Cherrapunjee, (also called Sohra or Cherrapunji) is a subdivisional town in the East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is the traditional capital of ka hima Nongkhlaw (Khasi tribal kingdom). Cherrapunjee has often been credited as being the wettest place on Earth, but for now, nearby Mawsynram currently holds that distinction.

View from Cherrapunjee Town

Cherrapunjee still holds the all-time record for the most rainfall in a calendar month and year. It has an average elevation of 1,430 meters and sits on a plateau in the southern part of the Khasi Hills, facing the plains of Bangladesh.

Places to visit in Cherrapunjee:

Arwah Caves

Arwah caves are tucked away in the jungle and are fascinating places with fossils, stalagmites, and stalactites. It’s a limestone cave and can be easily explored within one to two hours. The pathway to the Arwah caves is carefully maintained and takes you through the mossy jungle frequented by birdsong.

Dainthlen Waterfall

The waterfall derives its name from a Thlen (Khasi word for Python). As per the legend, people decided to rid themselves of evil by capturing the Thlen and killing it at the wide flat rock overlooking the waterfall. Adjacent to the very spot where the Thlen was slaughtered lies the Dainthlen Waterfalls. Natural rock carvings of the episode draw visitors to see the image of the Thlen, the symbol of greed, corruption, and evil.

Double Decker Living Root Bridges

A living root bridge is a type of simple suspension bridge formed of living plant roots by tree shaping. They are handmade from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees by the Khasi and Jaintia peoples of the mountainous terrain along the southern part of the Shillong Plateau. One has to trek down from Tyrna to Nongriat. There are a series of concrete steps and multiple suspended metal bridges that lead you here. Climbing up is a tiring activity, hence, one can opt to stay in the village and explore other nature's marvels around the village. There are a lot of homestays available near this bridge that provide basic provisions.

Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point

Also known as Duwan Sing Syiem Bridge, it is located at the very start of the Sohra tourist circuit and is one of the most prominent attractions of the place. The forest department has made a viewpoint here from where tourists can enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of the valley.

Mawsmai Cave

This cave is the only cave that is fully lighted. The cave can be divided into two parts (old and new). Of the two, the new cave is yet to have electric lights. It has impressive formations of large passages and chambers.

Mawsmai Falls

It is also known as the Seven Sisters Waterfalls or Nohsngithiang Falls. It is a seven-segmented waterfall located 1 km south of Mawsmai village in East Khasi Hills. The water falls from a height of 315 metres and has an average width of 70 metres making it one of the tallest waterfalls in India.

Mawsmai Nongthymmai Eco Park

A perfect place to spend time with family and friends near Cherrapunjee. Eco Park has many waterfalls, caves, and green surroundings and is always covered with clouds. Locals can be seen on holidays having a picnic here. It's a good place for kids too.

Nohkalikai Waterfalls

Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Its height is 1115 feet. Nohkalikai Falls are fed by the rainwater collected on the summit of a comparatively small plateau and decrease in volume during the dry season between December and February. Below the falls is a plunge pool with unusual green-colored water.