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Meghalaya is one of the seven sister states of Northeastern India. The name of this state literally translates to ‘the abode of the clouds.Meghalaya was previously a part of Assam and formed by the union of the former United Khasi and Jaintia Hills and the Garo Hills. The state shares its borders with Mymensingh and Sylhet of Bangladesh. The magnificent valleys in Meghalaya have always been renowned for being natural wonders and the state was regarded as ‘the Scotland of the East’ by the Britishers during the colonial period.
10 Valleys In Meghalaya
Meghalaya has a lot to offer to its visitors and the valleys in Meghalaya are sure to give one an experience of their lifetime.
1. Laitlum Canyons Valley
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
During sunrise and sunset, the cliffs of this valley take up vibrant shades of orange, pink and red. The colour of these cliffs is also imparted by orchids, which grow abundantly in and around this area. Ra Song is a hamlet that adds to the beauty of this valley. Tourists can visit this valley for trekking and rock climbing. It is recommended that tourists should not visit this place in monsoon, since it is too cloudy to take notice of the beautiful view. This valley is specifically situated in the East Khasi Hills and is a paradise for photographers.
Timings: 5 AM – 5:30 PM
Distance From Shillong: 24 km (approximately)
How To Reach: An hour-long journey by road via NH6
2. Mawkdok Dympep Valley
Photo: Pooja Borar / Wikimedia Commons
This valley is strategically located between the capital city of Shillong and Cherrapunji (one of the wettest places on Earth). The Duwan Sing Syiem Bridge is one of the most popular attractions here. You can stroll on the verdant trails of this valley, or even zipline your way through. The forests around the valley are delightful to look at and the gorges are surreal. A lot of travellers visit this valley during their journey from Shillong to Sohra. The view can be enjoyed by slurping down delicious bowls of noodles, which are available in local food joints nearby.
Entry Fee: ₹50 (Mawkdok Viewpoint)
Distance From Shillong: 35 km (approximately)
How To Reach: An hour-long journey via Pomlakrai-Laitlyngkot Road
3. Letein Valley
Photo: Hermann / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
This valley is home to the River Kwai and is located around the southern slopes of the Jaintia Hills. The view from the town of Shnongrim is perfect since it offers a sight of the valley in all its beauty. This place is known for its effective irrigation and agriculture strategies as they add to the lush, green beauty of this place. The sight of this valley is very close to the pastures of Scotland and if you are planning your trip to Letein Valley, do not forget to wear comfortable shoes.
Distance From Shillong: 24 km (approximately)
How To Reach: A 3-hour journey by road from Shillong
4. Sung Valley
Photo: Sarangib / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Sung Valley is famous for rice plantations and is often referred to as ‘the rice bowl of Jaintia Hills.’ A large variety of rice grows here in this valley, where you can see people working tirelessly. It is also known for being the site of a number of silicate rocks which bear great geological significance and are preserved here by the Geological Survey of India. The Carbonatite Complex of Sung Valley presents a unique natural phenomenon which is not easily found in other parts of the country.
Distance From Shillong: 22 km (approximately)
How To Reach: A 2.5-hour journey by road from Shillong
5. Myntdu River Valley
Photo: Ebor / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Myntdu River Valley lies near the town of Jowai, perfect for a countryside vacation. The river is of great agricultural significance to the state and is revered as a blessing largely by the locals. The Myntdu Leshka Dam is also important for providing energy to the Hydropower projects in the state. Jowai is known for its architectural brilliance, and a monument commemorating Kiang Nong Bah (a freedom fighter) is one of the many places to visit here. The Tyrshi Falls are also largely visited by locals and tourists alike.
Distance From Shillong: 152.5 km (approximately)
How To Reach: A 4.5-hour journey via the NH 106 from Shillong
6. Ranikor
Photo: Asikul Islam Himel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ranikor, one of the best valleys in Meghalaya, is home to the Jadukta River. It is a wild fishing spot quite renowned all over the state. Tourists can also try their hands at watersports at the Jadukta River. Bordering Bangladesh, Ranikor is also popular due to the presence of Mahseers in large numbers. There are also golden and silver carp found in this area. A Shivalinga in Ranikor, which is formed naturally by Stalagmites, is revered by Hindus in the state. This Shivalinga is housed within a sacred cave called Mawjymbuin.
Distance From Shillong: 121 km (approximately)
How To Reach: A 4-hour journey via the Nongnah-Ranikor Road from Shillong
7. Mawsynram
Photo: Vikas Talwar / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled amidst the East Khasi Hills, Mawsynram is the wettest place on Earth and has broken several records for high amounts of rainfall. The valley that houses Mawsynram is very close to Cherrapunji. The small village of Mawlyngbna in this valley provides a magnificent view of rolling hills and gives a glimpse of the terrain of Bangladesh. Another popular tourist attraction within Mawsynram is Krem Liat Prah, a cave made of limestone rocks with crystal-clear streams inside. The cave runs for at least 34 km and is something straight out of a fantasy movie. Those fond of extreme adventure sports can visit this natural wonder.
Distance From Shillong: 60 km (approximately)
How To Reach: A 2.5-hour journey via the Mawsynram-Shillong Road
8. Dawki River Valley
Photo: Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons
The Dawki River is known for its clean waters and surreal appeal. Tourists often opt for catamaran rides by this river. The valley of the Dawki River is located in the West Jaintia Hills district and is also home to the confluence of its eponymous river and the Umngot River. There is a check post here, tracking passages between India and Bangladesh as there are international buses that travel to and from Dawki, bringing visitors from beyond the borders. The suspension bridge at Dawki is worth visiting since it is a remnant of India’s colonial past.
Distance From Shillong: 70 km (approximately)
How To Reach: Via shared vehicles and buses in Lewduh and Shillong
9. Sohra Valley
Photo: Mantragayatri / Wikimedia Commons
Not too far from Mawsynram, Sohra has also created world records due to its high amounts of rainfall. Sohra, one of the valleys near Meghalaya, is known for its forest trails and natural brilliance. One of the most-visited places in Sohra is the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Visitors have to climb more than 3,000 steps to reach this natural wonder. This bridge is formed by the external roots of trees and has a lagoon nearby. The Mawsmai Cave, made of limestone, is another widely visited place in the Sohra Valley.
Distance From Shillong: 54 km (approximately)
How To Reach: A 2-hour journey via the SH 5 from Shillong
10. Pynursla
Photo: Arshiya Urveeja Bose / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pynursla is not as frequently visited as other top valleys in Meghalaya. Like the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Pynursla also houses a lot of similar bridges, created by the wonders of nature. The Wah Rymben Falls stands in all its beauty, uninterrupted by the forces of man. Visitors can visit this valley by descending from the Lapalang Village. Pynursla has a lot of forests which are home to unique flora and fauna. In winter, this place fills up with the smell of oranges.
Distance From Shillong: 50.5 km (approximately)
How To Reach: A 2-hour journey via the NH 206 from Shillong
Meghalaya is the abode of natural wonders. The serenity of its whispering waterfalls, verdant valleys and the petrichor of its quaint villages make it a paradise for those in search of contentment. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Meghalaya with TripXL for a hassle-free vacation experience and soak all the serenity and scenic views around you!
Cover Photo: Wolfram K / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
