10 Places To Visit In Meghalaya In August For An Incredible Vacation

An aerial view of a boat sailing in the turquoise waters of a river in Meghalaya.

Meghalaya in August is rich, green, and full of life. The monsoon paints every hill, cave, and forest in deeper shades, creating scenery that feels both wild and peaceful. The places to visit in Meghalaya in August include rivers so clear you can see the stones beneath, cliffs wrapped in mist, and ancient groves that glow under the rain. It is the best time to experience how the land breathes, how the rain sings, and how nature takes over every edge of this incredible northeastern state.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Meghalaya In August

When the monsoon sweeps across Meghalaya, it reveals some of the hidden gems. These are the best places to visit in Meghalaya in August that bring out something unforgettable.

1. Shnongpdeng

Shnongpdeng is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Meghalaya in August.

Photo: Nvr Endng Anupam / Unsplash

Shnongpdeng transforms into a quiet riverside retreat where the monsoon sharpens the experience. The Umngot River, known for its striking clarity, still flows visibly clear even with the rains, and the entire valley is thick with fresh greenery. It is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Meghalaya in August, especially for those who want a slower pace. Travellers can stay in tents next to the river and wake up to mist rising from the surface. The light rain adds an atmospheric touch to treks that lead through hills and forests to hidden viewpoints.

Timings: 24*7
Cost: ₹800 – 1500 per boat
Major Attractions: Picturesque village, Umngot River, serene boat rides, adventure sports

2. Mawsmai Cave

Mawsmai cave in Meghalaya with surface of the cave walls and sunrays hitting the walls.

Photo: Wann Majaw / Wikimedia Commons

Mawsmai Cave is one of those places to visit in Meghalaya in August, where nature is designed as alive. The limestone walls inside the cave seem to glow under diffused lighting, and the monsoon moisture brings out rich textures in every curve and crevice. Located near Cherrapunji, its narrow chambers twist open into pockets of space where water drips steadily from above, forming tiny reflective pools. Walking through requires some bending and balance, especially in places where the passage narrows.

Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Cost: ₹30 for adults, ₹10 for children
Major Attractions: Stunning natural formations, cavernous pathways, natural sculptures

3. Wah Kaba Falls

Wah Kaba falls with people standing on the viewpoint on a cliff and water flowing.

Photo: Hkaay / Wikimedia Commons

Wah Kaba Falls is among the most striking places to visit in Meghalaya in August. The monsoon brings the falls to crash down a steep cliff into the deep gorge below. The viewpoint itself is set right at the edge, protected by simple railings, and offers a clear view of the valley if the fog lifts. Even on misty days, the sound and movement of the waterfall are powerful and constant. A short, slightly uphill walk leads from the road to the site. In August, the surrounding hills are thick with green, and the trail is dotted with wildflowers.

Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Cost: ₹10 per person
Major Attractions: Serene escape, crystal clear waters, emerald-green forests, misty atmosphere

4. Ialong Park, Jaintia Hills

Lalong Park in Jaintia Hills with green plains, a brown water body of the river and hills.

Photo: Psihrishi / Wikimedia Commons

Ialong Park in the Jaintia Hills is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Meghalaya in August. The monsoon gives this park a richer character, with thick moss, wet stones, and forest trails that look untouched. Set on a gentle slope overlooking the Myntdu River, it is not a manicured park but a natural space where sacred groves grow undisturbed and bamboo bridges stretch across little streams. The viewpoint at the end opens to the valley below, which appears half-hidden behind drifting clouds.

Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Major Attractions: Sacred groves, mesmerising sunsets views, variety of flora

5. Laitlum Canyon

Laitlum Canyon in Meghalaya with broken structures, yellow railings and green mountains.

Photo: framesbytanmay / Unsplash

Laitlum Canyon is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Meghalaya in August when the rain pulls a curtain of clouds across the hills and the wind carries the scent of wet earth and wild grass. The name itself means “end of hills,” and standing at the edge feels exactly like that. In August, the trails around the canyon are soft and sometimes slippery, but the effort is worth it. The cliffs roll down into deep green valleys where mist rises slowly and vanishes into the sky.

Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Dramatic landscapes, trekking trails, diverse flora and fauna,

6. Riwai Living Root Bridge

Riwai living root bridge with big stones in the water, people visiting and stairs.

Photo: Utkarsh B / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Riwai offers one of the most accessible living root bridges in Meghalaya, and August is the perfect time to see it in its full monsoon setting. The short walk from the roadside to the bridge takes just under ten minutes, winding through a shaded path where the rain drips gently from dense canopies. Unlike longer treks to double-decker bridges, this one suits travellers who want to witness nature’s craftsmanship without hours of climbing. The bridge itself is made from tangled aerial roots of the rubber fig tree, woven and shaped by generations of local villagers.

Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Cost: ₹20 per person
Major Attractions: Construction technique, cultural significance, enchanting natural setting

7. Phe Phe Falls

Waterfalls in Meghalaya with water falling in the small water body and distant people.

Photo: Chirnzb / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Tucked in the hills near Jowai, Phe Phe Falls is among the most beautiful places to visit in Meghalaya in August. The rains turn the twin waterfalls into powerful, uninterrupted streams that drop into a turquoise pool framed by cliffs and dense trees. Get here with a short, scenic walk through grassy slopes. At the base, small canoes are sometimes available to cross the still water and reach the viewpoint closer to the falls. Unlike some other waterfalls that turn muddy during the rains, Phe Phe remains surprisingly clear, with its natural blue-green colour still visible.

Timings: 24*7
Cost: ₹50 per person
Major Attractions: Two-tier cascade, crystal-clear waters, unique flora and fauna, trekking opportunities

8. Mawphlang Sacred Grove

Stone trail in Mawphlang sacred grove with dried leaves on the ground and tall trees.

Photo: Ritika74 / Wikimedia Commons

Mawphlang Sacred Grove is immersed in the culture of the Khasi people and is among the meaningful places to visit in Meghalaya in August. The forest is preserved under strict traditional law as locals believe disturbing it brings misfortune, so the dried leaves and fallen branches are left untouched. The trail, soft from the rains, runs through towering trees, natural stone altars, and plant species used in local medicine. The air holds the scent of damp bark and earth, and it stays cooler than the open landscape outside.

Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Cost: ₹20 entry, ₹250 for guide
Major Attractions: Ecological significance, cultural and spiritual importance, rich biodiversity

9. Thlumuwi Falls And Bridge

River in Meghalaya with a bridge over the river, people sitting on a boat and green hills.

Photo: SUSAVAN DAS / Shutterstock

Thlumuwi Falls and its nearby stone bridge is a rare mix of history and nature, making it one of the lesser-known places to visit in Meghalaya in August. It’s not a tall waterfall, but the spread and steady flow during monsoon make it striking. A short path through wet grass and gravel leads to the falls, and just a few steps away stands an old bridge made from large, flat stones laid without mortar. It was once part of a trade route connecting Jaintia Hills with other parts of the region.

Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Cost: ₹30 per person
Major Attractions: Thlumuwi Stone Bridge, Thlumuwi Falls

10. Syntu Ksiar, Jowai

Fish sanctuary with a blue clear water body, distant sticks in the water and green hills.

Photo: Ambuj Mishra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Syntu Ksiar, which means “the golden flower,” sits quietly along the banks of the Myntdu River and remains one of the calmest places to visit in Meghalaya in August. What draws people is the quiet, the light wind off the river, and the sense of space. A memorial in honour of Kiang Nangbah, a Jaintia freedom fighter, stands nearby and reminds visitors that the place holds both beauty and history. In August, the walking paths stay soft underfoot but still accessible. Locals often come in the late afternoon for a walk or just to sit and watch the river.

Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Picturesque valley, small dams, hanging bridges, stunning waterfall, historical significance

August brings a different kind of beauty to Meghalaya. The clouds do not just hover, they move, shift, and shape the land in ways that are quiet and unforgettable. From rivers that stay clear even in the rain to forests that have never been touched by time, the places to visit in Meghalaya in August are not about perfect weather or ticking off a list. Let TripXL help you travel slower, better, and with purpose.

Cover Photo: Mondakranta Saikia / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Mawsmai and Arwah caves, walk to Phe Phe Falls, go boating in Shnongpdeng if the river allows, or visit sacred groves in Mawphlang. Spend time in local markets and enjoy short scenic drives.
Yes, but shorter routes work best. The trail to Rasong village from Laitlum is manageable in dry spells. The walk to Riwai’s root bridge takes just minutes. Ialong Park offers soft paths through groves and hills.
A week gives you enough time. You can spend two nights in Shillong, two in Sohra, and the rest in Jowai or near Dawki.
Most places stay open. You’ll find homestays in villages, simple lodges in Jowai and Sohra, and small hotels in Shillong. Some riverside camps operate if the weather allows.
Start with jadoh, black sesame pork, and steamed pumaloi. Markets serve warm chicken curry, bamboo shoot chutney, and boiled greens with red rice.

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