Meghalaya
Abode of Clouds & Living Root Wonders
Meghalaya is Northeast India's spellbinding mountain state, home to Nohkalikai Falls, the UNESCO-aspiring Nongriat Double-Decker Living Root Bridge, transparent Dawki River, and mist-draped Khasi hills.
Overview
Meghalaya, translating to the 'Abode of Clouds' in Sanskrit, is a majestic mountain realm in Northeast India. Perched on a high plateau between the Brahmaputra valley and the Bangladesh plains, Meghalaya is world-renowned for its mist-draped pine forests, dramatic cloud-filled gorges, roaring waterfalls, and centuries-old living root bridges bio-engineered by indigenous Khasi and Jaintia tribes.
From the colonial charm and bustling street cafes of Shillong to the rainwater-carved canyon rim of Sohra (Cherrapunji), Meghalaya offers unmatched natural grandeur. Visitors descend thousands of rainforest steps to witness the 250-year-old Jingkieng Jri (Double-Decker Living Root Bridge) in Nongriat, float over the transparent glass-like waters of the Umngot River in Dawki, and marvel at the plunging heights of Nohkalikai Falls.
Rich in matrilineal tribal heritage, eco-conscious village traditions at Mawlynnong ('Asia's Cleanest Village'), sacred forest groves like Mawphlang, and turquoise limestone waterfalls such as Krang Suri, Meghalaya is an extraordinary sanctuary for nature lovers, trekkers, and cultural explorers.
Meghalaya, India
Map of Meghalaya showing Shillong, Sohra (Cherrapunji), Nongriat, Dawki, Mawlynnong, Laitlum Canyons, and Krang Suri Falls.
Meghalaya is located in Northeast India, bounded by Assam to the north and Bangladesh to the south. Main access is via Guwahati Airport (125 km to Shillong).
Why Visit
- 01
Living Root Bio-Engineering
250-year-old double-decker root bridges woven from living Ficus elastica trees over rainforest streams in Nongriat.
- 02
Majestic Plunge Waterfalls
Nohkalikai Falls (340m), Wei Sawdong step falls, and turquoise Krang Suri waterfall pools.
- 03
Transparent Glass River Dawki
World-famous crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River at Dawki and Shnongpdeng for boating and camping.
- 04
Laitlum Canyons & Clean Villages
Breathtaking amphitheater gorge views at Laitlum alongside eco-friendly village life in Mawlynnong.
Must-Visit Places
The experiences that define your journey.
Nongriat Double-Decker Living Root Bridge
A UNESCO World Heritage tentative list site woven by generations of Khasi elders using living aerial roots of rubber trees - a masterpiece of indigenous eco-engineering.
Photo TipStand on the lower wooden footbridge to capture both tiers of the root bridge with turquoise natural pools underneath.
Duration: 5 to 7 hours total trekBest: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM (3,500-step rainforest descent and climb back)
Nohkalikai Falls Viewpoint
The sheer vertical drop into a mist-shrouded green canyon pool creates one of the most iconic landscapes in Asia.
Photo TipUse a polarizing filter from the main upper viewing platform to capture the turquoise water color of the plunge basin.
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hoursBest: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Before afternoon clouds cover the canyon)
Dawki & Umngot River (Shnongpdeng)
Wooden country boats appear to float in mid-air over the crystal-clear riverbed, offering peaceful boating, cliff jumping, and waterside camping.
Photo TipShoot directly downward from a wooden boat during midday sun to capture the floating boat shadow on the riverbed.
Duration: 2 to 4 hoursBest: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Best water transparency from November to February)
Laitlum Canyons
Offers panoramic 360-degree views over steep green canyons, winding valley streams, and distant Khasi hillside hamlets.
Photo TipPhotograph the steep winding stairway descending down the canyon ridge during early morning golden light.
Duration: 2 hoursBest: 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM & 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM (Golden hour fog and sunset views)
Krang Suri Waterfall
Renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and natural cliff caves behind the waterfall cascade where visitors can swim with life jackets.
Photo TipCapture the wide turquoise pool looking towards the cascading waterfall from the natural stone perimeter path.
Duration: 2 to 3 hoursBest: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mawlynnong Cleanest Village & Riwai Root Bridge
Demonstrates century-old Khasi eco-sanitation traditions, alongside the nearby accessible Riwai Single Living Root Bridge and Sky Walk bamboo tower.
Photo TipPhotograph the bamboo dustbins (khoh) lining manicured flower gardens along cobblestone village lanes.
Duration: 2 to 3 hoursBest: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wei Sawdong Falls
A pristine multi-tier waterfall tucked inside jungle foliage, accessed via a short bamboo-and-stone trail.
Photo TipPhotograph the three distinct stone levels of the waterfall from the wooden viewing bamboo platform.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hoursBest: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Umiam Lake (Barapani)
Surrounded by lush Khasi pine hills, offering watersports, speedboating, peaceful island walks, and sunset lake vistas.
Photo TipCapture the setting sun reflecting off the vast lake surface with pine tree silhouettes framing the foreground.
Duration: 1 to 2 hoursBest: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Elephant Falls & Shillong Peak
Provides easy access to cascading mountain water steps alongside panoramic city views of Shillong valley.
Photo TipUse a slow shutter speed at the lower third tier of Elephant Falls to blur the flowing mountain water.
Duration: 2 hoursBest: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mawsmai Cave
An accessible adventure cave showcase with million-year-old stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient marine fossil formations embedded in limestone walls.
Photo TipUse low-light mobile photography mode inside the illuminated limestone cave passages.
Duration: 1 hourBest: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Meghalaya is from October to April (Winter and Spring). During these months, the weather is pleasant and dry (10°C to 22°C), sky conditions are clear for gorge views, and the Umngot River in Dawki becomes glass-like transparent for boating.
July to September brings the famous monsoon season when Sohra and Mawsynram receive heavy rainfall. While road travel requires care, monsoon transforms Meghalaya into a lush green paradise with hundreds of roaring waterfalls cascading off plateau cliffs.
- October
- November
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- ❄️
Winter Season
Pros / HighlightsCrystal-clear glass water in Dawki Umngot River, pleasant trekking weather (10°C to 18°C), and clear skies at Laitlum Canyons.Cons / Trade-offsChilly evening and night temperatures in high altitude places like Shillong and Sohra (4°C to 8°C). - ☀️
Summer Season
Pros / HighlightsPleasant day temperatures (15°C to 24°C), ideal for sightseeing across Shillong cafes, caves, and root bridges.Cons / Trade-offsOccasional afternoon pre-monsoon showers and moderate tourist traffic. - 🌧️
Monsoon Season
Pros / HighlightsSpectacular roaring waterfalls at Nohkalikai, Wei Sawdong, and Seven Sisters; lush emerald green landscapes.Cons / Trade-offsHeavy continuous rainfall (July-September), dense fog cover over canyon viewpoints, and slippery trek paths.
Yatray Smart Advice
Plan your trip from October to April for clear water boating in Dawki and comfortable trekking to Nongriat Living Root Bridge.
Recommended Places To Stay
Luxury HeritageRi Kynjai - Serenity by the Lake
Umiam Lake (Barapani), Shillong
Best ForLuxury travelers, honeymooners, and nature lovers seeking premier Khasi thatch resort architecture by Umiam Lake
Estimated Budget₹12,000 - ₹22,000 per night
per night
PremiumPolo Towers Shillong / Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort
Police Bazaar Shillong & Laitkynsew Sohra
Best ForFamilies and luxury travelers desiring central premium hotel facilities in Shillong & Sohra
Estimated Budget₹4,500 - ₹9,500 per night
per night
Mid-RangeJee Rhabat / Cafe Cherrapunjee Homestay
Upper Shillong & Sohra Plateau
Best ForFamilies and small groups wanting clean, authentic Khasi boutique homestays with mountain views
Estimated Budget₹3,500 - ₹7,000 per night
per night
Meghalaya cradles mist-veiled pine ridges, plunging gorge waterfalls, ancient living root bridges woven by Khasi elders, and the glass-like waters of the Umngot River.
— Yatray Editorial TeamVegetarian Food Guide
Must-Try Specialties
Veg Mushroom Jadoh
Amatic short-grain Khasi red rice cooked with roasted black sesame paste, mountain ginger, wild mushrooms, and local herbs.
Phan & Tungrymbai (Veg)
Steamed local Khasi sweet potatoes served with spicy fermented soybean chutney seasoned with mustard oil, green chilies, and ginger.
Pukhlein (Jaggery Rice Snack)
Traditional Khasi sweet snack made from deep-fried local rice flour and unrefined jaggery, crispy outside and soft inside.
Pha-Syiem Bamboo Shoot Curry
Tender young bamboo shoots sautéed with green chilies, wild mountain pepper, and mustard seeds, served with hot rice.
Khasi Red Herbal Tea (Sha Saw)
Aromatic local red tea brewed with mountain herbs and ginger, traditionally served with sesame rice cakes.
Curated Restaurants
Jain OptionCity Hut Family Dhaba
100% Pure Veg North & South Indian
Top-rated family restaurant in Police Bazaar serving hygienic 100% pure vegetarian thalis, paneer specialties, dosas, and Jain meals.
Must Try: Pure Veg Special Thali & Masala Dosa
Timing: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Average Cost: ₹250 - ₹500 per person
Location: Police Bazaar, Shillong
Family Dining Choice
Jain OptionOrange Roots Pure Veg Restaurant
100% Pure Veg South & North Indian
Famous 100% pure vegetarian restaurant on the Shillong-Sohra road offering clean South Indian thalis, dosas, and North Indian meals with valley views.
Must Try: Pure Veg South Indian Thali & Dosa
Timing: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Average Cost: ₹200 - ₹400 per person
Location: Shillong-Sohra Highway, Sohra / Cherrapunji
Family Dining Choice
Jain OptionDylan's Cafe / ML05 Cafe
Trendy Hill Cafe & Vegetarian Options
Iconic Shillong cafes featuring vibrant music decor, serving delicious vegetarian wood-fired pizza, pasta, and specialty local teas.
Must Try: Wood-Fired Veg Pizza & Special Khasi Red Tea
Timing: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Average Cost: ₹300 - ₹600 per person
Location: Laitumkhrah / Upper Shillong, Shillong
Family Dining Choice
Jain Food Availability
City Hut Family Dhaba in Shillong and Orange Roots in Sohra provide certified no-onion, no-garlic (Jain) thalis upon request.
👨👩👧👦 Family Dining Notes
All listed restaurants offer clean, family-friendly pure vegetarian options with prompt service.
Suggested Itinerary
2-Day Escape
- Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong & City Sights
Morning
Arrive at Guwahati Airport/Station and drive to Shillong (100 km). Stop at scenic Umiam Lake (Barapani) for lake views.
Afternoon
Visit Elephant Falls and enjoy panoramic city views from Shillong Peak. Walk around Police Bazaar and Ward's Lake.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at City Hut Family Dhaba in Police Bazaar and sample hot Khasi herbal red tea.
- Day 2: Sohra Waterfalls & Cave Tour
Morning
Early drive to Sohra (Cherrapunji). Visit Laitlum Canyons for gorge views, followed by Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint.
Afternoon
Explore Wei Sawdong step falls and walk through illuminated Mawsmai Cave. Enjoy pure veg lunch at Orange Roots Restaurant.
Evening
Return to Shillong for final souvenir shopping (Khasi bamboo handicrafts, organic turmeric) before departure.
3-Day In-Depth Experience
- Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong & Laitlum Canyons
Morning
Drive from Guwahati to Shillong, stopping at Umiam Lake. Check into hotel and drive to Laitlum Canyons for gorge vistas.
Afternoon
Visit Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures and Ward's Lake. Walk Laitumkhrah market streets.
Evening
Dinner at City Hut Family Dhaba in Police Bazaar, Shillong.
- Day 2: Nongriat Double-Decker Living Root Bridge Trek
Morning
Early morning drive to Tyrna village near Sohra. Begin 3,500-step trek down to Nongriat Double-Decker Living Root Bridge.
Afternoon
Swim in turquoise natural pools near the root bridge. Trek back up to Tyrna village and enjoy lunch at Orange Roots Sohra.
Evening
Visit Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint during sunset light and check into Sohra hotel/homestay.
- Day 3: Dawki Glass River, Mawlynnong & Return
Morning
Drive from Sohra to Dawki. Enjoy a wooden country boat ride over the glass-like transparent waters of Umngot River at Shnongpdeng.
Afternoon
Visit Mawlynnong ('Asia's Cleanest Village') and Riwai Living Root Bridge. Drive back to Guwahati for airport/station drop.
Travel Tips
Transport & Getting Around
- For the Nongriat 3,500-step trek, carry minimal luggage, wear supportive trekking shoes, and hire a local bamboo stick at Tyrna.
- Carry adequate Indian Rupee cash for village homestays, entry tickets, and local guide fees in rural valleys.
- Hire experienced local mountain drivers for Sohra and Dawki routes as mountain roads can be foggy during late afternoons.
Weather & packing
- Carry a reliable raincoat and waterproof bag cover year-round, as rain can start unexpectedly in Cherrapunji.
- Umngot River is glass-transparent from November to February; avoid expectation of glass water during monsoon months.
- Respect Khasi matrilineal customs and refrain from taking plastic items into sacred groves like Mawphlang.
Food & Water Safety
- Book Dawki country boat rides at Shnongpdeng for quieter waters and better swimming spots compared to the main border bridge.
General Advice
- Sample local Lakadong turmeric and organic Khasi honey from Govt Khasi handicraft emporiums in Shillong.
How To Reach
- By Air
- Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (GAU) is the major air gateway to Meghalaya, located 125 km (~3.5 hours drive) from Shillong. It connects daily to all major Indian metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru). Shillong Airport at Umroi (SHL) is 30 km from Shillong with selective regional flights.
- Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport (GAU - 125 km / ~3.5 hours drive to Shillong) & Shillong Umroi Airport (SHL - 30 km)
- By Rail
- Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) is the primary broad-gauge railhead serving Meghalaya, located 100 km (~3 hours drive) from Shillong. It connects to major Indian cities via Rajdhani Express, Vande Bharat Express, and Howrah Mail. Prepaid taxis and shared Sumos operate continuously outside the station.
- Nearest Station: Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) - 100 km (~3 hours drive to Shillong)
- By Road
- Shillong is connected to Guwahati via national highway NH6 (GS Road) - a smooth 4-lane mountain road (100 km, ~3 hours drive). Internal state highways connect Shillong to Sohra / Cherrapunji (54 km, ~2 hours), Dawki (82 km, ~3 hours), Mawlynnong (90 km, ~3 hours), and Jowai (66 km, ~2.5 hours).
Route & Transit Tips
- Carry a sturdy umbrella and raincoat at all times as weather changes rapidly in the Meghalaya hills.
- For the Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge trek (3,500 steps down and up), wear grip shoes, carry bamboo walking sticks, and start early by 7:00 AM.
- Dawki Umngot River water is transparent glass-like only from November to February; monsoon rain causes river turbidity.
- Respect indigenous Khasi village rules in Mawlynnong and sacred groves in Mawphlang; use designated bamboo bins.
- Carry sufficient cash as mobile network and UPI connectivity can be spotty in deep valleys like Nongriat and Dawki.
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Nearby Destinations
- Sohra (Cherrapunji)54 km (~2 hours drive from Shillong)
Famous plateau of wettest place on Earth, housing Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, and Wei Sawdong.
- Dawki & Shnongpdeng82 km (~3 hours drive from Shillong)
Crystal-clear glass-water river valley on Bangladesh border offering boat rides, camping, and watersports.
- Mawlynnong90 km (~3 hours drive from Shillong)
'Asia's Cleanest Village', featuring flower-lined lanes, Sky Walk bamboo tower, and Riwai Root Bridge.
- Jowai (West Jaintia Hills)66 km (~2.5 hours drive from Shillong)
Home to turquoise Krang Suri Waterfall, Nartiang Monoliths, and scenic Thadlaskein Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
October to April is the best time for dry weather (10°C to 22°C), clear mountain vistas, and transparent glass-water boating in Dawki. July to September is monsoon season, ideal for seeing roaring waterfalls.
The Nongriat trek involves descending and ascending approximately 3,500 concrete and stone steps from Tyrna village (~5 to 7 hours round trip).
The Umngot River in Dawki and Shnongpdeng is crystal-clear glass transparent from November to February during the dry winter season.
A 4 to 6 day trip is ideal to comfortably explore Shillong, Laitlum Canyons, Sohra waterfalls, Nongriat Living Root Bridge, Dawki River, and Mawlynnong village.
Must-try vegetarian options include Veg Mushroom Jadoh (red rice with sesame paste), Phan & Tungrymbai (sweet potato with fermented soybean chutney), Pukhlein (fried jaggery rice snack), and local bamboo shoot curry.
Guwahati International Airport (GAU) is the primary airport, located 125 km (~3.5 hours drive) from Shillong, with frequent flight connections nationwide.
Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) is the major broad-gauge railway station, located 100 km (~3 hours drive) from Shillong.
Yes. Mawlynnong earned the title 'Cleanest Village in Asia' by Discover India magazine in 2003 due to its community-led eco-sanitation, flower gardens, and bamboo dustbins.
Pack a sturdy raincoat/umbrella, waterproof bag cover, good grip trekking shoes, thermal layers for cool evenings (10°C), and quick-dry clothing for waterfall visits.
Yes. City Hut Family Dhaba in Shillong serves 100% pure vegetarian North Indian and South Indian meals. Orange Roots in Sohra offers excellent pure veg thalis and dosas.
The Riwai Living Root Bridge in Mawlynnong involves only a short 10-minute flat walk, suitable for all ages. The Nongriat Double-Decker bridge requires a rigorous 3,500-step trek suited for physically fit travelers.
Popular souvenirs include organic Lakadong turmeric, wild forest honey, handmade Khasi bamboo baskets, cinnamon bark, and hand-woven Ryndia silk scarves.
Yatray Recommendation
Our Take, From Experience
Yatray recommends a 5-day itinerary to experience the complete magic of Meghalaya. Begin with a scenic drive from Guwahati to Shillong, stopping at Umiam Lake and Laitlum Canyons. Head south to Sohra for the majestic Nohkalikai Falls and Mawsmai Cave, followed by an early morning 3,500-step trek to the UNESCO-aspiring Nongriat Double-Decker Living Root Bridge. Conclude your journey in Dawki with a country boat ride over the transparent glass waters of the Umngot River and a peaceful stroll through Mawlynnong.
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