Meghalaya is a beautiful, tiny state located in the north-eastern part of India that is blessed with natural beauty. It is also a popular tourist destination in the country. Not only is the state famous for its gorgeous greens but also for its age-old caves. There are over 750 caves in this state and, out of these, only about 150 have been explored. The most important caves of the state are in Khasi Hills, found in places like Cherrapunjee, Nongiri, and Shella. These majestic caves are some of the most famous tourist attractions of this hilly state. If you are an adventurer or you are daring to overcome your fear of darkness, take a look at some of these most famous caving adventures in Meghalaya, India.
1. Mawsmai Cave
This is one of the rarer caves in the state of Meghalaya, and it is one that you can explore without the help of a guide. Mawsmai Cave is one of the most popular caves for tourists who visit the state. A limestone cave, Mawsmai has a large entrance so that you can get inside easily. However, it becomes narrow quite soon and could be scary if someone is claustrophobic by nature. Also, it is the only cave that is fully lit and houses different types of insects and bats.
Mawsmai Cave
Address: Shella Road, Sohra, India
2. Siju Cave
Siju Cave is located about 132 km (82.02 mi) from Tura in Meghalaya and is well-known for its bat cave. The cave looks stunning for its stalactites and stalagmites. It also happens to be one of the longest caves in the country and constitutes some of the finest river passages in the entire world. You will be awestruck by the fantastic limestone rock formations here, which are fondly referred to by excavators as “Princess Di’s chamber”.
Siju Cave
Address: Damra-Dambu-Baghmara-Barenggapara Rd, Meghalaya 794114
3. Mawjymbuin Cave
Mawjymbuin Cave is located close to a tiny village called Mawsynram and is famous for its stalagmite and stalactite formations that create an impression of Shiva Lingam, a symbol of a major deity of the Hindus. Over the years, the cave has emerged as a holy site for Hindus who come here in large numbers. You will also see a small stream flowing under the chamber’s left wall. Following a side passage will take you to another rift entrance, which is known as “Back Entrance”.
Mawjymbuin Cave
Address: Mawjymbuiñ Rd, Meghalaya 793113
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
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4. Arwah Cave
Although Arwah Cave is quite a new discovery, it has quickly become one of the major tourist attractions in Meghalaya’s Cherrapunji area. While the cave is huge, only a part of it is accessible by tourists. You will come across small holes and stunning rock formations inside the cave. The former will take you to the other areas of Arwah Cave. A big pond inside is the main highlight here - the ice formation above the pond makes it very picture-worthy, while the fossils of seashells and marine animals found inside are estimated to be a million years old. You can avail of the services of one of the guides near the entrance of the cave and they charge only a nominal fee. We recommend you take a guide so you don’t have to worry about navigating and locating the fossils on your own.
Arwah Cave
Address: Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 793108
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
5. Krem Liat Prah
Krem Liat Prah in Meghalaya is considered to be the longest known natural cave in the country. According to an estimate, its length is about 25 km (15.53 mi), and it is located in Jaintia Hills. Excavators feel that the length of the cave is likely to increase, as it is linked to other passages located nearby. The highlight of the cave is a trunk passage that is popularly referred to as the “Aircraft Hangar”.
Krem Liat Prah
Address: Shnongrim Ridge of the East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya
6. Umlawan cave
The cave system Umlawan belongs to includes a network of several smaller caves such as Krem Wahjajew, Synrang Thloo, and Krem Kotsati among others. In total, this cave system has 24 entrances both vertical and horizontal. As such, there is no part of the cave that is more than 60 minutes away from the nearest entrance. Make sure that this unique cave system finds a place in your bucket list when you are traveling to the state of Meghalaya.
Umlawan cave
Address: Jowai, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya
7. Krem Diengjem
Krem Diengjem was originally a cave system covering 21,250 m (69,717.848 ft) of land, but it has now been extended to about 21,359 m (70,075.45 ft). That means it is almost on the verge of touching the Umlawan Cave system, which also happens to be the second-longest cave in the country. That also makes Krem Diengjem India’s third-longest cave system. If you love touring caves, make sure you add this to your itinerary.
8. Mawshun Cave
If you are an outdoor freak, you will love visiting Mawshun Cave in India, which is a newly found and environment-friendly cave system in the state of Meghalaya. It happens to be a river cave and functions as a drain for a village called Lelad. The entrance to the cave is quite uninviting for most visitors, but this beautiful cave system has many interesting passages to explore and is worth the visit.
Mawshun Cave
Address: 0.42 m (0.6 km) east of Church Lelad, Meghalaya 793109
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)
9. Krem Umthloo
Krem Umthloo Cave in Meghalaya is an excellent cave to explore, especially if you are a beginner. Meghalaya is famous for its numerous caves, and this cave system will not disappoint you for sure. It is 13 km (8.07 mi) long and has several entrances with deep potholes. Some of them are called Krem Moolale and Krem Myrliat. This stunning river cave is truly mesmerizing because of the streams and some amazing rock formations that are sure to leave you speechless.
Krem Umthloo
Address: Near Tongseng Village, Meghalaya
10. Krem Lymput
Krem Lymput is located around 6 km (3.72 mi) from a village called Nongiri in Meghalaya. The cave’s entrance is hidden in the forest and is also covered by big boulders. It is one of the most beautiful caves in the state and a must-visit for tourists. The main passage of the cave covers a distance of around 1 km (0.62 mi) from its tiny entrance. There are several large galleries featuring some amazing calcite formations. An area called the Mughal Room is the highlight of this cave.
Krem Lymput
Address: East Khasi Hills, Nongjri, Meghalaya
Get ready for a caving adventure in Meghalaya
The caves in Meghalaya are a huge attraction, and they have lured visitors from different parts of India as well as from other countries. Be sure to check out our top picks for the best caving adventures in Meghalaya on your next visit to this nature-rich state.
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