Meghalaya in northeastern India is the epitome of beauty. The more you seek, the more it will offer. There are numerous places to visit in Meghalaya that would make you feel like you are in heaven.
From stunning waterfalls to beautiful clean villages, you would have every goodness packed in a box here for you to unbox. Meghalaya is translated to Abode of Clouds in the Sanskrit language. Anyone who has been here would wholeheartedly agree that the name is completely justified.
When planning a trip to this beautiful state, it can often get confusing to decide on the places to visit in Meghalaya. We have carefully curated a list of the best places to go for you.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Meghalaya which you simply can’t miss:
1. Shillong
It is the capital of Meghalaya and is popularly known as the Scotland of the East. It is a beautiful hill station, and indeed one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. Strikingly, it is the country’s only hill station that is accessible from all directions.
It is a picturesque hill station that provides the finest views, experiences, food, and heritage, making it a one-of-a-kind destination. It is also renowned as God’s Honest Harvest because it is a 1500-meter-high meld of terraced gardens, crystal clear waters, and Eden-like woodlands.
Things to do in Shillong:
- Take a Thrilling Trek to the David Scott Trail
- Explore the Laitlum Canyon in the East Khasi Hills
- Glaze at Elephant Falls
- Witness the past at Don Bosco Museum
- Showcase your Golf Expertise at Shillong Golf Course
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2. Cherrapunji
It is a beautiful high-altitude town that is truly a sight to behold. Locally known as Sohra, it is undisturbed, unspoiled, and pristine. The exceptionally green surroundings and the breeze makes this place like a bundle of happiness waiting to be explored.
Cherrapunji, once regarded as the wettest region in the nation, continues to have the highest annual rainfall totals. The Double Decker Wonder and the beautifully flowing waterfalls make this town a must to be in the places to visit in Meghalaya.
Things to do in Cherrapunji:
- Encounter the mesmerizing allure of Kynrem Falls
- Visit the infamous Double Decker Living Root Bridges
- Explore the Mawsmai Nongthymmai Eco Park
- Witness the breathtaking Mawkdok Dympep Valley View
- Get a chance to see fossils at Arwah Caves
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3. Balpakram National Park
At a steering elevation of 3,000 feet is this breathtaking national park tucked away in the southern Garo hills. Balpakram means ‘the land of perpetual winds, and it is completely justifiable when you see the place.
It is a mysterious park with enormous paranormal stories, and is home to some of the most exotic wildlife. Additionally, it encompasses the Gorge which is referred to as ‘land of the spirits’. All this makes it an interesting places to visit in Meghalaya.
Things to do in Balpakram National Park:
- Closely watch the Flora and Fauna of the place
- Experience the Mythical Spots such as Goncho Dare gorge/canyon
- Look at beautiful Balpakram National Park Caves
- Explore Chidimak, a tiny lake with water that appears charcoal black
- Views the numerous waterfalls that cascade down the cliff face
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4. Mawlynnong Village
This Village is truly Meghalaya’s best-kept secret. It is now well-known and one of the most popular tourist destinations. It is also known as God’s Garden, in addition to being Asia’s cleanest village.
The village is very conscious of being environmentally friendly, and cleanliness is like a lifestyle here. There isn’t a single piece of trash to be found, which is unusual in major cities. Shortly this purity and clean air are what make it one of the popular places to visit in Meghalaya.
Things to do in Mawlynnong Village:
- Spectacular view at sky view point
- Witness the beautiful mawlynnong Waterfall
- Pay a visit at church of the Epiphany
- Walk on the roads of Asia’s cleanest village
- Take a glance at the balancing rock
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5. Dawki
This beautiful gem of Meghalaya is perched on the India-Bangladesh Border. It is a tiny hamlet tucked in the Jaintia Hills which offers the best of local life. The fresh air, scenic views, top attractions, and kind people is what this town is all about.
Additionally, the water activities and a stroll over the suspension bridge which is on the Umngot River makes it a popular places to visit when visiting Meghalaya. One can get also get snapped near the India-Bangladesh friendship gate.
Things to do in Dawki:
- Boating, Snorkelling in the turquoise waters of Umngot river
- Witness the majestic Boorhill Falls
- Walk over the suspension bridge
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6. Umiam Lake
This Lake is the pinnacle of beauty and is located close to Shillong. Locally called as Dam sait, it is the largest artificial lake ever created and has a depth of about 53 metres. This tourist destination in Meghalaya is a must-visit because of the surrounding nature and tranquillity.
Additionally, it will give you some well needed quiet time to reflect and observe the local life here. People go-about their daily lives in an effort to find grass and twigs or the fisherman paddling through the quiet waters.
Things to do in Umiam Lake:
- A soothing boat ride in the pristine Lake
- Indulge in Kayaking and water skiing
- Hike through the thick woods
- Spend the night at Lumpongden Island
7. Nartiang Monoliths
Situated right in Meghalaya’s west Jaintia Hills district is this beautiful presentation of the history. It includes a collection of large monoliths framed as monuments for the ancient kings. Additionally, it has immense historical and cultural significance.
The tallest Menhir, originally built by U Mar Phalyngki, a credible commanding officer of the Jaintia King to immortalize his victory in battle, stands within the perimeter of this Megalithic collection. Additionally, other monoliths were built between 1500A and 1500B by U Mar Phalyngki, U Luh Lyngskor Lamare, and various clans of Nartiang village.
Things to do in Nartiang Monoliths:
- Pay a visit to Jayanti Shaktipeeth Shri Nartiang Durga Temple
- Take a peek at Tyrshi Falls
- Look over the Monolith garden
- Explore the Syntu Ksiar Fish Sanctuary
- Wintess the sunrise from the Nongjrong View Point
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8. Krem Liat Prah
Enclosed in the Shnongrim Ridge of East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. Krem signifies a cave in the local dialect. It is a currently underway cave project, and specialists are still tracing the cave’s length. As of now, it is a 34-kilometer-long cave.
Markedly with a tremendous trunk passage known as the Aircraft Hangar as its main attraction. There are nearly 150 pure limestone and sandstone caves. Additionally, there are some in this set of caves, that are the most extensive and deepest caves in the world. This one is just one of them.
Places to visit near Krem Liat Prah:
- Go to beautiful Jaintia Hills
- Explore the Krem Lymput
- Take a stroll to Ntangki National Park
- Witness the majestic Krem Dam
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9. Mawsynram
It appears to be a simple village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, but its peaceful vibe is what makes it such a popular tourist destination in Meghalaya. The mountain roads that lead to the destination are adorned with lush greenery, blooming orchids, and breathtaking waterfalls.
It has also earned the title of “wettest place in the world” due to the heavy rainfalls it receives. It receives 11802.4 mm of rainfall per year. Because it is located in hilly areas, the airflow cannot move further southwest and strikes the hills, resulting in heavy rain.
Things to do in Mawsynram:
- Uncover the mysterious Mawsmai caves
- Take in the scenery from the Khreng Viewpoint
- Witness the beautiful Mawsmai waterfalls
- Adventure Sports at Mawlyngbna
10. Nohkalikai Waterfalls
Next, we have Nohkalikai Waterfalls on the list of places to visit in Meghalaya. It is the most breathtaking sight and among the highest waterfalls in the whole world. It dramatic fall of water cutting through the red rocks is a sight to behold.
Interestingly, the pool of water collected at the foot of this waterfall is said to change colours from blue to green to aqua. This is yet another beautiful wonder of nature. The word Nohkalikai literally means ‘Jump of Ka Likai’. The story behind this gorgeous waterfalls is a disheartening story of a hardworking mother named ‘Likai’ who jumped off the cliff owing to the death of her own daughter.
Things to do in Nohkalikai Waterfalls:
- Explore the Arwah Cave
- A sight to hold at Rainbow Falls
- Go to the top of Nohkalikai waterfalls
- Visit the Dainthlen Falls
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With that, we come to the end of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. There’s so much to explore on your next trip to this ’Abode of Clouds’. Pack your bag to unpack the adventure that awaits you on a backpacking trip to Meghalaya. Hop on!