The Abode of Clouds - Meghalaya

No special permit is required to enter this beautiful state in India after the removal of permit restrictions in 1955 and all of us lucky people can enjoy our holidays in beautiful Meghalaya without any permit now. The state has some of the thickest primary and subtropical forests in India with a wide variety of flora and fauna, hence, constitutes one of the important eco-tourism and wildlife circuits in the country. Tourists come to this wonderland in large numbers in different seasons of the year seeking adventure opportunities in the form of trekking, rock and mountain climbing, hiking, caving, water sports, and more. They also come to Meghalaya for spending peaceful holidays close to nature and understanding interesting tribal culture and customs. There are so many places to visit in Meghalaya that can blow you away with its beauty. 

Cherrapunjee was the wettest place on earth before Maysynram, hidden inside the thick lush green forests and has some of the most renowned places in Meghalaya. One of the most famous places of tourist’s attractions in Cherrapunjee Meghalaya is the Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridges, commonly known as the living root bridges. 

Cherrapunjee sightseeing

Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya

The living root bridges of Meghalaya are simple suspension bridges formed by living rubber trees aerial roots by tree shaping. All thanks to the local Khasi tribe and Jaintia people of the mountainous terrain of Meghalaya for shaping the roots by pulling and twisting them in the required direction to form bridges around 200 years ago. The living root bridges are the roots of Indian rubber fig trees found only in the Northeast region of India. Some bridges are called Double Decker Living Root Bridges because of the two decks or the layers of bridges one over another. These are not only the living root bridges in this area but many others. Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridges are the most famous of them all due to the large size of the bridges. The upper deck bridge is 20 m long, and to reach the bridge you need to be physically strong. These double-decker living root bridges are a must-see in Cherrapunjee.

Double Decker Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya

You can go trekking at Cheerapunjee in Meghalaya in Northeast India while visiting the living root bridges. It is advised not to visit this place during monsoon due to heavy rainfall. Apart from the living root bridges, there are other places that you can visit in Cherrapunjee like Dwaki, Mawlynnog, Mawsmai cave, etc. Do visit the cleanest village in Asia at Mawlynnog in Meghalaya while visiting the famous Living Root Bridges and do not miss visiting other popular tourist attractions nearby. Shillong also has bewitching views and places you must visit in Meghalaya.

Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya encircled by pine trees and astounding valleys that stand tall providing relief from the blazing heat across the country. This hill station has a soothing and comfortable atmosphere and is suitable to visit at any time of the year. Cool gentle breezes and light drizzles make the visit more joyful. Shillong has many waterfalls, clean lakes, museums, etc that magnetizes tourists and has many places of attraction too.

Shillong sightseeing

View of the valleys and river in Shillong

Mawsynram, the wettest place on earth with the highest rainfall, is also a must-visit place in Meghalaya. It is on the wish list of rain lovers all around the globe and many numerous waterfalls can be found here. To experience the powerful rains of the earth’s wettest place you must visit Mawsynram.

Mawsynram sightseeing

A beautiful waterfall in Mawsynram

Elephant Falls are amongst the famous falls in the whole of Northeast. These falls are situated near Shillong and got its name from Britishers during their invasion in India due to the Elephant shaped rock in the falls. However due to an earthquake in 1897 in Meghalaya the rock disintegrated and got washed away but the name still remains.

Elephant Falls in Meghalaya

Mawsami Cave is one popular cave tourists love to visit in Meghalaya. This cave is like a maze of caves with plenty of flora and fauna inside it. This is such a beautiful cave that is well lit and reflects different shades of colors of the stones inside the cave. You must visit this cave in Meghalaya and be stunned by the breathtaking views inside.

Mawsami Cave

When you visit Meghalaya you will see a part of heaven there. Some of the popular attractions in Meghalaya other than these places are Jowai, Nongpoh, Baghmara, Nohkhalikai Waterfalls, Dwaki, Umiam Lake, wildlife sanctuaries, etc. Meghalaya has plenty of British architecture too as evidence of the leftover of British colonization. This beautiful state can mesmerize you with everything that it has to offer from the lush green hills, crystal clear lakes, and mysterious caves, waterfalls to the interesting and rich culture, traditions, and delicious cuisine.  Shillong is the most urbanized area in this state. 

Spending your holidays in Meghalaya can take away your weariness of the city life and the atmosphere can keep you away from the hassles of populated also polluted places. This ‘abode of clouds’ in India is an asset to the country and will bring you close to nature.

Meghalaya Tour Packages