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There are many scenic and peaceful places to visit in Meghalaya in January when travel becomes smooth, the air is cool, and landscapes remain open and easy to reach. This is one of the best times to enjoy the state’s natural beauty, local traditions, and mountain drives without weather interruptions. From quiet riverside villages to ancient groves and cliffside viewpoints, every destination offers a different kind of experience. January gives visitors the chance to explore Meghalaya at its most accessible.
10 Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya In January
The places to visit in Meghalaya in January offer the perfect season to explore hidden villages, forest trails, and cultural sites in comfort.
1. Mawlynnong Village
Photo: Frame_fame / Shutterstock
Often praised for its cleanliness, Mawlynnong in the East Khasi Hills becomes especially appealing during January. With the skies free of fog and rain, the bamboo walkways and narrow village lanes are easy to walk through without slush or interruptions. The village sits close to the Bangladesh border, and the weather this month supports a full day of slow-paced discovery. One can climb the bamboo Sky View Tower for sweeping views of the surrounding plains or visit the Living Root Bridge in nearby Riwai, which remains dry and stable.
Location: East Khasi Hills
Cost: ₹10 for Sky View Tower
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Major Attractions: Asia’s cleanest village, balancing rocks, living root bridge at Riwai, bamboo sky view tower, local Khasi culture.
2. Umiam Lake
Photo: explorewithinfo / Shutterstock
Umiam Lake becomes even more inviting in January. Located just before Shillong on the Guwahati–Shillong highway, it is one of the easiest weekend spots to reach in Meghalaya. The lake stretches wide, bordered by gentle hills and pine groves, with a still surface that reflects the blue of the winter sky. This is a popular stop for families, solo travellers, and photographers alike. Boating is the main draw, with paddle boats, rowboats, and water scooters available at the Water Sports Complex.
Location: Ri-Bhoi District, near Shillong
Cost: ₹20 per person, water activities start from ₹50
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Boating, ziplining, lakeside picnic spots, scenic cold mornings
3. Mawsynram
In January, Mawsynram sheds its reputation as the wettest place on Earth and welcomes travellers with quiet paths, dry roads, and wide views. The journey from Shillong takes around two and a half hours through winding stretches of pine and rocky hills. Mawjymbuin Cave is the main draw here, where natural limestone formations surround a large stalagmite shaped like a Shiva Linga. The cave stays accessible and safe to enter during this dry season. Outside the cave, open ridges and shallow streams make walking easy, and the air carries the scent of earth and moss without the heaviness of rain.
Location: East Khasi Hills
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Major Attractions: Mawjymbuin cave, sacred stalagmites, dry and comfortable trekking conditions, peaceful surroundings during off-peak winter.
4. Dawki & Umngot River
Photo: Raj – Contributor / Shutterstock
This is the only time of year when the water of the Umngot River appears completely transparent, reflecting the pebbles and shadows below the surface. January keeps the flow gentle and ideal for boating. Local boatmen take visitors through calm stretches lined with forested banks and rocky cliffs. The border town itself is small, but the surroundings offer enough to spend an entire day, from riverside picnics to visiting the Dawki-Tamabil border post. Nearby, Shnongpdeng is a quieter village where adventure activities such as ziplining and camping by the river are available.
Location: West Jaintia Hills, near Bangladesh border
Cost: ₹500 – 800 for boat rides
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Major Attractions: Crystal-clear river, suspension bridge, boating, Shnongpdeng adventure camps, and transparent waters visible best in dry January.
5. Shillong
Photo: Shashank Sharma / Unsplash
The city moves at its own pace with clean streets, pine-scented air, and people out enjoying the winter sun. Ward’s Lake remains a favourite for morning walks, especially with flowers blooming in the well-kept gardens. Visitors can take a boat ride or sit quietly by the water. Lady Hydari Park here is ideal for families with children as it has a zoo and lawns. Shillong Peak offers views of the city and the forested valleys at a distance. Visit the viewpoint in the early hours for the clearest visibility.
Location: East Khasi Hills
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Ward’s Lake, Lady Hydari Park, Shillong Peak, Police Bazar shopping, cafes, and vibrant winter cultural festivals.
6. Krang Suri Falls
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
Krang Suri Falls is hidden in the hills near Amlarem and becomes easier to reach and explore in January. The stone stairway down to the falls stays dry and safe, offering a smooth descent to the viewing point. The pool below reflects a rich turquoise tone, especially when the morning sun hits the surface. There’s enough space to rest, take in the cool breeze, and stay for hours without crowds. For those looking to experience beauty with quiet, Krang Suri is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Meghalaya in January.
Location: West Jaintia Hills
Cost: ₹50 per person
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Blue-hued plunge pool, clean walking trails, light spray, and easy trek access with dry weather support in January.
7. Laitlum Canyon
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
Laitlum Canyon near Smit reveals its full scale and beauty in January. The view opens up into deep gorges and green slopes that stretch across the East Khasi Hills. Unlike during monsoon, when fog hides the cliffs, this month gives uninterrupted sightlines, making it an excellent spot for morning or late afternoon visits. Trekkers can follow the stone trail down to Rasong village, which takes around two hours and passes through terraced fields and bamboo groves. The area is peaceful, dotted with Khasi prayer flags and resting platforms.
Location: Near Smit, East Khasi Hills
Cost: ₹30 per person
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Canyon ridges, sunrise views, crisp January air, dramatic photo spots, and hiking opportunities without monsoon mist.
8. Nokrek National Park
Photo: Baharul Choudhury / Wikimedia Commons
Nokrek National Park in January is ideal for those drawn to raw forest trails, rare species, and quiet exploration. Situated in the West Garo Hills, the park is home to endangered wildlife, including the red panda and the slow loris, as well as rich birdlife. The dry season makes treks safer and more comfortable, with leaves crunching underfoot and forest sounds travelling clearly. A guided walk through the buffer zone leads to viewpoints, citrus gene pool reserves, and wild orchid patches. The weather stays pleasant for long walks without humidity or dense fog.
Location: West Garo Hills
Cost: ₹100 per person
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Major Attractions: Red panda sightings, rare orchids, biodiversity trails, and pleasant forest hikes during the dry winter season.
9. Mawphlang Sacred Grove
Photo: Daniel Romanson / Wikimedia Commons
Mawphlang Sacred Grove is one of the few places where nature and tradition stay deeply connected. The forest lies around an hour’s drive from Shillong and has been protected by the local Khasi community for generations. Entry is only allowed with a guide, who explains the customs tied to the grove, no one is allowed to take anything out, not even a dry leaf. The ancient trees with wide trunks are covered in lichen and moss. Stone altars used for rituals still rest undisturbed in the deeper sections.
Location: East Khasi Hills
Cost: ₹20 per person
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Major Attractions: Mythological forest trails, guided nature walks, ancient stone altars, and forest photography under clear skies.
10. Tura
Photo: Shopnil Hasan Naim / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Tura is nestled deep in the West Garo Hills. From here, travellers often visit the Siju Caves, located a few hours away, known for their long corridors and large bat population. Closer to Tura, Pelga Falls gives a peaceful setting with space to rest and enjoy the sound of water rushing over rocks. Within the town, small museums and cultural centres display Garo traditions of musical instruments, weaving patterns, and community artefacts. The streets remain quiet, and the open viewpoints near the Circuit House show layers of distant hills on clear afternoons.
Location: West Garo Hills
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Siju caves, waterfalls, Garo cultural museums, peaceful town climate, and light winter festivals
The best places to visit in Meghalaya in January can be reached without weather disruptions, making travel simple and reliable. Roads remain in good condition, walking routes are safe, and day plans stay on track. January allows smooth travel across the Khasi and Garo Hills, with enough time to explore nature, culture, and local food. Start planning with TripXL to make the most of January travel across Meghalaya.
Cover Photo: Iftekhar Nibir / Unsplash
