In India there are some destinations which stay hidden and unexplored but are gems which are waiting to get discovered. The state of Meghalaya is a natural boost of beauty which rains down in the form of stunning waterfalls, thick foliage and abundant biodiversity.
Let’s explore the state of clouds closely.
About Meghalaya
Meghalaya, which means "abode of clouds," is a haven for those who enjoy the outdoors. Tourists from all over the world have been mesmerised by this hill station that truly has a gorgeous, fascinating sky. To the north and east, it shares a border with Assam, while to the south and east, it borders Bangladesh. There are several tourist attractions in Meghalaya, a state that is home to vast hills, valleys, lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, dark caverns, and sacred forests. Awe-inspiring panoramas, misty hills, terraced slopes, cascading waterfalls, and serpentine rivers await you to live your best life among natural bliss.
Best Time to Visit?
It is a place where beauty thrives and earth comes alive. Whatever time of year you visit; Meghalaya will greet you with stunning sights to remember for a lifetime. This state only has two seasons: monsoon and winter.
Monsoon: The temperature ranges from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius during the monsoon season, while winter temperatures drop to 2 degrees Celsius or below. The greatest time to visit Meghalaya is from October to June, when the weather is mild and the scenery is spectacular.
Winter: Meghalaya has an autumn season from October to November and a winter season from December to February. The average daytime temperature is 15°C, although the night time temperature lowers to roughly 3°C during the winter. Foggy days are common in this area.
Best Places for Sightseeing
Meghalaya cheerfully greets every visitor, and you will undoubtedly love its hospitality. Meghalaya has a plethora of sites to visit where you may enjoy the best of the state at any of the following locations:
Shillong
Shillong, in addition to its natural splendour, serves as the gateway to Meghalaya, a state known for its significant rains, caverns, tallest waterfalls, stunning landscapes, and outstanding people and culture. Shillong is also quickly becoming a hub for education for the entire north-eastern area.
Guwahati
Guwahati, the capital city of Assam and home to the world-famous one-horned rhinoceros, is one of the top destinations to visit in India's northeast. With the powerful Brahmaputra River running through it and nature's abundance of beauty, this delightful city will spoil you for choice.
Cherrapunji
When we think of Cherrapunji, rain is the first thing that comes to mind. This high-altitude hamlet in the state of Meghalaya in north-eastern India is well known for its distinctive living root bridges.
Dawki
This village in the northeast is renowned for its stunning suspension bridge and exceptionally clean Dawki or Umngot river. Only pristine beauty can be found here of the utmost quality.
Mawsynram
A place holding the Guinness world record of being the wettest place in the world, is also jam packed with charm and beauty like no other. With flourishing hills and stone formations of its own, it is a spot to be behold upfront.
Things to Do in Meghalaya
The natural splendour that surrounds you will be charming when you are in Meghalaya. Following are some things you can do instead of just spending time admiring nature:
• Eat at a trattoria
• Scale the intriguing root bridges while walking
• Visit the Shillong Cafe.
• Take part in the Nongkrem Festival like a native.
• Shopping at Lew Duh
• Visit Shillong Golf Course to get active
• Have fun at the impressive Nohkalikai Falls.
• Visit Nokrek Biosphere Reserve to meet threatened species.
• Visit Ward's Lake for a stroll with your significant other.
Trekking in Meghalaya
The ultimate destination is incomplete without a trek which takes you on a foot view of the amazing landscapes that this place has. Not only you can uncover some of the most beautiful secluded places but also revise natural beauty unlike any.
Meghalaya though can be a difficult place to trek. The fact that these paths are not covered in snow, unlike those in the Himalayas, means you won't need to bring as much winter gear with you. Additionally, expect to be greeted with flora and creatures that you might not otherwise witness. Your journey will be entirely worthwhile because of these startling uncommon creatures.
Some of the most popular trek trails are:
• Smit
• Mawlyngot
• Pynursla
• Living Root Bridge
• Kyllang Rock
• David Scott Trail
• Sohpet-bneng
Top Attractions for Tourists & Visitors
Nohkalikai Waterfalls
One cannot just pass up the opportunity to stand beneath Nohkalikai Waterfall, India's tallest waterfall. There are also some interesting legends associated with this location, which adds to its allure. A word of caution: avoid visiting the waterfall during the monsoon season, since dense cloud cover may impair the view.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge
This bridge is a fantastic example of how amazing things could be if people and nature worked together. Though there are several amazing living root bridges in Meghalaya, some of which are thought to be over 500 years old, this double-decker one stands out. A walk across this one-of-a-kind bridge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Mawlynnong Village
A village that was recognised as Asia's cleanest village in 2003, not just in India. But it's not just that it's clean that makes it one of the top tourist destinations in Meghalaya. The beauty that God has endowed Mawlynnong Village with makes it plain why it is also known as "God's Own Garden."
Mawsmai Cave
This limestone cave is captivating and attractive in its own unique way. Any history and photography aficionado would do well to choose this. Mawsmai Cave one of Cherrapunji's most revered sites.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest
This forest is the stuff of a nature lover's nightmare. This forest is home to a remarkable network of trees and plants, some of which are said to be more than 1,000 years old. The reason the woodland is referred to as sacred is that the inhabitants think a god named Labasa lives there. Labasa takes the form of a tiger or leopard and guards the neighbourhood.
Krem Liat Prah
One of the 150 recognised caves in the area is Krem Liat Prah, which is situated in Shnongrim Ridge of the East Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya. The longest natural cave in India, Krem Liat Prah, is worth a visit if you enjoy caving or are intrigued by mystery. The cave is currently 34 km long, but if new interconnected caves are found, that length is anticipated to increase.
Khasi Hills
Meghalaya's Khasi Hills physiographic region is blessed with untouched nature, which shapes the region's own identity. The area is primarily recognised for housing Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, the two wettest locations on earth. A rejuvenating refuge for weary bodies and battered spirits, the Khasi Hills are surrounded by magnificent hills and deep rainforests.
To End On
Meghalaya is a state of beauty which one just cannot resist to visit. With its numerous attractions, places and highlights one can conclude it to be not only the best but the place to go when you are yearning for a natural escapade.
Plan the most beautiful trip of your life and take in the various suggestions we have punched in for you.