Tourgenie

15 unskippable places to visit in Meghalaya

Author: Mohammad Amaan
Date: 2020-04-21

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The state of Meghalaya is situated in the northeast region of India, extending for about 300 km in length and about 100 km in width. It is bounded on the north and east by the Indian state of Assam and on the south and west by Bangladesh. The principal languages in Meghalaya are Khasi, Pnar and Garo with English as the official language of the State. Meghalaya's capital, Shillong and also the District Headquarters of East Khasi Hills District is situated at an altitude of 1,496 metres above sea level, The capital city has a bracing climate throughout the year. This city has been the seat of Government since the consolidation of the British administration in this part of India for more than a century.

15 Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya

(1) Baghmara Reserve Forest

Baghmara Reserve Forest is at a distance of 4 km from the main town of Baghmara. Balpaktram National Park is 65 km from Baghmara Reserve Forest and is totally a forest area, hence, providing animals a vast locale to habitat.

(2) Bara Bazar, Shillong

As the name suggests ‘Bara Bazar’ is among the biggest trade centres of North East India. It is also considered to be one of the oldest markets in Meghalaya. It is locally called Lewduh Market which means 'the market of common people' in local parlance, which is justified by the huge presence of natives. The best part in Bara Bazar is most of the shopkeepers are women which usually comes from nearby villages.

(3) Dargah Sharif of Peer Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba, Mahendraganj

Dargah Sharif of Peer Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba stands right at the border of India and Bangladesh, alongside the Dalu - Mahendraganj - Mankachar border road in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. It is popularly known as Pirsthan or Dargah and has been a symbol of communal harmony since long times.

(4) Do.bul Lake Damalgre Village

Do.bul Lake is a natural Lake located at Damalgre Village which is about 17 km from Tura. The size of the lake is 4 hectares approximately. This Lake is an Ornithological hotspot known for its abundance of varieties of birds, both indigenous and migratory.

(5) Elephant Falls, Shillong

Elephant Falls is locally known as Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew, which translates to "the three-step waterfall". However, the modern name is explained by a signboard near the waterfall. The unique part of Elephant Falls is that it is a two-tier waterfall set in the dingles of the rocks. These curved falls are very eye-catching beauty and the green vegetation surrounding makes it a perfect picnic spot.

Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls, Shillong

(6) Kyllang Rock, Mairang town

At a distance of 57 km from Shillong, Kyllang Rock is massive red granite dome-shaped rock located at Mawshut, Nongkhlaw - North of Mairang town in West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state. It is locally known as Lum Kyllang and it is one of the unique tourist places in Meghalaya.

(7) Langshiang Falls, Nongstoin

The Langshiang Falls is located West Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. Also known as Kshaid Langshiang, it is near the village of Sangriang, Nongkhnum Road, 20 kilometres/ 1 hour from Nongstoin. It can also be seen from Mawpon village. One can walk from Sangriang Village for 30 min. to reach here.

(8) Mawsmai Caves, Cherrapunjee

Mawsmai Caves lies 6 km south from the main town of Cherrapunjee towards the road of Bangladesh border. This place is mostly called as Krem Mawsmai which means as - ‘Krem’ meaning ‘cave’ in Khasi, and ‘Mawsmai’, meaning as ‘Oath Stone’ is a relatively easy cave for beginners to navigate.

Mawsmai Caves

Mawsmai Caves, Cherrapunjee

(9) Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunjee

Nohkalikai Falls is located 8 km from Cherrapunjee (the wettest place in the world) in the state of Meghalaya. As it is considered to be the tallest plunge waterfall of India, Meghalaya Tourism Government tries to maintain the site in the best possible way to attract more tourists. It has a height of 1115 feet (340 metres) and is the most popular tourist attraction of Cherrapunjee.

(10) Seven Sister Waterfalls, Cherrapunjee

One of the major tourist attractions of Meghalaya, the Seven Sister Waterfalls, is located 4 km from Cherrapunjee town and 1 km south of Mawsmai Village. This fall is also called Mawsmai Falls or Nohsngithiang Falls. It is in East Khasi Hills district.

(11) Siju Caves

The Siju Caves are located on the lateral side of the Simsang River Game Reserve near the Naphak Lake, 132 km from Tura in Meghalaya. It is also known as Bat Cave due to availability of bats (locally called dobakkol). The Siju cave-system is more than 4 kilometres long, but nearly all of it is filled with water and inaccessible. The Siju Caves are deemed as India's third longest cave network.

(12) Tura Peak

A beautiful and majestic hill stands on the eastern side of Tura at a height of 872 m above sea level overlooking the town of Tura. Local legend has it that the peak provides a sacred shelter or abode to the ‘Gods’ and it is also claimed that Tura was traditionally known as Dura, named after local God, Durama resides in the Tura hills.

(13) Tyrshi Falls

Located just 20 km south of Nartiang on the National Highway 6 (Shillong – Jowai Highway), Tyrshi Falls Jowai's answer to Shillong's Elephant Falls. In fact, it is three times taller than the Elephant Waterfalls. It is easily accessible from Jowai, which is just 5 km from here.

(14) Umium Lake, Shillong

Umium Lake is located 15 km to the north of Shillong town and is a popular tourists spot here. It is also known as Bara Pani (Big Water) or Dam Sait locally. The principal catchment area of the lake and dam is spread over 220 square km.

Umium Lake Banner Image

Umium Lake, Shillong

(15) Wards Lake, Shillong

Wards Lake is located at the centre of Shillong city in Meghalaya state. The lake is named after the then Chief Commissioner of Assam, Sir William Ward, who started the plan for the establishment of this lake. It was later on constructed by Colonel Hopkins in the year 1894.

Meghalaya Sightseeing Points:

Places to visit in Tura, Meghalaya

Places to visit in Nongstoin, Meghalaya

Places to visit in Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya

Places to visit in Shillong, Meghalaya

Places to visit in Sasatgre Village, Meghalaya

Places to visit in Balpakram National Park, Meghalaya

Places to visit in Baghmara, Meghalaya

Places to visit in Kodaldhowa Lake, Meghalaya

Places to visit in Imilchang Dare, Meghalaya

Places to visit in Shillong Peak, Meghalaya

Places to visit in Nartiang, Meghalaya