5-bedroom homestay in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Things to do nearby.
The sights around Sohra are spread out, best seen with a local taxi over a few days.
Nohkalikai Falls is India's tallest plunge waterfall, a single, dramatic drop of 340 metres. The view is clearest after the monsoon, from October onwards, when the sky opens up.
Seven Sisters Falls, or Nohsngithiang, is a different sight altogether. It's a wide, segmented waterfall that cascades over the limestone cliffs of the Khasi hills. The viewpoint near the Mawsmai village is the best place to see it.
Mawsmai Caves are a short drive from the main town. It's a lit, accessible limestone cave system that you can walk through without a guide. The formations are ancient, and the path is easy for most visitors, though it can get narrow in places.
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat is the region's most famous trek. The walk starts at the Tyrna village trailhead and involves descending over 3,500 steps into the valley. It's a demanding but rewarding journey to see the two-tiered bridge woven from living tree roots by the Khasi people.
A day trip to Dawki and the Umngot River is common. The river forms a natural boundary with Bangladesh, and its water is famously clear, especially from January to March. You can hire a boat for a short ride on the water.
Nearby, you can also visit Mawlynnong, often called Asia's cleanest village, and the nearby Riwai root bridge, which is much more accessible than the one in Nongriat.
Getting there.
By Air: The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (GAU), about 150 km away. The drive to Sohra takes around 4 hours. A smaller airport is in Shillong (SHL) at Umroi, 80 km away, with limited flights, mostly from Kolkata. The drive from Shillong airport takes about 2.5 hours.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is in Guwahati, 150 km away. There is no rail connectivity to Meghalaya. From the station, you can hire a taxi for the 4-hour drive to Sohra.
By Road: Sohra is well-connected by road. It is a 55 km drive from Shillong, the state capital, which takes about 2 hours.
Best time to visit.
October to April is the dry season. The skies are generally clear, offering good views of the waterfalls and valleys. The weather is pleasant for trekking and sightseeing.
June to September is the monsoon. This is when Sohra receives its famous rainfall, and the waterfalls are at their most powerful. The landscape is intensely green and covered in mist. However, trekking can be difficult with muddy, slippery trails, and some viewpoints might be obscured by fog.
