Cherrapunji (Sohra) is a hub for some of Meghalaya's most famous sights. The living root bridges are a worth seeing, particularly the double-decker bridge in Nongriat, which requires a steep descent of about 3,500 steps. Wear good shoes.
Nearby are the Mawsmai and Krem Phyllut caves, ancient limestone formations you can explore with a guide. For a different landscape, the drive to Dawki takes you to the Umngot river on the Bangladesh border. Between January and March, the water is famously clear.
You can also visit Mawlynnong, known as Asia's cleanest village, and climb the Riwai sky walk for views over the plains of Bangladesh. And don't miss Nohkalikai Falls, India's tallest plunge waterfall at 340 metres, just a short drive from Sohra.
By Air: The standard arrival airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (GAU), about 100km away. The drive to Cherrapunji from there takes 3-4 hours. Shillong Airport (SHL) at Umroi is much closer (about 60km), but has limited flights, mostly connecting through Kolkata.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station is in Guwahati (100km). There is no rail connectivity within Meghalaya. You can hire a taxi from the station for the drive up to Cherrapunji.
By Road: Shillong, the state capital, is the main hub for the region. Cherrapunji is a 2-hour drive (53km) from Shillong on a winding but scenic road.
The best time to explore the Khasi Hills is from October to April, when the weather is dry and the skies are clearer. This is the ideal season for trekking to the root bridges and seeing the clear waters of the Umngot river.
The monsoon, from June to September, is intense. The region receives over 10,000mm of rain, waterfalls are at their most powerful, and the landscape is an incredible, deep green. However, heavy rains can cause some caves and trails to close.
