Formerly known as Sohra, is a high-altitude town in Meghalaya, northeast India. Cherrapunji is ka hima Sohra’s traditional capital (khasi tribal kingdom). It is known for its rubber tree-based live root bridges. It is also known as “the wettest area on the planet.” It holds the world record for the most rain in a calendar month and a year.
Sohra’s native residents may be traced back to the 16th century. These people were ordered by their tribal ‘Syiems (rajas or chiefs) of Khyriem’ in the Khasi Hills between the 16th and 18th centuries. The matrilineal system is the basic deal on which the entire superstructure of Khasi society is built. This town was given its first name when it was founded.
Geography of cherrapunji Travel Guide
It is on a plateau in the southern section of the Khasi Hills, overlooking the Bangladesh lowlands, with an average elevation of 1,430 meters (4,690 feet). The plateau rises 660 meters above the valleys around it.
Because of deforestation and washout induced by high rains, the plateau’s soils are poor. Despite the town’s reputation for being exceedingly moist, the vegetation in this location is even xerophytic due to winter droughts. The fast growth of the population – from 7,000 people in the Sohra area in 1960 to over 10,000 in 2000 – puts further strain on local ecosystems.
The valleys surrounding Sohra, on the other hand, are lush and diversified, with various indigenous plant species, including Meghalaya subtropical forests.
The Umshiang root bridge, Mawsaw root bridge, Ritymmen root bridge, and the Double Decker root bridge in Nongriat village are all remarkable living root bridges in villages near Sohra.
The E-W Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) to the north, the N–S Jamuna fault to the west, and the NW-SE kopilli fracture zone to the east define the Shillong Plateau, which is an uplifted horst-like structure.
Climatic condition
Sohra has a warm subtropical highland climate with typical Indian monsoonal effects. Sohra enjoys dry, moderate winters despite having wet, hot summers. The average annual rainfall in the city is 11,777 mm (463.7 in). It receives northeast monsoon showers that move down the Brahmaputra valley during the winter months. November, December, January, and February are the driest months.
How to Reach Cherrapunji?
Cherrapunji is 58 kilometers from Shillong, Meghalaya’s capital. A steep motorable road runs up to Cherrapunji, which is nearly always shrouded in mist as it rises upwards on the last circuit. From Shillong, buses and taxis run to Cherrapunji.
By plane –
Flight facilities can be availed by booking a flight from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport located in Azara, Guwahati which will drop you at Shillong airport. From there, cars or taxis are easily available to Cherrapunji. The Shillong airport is a well-connected domestic airport that is well connected with other cities in India.
By train–
Cherrapunji’s nearest railway station is Guwahati Railways Station. This railway station is well connected to the rest of the country, with multiple trains running to and from it.
On-road–
Bus facilities are also available and you can even travel by your car. It is the most convenient way of traveling to Cherrapunji.
13 AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT IN CHERRAPUNJI:
Double Decker Living Root Bridge–
It’s a popular tourist destination and one of the most popular in North East India. Why wouldn’t you want to see the Double Decker Root Bridge while you’re here? The beauty of this live bridge is that the roots continue to develop, therefore the name “living root bridge.”They become stronger over time and can now hold up to 40 people at a time!
The root bridges are located in the East Khasi Hills, in a small settlement called Nongriat. This village is deep in the hills’ jungle, therefore you won’t be able to obtain a taxi there.As a result, you must travel to Tyrna Village, which is the starting point for the climb. It’s a 20-30 minute trip from Cherrapunjee. If you’re staying in Cherrapunjee, a cab can be readily booked. If you’re not staying in Nongriat, though, arrange for a taxi to pick you up. There are absolutely NO taxis here to transport you back to Cherrapunjee after it gets dark and this trek will take you the entire day. It takes 3000 steps each direction to reach the Double Decker Root Bridge.
Rainbow Waterfall
Rainbow waterfall has a lot to store in you. It is a beautiful but tranquil waterfall at Nongriat Village, around 18 miles from Cherrapunjee. It’s around 3 kilometers from Nongriat’s Double Decker Root Bridge and is only accessible by foot.
This is why it is still so clean and lovely, as it is only for those who can work there. However, it is without a doubt one of Meghalaya’s most beautiful waterfalls. This waterfall, hidden in the woods, is named after the fact that when the sun’s rays fall on it, a small rainbow appears. However, because sunshine is scarce in this part of India, only the fortunate can observe this phenomenon. The best time to visit the waterfall is in the summer (February to April).
Nokhalikai falls
Nokhalikai falls is supposed to be India’s most stunning and highest plunge waterfall. The beauty of the waterfall will keep you amazed and mesmerize you throughout!
But can you attribute a terrific legend with such a breathtaking beauty? The unwelcomed behind the waterfall’s name birth is taking in the magical scenery of the falls.
Nohkalikai literally means “Jump of Ka Likai,” where ‘Noh’ means “jump,” ‘Ka’ is a feminine prefix, and ‘Likai’ is the name of the Khasi woman who inspired the terrifying legend.
A young widow with a small baby daughter once lived in the village of Rangjyrteh and struggled to make ends meet. She struggled to balance her responsibilities as a mother and a freelancer. She wedded after consulting with local women, assuming that her daughter would have a father and that she would have more time to care for her.
Her husband turned out to be a ruthless, obnoxious individual. He did something so heinous we can’t believe a human being could even consider it. Jealous of all the attention little girl gets from Likai, he dismembered the poor soul and ate her for dinner.
Like, ravenous after a long day’s work, assumed her baby was playing at the neighbors’ house.
However, the falls still stand its beauty. The months of May through September (monsoon) are ideal for visiting Nohkalikai Falls. It’s at this time that you can see the waterfall in all of its magnificence.
Wei- Sawdong falls
Is there anything more beautiful than a massive waterfall cascading down from a high cliff? If you enjoy waterfalls as much as we do, you must visit the Wei Sawdong waterfalls in Meghalaya. You will need to trek 200 meters distance of almost a 75 to 90-degree angle to reach this magnetic fall.
The hike to the falls can be split into two segments. The first is a set of simpler homemade stairs that are steep on both sides of the trail, with mountains on both sides. Pause at the end to get soaked at the beauty!
The second section of the hike takes you to the shaky bamboo ladders built against a mountain rock. You’ll have to descend one person at a time. Keep a careful eye on your steps because the ladder is muddy and slick. However, when you arrive at the bottom of the stairs, however, you will be greeted by a three-step thundering waterfall. When you capture the peacefulness of nature and the wildness of the falls, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. Because climbing can cause your heart to race, do it slowly.
Mawsmai cave
The tourist attraction of Mawsmai Cave has grown in prominence. This stunning jigsaw of caves in the East Khasi Hills of the state is about 6 kilometres from Cherrapunjee’s centre point. The caves are well lit at night, and the site gives amazing hues and palettes of colours in the mornings when the lights interact with the limestone rocks.
Because of its exceptional beauty and natural riches, Mawsmai cave has grown in popularity and recognition. The cave’s abundant flora and fauna draw visitors from all over the world, making it one of the top locations to visit in Meghalaya. Despite its short length (150 meters), the cave provides the best vistas and experiences.
Seven Sisters fall
The seven streams that cascade down the plateau-like feature give the falls their name. The falls cascade over the top of the Khasi Hills’ limestone cliffs during the rainy season. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, and Meghalaya are represented by the seven segments of the waterfalls.
The falls are made up of a series of smaller falls that combine to make a curtain of water that cascades over a cliff. The several falls follow different paths and adopt different forms, resulting in a stunning display of intertwined water. The sheer cliff offers breathtaking views. The greatest time to visit the Seven Sisters Falls is during the rainy season, as it is a rain-fed fall.
Eco park
Mawsmai Nongthymmai Eco Park, located in Cherrapunjee (Meghalaya), is also known as Eco Park Cherrapunjee. It provides a very lovely scenic outlook. Beautiful waterfalls, boats, a children’s park, and several experiences are available. This location is ideal for a picnic, adventure, and just hanging out for the entire day. The park is open all year but is closed during inclement weather. The ‘Green Canyons’ of Cherrapunji, as well as the neighbouring waterfalls, provide a beautiful view for visitors. A crystal clear water stream runs through the environmental park’s limits.
To appreciate the nice views of the canyons, walk past the crossover bridge to its finish. From this vantage point, the vistas are truly breathtaking. Admire the breathtaking views of Bangladesh’s plains from the opposite side of the park. The Shillong Agri-Horticultural Society has also donated a large number of indigenous orchids to the park. These orchids can be found in the park’s Green House. This one-of-a-kind park is still under construction. This park, which sits atop a plateau, provides beautiful views of Bangladesh’s Sylhet Plains.
Kynrem falls
The Kynrem Falls are a beautiful waterfall in Meghalaya, India, near Cherrapunji in the East Khasi Hills area. It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 305 metres, making it India’s seventh highest waterfall. The falls’ base runs parallel to a motorable road that runs all the way to Bangladesh, and a short bridge allows vehicles and pedestrians to cross this waterfall. Kynrem Falls is 16 kilometres from Cherrapunjee and 70 kilometers from Shillong.
From the top of a hill in Meghalaya, it cascades in three levels. The Kynrem Falls, like many other waterfalls in the region, only run in full force during the months of Monsoon, thus visiting the falls during this time is suggested.
Tourists may usually obtain the greatest views of the waterfalls from a lookout platform within Thangkharang Park, which is a serene botanical garden with chairs and picnic spaces for relaxing. A viewpoint on the road between Cherrapunji and the Bangladeshi Border, located 7 kilometres south of Thangkharang, provides still another beautiful view of the three tiers of the fall as well as the water streaming down under the bridge in all its glory.
Mawsynram
The village of Mawsynram, known as the wettest location on Earth, is a nature lover’s dream and the greatest place to experience the fury of the rains. Mawsynram nearly tops Cherrapunji in terms of yearly rainfall, at 11,872 mm. Cherrapunji has 11,777 mm of rain each year. Mawsynram is 1400 metres above sea level and is located in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hill district, 15 kilometres west of Cherrapunji. Mawsynram’s location, according to meteorologists, plays a significant role on the amount of rain it receives. In Mawsynram, the rains are so heavy that the residents gather thick grass to soundproof their homes from the relentless rain. The name ‘Maw’ in Mawsynram comes from a Khasi word that means’stone,’ referring to megaliths found in the Khasi Hill area. The landscape is made up of beautiful waterfalls and lush greenery. The route from Shillong to Mawsynram is difficult and demands exceptional driving skills.
Arwah Caves
The Arwah Cave is a relatively fresh discovery that has quickly established itself as one of Meghalaya’s “must-see” attractions. Although the Arwah is a large cave, just a small portion of it has been made accessible to tourists. There are some fantastic rock formations, as well as little tunnels that lead to different areas of the cave.
The cave’s highlight was a large pond on the right side, immediately after entering the cave. It was quite magnificent, with some ice-like formations above it and marine animal and sea shell fossils found inside the caverns that are millions of years old, estimated to be around 30 million years old. There are numerous caves that are linked together.
Garden of Caves
Garden of caves is just incredible! Thousands of travellers come to Meghalaya each year to see the breathtakingly magnificent mountainous vistas awash in greenery. However, many of them are unfamiliar with the Garden of Caves. The exquisite location eventually goes unnoticed by the majority of visitors.
The name reflects the location: a collection of caves that have been joined together to make a cave garden. But that isn’t a complete description because the location offers so much more.
The Garden of Caverns, located near Cherrapunji, is an extraordinarily magnificent site that has been masterfully structured by nature herself, with caves, steep hills, waterfalls, small streams, and limitless vegetation. A 1-2 hour tranquil stroll along the hilly paths of the “Garden of Caves” provides a constantly refreshing experience and, without a doubt, a lifelong memory.
Due to various man-made changes, every nook of the “Garden of Caves” is now easily accessible. Nature created a multitude of beautiful waterfalls and caverns, but connecting them was difficult. Engineered by actual people, with a plan.
Mawsawa fall
Mawsawa Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls is one of the most beautiful waterfall ever seen in India’s Meghalaya state. You had to hike all the way from Laitryngew to Mawsawa Falls. There you will see Lyngksiar Falls, Janailar Falls, and many other waterfalls along the road. The trekking route is also wonderful, with astonishing natural scenery and falls.
This hidden beauty is located around 4 kilometres from the famed Dainthlen Falls. The real waterfall, however, is located off-the-beaten-path and may be reached via a short stroll through the valleys and woodland. However, once you reach the bottom, you will be greeted by a lovely greenish & yellowish blend of pure, crystal clear water.
Daithlen fall
Daithlen fall is one of the favorite water falls of all time.
The waterfall is unique in that it did not require any hiking or a long-distance view of the waterfall. You can stroll on the bed of the Dainthlen Falls until it turns into a cascade!
The Dainthlen waterfalls got their name from the demonic snake U Thlen. The snake used to eat people and, according to legend, the village banded together to exterminate it. According to legend, the snake had to be torn into pieces and devoured to the point that no trace of it remained. The locals feasted, but an elderly lady, unknown to them, kept a piece of steak and took it home to her sick son. Unfortunately, she failed to deliver it to him, and the evil serpent was reincarnated within the woman and her clan. The snake is claimed to take on numerous shapes, and it is said that the woman’s tribe still lives in the area.
The serpent is claimed to have been slaughtered at Dainthlen Falls, and the patterns on the hills are said to resemble the snake struggle. The aura around the Dainthlen Falls of Meghalaya was just magical.
The pre-monsoon or post-monsoon is the best time to visit in the fall.
FAQ
What is so special about this place?
When we think of Cherrapunji, the first thing that comes to mind is rain. Living root bridges are famous in this high-altitude region which is the specialty of this place in the northeast Indian state of Meghalaya.
Where is Cherrapunji Located?
Cherrapunji, village, southern Meghalaya state, northeastern India. It is located on the Shillong Plateau about 35 miles (55 km) southwest of Shillong, the state capital
Is it Safe To Travel To Meghalaya?
Meghalaya is one of India’s safest destinations, especially for solo female travelers. Meghalaya is a matrilineal society, which means that family ties are traced down to the mother’s side. Women have more influence than men, therefore crimes against women are rare. Tourists will find the residents as well as the local police force to be extremely helpful.
Best Time To Visit Cherrapunji?
The months of September to May are perfect for visiting Cherrapunji or any place in Meghalaya because the weather is lovely. It does rain on occasion, but not nearly as much as it does during the monsoon season, which runs from June to August.
