Have you ever scrolled through social media and seen a picture of a boat floating on water so clear it looks like glass? You pause and wonder, “Where is this magic place?” Then you see a bridge made entirely of living tree roots and think it must be from a fantasy movie. But then the questions start. How do I get there? Is it safe? Will it rain the entire time? Planning a trip to the Northeast of India can feel intimidating. The roads are winding, and the information online is often confusing or outdated.
I understand your hesitation. You want the adventure, but you do not want the headache of getting lost in the hills.
Welcome to the “Abode of Clouds.” This is Meghalaya, a state that feels like a different world. When you search for places to visit in Meghalaya, you often find standard lists that just name a few waterfalls. However, this guide is different. I am going to walk you through this beautiful state as if I am sitting right next to you with a map. From the misty hills of Shillong to the crystal-clear waters of Dawki, I will tell you exactly where to go and what to skip. In this article, you will discover the secrets of this green paradise that will make your friends jealous.
Quick Glance: Top 10 Highlights of Places to Visit in Meghalaya
Before we start our journey, here is a quick table to help you decide what fits your travel style.
| Name of Place | Ideal For | Time Needed | Approximate Cost (INR) |
| Umiam Lake | Families & Relaxing | 1 – 2 Hours | Free (Boating extra) |
| Double Decker Root Bridge | Trekkers & Fit Youth | 5 – 6 Hours | ₹50 Entry |
| Nohkalikai Falls | Photography | 1 Hour | ₹20 Entry |
| Dawki (Umngot River) | Boating & Nature | 2 – 3 Hours | ₹800 – ₹1000 per boat |
| Mawlynnong Village | Cleanliness Lovers | 1 Hour | ₹50 Entry |
| Shillong Peak | Viewpoint Seekers | 1 Hour | ₹50 Entry |
| Laitlum Canyons | Peace & Sunsets | 2 Hours | ₹20 Entry |
| Mawsmai Cave | Adventure Lite | 45 Minutes | ₹20 – ₹50 |
| Krang Suri Falls | Swimmers | 2 – 3 Hours | ₹50 Entry |
| Don Bosco Museum | Culture Buffs | 2 Hours | ₹100 – ₹200 |
The Classics (Shillong and Surroundings) Places to Visit in Meghalaya
Shillong is the capital city and the heart of the state. It is often called the “Scotland of the East.” When listing the top places to visit in Meghalaya, your journey usually begins here.
Umiam Lake (Barapani)
This is the first major sight you see when driving from Guwahati to Shillong. It is a massive man-made reservoir that looks like a blue ocean surrounded by pine trees.
- The Vibe: The air is cool and fresh here. The water stretches out as far as you can see. It feels calm, like the world has slowed down. You can hear the gentle sound of water hitting the banks.
- Practical Info:
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (For water sports).
- Entry Fee: Free to view. Water sports range from ₹200 to ₹1000.
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset is magical here.
- Insider Secret/Hack: Most tourists stop at the first viewpoint on the highway. Do not do that. It is crowded. Drive down to the Orchid Lake Resort. You can enter the park there for a small fee and get right next to the water without the crowds.
- Accessibility: Very accessible. Suitable for seniors and children.
Elephant Falls
Located just outside the main city, this is a three-tiered waterfall. It was named by the British because a rock near the falls looked like an elephant.
- The Vibe: It is loud and refreshing. The sound of the water crashing down is powerful. The area is very green, with ferns and moss growing on the wet rocks. You feel the mist on your skin.
- Practical Info:
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: Approximately ₹20 – ₹50 per person.
- Best Time to Visit: Monsoon season (June to September) when the water is full.
- Insider Secret/Hack: Many people stop at the first level. You must walk down the stairs to the third level. The bottom tier is the most impressive and the most photogenic.
- Accessibility: Requires walking down steep stairs. It is not suitable for seniors with knee problems.
Shillong Peak
This is the highest point in Shillong. It offers a panoramic view of the entire city spread out below.
- The Vibe: It feels like you are standing on top of the world. On a clear day, you can see the Himalayas in the distance. The wind is usually strong here, blowing through the potato fields nearby.
- Practical Info:
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Strict timings due to Air Force base).
- Entry Fee: ₹50 per person.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for the clearest views.
- Insider Secret/Hack: Carry a valid ID card (Aadhar or Voter ID). Since this viewpoint is inside an Air Force station, security is tight. Without an ID, they will not let you enter.
- Accessibility: Easy. Cars go almost to the top.
The Wettest Place on Earth (Cherrapunji/Sohra) Places to Visit in Meghalaya
Cherrapunji, locally known as Sohra, is famous for its rain. This area holds some of the most iconic places to visit in Meghalaya.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge
This is the superstar of Meghalaya tourism. Located in Nongriat village, these are bridges made by guiding the roots of rubber trees across rivers.
- The Vibe: It feels like you have stepped into the Jungle Book movie. The forest is thick and humid. The bridge feels alive because it is. Walking on it is a bouncy and unique experience.
- Practical Info:
- Timings: Open 24 hours (Best to go during daylight).
- Entry Fee: ₹50 for entry; extra for cameras.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter (November to February) is comfortable for the trek.
- Insider Secret/Hack: This trek involves 3,500 steps down and 3,500 steps up. Do not attempt to return the same day if you are not fit. Stay overnight at a homestay in Nongriat. The experience of sleeping in the jungle is incredible.
- Accessibility: Difficult. Only for fit individuals. Not for seniors or small children.
Nohkalikai Falls
This is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. The water falls from a height of 1,115 feet without touching the rocks until the bottom.
- The Vibe: It is terrifyingly beautiful. Standing at the viewpoint, you see the water dive into a deep blue pool far below. The cliffs are steep and covered in green jungle.
- Practical Info:
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: ₹20 per person.
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon when the fog clears up.
- Insider Secret/Hack: During the monsoon, clouds often cover the view. If it is cloudy, do not leave immediately. Wait for 15 minutes. The wind in this area moves the clouds very fast, and you might get a sudden clear view.
- Accessibility: Easy. The viewpoint is accessible by car.
Mawsmai Cave
For those who want a taste of adventure without danger, this limestone cave is perfect.
- The Vibe: It is dark, damp, and mysterious. You can see strange rock formations hanging from the roof (stalactites) and growing from the ground (stalagmites). It feels like exploring the inside of a beast.
- Practical Info:
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Entry Fee: ₹20 – ₹50.
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the day.
- Insider Secret/Hack: The cave has a narrow exit. If you are claustrophobic (afraid of tight spaces), you might want to skip this. However, it is very short, taking only about 15 minutes to walk through.
- Accessibility: Moderate. The floor is slippery and uneven.
Crystal Waters and Clean Villages: Places to Visit in Meghalaya
This region, near the Bangladesh border, offers a completely different landscape.
Umngot River (Dawki)
This is the famous river with transparent water. It flows between India and Bangladesh.
- The Vibe: It is surreal. The water is so clear that boats look like they are flying in the air. You can see the riverbed, the fish, and the stones clearly. It is peaceful and stunning.
- Practical Info:
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: Boating charges are ₹800 – ₹1000 per boat.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter (November to April). In the monsoon, the water turns muddy.
- Insider Secret/Hack: Visit Shnongpdeng instead of just the main Dawki bridge point. Shnongpdeng is a few kilometers away and offers camping by the riverside. The water is even clearer there, and it is less crowded.
- Accessibility: Moderate. Getting into the boat requires balance.
Mawlynnong Village
Known as “Asia’s Cleanest Village,” this is a model of community living.
- The Vibe: It looks like a garden. Every house has flowers. The paths are lined with bamboo dustbins. It smells of flowers and fresh air. It feels very disciplined yet welcoming.
- Practical Info:
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: ₹50 per vehicle.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning is best to see the villagers cleaning.
- Insider Secret/Hack: Climb the “Sky View” bamboo tower here. It costs a little extra, but from the top, you can see the plains of Bangladesh. It is a unique perspective.
- Accessibility: Easy walk on flat paths.
Hidden Gems (Offbeat Locations) Places to Visit in Meghalaya
If you hate crowds, these are the places to visit in Meghalaya for you.
Laitlum Canyons
This place was made famous by the movie “Rock On 2.” It literally means “End of Hills.”
- The Vibe: It is dramatic and vast. You stand on the edge of a massive gorge. The valley drops down steeply. The silence here is only broken by the wind.
- Practical Info:
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset.
- Entry Fee: ₹20 per person.
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset is spectacular.
- Insider Secret/Hack: There is a small shop near the parking area selling tea and “Maggie.” Enjoying a hot cup of tea while sitting on the grass edge is a memory you will cherish forever.
- Accessibility: Easy. You can drive up to the viewpoint.
Krang Suri Falls
Located in the Jaintia Hills, this waterfall has magical blue water.
- The Vibe: It looks like a swimming pool made by nature. The water is a striking shade of turquoise blue. It is secluded and feels like a secret paradise.
- Practical Info:
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: ₹50 per person. Life jackets are mandatory for swimming.
- Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon (September to November).
- Insider Secret/Hack: You can actually walk behind the waterfall here. There is a path that takes you behind the curtain of water. It is a thrilling experience.
- Accessibility: Requires a 15-20 minute walk down a path.
Plan Your Trip: Three Perfect Itineraries, Places to Visit in Meghalaya
To help you organize your vacation, I have designed three plans.
1. The Express Plan (1 Day)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Start at Elephant Falls.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Visit Shillong Peak for the view.
- Lunch (1:30 PM): Eat at a cafe in Laitumkhrah, Shillong.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Drive to Umiam Lake for a boat ride.
- Evening: Shop at Police Bazar.
2. The Leisure Plan (3 Days)
- Day 1: Explore Shillong (Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum). Stay in Shillong.
- Day 2: Day trip to Cherrapunji. Visit Nohkalikai Falls and Mawsmai Cave.
- Day 3: Drive to Dawki for boating and visit Mawlynnong on the way back.
3. The Explorer Plan (Offbeat Focus)
- Day 1: Head straight to Shnongpdeng (near Dawki) and camp by the river.
- Day 2: Drive to Jowai to swim in Krang Suri Falls.
- Day 3: Go to Nongriat and trek to the Double Decker Root Bridge. Stay overnight in the village.
Frequently Asked Questions about places to visit in Meghalaya
Here are simple answers to the things you are worrying about.
1. Is Meghalaya safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Meghalaya is one of the safest states in India for women. The society is matrilineal, meaning women hold a high status. However, always take standard precautions. Do not travel on lonely highways late at night.
2. What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?
It depends on what you want. If you want to see waterfalls in full power, go during the monsoon (June to September). If you want clear water in Dawki and blue skies, go in winter (October to April).
3. Do I need a permit to visit Meghalaya?
Indian tourists do not need a permit. However, foreign nationals must register with the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO). You can do this online or upon arrival.
4. How are the road conditions in Meghalaya?
The main roads connecting Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Dawki are generally good. However, during the monsoon, landslides can occur. The roads inside the city can have heavy traffic.
5. Is vegetarian food available easily?
Yes, vegetarian food is available everywhere. While the local Khasi cuisine is heavy on meat (pork and chicken), all hotels and restaurants serve standard Indian vegetarian dishes like dal and paneer.
Conclusion: The Hills Are Calling
Meghalaya is not just a destination; it is a feeling. It is the feeling of cool mist on your face, the taste of spicy local food, and the sight of nature in its purest form. Whether you are trekking to a living root bridge or just sitting by Umiam Lake, the places to visit in meghalaya will leave a mark on your soul.
My final advice to you is this:
- Pack an Umbrella: It is the wettest place on earth for a reason. Rain can happen anytime.
- Respect the Culture: The locals are very friendly. Smile and be polite.
- Start Early: The sun sets very early in the Northeast (around 4:30 PM in winter). Make the most of your daylight.
Do not wait for the “perfect” time. Book your tickets. The clouds are waiting for you.
Have you ever seen a river as clear as Dawki? Or are you planning to brave the 3,000 steps to the root bridge? Let me know in the comments below!
