Cherrapunji also known as Sohra or Churra means the land of oranges, situated 50 KM from the state capital Shillong. Once the wettest place on the planet Cherrapunji holds the record for most rainfall in a calendar year. Although the wettest place on the earth, Mawsynram is located in the same district, East Khasi hills. Due to excessive rainfall, this place becomes an excellent spot for nature lovers, especially those who love trekking. The famous double-decker living root bridge is one of the best trekking destinations. The cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong is located 80 KM from Cherrapunji where you can experience the unique culture and food.
The spectacular waterfalls, awe-inspiring viewpoints, breathtaking adventure and heavenly natural beauty of Cherrapunji is something you will not find anywhere else. So if you’re planning to visit Cherrapunji then don’t forget to check our handpicked list of best places to visit in Cherrapunji which help you to make a soothing vacation –
Places To Visit In Cherrapunji
| Places to visit | Famous For | Best time to visit |
| Double Decker Living Root Bridge | UNESCO World Heritage Site | May to Sep |
| Rainbow Falls | Formation of rainbow & crystal clear blue water | May to Sep |
| Nohkalikai Falls | Tallest Plunge waterfall in India | May to Sep |
| Mawsmai Cave | Natural formed limestone cave famous for its fossils | May to Sep |
| Mawsynram Village | Wettest place on the planet | May to Sep |
| Dainthlen Falls | Offbeat | May to Sep |
| Wei Sawdong Falls | Clear Crystal blue water and natural swimming pool | May to Sep |
| Mawkdok View Point | Offbeat destinations and amazing views | May to Sep |
| Eco Park | Splendid views | May to Sep |
| Mawlynnong Village | Cleanest village in Asia | May to Sep |
| Seven Sister Falls | 4th highest falls in India | May to Sep |
| Arwah Caves | Millions year old Fossils | Anytime of the year |
| Kynrem Falls | 7th highest falls in india | May to Sep |
| Wah Kaba Falls | Offbeat destination | May to Sep |
1. Double Decker Living Root Bridge
The living root bridge is one of the most astonishing attractions in Northeast India and the epic double-decker living root bridge of Nongriat is the most famous one. The bridges are created by locals (Khasi tribe) as an alternative to wooden bridges which decay during the rainy season. They have trained them to grow from the roots of ancient rubber trees. These bridges are strong enough to hold around 40 people at a time. The Nongriat double-decker living root bridge is built across the Umshiang river.
- How to reach – To reach up there you need to be fit and have a lot of courage to do it. It is located in Nongriat village which is around 20 KM away from Cherrapunji. But there is no direct way to reach Nongriat from Cherrapunji. First, you’ve to take a local taxi which drops you at Tyrna village from where the actual hike of 3.5 KM begins. This adventurous hike includes 3000 steps on each way.
- Best time to visit – March to September
2. Rainbow Falls
Situated 18 KM from Cherrapunji and 3 KM from Double decker living root bridges, Rainbow fall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Meghalaya. The waterfall got its name from the fact that you can see a rainbow here whenever the sun rays fall over the waterfall. The color of the water is so blue and crystal clear that it looks like a blue lagoon. You can even take a dip inside the pool at the bottom of the fall.
- How to reach – Trekking is the only way to reach Rainbow falls. You need to trek from 1 and half hours from double decker living root bridge to reach up there. The trek traverse through the dense jungles, rich vegetation and many living root bridges. Most people cover double-decker living root bridge and Rainbow waterfall in a single trip as both of them are situated one after each other.
3. Nohkalikai Waterfalls
Situated 7 KM from Cherrapunji in the East Khasi Hill district of Meghalaya, Nohkalikai is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Falling from the height of 335 meters from the cliffs, it is one of the spectacular places to visit in Cherrapunji. Nestled between the lush green forest of Khasi hill the fall drop in the pool that changes color from blue to green to aqua depending on the time and season.
- Best time to visit – Monsoon (May to September) is the ideal time to see the waterfall in its full glory. However, during this time it’s hard to reach the base of the falls but the view from the cliff is marvelous. And if you want to trek to the edge and down to the fall then winter (October to March) is the best time to visit.
- How to reach – Nohkalikai fall is easily accessible by cab or taxi from Cherrapunji. There are viewpoints that give you a panoramic view of the falls with lush green valleys. However, if you want to reach the edge or bottom of the falls then you’ve to take a trek. The trek traverse through lush grasslands, forested hills, boulders and streams. It takes around 2 hours to reach the base of the falls.
4. Mawsmai Cave
A place full of thick green forests, waterfalls, and streams, Mawsmai cave gives you a totally different experience. Situated 6 Km from the Cherrapunji, Mawsmai cave is tucked into the Jaintia hills of Meghalaya. These wonderful caves are made out of limestone and are quite long but you can explore them to till 150 meters. The best thing about the caves is that they are well lit and you don’t need a guide to explore them. So, if you’re willing to start exploring the magnificent world of caving then this is the ideal spot for you.
- Timing – 7 Am to 5 Pm
- Entry Fees – 20 INR
- Parking fees – 10 Rs for 2 wheeler and 30 Rs for 4 wheeler.
5. Mawsynram Village – Wettest Place On The Planet
Nestled in the East Khasi hill district of Meghalaya, Mawsynram is regarded as the wettest place on the earth with more than 11,000 mm of annual rainfall. Situated 15 KM from Cherrapunji, it is a dream place for nature lovers. Listening to the sound of rainfall in peace of nature is so relaxing that for a moment you’ll forget all the hustles of daily life.
Away from the crowd, it is a perfect place for relaxation and enjoying the furry of rain. A visit to Mawsynram will let you know how locals here prepare for the peak rainy season; before peak monsoon, locals buy and stock enough food as it is become highly difficult to leave their homes during the month of May and July. Also, villagers use the thick grass in their homes to reduce the thunderous sound of rainfall.
- Best time to visit – Monsoon (May to September) is the best time to visit to enjoy the waterfalls and natural beauty.
6. Dainthlen Waterfall
Dainthlen waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Cherrapunji. It is not as popular as Nohkalikai falls and that makes it the perfect place for those who are looking to sit down and enjoy the magic of nature. This 90-meter-high waterfall shows the power of nature as, a gushing fall that cut through the hard rock and high cliffs before falling into the lush green forest. Along with natural beauty, there is a very interesting story associated with the waterfall; According to legends, the waterfall is named after the giant snake named Thlen was killed by locals.
On both sides of the fall, there are viewpoints where you can enjoy its beauty without worrying about safety. Also, the terrain around the fall is exciting to explore as there you can see some unique trees and birds.
7. Wei Sawdong falls
Just 1.5 KM from Dainthlen Falls there is another amazing waterfall named Wei Sawdong falls. It is a 3 tier waterfall so don’t forget to check out all and the upper will be more beautiful and peaceful. Due to an offbeat place, you can expect to low crowd and more natural beauty.
The water of Wei Sawdong fall is so clear and crystal that you wouldn’t stop yourself to take a dip inside it. The size of the fall is not that big but the surrounding beauty, clear crystal blue water and peaceful environment make it a must-visit place. If you’re looking to spend some time in peace with solitude then Wei Sawdong fall is the ideal place for you.
- How to reach – To reach this hidden beauty you need to take a 200 to 300 meters trek made by bamboo trees. During monsoon, the path becomes slippery and muddy so do wear good trekking shoes. The trek is not an intense one but risky to some extent as the path is very narrow. While trekking always be attentive as one wrong step could lead you to an accident.
- Best time to visit – May to October is the best time to visit when the flow of water is at its peak.
8. Mawkdok – Dympep Valley View Point
Situated on the Shillong – Cherrapunji road, Mawkdok Dympep valley view point is a picturesque place to enjoy the stunning views of the valley. It is located on the way to Cherrapunji when you’re coming from Shillong at 30 KM.
Built by the forest department it is a perfect offbeat destination away from crowds and commercialization. The v-shaped valley gives you a surreal experience. There is a hidden waterfall at the bottom of the viewpoint for that you need to descend inside the valley by taking the stairs. While going down you’ll be amazed to see the beautiful flowers. The water is crystal clear and you can easily take a bath.
9. Eco Park
Built in 2004 by the Meghalayan Government, the Eco park of Cherrapunji is an ideal place to visit especially who come here with family. From here you can catch some amazing views of Bangladesh. It is home to various viewpoints, hybrid & indigenous orchids, children’s play areas, monoliths, footbridges and water conservation structures. There are some points in the park from where you can witness the famous seven sister waterfall.
- Entry Fees – 10 INR
- Timing – 8 AM to 5 PM
10. Mawlynnong village
Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong is regarded as God’s Own Garden. Situated 88 KM from Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong is famous for its cleanliness which is the most important aspect of our life. A visit to this village will help you to learn how the little effort of each people makes the cleanest village of Asia.
The evergreen surroundings, rushing streams, fruit orchids and years-old tradition of Khasi tribes attract tourists from all over the world. This village has 100% literacy rate with amazing women empowerment. The pleasant weather, clean roads, living root bridges and abundance of flora & fauna make it a heaven for nature lovers.
- Best time to visit – June to September is the best time to visit Mawlynnong when the monsoon makes the environment quite lively and flowers start blooming.
11. Seven Sister Waterfall
Seven sister waterfall is the fourth highest fall in India with a height of 315 meters. It is a combination of 7 major falls and each falls takes a different shape & route that gives it a picturesque face. It is a rain-feed falls that plunge over the limestone cliffs of Khasi hills.
The seven parts of the fall signify the seven different states of northeast India namely Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur. There are two major viewpoints from where you can witness the amazing falls – one is in the eco park and another is at Mawsmai village.
- Best time to visit – June to September or monsoon is the best time to visit when the falls is in its peak form.
12. Arwah Caves
Arwah cave is one of the newest discovered caves in Meghalaya. It is famous for its limestone formation and lots of millions of years old fossils. A walk to the cave will take you through some picturesque twists and turns. At one point in the cave where the path crosses through the side of the Lawshynna hill and you can see the waterfall and lush green valley. There are some seating areas near the path where you can sit and enjoy the views. The consistent flowing underwater stream gives you freshness after a tiring walk.
- Timing – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Entry Fees – 20 Rs per person
- Best time to visit – Arwah cave doesn’t need any special season or time to explore. It is a year-round destination.
13. Kynrem Falls
The 7th highest waterfall in India, Kynrem falls is a three-level waterfall. Falling from a height of 305 meters, it is one of the best waterfalls in Meghalaya. Situated 17 km from Cherrapunij, it is located inside Thangkharang park. It is seasonal fall which means the monsoon is the best time to enjoy the amazing views of the falls. There is a viewpoint in Thangkharang park from where you can enjoy the picturesque views of falls. The motorable road that connects the waterfall goes all the way to Bangladesh.
- Entry Fees – 20 Rs per person
14. Wah Kaba Falls
Cascades from a cliff and drops 170-190 meters into a deep gorge, Wah Kaba falls is one of the prominent places to visit in Cherrapunji. It is a roadside waterfall and to reach up there you need to take a short hike that traverses through the amazing views of the valley. You can go to the edge of the falls thanks to safety barriers that make you feel safe while standing over there. But you still need lot of courage to stand there. The flowing water is crystal & clear.
- Entry Fees – 20 Rs
- Best time to visit – Monsoon is the best time to visit when the fall is in full flow and you can even listen the roar from kilometers away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough to explore Cherrapunji?
2 days and 3 nights would be enough to enjoy the most of Cherrapunji. One day to visit the double-decker living root bridges and Rainbow falls and another day to explore the local attractions like Nohkalikai falls, Seven Sister falls, Mawsmai cave, Wei Swadong falls and Dainthlen Waterfall.
What is the best time to visit Cherrapunji?
Cherrapunji is a year-round destination. Winter (October to February) is the peak season in Cherrapunji when the weather stays pleasant and rainfall is minimal to enjoy the best of Cherrapunji. And if you want to enjoy the waterfalls and natural beauty then the monsoon (May to September) is the best time to visit.