With abundant greeneries, plenty of fresh mountain air, scenic backdrops in every direction, the azure sky just like an artist’s daydream, the cultural heritage that is beyond richness, Meghalaya truly is one of the beautiful states in India. Aptly named as the ‘Scotland of the East’, Meghalaya is the sheer delight to the senses and the nature lovers’ love at first sight. The realm of greens and serenity known as ‘The abode of the clouds’ will invoke and ignite the vibes of art, music, poetry in a creative and imaginative wanderer. Apart from the ethereal charm, Meghalaya is the treasure chest of endless adventures. So, below is the list of 10 things to do in Meghalaya which are nowhere else to be found in the earth.
Plummeting from a great height of 1,115 feet Nohkalikai Waterfalls, the tallest waterfall in India is located at a convenient distance of 5 km from the main town. It is one of the most sought-after attractions in Cherrapunji that cascades down to form a pool like formation amid the panoramic backdrop of greens. You can either take a short hike or drive through a high table land to reach the spot. The ideal time to visit Nohkalikai Falls is during monsoon season when falls appear magnificent.
Awarded as ‘Asia’s cleanest village’ Mawlynnong Village in Meghalaya deserves a standing ovation for setting an outstanding example for all the cities and villages in our country. The village has contributed remarkably towards the community-eco tourism. Exploring the village is one of the best things to do in Meghalaya as you will witness fewer cars, more bicycles, dustbins made of thin bamboo slices, and above all, breathing pure oxygen. The village offers a lot of life lessons to be learned from the native tribes. You will also be fined if you pluck flowers, fruits from trees, for littering. You can even enjoy the entire view of the village from an 80 m watchtower.
If you cannot find your peace unless you indulge in some water sports, then you should be at Umiam Lake. The best time to be here is from the months of October to April. The crystal clear water and the orange hues of the setting winter sun will take your breath away as it renders the visualization of rubies and gems scattered in the lake. Witness the tiny islands popping out of the surface of the water during summers. Umiam Lake offers a plethora of water adventure activities like boating, kayaking, angling, and the surrounding regions offer the best options for hiking cycling, trekking, etc.
Meghalaya is the abode to the country’s highest number of caves. The world’s longest sandstone cave called as Krem Puri has been recently found in Meghalaya. Indulge in caving expedition in Krem Puri, which is thrice the elevation of Mount Everest with a staggering length of 24.5 km. This cave containing 66-76 million years’ dinosaur fossils are discovered near Laitsohum Village in Mawsynram area in East Khasi Hills district, and it is 24,583 m long. Despite its discovery in 2016, its precise length was recently mapped.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest contradicts anything that you’ve seen before. Isolated from the claustrophobic cities, you can discover your peace at this virgin forest stretching over 193 acres, which is preserved and protected by Labasa, the local deity. Certainly, the most extraordinary things to do in Meghalaya, the accessibility into this sacred forest is via a tunnel made by the branches of the trees, which is an engrossing forerunner to the enchanting forest. Abounding with exotic plants and trees, some of the medicinal herbs are precious and can even cure breast cancer. Explore the forest to get endowed by nature, but remember the rule of the forest, not a single leaf can be taken out of the forest.
Forming in 3 parts in succession, Elephant waterfall is a wonder. The uppermost part gives out mysterious vibes as it is covered by trees and clouds. The second part comprises the smooth flowing waterfall down the rocks forming pristine foam. The third and the lowest part is the most engrossing and the wildest part of the waterfall. All these parts of the waterfall are accessible but, you’re sure to get an element of adrenaline rush to face the gushing pressure of water eroding the rocks and creating a swift stream. Waterfall rappelling and trekking are one of the adventurous things to do in Meghalaya. The evening is the best time to visit the waterfall as the setting sun shines over the waterfall giving it a touch of golden hue, as in Midas touch.
Embrace the wonderful privilege of walking on the phenomenal double-decker Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya. These roots have thrived since the beginning of time and have even grown stronger in intense Cherrapunji rain. This natural man-made wonder has been a mystery to many even though they have visited here for many years. Trekking for about 5 hours takes you across some jaw-dropping landscapes leading to the double-decker Living Root Bridges. You have to be careful about the slippery 3, 500 steps during the ascent and descent to the bridges, but the reward for the hard work is worth the effort.
Located in the West Jaintia Hills, about an hour east of Mawlynnong, the border town of Dawki is famous for its pristine aqua green Umngot River. The International Radcliffe Line border amid India and Bangladesh is located here but, so is hard to believe for many as there is no security employed in the region, due to which locals from both sides intermingle by crossing the border. Umngot River said to the cleanest river on earth offers the excellent opportunity for angling. Besides, you can even enjoy the boat ride along the river.
Ditch the rest and trek to richly forested Garo Hills in the western part of Meghalaya if you’re a nature lover seeking to get off the beaten paths. This extensive area is houses Siju Wildlife Sanctuary, Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, and Balpakhram National Park, which abounds with pristine and thriving biodiversity. These regions are preserved and protected by Non- Profit organization Samrakshan, and the butterfly tours and eco-tours are one of the major features of this region.
Amongst many recommended activities in Meghalaya, we insist you enjoy the nightlife. Shillong the capital and the largest city in Meghalaya can beat the magnificence of metropolis even though it is isolated from the metros. Despite being a small town as compared to the metropolis, people are fun loving and the town houses exclusive bars, lounges, and nightclubs where you can hang out and make new friends. Few places for enjoying live music, exotic drinks, lip-smacking food, dancing are Tango Pub, Cloud 9, Platinum, DeJaVu, etc. Experiencing nightlife in Shillong is one of the best things to do in Meghalaya, even if you’re traveling solo.
1. Visit India’s tallest waterfall, Nohkalikai Waterfalls
Plummeting from a great height of 1,115 feet Nohkalikai Waterfalls, the tallest waterfall in India is located at a convenient distance of 5 km from the main town. It is one of the most sought-after attractions in Cherrapunji that cascades down to form a pool like formation amid the panoramic backdrop of greens. You can either take a short hike or drive through a high table land to reach the spot. The ideal time to visit Nohkalikai Falls is during monsoon season when falls appear magnificent.
2. Explore Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong Village
Awarded as ‘Asia’s cleanest village’ Mawlynnong Village in Meghalaya deserves a standing ovation for setting an outstanding example for all the cities and villages in our country. The village has contributed remarkably towards the community-eco tourism. Exploring the village is one of the best things to do in Meghalaya as you will witness fewer cars, more bicycles, dustbins made of thin bamboo slices, and above all, breathing pure oxygen. The village offers a lot of life lessons to be learned from the native tribes. You will also be fined if you pluck flowers, fruits from trees, for littering. You can even enjoy the entire view of the village from an 80 m watchtower.
3. Indulge in water sports and activities in and around Umiam Lake
If you cannot find your peace unless you indulge in some water sports, then you should be at Umiam Lake. The best time to be here is from the months of October to April. The crystal clear water and the orange hues of the setting winter sun will take your breath away as it renders the visualization of rubies and gems scattered in the lake. Witness the tiny islands popping out of the surface of the water during summers. Umiam Lake offers a plethora of water adventure activities like boating, kayaking, angling, and the surrounding regions offer the best options for hiking cycling, trekking, etc.
4. Go for caving expedition at the world’s longest cave, Krem Puri
Meghalaya is the abode to the country’s highest number of caves. The world’s longest sandstone cave called as Krem Puri has been recently found in Meghalaya. Indulge in caving expedition in Krem Puri, which is thrice the elevation of Mount Everest with a staggering length of 24.5 km. This cave containing 66-76 million years’ dinosaur fossils are discovered near Laitsohum Village in Mawsynram area in East Khasi Hills district, and it is 24,583 m long. Despite its discovery in 2016, its precise length was recently mapped.
5. Experience the untouched nature at Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Mawphlang Sacred Forest contradicts anything that you’ve seen before. Isolated from the claustrophobic cities, you can discover your peace at this virgin forest stretching over 193 acres, which is preserved and protected by Labasa, the local deity. Certainly, the most extraordinary things to do in Meghalaya, the accessibility into this sacred forest is via a tunnel made by the branches of the trees, which is an engrossing forerunner to the enchanting forest. Abounding with exotic plants and trees, some of the medicinal herbs are precious and can even cure breast cancer. Explore the forest to get endowed by nature, but remember the rule of the forest, not a single leaf can be taken out of the forest.
6. Enhance your evening while enjoying the sunset at Elephant Falls
Forming in 3 parts in succession, Elephant waterfall is a wonder. The uppermost part gives out mysterious vibes as it is covered by trees and clouds. The second part comprises the smooth flowing waterfall down the rocks forming pristine foam. The third and the lowest part is the most engrossing and the wildest part of the waterfall. All these parts of the waterfall are accessible but, you’re sure to get an element of adrenaline rush to face the gushing pressure of water eroding the rocks and creating a swift stream. Waterfall rappelling and trekking are one of the adventurous things to do in Meghalaya. The evening is the best time to visit the waterfall as the setting sun shines over the waterfall giving it a touch of golden hue, as in Midas touch.
7. Witness the wonder by walking on the Living Root Bridges
Embrace the wonderful privilege of walking on the phenomenal double-decker Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya. These roots have thrived since the beginning of time and have even grown stronger in intense Cherrapunji rain. This natural man-made wonder has been a mystery to many even though they have visited here for many years. Trekking for about 5 hours takes you across some jaw-dropping landscapes leading to the double-decker Living Root Bridges. You have to be careful about the slippery 3, 500 steps during the ascent and descent to the bridges, but the reward for the hard work is worth the effort.
8. Enjoy Angling and Boat ride in the cleanest River Umngot in Dawki
Located in the West Jaintia Hills, about an hour east of Mawlynnong, the border town of Dawki is famous for its pristine aqua green Umngot River. The International Radcliffe Line border amid India and Bangladesh is located here but, so is hard to believe for many as there is no security employed in the region, due to which locals from both sides intermingle by crossing the border. Umngot River said to the cleanest river on earth offers the excellent opportunity for angling. Besides, you can even enjoy the boat ride along the river.
9. Get off the beaten track and explore Garo Hills
Ditch the rest and trek to richly forested Garo Hills in the western part of Meghalaya if you’re a nature lover seeking to get off the beaten paths. This extensive area is houses Siju Wildlife Sanctuary, Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, and Balpakhram National Park, which abounds with pristine and thriving biodiversity. These regions are preserved and protected by Non- Profit organization Samrakshan, and the butterfly tours and eco-tours are one of the major features of this region.
10. Enjoy nightlife in the capital city Shillong
Amongst many recommended activities in Meghalaya, we insist you enjoy the nightlife. Shillong the capital and the largest city in Meghalaya can beat the magnificence of metropolis even though it is isolated from the metros. Despite being a small town as compared to the metropolis, people are fun loving and the town houses exclusive bars, lounges, and nightclubs where you can hang out and make new friends. Few places for enjoying live music, exotic drinks, lip-smacking food, dancing are Tango Pub, Cloud 9, Platinum, DeJaVu, etc. Experiencing nightlife in Shillong is one of the best things to do in Meghalaya, even if you’re traveling solo.
What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?
The best time to visit Meghalaya is between the months of October and April. From where do I book my vacation in Meghalaya at cheapest rates? There are countless travel agencies that provide vacation packages for the northeastern region; however, for reliability, safety, and for the reasonable package rates, we recommend you to book your vacation from Eastern Meadows. They not only customize your bespoke vacation itineraries but also assist you throughout your trip.Comments (0)