Meghalaya is a must-visit destination for every traveller who is on a quest for scenic beauty as well as adventure. A visit to Meghalaya will be one of your best experiences and worth your time. Whether you are a family vacationer or a solo traveller, a visit to Meghalaya is something you cannot afford to miss. Meghalaya, which means the abode of clouds, is a box of treasure in northeast India, well known for its pristine waterfalls, winding roads, the cleanest village in Asia, and the best landscapes that you’d witness throughout your visit to Meghalaya.

Places to visit in Meghalaya

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to enjoy a visit to Meghalaya is highly subjective. The state of Meghalaya is the wettest state in general, but the weather varies throughout the year. However, the most favoured time is during the summer months, between March and June, when the temperature is at its best.  As mentioned earlier, Meghalaya is a treasure box, offering different ways and means during different seasons to witness its glorious beauty. The year-long weather of Meghalaya for experiencing the best of Meghalaya is jotted down below:

Summer Sojourn in Meghalaya (March to June)

Even though it’s the peak/best time to visit Meghalaya for tourists, the rush is quite low as compared to other tourist destinations in India. As Meghalaya is still well hidden and quite unexplored, a visit to Meghalaya during the summer months is a good plan.

Weather: Meghalaya experiences temperatures between 12⁰C - 30⁰C degrees over these months. Though the afternoons could get quite warm, the mornings and evenings in Meghalaya are quite pleasant even during summer.

Events: The famous festival of Shad Suk Mynsiem, which spans over three days, and Chad Sukra festival are held in the month of April every year in Meghalaya. It’s the best opportunity for you to couple your nature admirer soul and culture seeker mind by witnessing these festivals of Meghalaya, rich in heritage, culture, and colors. A win-win for you!

A breathtaking landscape of Meghalaya- the abode of clouds

Monsoon Madness in Meghalaya (July to September)

While some might suggest not planning a trip to Meghalaya during monsoon as the connectivity via roads within the state of Meghalaya may face a hindrance due to heavy rainfall; locals have a different take on this and consider monsoon to be the best time to visit this state. The beauty of Meghalaya reaches its peak during the monsoon months. You might face some discomfort while traveling on the roads, but the hues of the sky, gigantic chunks of clouds ranging from grey to black with lush green meadows below them, and the sounds of the mighty waterfalls will come together to form breathtaking landscapes and symphony, making your visit to Meghalaya a one-of-a-kind experience.

Weather: The state is drenched in showers of rain at this time of the year with temperatures ranging between 24°C - 33°C. Meghalaya also boasts of two of the rainiest cities in the world - Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram.

Events: One of the significant festivals held in Meghalaya during the monsoon season is Behdienkhlam. This festival is celebrated by the Jaintia tribe in the northeastern regions of the state of Meghalaya. While rains hit the ground, the festival marks the victory of good over evil. You can witness the locals gather to cook, dance, enjoy traditional music, and play various sports. If you’re someone who prefers taking the odd roads, a visit to Meghalaya in monsoon is worth giving a shot!

A summer scene of Mawphalang village in Meghalaya

Autumn and Winter in Meghalaya (October to January)

Autumn and winters in Meghalaya can be considered intertwined with each other, with autumn roughly spanning from the end of October to the whole of November. Sightseeing in Meghalaya, walking the sacred forests, and hiking through the double-decker living root bridge are some activities that can be experienced best during the winter months.

Weather: With temperatures ranging between 15⁰C degrees during day time to 3 degrees at night. For some, winter is the best time to visit Meghalaya as you’d be treated to romantic misty mornings, cool breezes, and pleasant cold nights. Along with connecting with nature, there is a truckload of things to do in Meghalaya in winter. 

Events: The Megha Kayak Fest and Shillong Autumn Festival are held in October, The Shillong Cherry Blossom festival, Umiam Boating Regatta, Mega Music Festival, Literary Festival, Nongkrem Dance, and Wangala Festival are some interesting festivals held in November. Strawberry Festival and Ranikor Festival are the most prominent festivals held in Meghalaya during February.

Activities: Trekking and hiking expeditions are common in the winter months to experience the thrill in the terrains of Meghalaya. Trekking routes like Mawlongbna Village Trek and The Living Roots Bridge Trek come to life with trees covered in pink and white flowers and foggy landscapes, the beauty of Meghalaya goes beyond description in winters.

Living root bridge in Nongriat Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a place that will never give you a reason to complain. Be it the hospitality of the locals or the wonderful landscapes, a smile on your face is sure to be a constant throughout your journey. Decide on what you seek from your visit and choose the best time to indulge in an affair with the waterfalls and mountains. Meghalaya awaits your arrival.

STAY

Meghalaya boasts ample stay options for every kind of tourist; be it resorts and 5-star hotels for those who want to be pampered or a homestay for someone looking for a more traditional experience. 

HOW TO REACH

Airways: The best way to reach Meghalaya is to fly to Guwahati Airport and take the roads thereon to other parts of Meghalaya. The distance from Guwahati to Shillong is about 98 km and the time taken is approximately 3 hours.

Railways: The closest one is in Guwahati. It’s roughly 100kms away from Shillong and can be used to arrive at the capital of Meghalaya.

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