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Meghalaya is a popular destination located in the northeastern part of India, after the great Assam. Often nicknamed the Abode of Clouds, Meghalaya is known for its misty hills, green valleys, and striking waterfalls. From the throbbing city of Shillong, the capital, down to soulful villages like Mawlynnong and Dawki, Meghalaya weaves a rich tapestry of experiences. It is that unique getaway which merges adventure in its rugged terrains with peace beside its pristine rivers and cultural immersion in its traditional villages.
10 Places To Visit In Meghalaya
Explore the top 10 places to visit in Meghalaya, from breathtaking waterfalls and living root bridges to serene caves and vibrant local culture.
1. Cherrapunji
Photo: Sumanjit100 / Wikimedia Commons
Known for the maximum rainfall, Cherrapunji ranks amongst the most beautiful places to visit in Meghalaya. This bustling town has green landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls like the Nohkalikai, and bridges formed by the roots of trees. Being one of the most popular tourist attractions in Meghalaya, its scenic beauty and misty weather give the experience of a fairyland, while views from viewpoints like Mawsmai Cave present awesome scenes.
Entry Fees: Free
Location: 54 km from Shillong
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Places In Meghalaya That You Must Visit On Your Trip
2. Mawlynnong
Photo: Madhumita Das / Wikimedia Commons
Mawlynnong is a peaceful destination, acclaimed as the cleanest village in Asia, amidst the East Khasi Hills and one of the top places to visit in Meghalaya. It is a small village with impeccable surroundings and clean gardens with views extending to the plains of Bangladesh. From traditional bamboo houses to the amazing living root bridge, this place showers local hospitality. Tourists can see local traditional houses made of bamboo, the impressive living root bridge, and hospitable people.
Location: 78 km from Shillong
Best Time To Visit: March to June
3. Dawki
Photo: Ankan / Wikimedia Commons
Dawki is known for its umpteen transparent Umngot River, which offers people a captivating boating experience with the clearest underwater visibility. Situated on the India-Bangladesh border, Dawki is surrounded by hills with green cover and a lush landscape. Being one of the most popular Meghalaya tourist places, the scenery around Dawki is coupled with green hills and lush landscapes. This makes it a must-visit for nature lovers who want to seek peace and natural beauty.
Entry Fees: Free
Location: 82 km from Shillong
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Meghalaya To Make Your Trip Even More Memorable
4. Shillong
Photo: Windrider24584 / Wikimedia Commons
Shillong, the state capital of Meghalaya, combines the beauty of colonial times with scenic beauty, thus making it a prime place to visit in Meghalaya. Gently rolling hills and lush landscape surround this hill station. Areas worth seeing in Shillong include Shillong Peak, providing panoramic views of the city and its surrounding areas, and Elephant Falls, a beautiful waterfall buried deep inside the hills.
Entry Fees: Dependent on various attractions
Best Time To Visit: September to May
5. Mawsynram
Photo: Valter Zhara / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Mawsynram is one of the wettest places on Earth, next to Cherrapunji, and a green paradise that should be one of the most popular places to visit in Meghalaya. This place is located right next to Cherrapunji and features dramatic landscapes, such as falling waterfalls and dense forests. The heavy rainfall makes the place lush green and full of vibrant life, providing a unique opportunity for its visitors to witness one of the wettest places on Earth.
Location: 65 km from Shillong
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Suggested Read: Discover Top Places To Visit In Mawsynram
6. Nohkalikai Falls
Photo: Jyotishkardey / Wikimedia Commons
One of India’s tallest waterfalls, the Nohkalikai Falls, plummets dramatically 1,115 feet into a deep gorge. This awe-inspiring waterfall is situated near Cherrapunji and is one of the major highlights of the natural beauty to be visited in Meghalaya. At the base, there exists a pool of emerald green colour formed by the falls, which often gets enveloped in mist and lush greenery. These viewing points overlook the falls, which drop into the gorge below with great force, making for excellent photographic views and a peaceful experience.
Cost/Person: ₹20
Location: Near Cherrapunji
Best Time To Visit: October to December
7. Living Root Bridges
Photo: Madhumita Das / Wikimedia Commons
The Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya is an exception in bioengineering, constructed from the roots of rubber trees. It is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. These unique bridges, existing primarily in Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong, are living structures that, with time, evolve and strengthen. These bridges not only serve functional purposes but are also expressive of the ingenuity of local Khasi and Jaintia tribes who, down generations, have been keeping and fostering these natural wonders.
Entry Fees: Free
Location: Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Meghalaya In December To Witness Nature’s Real Bliss
8. Jaintia Hills
Photo: Sai Avinash / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The district of Jaintia Hills lies in the eastern part of Meghalaya. Its landscapes vary from lush green valleys to rolling hills. From Krang Suri Waterfall and Jowai town to historical sites, traditional villages, and limestone caves, there is a lot to be explored for visitors while being a crucial part of the Meghalaya tourist places list. Historical sites, traditional villages, and limestone caves are all unique in this area to provide a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Location: 64 km from Shillong
Best Time To Visit: October to May
9. Balpakram National Park
Photo: James Gabil Momin / Wikimedia Commons
This species in the South Garo Hills, Balpakram National Park, is also referred to as the “Land of Spirits” due to the mystique and biodiversity tag associated with this place. It is home to many rare and endemic species, like the critically endangered red panda and the clouded leopard. Varying flora and fauna, along with the rugged topography, make this an ideal haven for any nature enthusiast and a very thrilling location for nature photographers.
Cost/Person: ₹50
Location: South Garo Hills
Best Time To Visit: November to May
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Meghalaya In June
10. Tura
Photo: Vyacheslav Bukharov / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, Tura, surrounded by a tranquil retreat, has major places of interest—the Nokrek National Park and the Siju Bird Sanctuary, both dear to the wildlife enthusiast’s heart. The bucolic landscape and traditional Garo villages, drenched with indigenous cultures, give one an insight into tribal life. A paramount destination for trekkers and birdwatchers, Tura is a quiet getaway from the long Meghalaya tourist places list. A paradise to anyone looking for a place to break away from serenity, this combines stunning natural beauty, cultural immersion, and outdoor activities.
Location: Garo Hills region
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Places to visit in Meghalaya where a varied landscape and rich cultural traditions come together in perfect harmony. From the vibrant cityscape of Shillong to serene Mawlynnong and Dawki, it offers a well-balanced experience of adventure and relaxation. This journey to all of the places for Meghalaya trip will take you through one of the most mesmerising and scenic regions of India, leaving you with memories to cherish forever. Book your trip to Meghalaya with TripXL to make unforgettable memories.
Cover Photo: Sujan Bandyopadhyay / Wikimedia Commons
