Root Bridges & Caves Homestay, Meghalaya
4.4· 13 stays
Things to do nearby.
The home is a good starting point for exploring the Cherrapunji (Sohra) region. The famous living root bridges are a worth seeing. The double-decker bridge at Nongriat requires a significant trek down 3,500 steps, so start early and be prepared for the climb back up. For something less strenuous, there are other, more accessible root bridges in the area.
Closer to Sohra, you can explore the Mawsmai and Krem Phyllut caves. These limestone cave systems are well-lit and managed for visitors, offering a glimpse into the world beneath the hills. No special gear is needed, but shoes with good grip are a smart idea.
About a three-hour drive away is the town of Dawki, on the border with Bangladesh. Here, the Umngot river runs famously clear, especially from January to March, giving boats the appearance of floating on glass. A bit further is Mawlynnong, often called Asia's cleanest village, with its own root bridge and a bamboo sky walk offering views over the plains of Bangladesh. And of course, there's Nohkalikai Falls, India's tallest plunge waterfall at 340 metres, a powerful sight, especially during the monsoon.
Getting there.
The most common way to reach Meghalaya is to fly into Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), which is well-connected to major Indian cities. From Guwahati, it’s a 100km drive to Shillong, the state capital, which takes about three hours. From Shillong, Cherrapunji (Sohra) is another 53km, a winding two-hour drive.
A smaller airport exists at Umroi, near Shillong (SHL), about 30km from the city. It has limited flights, mostly connecting through Kolkata.
The nearest major railway station is in Guwahati. There are no train lines within Meghalaya, so from the station, you will need to hire a car or take a shared taxi for the journey to Shillong and then on to Cherrapunji.
Best time to visit.
The best time to visit the Khasi Hills is from October to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant. The skies are generally clear, and all attractions are open and accessible. This is the ideal season for trekking to the root bridges and boating on the Umngot river.
The monsoon, from June to September, is a different experience altogether. This region is one of the wettest places on earth, receiving over 10,000mm of rainfall. The waterfalls are at their most powerful, and the landscape turns an intense, brilliant green. While some caves and trails may close due to the heavy rain, the sheer force and beauty of the monsoon is a sight to behold.
