Experience Meghalaya: Top Things To Do

Experience the enchanting beauty of Meghalaya through misty hills, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant local culture. Discover the living root bridges of Cherrapunji, explore crystal-clear rivers in Dawki, and enjoy scenic cave adventures. From tranquil landscapes to thrilling outdoor activities, Meghalaya promises an unforgettable journey for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Meghalaya is located in the northeast of India. The state is famous for its natural beauty, picturesque landscape and warm-hearted people. The small town of Cherapunji in Meghalaya holds the world record to have received the maximum amount of rainfall in a year.  Shillong the capital of Meghalaya once served as the summer retreat for the Britishers during the colonial era. You can clearly witness the British influence in the architecture of the local monuments in Shillong. Meghalaya is also home to the cleanest village in the world, Mawlynnong, located between the border of Bangladesh and India.

Let’s keep this one simple – we’ll share our recommendations of places to visit followed by the local dishes you can try.

Things to Do & Places to Visit in Meghalaya

Here is a list of places to visit in Meghalaya: -

• Umiam Lake
• Double Decker Living Root Bridge
• Elephant Falls
• Shillong Peak
• Dawki
• Food To Savour in Meghalaya
  • Jadoh
  • Nakham Bitchi
  • Dokhlieh
  • Pumaloi
  • Bamboo Shoots

Umiam Lake

The Umiam Lake is located 15 kilometres from Shillong. The lake is surrounded by lush green mountains making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. If you are looking for Meghalaya sightseeing options then Umiam Lake is the spot for you. The lake is also famous for its sunrise you will have to wake up early to witness the spectacular view of the sun rising above the mountains. The lake is nestled amidst lush green forests making it a perfect picnic spot for the tourists. You can also go on a boat ride and enjoy the peace and tranquility that the lake has to offer to all its visitors.

Double Decker Living Root Bridge

The famous double decker bridge can be found in Cherrapunji. The bridge is made out of rubber trees and is located at a height of 2400 ft. What’s more, it is almost 3 kilometres long! The sheer size of the bridge has turned it into a popular tourist attraction. Tourists from all over the world visit Cherrapunji to witness this engineering marvel created by Mother Nature. Make sure that it is part of your Meghalaya tour itinerary.

Elephant Falls

The famous waterfall was named after a stone near the waterfall that looked like an elephant. The waterfall is one of the most popular Meghalaya tourist attractions located a short distance from Shillong. The waterfall gets divided into three parts as it makes its way down the mountain. The milky white water flowing down the mountain offers a surreal view for the visitors. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green mountains making it a perfect place for trekking.

Shillong Peak

The Shillong peak gives a panoramic view of the city. It is the highest point in Shillong located at a height of 6449 ft. The peak also has religious significance to the local Khasi tribe who believe that the deity residing in the peak protects Shillong from natural calamities. The peak is also quite popular among trekkers who can be seen making their way to the top whenever you visit the peak. The peak also has a telescope at the top which gives you a better view of the surrounding landscape. It is one of the most popular things to do in Meghalaya.

Dawki

Dawki is a small trader town located between the border of India and Bangladesh. Dawki is a popular tourist destination tourists mostly visit the town for a boat ride on the famous Umngot river. The main attraction is the annual boat ridding competition that takes place in the Umngot River. The small town is famous for its natural beauty and lush green mountains.

Food To Savour in Meghalaya

India’s diverse landscape is such that you can easily find a wide variety of dishes depending on where you are at that point in time. Similarly, in Meghalaya, you can also find mouth-watering dishes that are unique to the region. The cuisine in Meghalaya is heavily influenced by the cooking style of different communities that live here such as Khasi, Garo and Jaintia. Here is a list of famous foods in Meghalaya that you must taste:

Jadoh

The Jadoh is a dish that is mostly cooked by the Khasi community. The dish consists of pork and rice along with some green vegetables. There are different varieties of the dish in which sometimes instead of the pork you might also find fish. The dish is full of flavours and will certainly satiate your appetite after a long day of sightseeing.

Nakham Bitchi

Nakham Bitchi is a popular dish in Meghalaya. You will find people enjoying this mouth-watering dish in every house in Meghalaya. The dish is made up of fish and green vegetables. The dish is basically cooked by boiling the fish along with the green vegetables until it is cooked in its own juices. It is a very healthy dish and it will definitely give you the energy you need to travel the hilly terrain.

Dokhlieh

Dokhlieh is a simple yet delicious dish. Dokhlieh is quite popular among the Khasi community. The dish is made up of boiled pieces of pork mixed with some onions, red chillies and spices. It is easy to make and is served along with some refreshing beverages.

Pumaloi

Pumaloi is among the most popular dishes in the Khasi community. It is basically steamed rice that can be eaten any time of the day breakfast, lunch or dinner. The locals often eat the rice dish along with some spices.

Bamboo Shoots

Bamboo Shoots is another favourite dish of the Khasi community. The Bamboo Shoots are mostly eaten with some fried pork marinated in soy sauce. The Bamboo Shoots are cooked with some ginger, garlic and onions along with some salt and pepper.

Meghalaya is famous for its lush green mountains and waterfalls. The unique tribal culture of Meghalaya allows you to witness a completely different lifestyle than what we are us to in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Along with that, there are plenty of things to see in Meghalaya. If it happens to be your first trip together, make sure you book Veena World’s Meghalaya honeymoon package to have a memorable experience when here.

 

Recommended Itinerary

There are a lot of things to do and see in Meghalaya. Here is a recommended Meghalaya sightseeing itinerary that you can adjust according to your preferences:

3 Days:

Day 1:

• Arrive in Shillong.
• After resting a bit, drive down to Elephant Falls, Maa Kamakhya Temple, Nehru Park, Cathedral Church and Wards Lake.

Day 2:

• Head out early
• Explore Shillong Peak, Laitlum Grand Canyons and local markets.
• In the evening, arrive at Umiam Lake, just in time for the sunset.

Day 3:

• If time allows, take a day trip to Dawki for boating before returning to Shillong for your departure.

 

5 Days:

Day 1:

• Spend the day exploring Shillong.

Day 2:

• After breakfast, head to Amlarem, Krangsuri Falls and Phe Phe Falls.
• Enjoy an overnight stay at Dawki or Jowai.

Day 3:

• Early today, drive to Mawlynnong village after indulging in water sport activities in Shnongpdeng, the best destination for adventure activities in Meghalaya.
• A short walk from Mawlynnong is the Single Living Roots Bridge and Balancing Rock.
• Proceed to Cherrapunji for an overnight stay. Cheerapunji is among the top tourist places to visit near Shillong, Meghalaya.

Day 4:

• In Cherrapunji, visit the 7 Sister Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Gardens of Cave, Noh Ka Likai Falls and Wei Sawdong Falls.

Day 5:

• Drive back to Shillong for your departure

 

Hidden Gems in Meghalaya

If you are looking for the best things to see in Meghalaya (beyond the usual), here is a quick list to dip your toes in:

• Laitlum Canyon: Known for its dramatic cliffs with breathtaking valley views.
• Krang Suri Falls: The turquoise basin is perfect for a refreshing dip.
• Shnongpdeng: Adventure hub for kayaking and camping. Will allow you to indulge in adventure activities in Meghalaya.
• Wei Sawdong Falls: Multi-tiered hidden waterfall located in Cherrapunji.
• Nongkhnum Island: One of India’s largest river islands with sandy beaches and glittering water.

 

How to Reach Meghalaya?

By Air

Reaching Meghalaya is convenient via multiple travel options. The nearest airport is in Shillong (Umroi Airport), though it has limited flight connectivity.

Many prefer flying into Guwahati Airport, also known as Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities across India. From here, you can hire private taxis, STPS Airport Shuttle, or opt for shared cabs to reach Shillong and then onwards to the best tourist places in Meghalaya.

By Rail

For rail travellers, Guwahati Railway Station is the closest major railhead. From there, road travel is the only option to get to Meghalaya. The drive itself is scenic, with winding roads, rolling hills, lush greenery and everything that will make your journey as enjoyable as the destination.

By Road

Meghalaya is well-connected to its neighbouring regions, including Guwahati via well-maintained roads, NH37 and NH40. Both local and tourist taxis and buses are available to take you from Guwahati to Shillong. If you are driving, begin at Guwahati Bada Bazaar and follow NH37 through Kamrup District and then NH40. The uphill, winding climb to Shillong is scenic and will take you through lush hills and languid lakes of Northern Meghalaya.

 

How to Get Around Meghalaya?

Getting in and around Meghalaya is best done via taxis and shared cabs, especially from Shillong, which acts as the central hub.

Public buses are easily available and will take you to even the most offbeat hill stations near Meghalaya.

You can also choose to self-drive, as it will offer more flexibility for quick pitstops, especially along routes like Shillong to Cherrapunji and Dawki.

Quick Tip: Roads can be winding and busy. Plan your tour with sufficient buffer time.

 

Now that getting to the state is out of the way, let us take you to the famous places to visit in Meghalaya. Let’s keep this one simple – we’ll share our recommendations of places to visit followed by the local dishes you can try.

 

What is the Best Time to Visit Meghalaya

There is an abundance of things to do in Meghalaya, and you can plan a visit any time of the year. However, March to early June is considered a peak season. The weather is mildly warm and comfortable, ideal for sightseeing and trekking along blooming flora.

Monsoon, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall and transforms the region into a lush green paradise. However, travel during this time can be challenging due to high humidity and occasional landslides, which can cause possible delays.

The months from October to February are considered ideal, with cool, pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing, trekking and other touristy things.

 

Useful Information You Should Know

ATM availability:

ATMs and mobile ATM vans are easily available in Shillong and other major cities. However, it is best to carry sufficient cash when travelling to remote rural areas.

Permits required:

While a permit is not required, visitors (especially foreign nationals) may be required to provide a detailed itinerary and get additional permits for certain border areas. It is important to check the latest guidelines before travelling.

Clothing suggestions:

Layers are your best friend when travelling to Meghalaya or visiting hill stations near Meghalaya. Do not forget to carry rain gear, light woollens, comfortable trekking shoes, and moisture-wicking clothes throughout the year.

Cultural etiquette:

Meghalaya is where culture blends with the landscape. When visiting temples or tribal areas, it is important to respect local traditions, dress modestly and avoid littering, especially in ecologically sensitive zones like National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Living Roots Bridge and other protected areas.

Safety tips:

Meghalaya is generally safe; however, be cautious during monsoons as the region is prone to landslides. Besides that, avoid visiting isolated places or hiring unauthorised tour guides or taxis.

 

FAQs

Q1. Is Meghalaya worth visiting?

Yes, Meghalaya is worth visiting! From cascading waterfalls and misty hills to unique attractions like the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, clean villages, rich tribal culture, and so much more, the state offers a refreshing break from typical tourist destinations. The lush surroundings are a bonus for those who enjoy nature, slow travel and offbeat experiences.

 

Q2. How many days are enough for Meghalaya?

A 3 to 5-day trip is ideal to explore Meghalaya comfortably. In three days, you can cover Shillong and nearby attractions. With five days, you can include Cherrapunji, Dawki, and even a trek to the living root bridges without rushing.

 

Q3. Is Meghalaya safe for solo travellers?

Meghalaya is considered one of the safest states in India for solo travellers and women. The locals are friendly and respectful, and you will always find someone ready to offer a helping hand. However, it is always advisable to follow basic safety precautions, especially while trekking or travelling during monsoons.

 

Q4. What is Meghalaya famous for?

Known as the “abode of clouds”, Meghalaya is among the top tourist destinations that offer a bit of everything. From modern cities like Shillong to offbeat destinations that offer breathtaking views of stunning waterfalls, majestic hills and lush green landscapes that calm the mind and get the heart beating in a soft rhythm. Places like Mawlynnong, often called the cleanest village in Asia, and the crystal-clear Umngot River in Dawki are major highlights.

 

Q5. When should I avoid visiting?

If you prefer hassle-free travel, it’s best to avoid peak monsoon months (July and August). Heavy rains can lead to landslides, roadblocks and limited outdoor activities, which can disrupt your travel plans. That being said, the state is at its most vibrant during this time.