Mawsynram

Things to Do in Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a gorgeous highland state in northeast India that has long remained undiscovered by tourists. This cloud abode is a living utopia, with its unrivalled natural beauty and awe-inspiring tourist attractions. Meghalaya is a beautiful state with ambrosial hills, charming lakes, ecstatic valleys, mysterious caverns, and unparalleled waterfalls. There are several activities in Meghalaya that will interest you! Some of the state’s sites and attractions are internationally recognised. Cherrapunji is one such location, and it is well-known for having the world’s highest rainfall. Shillong, the state capital, is breathtaking in its beauty. Shillong has been named the “Scotland of the East” due to its natural picturesque splendor.

Meghalaya is richly covered with forests, featuring trees like pine, sal, and bamboo, along with species such as magnolia, oak, and birch. The state is home mainly to the Tibeto-Burman Garos and the Mon-Khmer Khasis, who speak their own languages and dialects. Other commonly spoken languages include Pnar-Synteng, Nepali, and Haijong, along with plains languages like Bengali, Assamese, and Hindi. The major religions practiced are Christianity, Hinduism, and its animistic forms, while smaller communities follow Islam, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Meghalaya has few towns, with most of its people residing in rural areas.

Meghalaya has an abundance to offer its visitors, and below are some must-experience things to do in the state.

1 Trek To Bewildering Living Root Bridges

double decker living root bridge
Root bridges that are alive in Meghalaya are a gorgeous and mystical wonder of Meghalaya. The journey to this magnificent double-decker root bridge, popularly known as the Cherrapunji live root bridge, will take your breath away. Trekking is one of the many activities offered in Cherrapunji. This natural marvel is one of the most unique natural destinations among tourists, and it will leave your jaws wide open in admiration. The walk to the amazing location is equally interesting as it travels through deep lush green woods. You can also enjoy roaming near the beautiful root bridge and also if you want to visit mesmerizing waterfalls then you have to walk a little bit to reach the amazing rainbow falls.

2 Camping Around Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake
Umiam Lake is another Meghalaya marvel. Camping at the Island of Umiam Lake, which is popular for adventure sports and as a picnic site, will provide you with an awesome high. A variety of extreme activities are available, including zooming, rock climbing, rappelling, zip line, and many others. The lake is surrounded by magnificent antique large trees and lush green visual splendor. With its calm surroundings, sounds of lively chirping birds, pleasant cool wind, and magnificent houseboats in the lake, it makes for the ideal laid-back holiday.

3 Explore Mawsmai Cave

Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai Cave in Meghalaya is a renowned tourist destination and one of the greatest locations to visit around Shillong. These magnificent caverns provide an exciting journey in Meghalaya. The caverns are deep, dark, and small. Going through the caverns is extremely tough because there is only one access and exit point amid a rugged and unwelcoming landscape. This titillating activity is typically frightening for tourists, yet they do it regardless because of the tremendous excitement involved. The cave’s towering magnificent stalagmite and stalactite formations, the stunning sensation, and the adrenaline rush it provides make it extremely popular among travellers. This is one of the top December activities in Meghalaya.

4 Water Sports At Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake Water Activities
The lake is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. This large, broad lake covers an area of 10 square kilometers. Because of its immense size, the lake is also known locally as Barapani. If you enjoy adventure sports, especially water sports, this is the place to be. Skii, water scooting, kayaking, and a variety of other sports are available.

5 Walking Along The David Scott Trail

David Scott Trail
The David Scott Track is a popular trekking trail among locals, climbers, and visitors. The path was named after the legendary trekker David Scott, who found it. This 16-kilometer trek is filled with adventure and natural beauty. On your trip up, you’ll see spectacular scenery like green tall majestic trees, cute tribal settlements, and breathtaking waterfalls. The views of the hills and incredible valleys along the trail will take your breath away with their breathtaking beauty.

6 Expedition At Siju Cave

The Siju caverns were among the country’s earliest natural lighting caves. These century-old lime formations are among the magnificent natural wonders of Meghalaya. Because they are teeming with flying bats, these are also known as bat caves. Tourists and excavators alike admire the uniqueness of these awe-inspiring caverns. An excellent place for visitors to experience Siju cave’s intriguing riches.
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7 Trekking At Laitlum Canyons

Laitlum Canyons
Laitlum Canyon is an outstanding walking track in Meghalaya’s highlands. This is one of the most well-known hikes in the entire northeast. This journey may be brief, but it is not one of the easiest owing to the harsh terrain and surroundings. The trip is full of unrivaled beautiful vistas, especially from the mountaintop, which is ravishing and utterly fulfilling. The journey may be finished in 4 – 5 hours, which is why visitors like this activity. The sunset and dawn views from this gorgeous path are stunning.

8 Play Golf At Gleneagles

Shillong Golf Course
Shillong Golf Course is one of the world’s tallest, oldest, largest, and most charming natural golf courses. This beautiful golf course is set in a picturesque valley and is bordered by oaks and tall pine trees. Because of its heavenly beauty and lush green scenery, this ravishing, out-of-this-world golf circuit is also known as Gleneagles of the East.

9 Trip To Mawphanlur Village

Mawphanlur Village
Mawphanlur hamlet in Meghalaya is a magnificent lovely village full of heavenly natural beauty and extremely kind locals. Arrive at Mawphlang and see the holy trees before continuing on to Traveler’s Nest. You will enjoy wandering through Lum Symper, Mawten, Lum Kyllang, Lum Nohkrek, Rambrai, and Mawdoh to take in the breathtaking surroundings. One of the greatest spots to unwind in the middle of a beautiful ambrosial environment, perfect clear sky, and lovely village people. Join the local market, have a wonderful hot cup of tea, browse for local art and handicraft, play with kids, and soak up the sun – this location is bursting with vibrant colors. This location also provides some fantastic adventure sports.

10 Shop At Bara Bazar Shillong

Shillong, the state capital of Meghalaya, is often known as the “Scotland of the East” for its vibrant market areas. Shillong’s bara market is one such example. The bazaar is set among hills and pine trees and is rich with local artworks, Meghalaya textile works, handicrafts, and souvenirs. This vibrant market will satisfy you like no other.

11 Photography At Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls
This is an attractive and beautiful waterfall close to Shillong Peak. The waterfall, which resembles a big elephant, captivates with its magnificent splendor. Because of the three conspicuous stairs down which the waterfall pours, this waterfall was once known as Three Steps Waterfall. However, the name was later modified by the British, who discovered the rock here like a gigantic elephant. This is still a popular tourist destination, and the scenic view is something you will remember for a long time.

12 Visit Don Bosco Museum

Don Bosco Museum 3
The ancient Don Bosco museum is a vital cultural hub not just in Meghalaya but in the northeast. This hexagonal-shaped museum is recognized as one of the greatest in the northeast. The museum comprises seven storeys, each representing a distinct state in the northeast. This museum will introduce you to the rich culture, traditions, art, and colorful history of India’s seven northeastern states. The museum houses a magnificent collection of paintings, artworks, sculptures, and artifacts. There is also a big cultural library, a conference space, and a media hall inside the museum. This is an excellent location for learning about the seven northern sister states.

13 Lunch At Trattoria

Now that you’ve experienced all of the exciting things to do in Meghalaya, you’re probably hungry and seeking delicious meals to satisfy your appetite! Look no further than Trattoria, a small yet famous café in Meghalaya’s Police Bazar. The café may be modest, but it delivers a powerful culinary punch! A meal is one of the most essential activities in Meghalaya and should not be overlooked. Every foodie will fall in love with this place. It offers some of the most delicious delicacies, such as Jakhaw Khasi, Dohnud, Dohjam, Doh Khelia, Tungtap, Ja Doh, and others.

14 Churches Of Shillong

Mary Help of Christians Cathedral
Shillong has churches in every nook and cranny, and each church is distinct from the others. Every cathedral in this city is an architectural beauty that will take your breath away. Shillong’s large list of churches provides a glimpse into the realm of religion combined with gorgeous and exquisite architecture. The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is one of Shillong’s most popular churches and should not be overlooked. The statue of Mother Mary bearing Jesus Christ is also a wonderful example of architecture.
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15 Explore The Mawlynnong Village

Mawlynnong Village
The village of Mawlynnong is known as the “cleanest village in Asia,” and it serves as a model for other villages and towns in India, as well as promoting eco-tourism. It’s also known as God’s Own Garden, and it boasts 100% literacy rate, giving even more reasons to visit this community and explore its lush green excursion. Plan a visit soon and make an effort to mingle with the inhabitants or observe the tribal culture of this hamlet. You might also opt to revitalise yourself by exploring the beautiful valleys in Meghalaya and experiencing the wildness of Meghalaya. There are also some great resorts in Meghalaya that will provide you with the best views of the surreal beauty of Meghalaya while also ensuring your comfort.

16 Visit The Dawki River

Dawki River
Meghalaya not only features Asia’s cleanest hamlet, but also immaculate water bodies, one of which is the Dawki River. One of the cleanest rivers in India, you can see the bottom of the river as you row across it, making it one of the best things to do in Meghalaya. The emerald green waves will mesmerise and rejuvenate you.

17 Relish The Local Food

Meghalaya has a particular cuisine that is separated into three culinary styles: Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia. Meghalaya’s native cuisine includes rice, stew vegetables, curries, bamboo shoots, and beef, among other things. Meghalaya’s notable delicacies include Jadoh, Doh-Khlieh, Nakham Bitchi, Doh-Neiiong, Tungrymbai, Pudoh, and others.
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18 Mountain Biking At Sohliya Village

Laitlum Canyons
Mountain riding is an exhilarating sport that allows you to see the gorgeous landscapes of Sohliya village and is one of the greatest things to do in Meghalaya. Immerse yourself in the tranquil environment of this community by biking through the lush green meadows, woodland corridors, and countryside pathways, and learning about the Khasi people while enjoying a great traditional supper in the middle of this little village’s surreal beauty.
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19 Visiting the Whistling Village “Kongthong”

Kongthong Village
Kongthong hamlet is located in the East Khasi Hills, 60 kilometres from Shillong, Meghalaya’s state capital. The people of this hamlet use whistling to communicate with one another, which is why it is known as the “whistling village.” The villages here have a distinct call-and-response system. Each of them has its own melody for summoning each other, and this custom has been passed down through centuries. The locals name this song Jingrwai Lawbei, which translates as “mother’s love song.” The villagers have two names: one ordinary name and one song name. The song has two versions: a lengthy song and a short song, with the short song being song.

20 Sunrise view at Nongjrong Valley

Nongjrong
Nongjrong is a hamlet in the Indian state of Meghalaya that is part of the Mawkynrew Tehsil, East Khasi Hills district. Nongjrong residents’ first language is English, and the majority of them solely speak English. Their population is just 1440 people. It is around 30 kilometres from the sub-district headquarters in Mawkynrew and about 60 kilometres from the district headquarters in Shillong. You can see the clouds as a broad stretch of a white sea drifting endlessly over the gorgeous green hills and valley from the base of the hilltop.It will be spectacular, especially from the horizon. Nonjrong’s picturesque beauty enchants you, allowing you to forget about your worries for a while and providing a rejuvenating experiencce. You won’t be disappointed if you go to the hilltop’s southwestern corner to get a better view of the clouds.

Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Meghalaya

1. What are some unique things to do in Meghalaya?

There are plenty of unique things to do in Meghalaya, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Northeast. Some must-try experiences include:
➤ Enjoying a boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of the Dawki River
➤ Exploring the iconic living root bridges in Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong
➤ Witnessing the beauty of stunning waterfalls like Nohkalikai, Elephant Falls and Seven Sisters Falls
➤ Trekking to Nongriat village and Double Decker Living Root Bridge
➤ Engage yourself in local culture at the Mawphlang Sacred Forest and traditional Khasi villages.
➤ Experiencing the thrill of caving at Mawsmai and Siju Caves

2. What all adventurous activities can be done in and around Meghalaya?

Some of the major adventurous activities that can be experienced in Meghalaya are:
➤Kayaking
➤Scuba diving
➤Trekking
➤Snorkeling
➤Cliff jumping

3. How long does it take to explore all the places in Meghalaya?

Most Meghalaya tours range from 3 Nights 4 Days to 6 Nights 7 Days. But if you wish to explore the state fully along with some hidden gems nearby, a 4 Nights 5 Days trip is usually enough. You can check our 5 Days 4 Nights Best of Meghalaya Tour Package which lets the visitors explore major spots of Meghalaya.

4. How can one plan a budget-friendly trip to Meghalaya?

Meghalaya, widely known for its waterfalls, lush valleys, diverse flora, and rich cultural heritage, offers countless experiences for travellers. To fully explore the top Meghalaya tourist attractions, a trip of 5–6 days is ideal, though shorter trips of 3–4 days are also possible. Check out our budget-friendly Meghalaya tour packages to make the most of your visit. You can explore our 3 Days Meghalaya Tour, Shillong and Mawlynnong Tour and many more.

5. What are some of the least explored places in and around Meghalaya?

There are a number of less-visited spots in and around the outskirts of Meghalaya, which includes:
➤Tyrshi Falls
➤Butterfly Museum
➤Syntung
➤Phe Phe Falls
➤Wahkaba Falls
➤Spread Eagle Falls
➤Arwah Cave, Sohra
➤Rynji Falls

6. Are there options for Zip-lining in Meghalaya?

The options for zip-lining are available in the following places:
➤Shnongpdeng which is at a distance of around 8 km from Dawki
➤Mawkdok Dympep valley in Cherrapunji

7. What are the top 5 places to visit in Meghalaya?

Meghalaya is a home to many wonderful and enchanting places. Some of top places of interest in Meghalaya are:
➤Shillong
➤Cherrapunji (Sohra)
➤Mawlynnong
➤Dawki
➤Mawphlang Sacred Forest

8. What are some best places for beginners to trek in Meghalaya?

Meghalaya offers plenty of spots for trekking and hiking, but for beginners, the Double Decker Root Bridge Trek is the perfect choice.

9. Which are famous places for wildlife safari in Meghalaya?

Among the many adventures in Meghalaya includes wildlife safari. Some famous spots for the same includes:
➤Kaziranga National Park
➤Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
➤Balpakram National Park
➤Baghmara Reserve Forest

10. Which is the most suitable place for camping?

There are several peaceful spots for camping, such as Mawsynram, Cherrapunji, and Dawki. Yet, the finest place to spend a night camping by the riverside is Shnongpdeng.

11. Which is more satisfying for an overnight camp, Shnongpdeng or Dawki?

Definitely Shnongpdeng! Although this place is still unfamiliar to many, that’s probably what makes it quieter and even more appealing than Dawki. While both spots provide plenty of adventure activities, camping by the riverside in Shnongpdeng is undoubtedly the best option.

12. What are the best things to do in Meghalaya for couples?

Meghalaya offers a lot of unique experiences that make it one of the most romantic tourist attractions for couples in Northeast India:
➤ Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the crystal-clear Dawki River
➤ Witness breathtaking sunsets at Umiam Lake in Shillong
➤ Shop at the local markets of Meghalaya.
➤ Stroll together across the iconic living root bridges of Cherrapunji
➤ Discover the tranquil charm of Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village
➤ Relax at stunning waterfalls such as Nohkalikai Falls and Elephant Falls
➤ Explore amazing cafe's of Meghalaya enjoying delicious food together.

13. What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?

The best time to visit Meghalaya is from November to February, when the weather is most pleasant. During these months, you can enjoy comfortable temperatures without harsh winters or heavy rainfall, making it ideal for exploring Meghalaya tourist attractions and experiencing all local events and outdoor activities.

14. What is the ideal time of the year to see nature at its best in Meghalaya?

Meghalaya is open to its visitors all through the year. The best time, however is considered to be winters as tourists can explore the state in ease, while visiting in summers can be fulfiling too. Visiting during the monsoons allows visitors to experience nature at its best, but it can also mean missing out on some spots due to the rains.

15. Is Meghalaya safe for solo travellers?

Yes, Meghalaya is considered a safer destination for solo travel compared to many other popular Indian towns and cities. In addition, it offers plenty of transport options and comfortable accommodation for individual travellers.