Hillside homestay in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
4.4· 58 stays
Things to do nearby.
Nohkalikai Falls sits a short drive away, plunging 340 metres straight down off the tableland edge into a deep green pool below. Visiting in the late morning offers the clearest view before cloud cover settles over the lip of the canyon.
Mawsmai Cave and Krem Phyllut Cave offer easy underground exploration nearby. Mawsmai is lit and navigable on foot without specialized gear, while Krem Phyllut requires sturdy walking shoes to navigate wet limestone passages.
The Nongriat double-decker living root bridge requires a trek down three thousand five hundred stone steps into the valley floor. Starting early in the morning avoids the heat of the climb back up, and hiring a local guide at the trailhead helps navigate the lower river paths toward Rainbow Falls.
Mawlynnong village sits further southeast along the ridge, known for its paved stone walkways and flower-lined paths. Nearby in Riwai, a bamboo skywalk constructed over the canopy provides open views across the southern plains.
The Umngot River at Dawki lies ninety-five kilometres from Shillong near the Bangladesh border crossing. Between January and March, the water runs completely glass-clear, making small wooden boats appear to float in mid-air above the riverbed.
Getting there.
Guwahati Railway Station sits one hundred kilometres from Shillong and serves as the primary train terminal for travellers entering Meghalaya, as there are no railway lines operating within the state itself.
Guwahati Airport (GAU) is the main aviation gateway, located one hundred kilometres from Shillong. The drive up to the state capital takes roughly three hours along the national highway.
Shillong Airport at Umroi (SHL) is located thirty kilometres outside Shillong, operating a limited schedule of direct flights primarily connecting through Kolkata.
Cherrapunji, also known locally as Sohra, is located fifty-three kilometres from Shillong. The drive takes about two hours along a winding mountain road that climbs through mist and pine ridges.
Best time to visit.
October through April brings clear skies, dry walking trails, and pleasant day temperatures across the Khasi Hills. Morning fog settles in the valleys, lifting by mid-morning to open up wide views across the plains of Bangladesh.
June through September marks the heavy monsoon season, bringing over ten thousand millimetres of rainfall to Cherrapunji. Cascades swell to full volume and the landscape turns deep green, though heavy rains frequently close cave routes and cloud the view points.
