Cherrapunji is a hub for exploring the unique landscapes of the Khasi Hills. A short drive takes you to the trailheads for some of the region's most well-known sights.
The living root bridges are a worth seeing. The most famous, the double-decker bridge in Nongriat, is reached by a steep descent of over 3,500 stone steps into the valley. It's a challenging but rewarding trek.
Nearby caves like Mawsmai and Krem Phyllut offer a glimpse into the limestone formations under these hills. Mawsmai is lit and more accessible, while others require a bit more adventure.
At Dawki, about 95km away, the Umngot river runs famously clear, especially from January to March. You can take a boat ride on what looks like a sheet of glass.
Mawlynnong, often called Asia's cleanest village, is a quiet community with bamboo stilt houses and well-tended gardens. The nearby Riwai sky walk is a bamboo bridge offering views over the plains of Bangladesh.
Nohkalikai Falls, India's tallest plunge waterfall at 340 metres, is a powerful sight, especially during the monsoon season.
The easiest way to reach the Khasi Hills is by air or rail to Guwahati in Assam, followed by a road journey.
By Air: The main airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (GAU), about 150km from Cherrapunji (a 4-5 hour drive). A smaller airport in Shillong (SHL) at Umroi is closer (around 80km), but has limited flights, mostly connecting through Kolkata.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station is in Guwahati, which is well-connected to the rest of India. From the station, you can hire a taxi for the drive to Cherrapunji. There is no rail network in Meghalaya itself.
By Road: Shillong is the main road hub of Meghalaya. Cherrapunji is 53km south of Shillong, a winding but scenic 2-hour drive. Taxis are readily available from Shillong and Guwahati.
The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is dry and the skies are generally clear. This is the ideal season for trekking to the root bridges and exploring the caves.
The monsoon, from June to September, is intense. Cherrapunji receives over 10,000mm of rain, and the landscape turns a brilliant, deep green. While some caves and trails may close due to the water levels, the waterfalls are at their most spectacular.
