohkalikai Falls
Nohkalikai falls, cherrapunjee http://indiaholidaydestination.com/meghalaya-tour.html
Posted by I H D Management - P Limited on Wednesday, 2 September 2015
The view of this waterfall from below is specular and amazing. For a better look, travelers need to go to the last step to see the mesmerizing view of Nohkalikai Falls to the fullest extent. Going there early in the morning gives some stunning scenery, with clouds playing hide and seek with you.
Nohkalikai Falls
Website: Nohkalikai Falls
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Nohkalikai Falls is one of the most famous and breathtaking waterfalls in Meghalaya, India. Standing tall at a height of 340 meters, this waterfall is located in Sohra (also called Cherrapunji), one of the wettest places in the world.
The local legend of this waterfall is a dark one, too dark to describe here but essentially it is named after a lady called "Likai" who jumped off the top of the waterfall after a terrible incident. "Noh" means "jump", and "ka" means "her" in Khasi, the local language of the place, so the name loosely translates to "Likai jumped".
Nohkalikai is beautiful all year round but try not to visit during the monsoon season as the heavy rain could be dangerous to get stuck in.
11. Eco Park
Eco Park, Sohra (Cherrapunjee)
Posted by Shillong the Scotland of the East on Thursday, 25 February 2016
This is a simple park with a few swings and slides for the children to play on. Towards the end of the park, there is a viewpoint that gives a grand view of the Seven Sister Waterfall. There is also an artificial waterfall that you can take a dip in as well.
Eco Park
Website: Eco Park
12. Krem Mawmluh Cave
Krem Mawmluh Cave is situated approximately half a kilometer west of Cherrapunjee adjacent to the small hamlet of...
Posted by Shillong Rocks on Tuesday, 29 January 2013
The trek to the mouth of the cave is awesome, and access is via the river, which lies to the southeast of the cement factory. The river enters the cave and forms pools of water within the cave. A narrow passage, open sky, and water beneath your feet will give you the best experience in the cave. It’s got fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations, but the cave is a bit difficult to navigate through for the elderly and children.
Krem Mawmluh Cave
Website: Krem Mawmluh Cave
13. Thangkharang Park
Thangkharang Park, Sohra (Meghalaya) laid on the high rocky cliffs overlooks the panoramic view of the plains of Bangladesh.
Posted by People of Northeast India on Wednesday, 22 March 2017
Thangkharang Park is next to the Khoh Ramhah rock and is a popular picnic and weekend destination. You will get to see a variety of trees and plants with their botanical names, flowers, and a stunning view of the Bangladesh plains. Managed and well maintained by the State Forest Department, the park has a lot of preserved trees and plants. Stalls for self-cooking and a canteen is available inside.
Thangkharang Park
Address: Sohra, Thangkharang Rd., Meghalaya 793108
Website: Thangkharang Park
14. Mawsynram village
Glimpse of Mawsynram village such an wonderful place to visit.
Posted by Meghalaya on Thursday, 2 February 2017
Famous for the gigantic formation of stalagmite, which resembles the shape of a ‘Shivalinga,’ Mawsynram is a rain lover’s paradise. Having bumped long-time champion Cherrapunji, it holds the Guinness Record for “the wettest place on earth”. The villagers have to make use of thick grass to sound-proof their homes from the thunderous rain. You could touch, smell, and taste the clouds here. The rains are such that you can barely see four feet ahead of you.
Mawsynram village
Website: Mawsynram village
Mesmerizing Cherrapunji
The lush green hills, mountain streams, waterfalls, cool springs, and the Living Root Bridge are places that will give you once in a lifetime experiences. If you wish to spend some quality time in the lap of nature, Cherrapunji is for you.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Another beautiful waterfall in Sohra, Meghalaya, India is called Lyngksiar Falls. This fall has multiple tiers and is named after a flower that grows in the area.
You have to hike a bit to get to this view but it's definitely worth it. The hike itself is a light descent filled with rock formations and natural pools of water.
The best time to visit is after the monsoon so that you're not caught in the downpour, but you also get to see the waterfall at its peak volume!
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