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India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Meghalaya, meaning "Abode of Clouds", is one of India’s most enchanting states—blessed with living root bridges, misty hills, sacred forests, thundering waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers. It's a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and cultural explorers alike.
Here’s a captivating and well-curated list of the Top 25 Places to Visit in Meghalaya, perfect for travel blogs, storytelling, or crafting an itinerary.
Top 25 Must-Visit Places in Meghalaya
1. Shillong – The Scotland of the East
The vibrant capital city nestled in rolling hills and pine trees.
Don’t Miss: Ward’s Lake, Umiam Lake, Shillong Peak, Police Bazar, Don Bosco Museum.
2. Cherrapunji (Sohra)
Once the wettest place on Earth, known for monsoon beauty and caves.
Don’t Miss: Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Falls, Eco Park.
3. Mawlynnong – Asia’s Cleanest Village
A picture-perfect village known for cleanliness, community tourism, and greenery.
Don’t Miss: Sky View Tower, Living Root Bridge, bamboo dustbins, Khasi culture.
4. Dawki & Umngot River
Home to India’s cleanest river with surreal clear water.
Don’t Miss: Boating on glass-clear water, Indo-Bangladesh border views, Suspension Bridge.
5. Nongriat (Double Decker Root Bridge)
A magical trekking village deep in the forest.
Don’t Miss: Double Decker Root Bridge trek (3,000 steps!), Rainbow Falls, Forest stay.
6. Mawsynram
The wettest place on Earth, with dreamy monsoon landscapes.
Don’t Miss: Mawjymbuin Cave (Shivling-shaped stalagmite), rain tourism, green carpet views.
7. Laitlum Canyon
A breathtaking canyon near Shillong, often shrouded in mist.
Don’t Miss: Hikes, valley views, photography at sunset or sunrise.
8. Sacred Forest – Mawphlang
An ancient forest protected by Khasi rituals, with unique biodiversity.
Don’t Miss: Guided heritage walk, monoliths, stories of local deities.
9. Krang Shuri Waterfalls
One of the most beautiful turquoise waterfalls in Meghalaya.
Don’t Miss: Swimming (with safety jackets), nature trails, picnic spots.
10. Shnongpdeng
An adventure hotspot near Dawki.
Don’t Miss: Cliff jumping, kayaking, riverside camping, snorkelling in the Umngot River.
11. Umiam Lake
A massive, serene reservoir just outside Shillong.
Don’t Miss: Boating, ziplining, lakeside picnics, sunrise views.
12. Mawsmai Cave
A limestone cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Don’t Miss: Cave walk adventure, light and shadow photography.
13. Arwah Cave
Less crowded and filled with fossils, near Cherrapunji.
Don’t Miss: Silent exploration, ancient seashell fossils on walls.
14. Nohkalikai Falls
India’s tallest plunge waterfall, with a tragic legend behind its name.
Don’t Miss: Viewpoint trek, monsoon magic, storytelling by locals.
15. Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls)
A seven-stream waterfall that cascades down from high cliffs.
Don’t Miss: Sunset glow on the water, cloudy-day beauty.
16. Tyrna Village
Base for the Nongriat root bridge trek.
Don’t Miss: Local hospitality, village-to-forest transition.
17. Mawlyngbna
A hidden eco-tourism village with fossils, lakes, and clean camps.
Don’t Miss: Kayaking, Fossil Park, Waterfalls, Rock formations.
18. Riwai Root Bridge
Easier to access than Nongriat, near Mawlynnong.
Don’t Miss: Quick root bridge experience, scenic trail.
19. Phe Phe Falls
An emerging offbeat destination near Jowai with turquoise pools.
Don’t Miss: Trekking to the base, secret valley vibes.
20. Smit Village
A traditional Khasi village near Shillong.
Don’t Miss: Indigenous architecture, Nongkrem dance festival.
21. Balpakram National Park (in Garo Hills)
A biodiverse hotspot and mystical land often called the “Land of Spirits.”
Don’t Miss: Wildlife spotting, plateau views, tribal legends.
22. Nartiang Monoliths (Jaintia Hills)
A unique site with the largest collection of monoliths in India.
Don’t Miss: History of warrior stones, peaceful garden vibe.
23. Thadlaskein Lake
A peaceful artificial lake with a folklore background.
Don’t Miss: Boating, quiet walks, picnic.
24. Lum Sohpetbneng Peak
A sacred Khasi site believed to be the navel of heaven.
Don’t Miss: Annual pilgrimage in February, views and rituals.
25. Wahkaba Falls
A tall, seasonal waterfall in Cherrapunji with layers of greenery.
Don’t Miss: Best after rain, road trip stop.
Best Time to Visit
Perfect For
“Meghalaya is where clouds sleep on mountains, rivers sing in silence, and the earth wears green like poetry. It’s not just a place to visit—it’s a place to breathe slowly, live softly, and feel deeply.”