The Khasi Hills are a map of waterfalls, caves, and unique living architecture. The home is a good starting point for some of the region's most famous sights.
The living root bridges are a worth seeing. The most famous, the Nongriat double-decker bridge, is a significant trek involving a 3,500-step descent into the valley. It's a full-day trip that requires good fitness, but the sight is worth the effort.
For cavers, the Mawsmai and Krem Phyllut caves near Cherrapunji offer a look into the limestone formations of the region. Mawsmai is lit and easy for most visitors, while others are wilder and may require a guide.
The Umngot river at Dawki is famous for its crystal-clear water, which makes boats look like they're floating on air. The water is clearest from January to March, before the monsoon rains begin. Dawki is also the border crossing into Bangladesh.
Mawlynnong is known as Asia's cleanest village. It's a small, beautiful settlement with manicured gardens and bamboo dustbins. Nearby, the Riwai sky walk offers a viewpoint over the plains of Bangladesh from a bamboo platform.
Nohkalikai Falls, at 340 metres, is India's tallest plunge waterfall. The view is most dramatic during the monsoon, but it's a powerful sight year-round.
By Air: The nearest major airport is Guwahati (GAU), about 100km from Shillong. It’s a 3-hour drive from the airport to Shillong, which serves as the main hub for the region. A smaller airport is at Shillong (SHL) itself, 30km from the city, but it has limited flights, mostly connecting through Kolkata.
By Rail: Meghalaya has no rail lines. The nearest major railway station is in Guwahati, Assam, about 100km from Shillong. From the station, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Shillong.
By Road: Shillong is the state capital and the central point for travel to Cherrapunji (Sohra, 53km), Dawki (95km), and Mawlynnong. The home is best reached by a private or shared taxi from Shillong.
The best season to visit the Khasi Hills is from October to April. The weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and the rivers run transparent. This is the ideal time for trekking to the root bridges and boating on the Umngot.
The monsoon, from June to September, is intense. The region receives over 10,000mm of rain, and the landscape turns an impossible, brilliant green. While some attractions like caves may close and trekking can be difficult, the waterfalls are at their most spectacular.
