Meghalaya Tourism - Explore Living Root Bridges

About Meghalaya 

Meghalaya, which translates to "abode of clouds" in Sanskrit, is a picturesque state nestled in the northeast India. It became a full-fledged state in 1972. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is often called the "Scotland of the East" because of its stunning scenery and nice weather. Meghalaya is famous for its green hills, dense forests, beautiful waterfalls, and rich tribal culture, which draw nature lovers here.

One of the most remarkable features of Meghalaya is its unique living root bridges, which are formed by training the roots of rubber trees over several decades to create sturdy natural bridges over rivers and streams. These bridges, found mainly in the Khashi tribe and Jaintia Hills districts, are not only functional but also serve as popular tourist attractions.

Meghalaya is inhabited by indigenous tribal communities, with the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes being the major ethnic groups. Each tribe has its own distinct culture, language, and traditions, contributing to the rich tapestry of Meghalaya's cultural heritage.

What to explore in Meghalaya tourism

Double decker Living Root Bridges: Marvel at the awe-inspiring living root double decker bridge found in the dense forests of Meghalaya, particularly in the Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong village. These unique bridges are made by training the roots of rubber trees over many years to form sturdy crossings over rivers and streams.

Waterfalls: Meghalaya is home to numerous breathtaking waterfalls cascading down verdant hillsides. Some of the must-visit waterfalls include Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India; Seven Sisters Falls, a mesmerizing cascade of seven streams; and Krang Suri Falls, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Caving: Explore the intricate network of limestone caves in Meghalaya, which are among the longest and deepest caves in the Indian subcontinent. Mawsmai Cave, Siju Cave, and Krem Liat Prah are popular caving destinations offering thrilling underground adventures.

Shillong: Discover the charming hill station of Shillong, Meghalaya's capital, known for its colonial-era architecture, bustling markets, and panoramic viewpoints. Visit attractions like Ward's Lake, Shillong Peak, Don Bosco Museum, and Police Bazaar for a taste of the city's vibrant culture.

Mawphlang Sacred Forest: Immerse yourself in the mystical ambiance of the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, a revered site for the Khasi tribes. This ancient forest is believed to be protected by local deities and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The Khasi people are one of the major indigenous communities residing there.

Tribal Villages: Experience the unique culture and traditions of Meghalaya's indigenous tribal communities by visiting small villages like Mawlynnong, known as Asia's cleanest village, and Kongthong, where villagers communicate through melodious whistling sounds known as "Jingrwai Lawbei."

Garo Hills: The Garo Hills are a range of hills in the northeastern part of India, located in the state of Meghalaya. These hills are part of the Garo-Khasi range, which is one of the main mountain ranges in Meghalaya. The Garo Hills are inhabited by the Garo tribe, one of the major indigenous communities in the region.

Dawki and Umngot River: Take a scenic drive to Dawki, located near the India-Bangladesh border, and cruise along the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River in a traditional boat. The river is renowned for its surreal clarity, offering stunning views of the riverbed and surrounding landscapes.

Umiam Lake: Umiam Lake also known as Barapani Lake, is a picturesque reservoir located in the state of Meghalaya in northeastern India. The lake serves as a major source of water for the region, particularly for the city of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.

To Do Adventure Activities - Meghala North East India

There are fun-filled water sport activities and also adventuous trips that men and women can indulge in Meghalaya, some of them are listed below:

Trekking

River rafting

Canyoning

Rock Climbing & Rappelling

Zip-lining

River rafting

Camping

Meghalaya local food – Must Try

Jadoh – Rice dish cooked with pork / chicken

Doh Khlieh – Traditional Khasi Salad

Putharo and Pukhlein – Steamed rice cake

Doh Neiiong – Flavourful pork stew

Tungrymbai – Soybeans side dish

How to reach Meghalaya India?

By Air: The major airport to Meghalaya is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Shillong Airport (SHL), also known as Umroi Airport, which serves as the primary airport for Meghalaya. Shillong Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Several airlines operate regular flights between Guwahati and Shillong.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Meghalaya is Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) in Assam, which is well-connected to major cities across India. From Guwahati, hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Meghalaya. It's approximately a 3-4 hour drive from Guwahati to Shillong, the capital city.

By Road: Meghalaya is accessible by road from neighboring states like Assam and Tripura. The National Highway 40 (NH40) connects Guwahati in Assam to Shillong, passing through picturesque landscapes and winding mountain roads. Regular bus services operate between Guwahati and Shillong, as well as other major towns in Meghalaya. Private taxis and rental cars are also available for hire for a more comfortable and convenient journey.

Best time to visit Meghalaya

During October to November, the weather is nice. The skies are clear, and it's not too hot or too cold, which is perfect for doing things outside like hiking, seeing the sights, and discovering waterfalls and caves. Winter is another popular time to visit Meghalaya, as the weather remains cool and dry. This season is perfect for enjoying the scenic beauty of Meghalaya, attending cultural Meghalaya festivals, and indulging in outdoor adventures.

Monsoon Meghalaya is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity, particularly during the months of July, August, and September. 

In the monsoon season, Meghalaya's lush green landscapes and gushing waterfalls are stunning to see. However, traveling can be tough because of slippery roads, landslides, and poor visibility.

Stay / Hotels in Meghalaya

As the capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong boasts numerous hotel choices, including luxury hotels, budget guesthouses, boutique hotels, and homestays. Laitumkhrah, Police Bazaar, and Bara Bazaar are some of the popular areas to find hotels in Shillong.

Cherrapunji, famous for its beautiful scenery and waterfalls, has various hotels, resorts, and guesthouses. They all offer lovely views of the hills and valleys nearby. Many places in Cherrapunji are eco-friendly and offer a rustic charm.

Voted as Asia's cleanest village, Mawlynnong offers homestays and guesthouses where travelers can experience the kindness of the local Khasi community.

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FAQs

Are permits required to visit certain areas in Meghalaya?

Permits may be required to visit certain restricted or protected areas in Meghalaya, particularly those located near international borders or inhabited by indigenous tribes. It's advisable to check with local authorities or tour operators for permit requirements before visiting such areas.

What is the local cuisine of Meghalaya?

The local cuisine of Meghalaya features dishes like Jadoh, Doh Khlieh, Putharo, Tungrymbai, Momos, and Sakkin Gata, offering a unique blend of flavors influenced by tribal traditions.

What are the adventure activities available in Meghalaya?

Adventure activities in Meghalaya include trekking, caving, river rafting, zip-lining, rock climbing, rappelling, canyoning, and camping amidst the region's picturesque landscapes.

What are the must-visit attractions in Meghalaya?

Some of the must-visit attractions in Meghalaya include Cherrapunji (Sohra), Shillong, Dawki river, Mawlynnong, Living double decker Root Bridges, Nohkalikai Falls, and Umngot River.

What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?

The best time to visit Meghalaya is typically during the dry season, from October to May, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.