9 amazing places to visit in Meghalaya
The North Eastern state of Meghalaya has shot to fame over the last few years with everyone running to explore the hidden jems and villages which were once unknown to the world. Listen below are a few places which you need to discover and explore on your road trip around Meghalaya.
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Shillong {The Meghalaya Capital}
The capital city and the tourist mainstay in Meghalaya. From the crowded streets of Police bazar which will offer you a wide variety of shopping and eating options. Low priced alcohol and great food options make Shillong an automatic selection to setup base and explore the rest of Meghalaya.
Riwai {Single Decker Root Bridge}
Home to the single decker root bridge. Riwai is a must visit on your Meghalaya road trip. Approximately 70km from the capital city of Shillong which will take around two hours and 20 minutes. From the parking lot you will need to walk at least 300 steps down hill to the living root bridge which is along the flow of the river. The entry fee is ₹40/pp + ₹20/camera + vehicle parking charges ₹50-200 depending on the type of vehicle.
Mawlynnong {Asia’s Cleanest Village}
Located at a distance of 7km from the village of Riwai is Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong. The village over the years has transformed from a simple Kashi village in the hills to a bustling tourist setup. But even after the increase in tourist volume the village is extremely clean and is a benchmark to the rest of the country in terms of keeping things organized and clean.
Dawki {The Crystal clear river}
Along the border of India and Bangladesh is a place which has shot to fame since 2015-16. It’s the pristine colourless river Umngot which has made the village of Dawki pretty much a national name. A 3-3.5 hour drive from Shillong covering around 84km through the zigzag hills and you will reach Dawki. Make sure you reach Dawki before sunset.
Cherrapunji Sohra {One of the wettest places in the world}
Once the world’s wettest place is now still a place where it rains a lot but more than the rain, it’s the tourists which have made Cherrapunji boom. From waterfalls to home stays and root bridges, Sohra as it’s locally known is a place you should travel to and spend at least a night in one of the many home stays.
Tyran {Double decker root bridge start}
A village located in the East Kashi hills, it has become a tourist hub owning to the fact that it’s the starting point of the double decker root bridge trek. Make sure to get there on time, if you intend on escaping the afternoon heat while trekking back up.
Krang Suri {Waterfall worth a dip}
A beautiful waterfall in the Jowai region of Meghalaya. It’s one of the few waterfalls which allows you to even have a swim in the water pond formed by the waterfall. There is an entry fee of ₹30/pp and vehicle parking fee.
Darrang {Camping and water sport place}
Located 10km ahead of Dawki after crossing over the suspension bridge. The village is home to water sport activities and camping along the banks of the river Umngot, a must visit if you are someone who likes the adventure thrill
Nongriat {Double decker root bridge location}
At the bottom of the highway around 3000+ steps (all well made) to reach the village of Nongriat which is where the world famous double decker root bridge is located. The village has an entry fee of ₹80/pp which mainly is for the maintenance and up keeping of the environment.
