Save an extra 10% or more on select hotels with Member Discount. Sign up its free now!
Sprawled on an escarpment overlooking the foaming rivers in the state of Meghalaya is Cherrapunji a land hidden behind the swirling mist. Situated in the heart of Meghalaya Cherrapunji has been entitled as the wettest places on earth by Guinness Book of World Records. At an altitude of 4500ft Cherrapunji also spelled as Cherrapunjee or Charrapunji is a land of majestic waterfalls and emerald green rain forest. Cherrapunji is noted for its orange groves and limestone caves. Sightseeing in Cherrapunji is filled with places with pristine beauty and unusual facets. Travelers from far and wide are attracted by the pictorial landscape of Cherrapunji making it a must visit destination of India. All the tourist destination of this scenic place can be reach through easy hike.
Double Decker Root Bridge situated in the Tyma Village over a small river stream is one of the prime attractions of Cherrapunji. It is a unique man-made cum natural bridge which is made out of living roots of ancient rubber trees. These trees are only found in the northeast region. Umishiang Double Decker Root Bridge is believed to be 500years old and it is the only one of its kind in the world. This astounding bridge is believed to hold the weight of 50 peoples at a time. People from far and wide are attracted towards to see this Double Decker Root Bridge of Cherrapunji.
Nohkalikai Falls is one of the top tourist attractions of Cherrapunji which has bewitched the minds of many travelers. With an astounding height of 1100ft Nohkalikai Falls is one the tallest plunge waterfall in the world. Cascading down a plateau this majestic waterfall has carved a waterhole which reflects blue color in winter and green color in summer. Nohkalikai Falls is located at a distance of 5km from the main town of Cherrapunji. Monsoon season is the best time to visit Nohkalikai Falls as it is in its pristine form. On a clear day along with the roaring sound of cascading waterfall visitors can catch the panoramic vista of Bangladesh plain for the view point of Nohkalikai Falls.
Mawsmai Cave is one of the famous limestone caves of Cherrapunji. Located at a distance of 6km from Cherrapunji, Mawsmai Cave attracts many naturalists and geologist. The dark and humid ambiance of Mawsmai Cave is another feature which has hyped the interest of traveler who thrives to experience something new. The interior of this cave showcase an astounding natural phenomenon where the constant dripping of water from the roofs of cave formed stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors with great observation skill can also notice how the roof and the floor of the Mawsmai Cave are joined together to form the iconic pillars. For all the adventurers travelling to Northern part of India, it is must for them to explore the mysterious and fascinating Mawsmai Cave in Cherrapunji.
Mawsmai Cave Timings: 9:30am to 5:30pm
Entry fee of Mawsmai Cave: Rs 10 (Subject to change)
Sprawled next to the Khoh Ramhah rock is Thangkharang Park of Cherrapunji. Located at a distance of 12km from the main town of Cherrapunji, Thangkharang Park is a pictorial destination. This park is famous for having two nice viewpoints strategically built on two of the three rocks that impart a good view of Khoh Ramhah water fall, a three stage fall and the valley below. There are two small wooden bridges which connects the two view points of Thangkharang Park. During monsoon season, the wooden bridges become the vantage point to catch the mesmerizing vista of river stream cascading through the lush forest enclosing Cherrapunji.
Cherapunji is known for its majestic waterfalls and Dainthlen Waterfall is one of the famous tourist attractions of Cherapunji. It is located at a distance of 5km from the main town of Cherapunji. Although Dainthlen Waterfall cannot match the height of Nohkalikai Falls yet the surreal beauty of this soft waterfall has captivated the mind of many nature lovers making it a must visit destination of Cherapunji. This serene waterfall is associated with a local legend that speaks of how the locals had killed a python that had been living nearby the Dainthlen and terrorizing villagers. Visitors can see the snake carved into the rocks of Dainthlen Waterfall which is said to represent the symbol of greed and evil.
How to reach Cherrapunji: Although Cherrapunji is a famous tourist destination of India it is not directly connected with the state bus network. Visitors need to first take a bus towards Guwahati or Shillong and continue the rest of the journey on a hired cab or shared jeep. The distance between Guwahati to Cherrapunji and Shillong to Cherrapunji is 181km and 53 km respectively. The nearest airport of Cherrapunji is Umroi Airport of Shillong at a distance of 91km but due to the irregular flight its best recommended for the traveler to board a flight for Guwahati Airport. The nearest railway station of Cherrapunji is located in Guwahati.
Best time to reach Cherrapunji: Being entitled as the wettest destination it is best if visitors avoid traveling to Cherrapunji during rainy seasons. Apart from heavy rainfall the weather condition of Cherrapunji is pleasant throughout the year. The best time to visit Cherrapunji is between the months of October and May, when the weather remains cool and pleasant. This are also the months which receive the least amount of rainfall.
