Meghalaya is home to cascading waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes that catch the attention of tourists from all over the country. But underneath a facade of unparalleled beauty hide stories that hold the power to chill you to the bone which are some of the most popular haunted places in Meghalaya that hide eerie and spooky pasts. From ghost stories that have been passed along for generations to haunted houses and caverns, Meghalaya is a gold mine for people who take a keen interest in the unexplained and the supernatural.
Top 8 Haunted Places In Meghalaya
Here is a carefully curated list of intriguing haunted places in Meghalaya which are eerie locations and known for their chilling legends.
1. NohKaLikai Falls
Photo: Sohel78bd/ Wikimedia Commons
The NohKaLikai Falls are magnificent waterfalls located in Cherapunji, Meghalaya. It is the tallest plunge waterfall in the area and is an absolutely brilliant sight to witness. However, the beauty and charm of the falls hide a tragic and sad legend that laces it with an eerie and spooky ambience. The meaning of the falls when literally translated means ‘jump of Ka Likai’. Upon visiting the location you can learn about the sad legend of Likai and her baby that taints the elegance of these waterfalls. This location is a perfect blend of natural elegance and tragic folklore.
Location: Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya
2. Balpakram National Park
Photo: James Gabil Momin / Wikimedia Commons
Balpakram National Park located in Garo Hills, Meghalaya is a popular tourist spot famous for its rich flora and fauna. However, there have been reports of the national park being haunted by spirits of the dead. People have reported hearing sounds of laughter and unexplained voices echoing on the premises of the park. Many locals have regarded it the title of ‘the land of spirits’ pertaining to the eerie occurrences. The locals regard the unusual dents in the Schima wallichii trees as a work of passing spirits who were descending towards the land of the dead.
Location: Garo Hills, Meghalaya
3. Dawki
Photo: Prabhat114 / Wikimedia Commons
Dawki is a small border town in Meghalaya known for its beautiful and crystal-clear Umngot River. There is no other experience like that of rowing a boat in the pristine waters of the Umanggot against the landscape of this small yet magnificent time. The locals believe that the land of Dawki is dawned by eerie spirits that walk the grounds and give rise to mysterious voices and sounds that break the silence in the night. Some tie it to the legend of the two sisters that have been passed down the generations in Meghalaya.
Location: Dawki, Meghalaya
4. Laitlum Canyons
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
The Laitlum Canyons in Meghalaya is the perfect destination to go sightseeing whenever you plan a visit to the state. The canyon offers a picturesque and panoramic view of Meghalaya and paints a picture that can never be forgotten. However, locals report hearing strange noises in the night while visiting the canyons. There also have been reports of shadowy figures seen lurking around the area adding a sense of eeriness to the destination. The strange occurrences are allegedly deemed of supernatural causes and are attributed to the spirits who lost their lives in that very canyon.
Location: Outskirts of Shillong
5. Laitumkhrah Catholic Cemetery
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The Laitumkhrah Catholic Cemetery in Meghalaya is one of the most haunted places believed to exist in north-east India. As soon as the sun sets and the night lights begin to flicker, this place takes on a shadow of eeriness and horror, driving away anyone who wishes to set foot on its premises. Established in the 1890s, this cemetery hides many spooky secrets and dark mysteries including that of a lamp mysteriously lighting up every night. The location is very popular among locals who avoid crossing it, especially during the nighttime.
Location: Laitumkhrah, Meghalaya
6. Sweet Falls
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The Sweet Falls in Shillong are majestic waterfalls that fall as an unbroken stream of water. The non-breakage of the water stream causes the water pressure to be so high that it is impossible to bathe under the Sweet Falls. Related to many stories of tragedy and horror, the falls cannot be accessed closely due to the risky terrain and the possibility of an accident. The spiritual activity here is so avid that it is commonly said that ‘if you go there in odd numbers, you will return even.
Location: Shillong, Meghalaya
7. Thadlaskein Lake
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The Thadlaskein Lake is not just a spot of scenic admiration but also a site tied to eerie folklore. The lake has a legend behind its formation, the legend of Sajan Nangli who is allegedly responsible for its formation. The area has reported spooky occurrences, especially on moonlit nights. There have been multiple sightings of a ghostly apparition, believed to be that of Sajan Nangli. People have reported hearing inexplicable sounds and soft weeping or whispers. There have also been observed sudden drops in temperatures and cold spots in certain areas around the lake.
Location: Jaintia Hills, Guwahati
8. Jakrem
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Nestled in the southwest Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, Jakrem is a quaint village known for its calming and therapeutic hot springs. While providing a healing experience to visitors who come to Jakrem to unwind and rejuvenate, it also harbours a reputation of being haunted. There have been sightings of ghostly apparitions in the early hours of the day and the nighttime that tend to suddenly appear and disappear. Also, there have been sightings of mysterious lights flickering in the darkness of the night.
Location: South-West Khasi Hills
Meghalaya, with its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage, acts as a state where the natural and supernatural coexist in harmony. A visit to haunted places in Meghalaya not only provides a thrill and rushes of adrenaline but also educates you about the culture and beliefs of the local people. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the magnificence of the legendary state.
Cover Photo: Chirnzb / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only