Meghalaya is the ultimate paradise for travel enthusiasts. Its landscape is filled with beautiful waterfalls and mystic mountains. Apart from untouched nature and calm surroundings, you may also develop a liking for the food and culture found in the places to visit in Meghalaya.
Meghalaya’s weather and pristine locations are tailor-made to relax your mind and rejuvenate your body. Do you desire a long drive with your loved one or a memorable vacation with your family? Meghalaya can be a travel destination that is nothing less than therapy for tourists. This blog shares more about the top places to visit in Meghalaya, along with travel tips and other details!
Unique Places to Visit in Meghalaya
Meghalaya is often called the ‘Abode of Clouds’ because of its natural bounties and scenic locations. The top 5 places to visit in Meghalaya are given below:
- Shillong – The Blending Pot Of Music and Culture
Shillong is a beautiful city with a perfect blend of natural topography and urban modernization. The architecture of the colonial period in Shillong is worth observing. This city’s music is also quite popular and trending among the youth.
Don’t miss out on these places during your trip to Shillong:
- Ward’s Lake: An ideal spot to spend your lazy evenings. You can even stroll on the walking paths or relax in the gardens surrounding the lake.
- Shillong Peak: If you want to capture the entire city in one glance, the panoramic views offered by Shillong Peak would be the ideal treat for your eyes!
- Elephant Falls: If you are a water baby, you will love to explore the Elephant Falls, a cascading waterfall layered into three tiers.
- Cherrapunji – For a Heavenly Experience
Cherrapunji is nothing short of a paradise. Cherrapunji is known for its mist-covered landscapes, lush greenery, and amazing waterfalls that will fill your soul with unparalleled delight and happiness. So, it is one of the top places to visit in Meghalaya for couples.
Don’t miss visiting these places during your stay in Cherrapunji:
- Nohkalikai Falls: Nohkalikai Falls happens to be the highest waterfall in India in terms of plunge category. This scenic waterfall is also associated with a tragic legend. Explore more about this legend by visiting the place yourself!
- Mawsmai Caves: Be prepared for a unique lifetime experience after visiting Mawsmai Caves, one of the coolest places to visit in Meghalaya. Limestone caves containing stalactites and stalagmites await you in the Mawsmai Caves!
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge: The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a bioengineering wonder that requires a long trip. Yet all the patience and waiting become worth it when you see the living roots transformed into bridges with your naked eyes!
- Dawki – Enjoy Serene Boat Rides Here
The Umngot River runs across the borders of Dawki. The water here is so clear that it creates an impression that the boats are floating in the air. So, the boat rides are nothing short of space travel in broad daylight! It is one of the best places in Meghalaya to visit with family in winter:
Apart from the scenic boat rides, here are the other things to be explored during your Dawki visit:
- Don’t miss out on the adventurous water activities, including kayaking and camping near the Shnongpdeng.
- Witness the checkpoint for the Indo-Bangladesh border during your visit to Dawki.
- Mawlynnong – Visit The Cleanest Village of Asia
Could you ever imagine a village where every corner is clean and tidy? It is one of the top places to visit in Meghalaya because the cleanliness initiative is taken by every community and village here. Some of the recommended things to do during your Mawlynnong visit include:
- Sky Viewpoint: A bamboo tower that presents you with a panoramic view of the surroundings.
- Balancing Rock: An interesting rock formation adjacent to the Mawlynnong village is a famous tourist attraction.
- Laitlum Canyons – A View Like None Other
Located near Shillong, Laitlum Canyons presents scenic views of valleys, hills, and surrounding villages. It’s one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya for sightseeing and to include in your Meghalaya tourist places photos collection.
Some tips to follow during your Laitlum Canyons visit include:
- Start your hikes early to witness clear skies and beautiful views.
- Carry your food and water bottles, as these basic facilities are still lagging here.
Best Time to Visit Meghalaya
The best months for sightseeing, road trips, and hikes would be from October to April.
To witness the gushing waterfalls, you will have to schedule your trip during the monsoon or rainy season. The months from December to January would be ideal for exploring local cultures and tribal events.
Also Read : Exploring the Mysterious Caves of Meghalaya
How to Reach Meghalaya?
Now that we have uncovered the best places to visit in Meghalaya, let’s explore the connectivity options to make your Meghalaya trip hassle-free:
- By Air
Shillong has an airport. However, it is not feasible to use this as it has a few flight arrangements. So, it is better to fly directly to Guwahati Airport, and then you can reach Shillong by road. The taxi or cab services between Guwahati and Shillong are accessible.
- By Rail
Guwahati is the nearest railway station to Meghalay,a which is well-connected to most Indian states and districts. You can reach Guwahati Railway Station from any Indian city and reach Shillong by road.
- By Road
The NH6 highway connects Guwahati to Shillong. The roads are in immaculate condition and offer great views as well. From Guwahati, you can book a shared cab or taxi.
Travel Tips & Recommendations: Dos and Don’ts
Be respectful towards their culture and make a comprehensive travel plan first. Then follow these tips to make your Meghalaya tour joyful:
Dos:
- Learn some regional lingo and greetings to express your gratitude towards the local languages.
- Carry a power bank to keep your smartphones charged.
- Don’t litter the places during your visit.
- Carry your water bottle and food, especially while traveling to remote places.
Don’ts:
- Take permission before capturing the locals.
- Don’t walk into the wilderness after 5 pm as it starts getting dark early here.
- Carry extra cash because relying on cards and digital payments might not always work.
The Specialty of Meghalaya in Terms of Tourism
The people’s hospitality, warmth, delicious cuisine, and scenic locations make Meghalaya a perfect tourist destination for everyone. Most markets, stores, and households are run by women here. Also, Meghalaya’s specialty in terms of tourism is the raw and untouched places that are almost divine to see!
Conclusion
Traveling to Meghalaya is not just a fun-filled trip; it is an experience worth living every moment of your life! Experience the true essence of nature and solitude in places still not explored by the urban population. Yet, be careful of the surroundings and be extra-sensitive while passing remarks on the local language and culture. Plan your trip here and make your everyday count as you explore the bounties of nature!
FAQs:
- Is Meghalaya well-connected by roads?
Meghalaya is well-connected by roads, especially those that connect it with other states and districts. Yet, traversing the remote places during monsoon by roads can be quite a challenging task.
- Which is the ideal month to visit Meghalaya for sightseeing?
Witnessing crystal clear skies and waters in Meghalaya is quite bliss, especially when you visit it during the winter months extending from October to December.
- Which is the most affordable travel option in Meghalaya?
The most affordable travel options in Meghalaya are the local buses.
- Which is the most beautiful village in Meghalaya?
Mawlynnong is considered the most beautiful and cleanest village in Meghalaya.
