The northeast trail of India is a beauty to behold. The natural wonders, unique cultures, hiking trails and mouth-watering delicacies make the area a must-visit spot. Meghalaya is one of the main attractions on the northeast trail. It literally means the ‘abode of clouds.’ Surrounded by the hills on all sides, it boasts several natural wonders for everyone to admire.
Although the best time to visit Meghalaya is from March to June, the monsoon months are no less beautiful. The monsoon season lasts from June to October and is undoubtedly a sight to behold. Meghalaya is also home to two of the wettest places in the world – Mawsynram and Cherrapunji. During these months, the waterfalls are at full force and the hills are lusher than ever.
Meghalaya's capital Shillong is the central city in the surroundings. It's a perfect place to stay, roam, and dine. You can explore the other parts of Meghalaya as day excursions from Shillong. The city is home to several attractions like Umiam Lake, Police Bazaar, Shillong Peak and Mawphlang. Mawphlang is a sacred forest that lies on the outskirts of the city. It is famous for its ancient rituals, legendary stories and sacrifices.
Famous for its double-decker living bridge, Cherrapunji is one of the wettest places on the planet. The town is also prominent for the Mawsmai Caves that are beautiful natural rock formations. Located at a distance of 50 kms from Shillong, you can admire a number of towering waterfalls and viewpoints on the road trip to Cherrapunji. If you go a bit further ahead, you can explore the Dawki river, located on the Bangladesh border. On a clear day, you can see through the water up to the river bed.
Touted as the wettest place on the planet, Mawsynram is located at a 60-km drive from Shillong. It's a nature lover’s paradise and is a must-visit spot, if you're exploring Meghalaya. The Seven Sisters falls is also one of the famed sightseeing spots in the state. It is symbolic of the 7 northeastern states of India.
Shillong is the best place to stay if you're looking for various kinds of options. If luxurious and serene stays are on your mind, hotels like Ri Kynjai and the Heritage Club - Tripura Castle are absolutely perfect. Otherwise, there are plenty of other hotels and homestays available in Shillong. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram too have some basic stays available.
Public transport is fluid in Shillong. You can take local buses or cabs to get around in the city. However, if you're looking to explore Cherrapunji, Mawsynram and other places, it is best to hire a taxi for the whole day. You can tour all the locations at your own pace and not be worried about specific public transport timings.
Local dishes like tungrymbai, jadoh, and pukhlein are a must-try. If you're a meat-lover, then you can try out Meghalaya's famous smoked meats and pork delicacies. Some famous cafes and restaurants to try out in Shillong are Dylan's Café, ML 05 Café and Café Shillong.
Meghalaya still seems like an untouched paradise to many of us. It has beautiful weather all around the year, but the monsoons add magical dust to it. If you're a wildlife explorer and a nature lover, this state should be on your list.
