Cherrapunji, or Sohra as it's locally known, is the gateway to the southern Khasi Hills. From here, you can drive to the region's most famous sights. The living root bridges are a worth seeing; the Nongriat double-decker bridge requires a steep 3,500-step descent into the valley, a trek that rewards you with one of the world's most unique structures.
Closer to town are the Mawsmai and Krem Phyllut caves, ancient limestone formations you can explore with a guide. A few hours' drive takes you to Dawki, on the Bangladesh border, where the Umngot river runs famously clear from January to March, allowing boats to float on what looks like glass.
Nearby, you can visit Mawlynnong, often cited as Asia's cleanest village, and walk the Riwai sky walk for views over the plains of Bangladesh. And then there is Nohkalikai Falls, India's tallest plunge waterfall at 340 metres, a powerful sight, especially just after the monsoon.
The standard arrival point for Meghalaya is Guwahati, which has the nearest major airport and railhead.
The best time to visit the Khasi Hills is from October to April, when the skies are clear and the weather is pleasant for trekking and sightseeing. The monsoon, from June to September, is a different experience altogether. The region receives over 10,000mm of rain, turning the landscape an intense, almost fluorescent green. Waterfalls are at their most powerful, but some caves and trails may be closed.
