Meghalaya India - Best places to explore

#meghalaya #meghalayatour #northeast

Meghalaya is a beautiful north-eastern state of India soaked in natural beauty and aesthetics that would steal your heart. This state is full of attractive tourist spots and if you are in a mood to run away from the city life and to escape into an environment of authentic natural beauty, your visit to Meghalaya is a must.
Many elements of this state will make you fall in love with them. This state is rich in its natural aesthetic bounties and you will discover every bit of them as you start exploring this beautiful state. Meghalaya tourism is known to host its tourists from the bottom of its heart. Here are the top places to visit in Meghalaya with your family and friends:

Shillong: Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya and is a beautiful tourist destination as well. You would love to visit this place if you are fond of cold weather and pine trees. This hill station is a gift of God to humans and its natural wonders are evidence of the same. You may visit Shillong any time of the year and you would experience the same amiable climate, loveable to one and all.
 
This place is also touted as the Scotland of The East. The tribal culture of Shillong, too, is worth exploring as the city is home to many tribes such as Maharam, Khyrim, Bhowal, Langrim, etc. You will spot a variety of waterfalls here in Shillong that would offer a breath-taking and picturesque views. If you are a music maniac, you must attend the amazing music festivals hosted by the city now and then. Some of the sought-after places to explore in Shillong include Shillong Golf Course, Don Bosco Centre, Chysalis Art Gallery, Shillong Baptist Church, Lewduh Market, etc.
 
You may reach here by flight. However, Shillong airport doesn’t have a lot of connectivity. The nearest important airport to Shillong is located in Guwahati. You may as well reach here by road via NH40.
 
Cherrapunji: Cherrapunji was considered the wettest place on the earth. Today, it has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Meghalaya. The locals call this place Sohra. It is located at a distance of 50 kilometers from Shillong and is very famous for its flora and fauna. As a nature-lover, you are surely going to have a great time in Cherrapunji.
 
The most popular spot in this town is called the double-decker living root bridge. This spot is usually surrounded by all the tourists and visitors for its one-of-a-kind existence. There are many other natural attractions in Cherrapunji that would equally enthrall you. Some of these attractions include Mawsmai Caves, Krem Phyllut, Mawylyngnong, etc. You may experience-rich food and culture in this place of Cherrapunji. The beautiful Nohkalikai Waterfalls are other major tourist destinations of this place.
 
You may reach Cherrapunji easily from Shillong or Guwahati. This place is situated 150 kilometers away from Guwahati. A road-trip to Cherrapunji is highly recommended to witness some beautiful views.
 
Mawsynram: This beautiful village of Meghalaya is situated at a distance of 61 kilometers from Shillong and serves as an utmost delight to all nature lovers. You may call it a perfect weekend getaway and plan a small trip to explore the beautiful wonders of nature and culture that this place serves to you. This place has beat Cherrapunji to become the wettest place on the earth.
 
The Khasi hill area is worth exploring on your trip to Mawsynram. There is a gigantic formation of Stalagmite that has taken the shape of Shivling – another highlight of this village. You might not want to visit this place if you are not fond of rain. Having said that, this place is a true wonder of nature. Some of the most sought-after tourist spots in and around this village include Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Mawsmai Caves, unique rock formations, botanical gardens, Dwarksuid, etc. The nearest airport to Mawsynram is located in Shillong, 86 kilometers away.
 
Tura: This place is located on the western side of Meghalaya state and is considered an eco-tourist hub of the state. As you start exploring this small town, you will come across that it is laid back and still finds its roots in the native Garo tribe. The natural attractions and biodiversity of Tura make it a sought-after tourist destination. You will spot some of the most beautiful wonders of nature such as caves, waterfalls, and rivulets.
 
The Nokrek National Park happens to be the largest tourist attraction of this place. Being a wildlife enthusiast, you may enjoy catching the sight of animals such as wild buffalo, golden cat, leopard, pheasant, and many others. Another popular spot of this place includes the mesmerizing Rongbang Dar Falls. Apart from both these tourist attractions, you may explore places such as Siju Caves, Tura Peak, Pelgawari Falls, DC Park, as well as Gangdrakdare. Do not forget to taste the local rice beer. The nearest airport to Tura is located in Guwahati, 200 kilometers away.
 
Jowai: Jowai is located in the Meghalaya district of Jainita Hills, at a distance of 66 kilometers from the capital city. This beautiful place is famous for its many natural wonders. Some of them include its bucolic setting and breath-taking natural views, parks, gardens, scenic beauty, etc. This place is the right combination of natural wonders and heritage and being a connoisseur of both, you are surely going to have a gala time here.
 
Some of the top tourist attractions of Jowai include Lalong Park, Thadlaskein Lake, Syntu Ksiar, River Myntdu, etc. If you want to witness the cultural background of this place, you must plan to visit it during the festivities when this town hosts some of the most beautiful and colorful festivals like Chad Sukra, Behdeinkhlam, and Laho Dance. The food culture of Jowai is another highlight of this place. You would love the taste of the local cuisines served here. The nearby places to Jowai are also worth exploring, some of which include Nongpoh, Karimganj, Cherrapunji, etc.
 
Nongpoh: Another sought-after tourist destination for the tourists in Meghalaya is Nongpoh. This place is closer to both Assam and Guwahati and is easily reachable from both of them. You may term this place a petite town that is located slower to the beautiful Brahmaputra Plains. Apart from being a tourist attraction, this town serves as an administrative headquarter of Ri-Bhoi, a Meghalaya District.
 
The town is flanked with some beautiful lakes and rivers, picturesque views of natural beauties, plush green trees, etc. You will surely enjoy the climate of this place. Some of the most popular tourist spots that you may cover during your trip to Nongpoh include Umiam Lake, Thrills Fun Park, Lum Nehru Park, Church of Christ, Lum Sohpetbneng, The Road Side Market, etc. Shopping in Nongpoh for the beautiful local artifacts and handicrafts is a good idea.
 
Williamnagar: Williamnagar is one of the lowkey remote areas of Meghalaya state that is situated at a distance of 244 kilometers away from Shillong. This town has been formed around the old town of Simsanggre that is based on the gigantic plains of the famous Simsang River. Williamnagar is quite popular for its beautiful picturesque views as well as natural beauty. This place is flanked by the abundant composition of vegetation and water.
 
You may learn several tales about the formation and the history of this town, especially about its name that was given after Captain Williamson, the very first Chief Minister of Meghalaya. Folding the historical importance of this town would be an amazing thing to do for all the history lovers. The town had a great British influence and you would unveil it upon visiting the various nooks and corners as well as tourist spots located here. The major attractions of this town include Naka Chikong, Simsang River, Domre Falls, Siju Caves, Mrik Wari, etc. Witness the amazing Simsang Festival to learn and know about the culture of this place.
 
Baghmara: This beautiful town of Meghalaya is situated on the border of India and Bangladesh and is considered a popular tourist destination. You will uncover beautiful small rivers, lakes, as well as hills as you start exploring Baghmara. The location of this town will enchant you as it is surrounded by hills and rivers from all sides. Apart from being a major tourist destination, Baghmara also happens to be an important tourist hub with the neighboring country, Bangladesh.
 
The beautiful Balphakram National Park is the most popular tourist spot of this area and it is situated on the outskirts, 66 kilometers from the main city. Baghmara further hosts many other important tourist spots some of which include the beautiful Siju Caves, Baghmara Reserve Forest where you may spot langurs, elephants, and colorful birds. The limestone rock formation in this city is another major highlight of the place. Visit the Suji Bird Sanctuary if bird watching is your favorite hobby.
 
This place doesn’t have its own airport or railway station. Thus, visiting here could be all about changing taxis on your way. The nearest airport to Baghmara is located in Guwahati and so is its nearest railway station.
 
Mawlynnong: This small village rests at a distance of 90 kilometers from Shillong and you may extend your trip to Shillong to visit Mawlynnong. You may call this place as God’s own Garden. It had been declared as the cleanest village in Asia once upon a time and it still maintains its cleanliness by all means. The village could be termed as a community-based eco-tourism initiative. The community here makes collective efforts in maintaining the footfall as well as cleanliness throughout the village.
 
The picturesque views of the tourist spots, natural beauty, crystal clear waters, as well as lush green valleys are the major highlights of this village. You will spot beautiful orchids hanging from the tree and various colorful flowers upon exploring the village. Some of the most important tourist attractions in and around this village include Bophill Falls, Umngot, Umgrem Falls, Sky View, Mawlynnong Waterfall, Riwai Village, and Living Root Bridge.
 
You may hire a taxi or use a bus from Shillong to Dawki to visit this village. You may as well opt for a shared taxi to visit the village of Mawlynnong with utmost comfort and convenience.
 
Dawki: Dawki is known as a small border town that rests in the Jaintia Hills of the Meghalaya State. This place is flanked by the beautiful Umngot River and is a must-visit on your trip to the state. The location of Dawki is closer to Bangladesh. For this reason, Dawki is also termed as the trade center between the two countries. Apart from being a major trade hub of the state, this place is also famous for its tourism and many tourists visit here every year to have a sweet time.
 
The boat ride in the Umngot River is one of the most sought-after activities enjoyed by tourists as well as locals alike. The sights, as well as sounds of the nearby area too, make it an impressive tourist destination among the people. The spring months are the best time to visit Dawki as it hosts a boat riding competition. You may as well enjoy sightseeing around this town as you would get to capture the wonderful views and landscapes of Meghalaya.
 
You may opt for a taxi ride from Shillong to Dawki and may as well plan a day trip from the capital city. The nearest airport to Dawki is situated in Guwahati. The nearest railway station to this town is also located in Guwahati.
 
Whether it is exploring the beautiful picturesque views and the natural beauty of Meghalaya or knowing about the culture and practices of a multitude of tribes residing here – you may enjoy the best of both the worlds in Meghalaya and have the time of your life. You will never get to taste the delicious local cuisines anywhere else; they are worth dying for. The local markets will enchant you. Everything about Meghalaya state is beautiful and worth exploring. The hospitality sector of this state is developing each day and you may as well book your tickets to this beautiful wonderland and have a good time in the lap of nature.