Travel to Cherrapunji – Ultimate Guide

Do you like to travel in the monsoon? You must be thinking about what kind of question this is. But most people do not like to roam during the rainy season. Because in the rainy season, clothes get wet, your schedule gets scattered, and traveling, it is not so easy. That’s why most travelers prefer winter or summer to go on vacation. But, never say never as there are many places in India where you could possibly visit especially during the rainy season. So, head now to the first place, Cherrapunji. Enjoy reading the Travel to Cherrapunji – Ultimate Guide.

Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, is a town in the state of Meghalaya in India. It is also considered one of the wettest places on the planet because it rains throughout the year. Yes, throughout the year. But, do not panic because the highlight of your travel is the rain. Also, as it is said that this place is known to roam in the special rainy season, your travel will become more fun in the rain.

Cherrapunji is 54 km away from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. And here it rains 10000 mm every year. Cherrapunji is not only a town but it is also a hill station, as it is about 1300 meters above sea level. The hills, full of greenery everywhere, attract tourists towards it. Even in the rainy season, the look is even better. That’s why people come here just to enjoy the view of the rain. Fascinating, right?

How Do Locals Celebrate The Monsoon In Cherrapunji?

Although it rains throughout the year in Cherrapunji, people here also welcome the monsoon in a very fun way. People welcome the rain by singing a song in the local language – Khasi and also they do a traditional dance. At the end of May or at the beginning of June, the local people welcome the rain like this. Also, many travelers and tourists join the festival. It is very enjoyable. this is a must to experience.

However, despite the highest rainfall in India, sometimes they also experience having lack of water supply. Scarcity of water supply usually occurs in the month of November. And during this period people have to depend on public health engineers’ water supply. But, don’t worry as a tourist or traveler, you will not face this type of problem. So, here are the best places listed in Travel to Cherrapunji – Ultimate Guide.

Best Places To Visit In Cherrapunji

By the way, there are many places in Cherrapunji that attract tourists. So, here are some places that you absolutely must not miss. You may not be able to see all the places, but if you are in Cherrapunji then you must visit at least 3 of these places. Spare more time visiting the different destinations in Cherrapunji. Your ultimate guide, to Travel to Cherrapunji, is here to guide you.

Living Root Bridges

Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunji is the place every tourist wants to visit and see first. Things can be made either by man or nature. What if we tell you that a bridge in Cherrapunji India is made by the nature itself? Amazing! Going to Cherrapunji will brighten your, as there are natural and man-made bridges. Living root bridges are made from rubber trees and Khasi and Jaintia tribes have mastered it. These bridges are built in the forest and are made to cross small rivers. It is the best way and experience to pass over the bridge. This has been experienced by thousands of tourists who visit the place. Very magical bridges created by humans and nature. What amazes you is that some of the bridges in Cherrapunji are more than 100 years old already.

It is not easy and fast. It takes about 15-20 years to make a complete living root bridge. As time passes, the bridges become even stronger. The bridges become so strong that more than 50 people can stand on top of it at the time. After building the bridge, as the route increases, in the same way, the bridge also gets formed and becomes stronger.

The Best Living Root Bridges In The Cherrapunji.

• Umkar Living Root Bridge: Umkar Root Bridge is in Siej Village and it is half a kilometer long. Some parts of this bridge were destroyed by a storm that came 40 years ago. However, through the help of Villagers, it was rebuilt. Until now, some of its parts are still under construction.
• Ummunoi Living Root Bridge: This Living Root Bridge is located at the Ummunoi River in Laitkynsew Village. Ummunoi root bridge is 2 km long and it starts from Laitkynsew village via soharat village, near Siej Village. This bridge is 54 feet long and it has a high of 1400 feet.
• Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge: This living root bridge is the most popular bridge. This bridge is located in Nongriat Village, 30 minutes away from Cherrapunji. To reach this bridge, you have to reach first the Tyrna village, and then you will have to go up about 2500 steps to reach it.
• Ritymmen Living Root Bridge: The Ritymmen Living Root Bridge is located in Nongthymmai Village and starts from Tyrna Village. This bridge is 100 feet long and it is considered the longest living root bridge.
• Mawsaw Living Root Bridge: This Living Root Bridge is located in Mawsaw Village and the most important thing is that you can also swim here.

The Best Waterfalls In Cherrapunji

• Seven Sister Waterfalls: This waterfall is located just 1 km away from Mawsmai Village. Seven Sister Waterfalls is also known as Nohsangithaiang Falls. This is the fourth highest waterfall in India. This waterfall flows in Seven streams. So, that is the reason behind its name, Seven Sister Water Falls.
• Nohkalikai Waterfalls: This is the most popular tourist attraction in Cherrapunji. Nohkalikai Waterfall is the 5th highest waterfall in India and this place is the second most wet place in the world. Due to the force of water and the effect of weather, its water hole becomes completely blue in winter and it remains green in the summer. This waterfall is a paradise for nature lovers and photogenic people. You will absolutely love it.
• Dain Thlen Waterfalls: This waterfall which is just 11 km away from the Cherrapunji bus stand, is the most popular waterfall among tourists. On the way to Nohkalikai Falls, you will see a path that will take you straight to this amazing waterfall. The road to the viewpoint is not so good but, this waterfall gives you the best background for your photos. You can’t miss this. It is worth it.
• Kynrem Waterfalls: The country’s 7th highest waterfall gives you the amazing beauty of nature. This waterfall flows on 3 levels. If you are with your friends or family then you can absolutely enjoy and relax at this waterfall.
• Rainbow Waterfalls: This waterfall, which has come in solitude inside the forest, is a very special attraction for tourists. If you are a nature lover and if you are looking for precious gems hidden in nature, then this waterfall welcomes you. This waterfall is located near Nongriat Village and very close to Double Decker Waterfall.

Other Best Places You Should Visit In Cherrapunji

Travel to Cherrapunji – Ultimate Guide shows you the best places to visit too. If you are thinking that there are only waterfalls and living root bridges in Cherrapunji, then it is not so. Here, you will also find caves, natural beauty, heritage sites, and the best parks.

Caves To Visit:

• Mawsmai Cave: Located in Mawsmai Village which is 6km away from Cherrapunji. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Cherrapunji.
• Arwah Cave: Located in the Khliehshnong area of Cherrapunji, which is 3.5km away from the Cherrapunji bus stand. Arwah Cave is a beautiful and huge cave, and also it is one of the “Must See” places for tourists of Cherrapunji.
• Krem Mawmluh Cave: Located in Mawmluh Village, which is 3.5km away from Cherrapunji bus stand. It is the fourth longest cave in the Indian subcontinent. Krem Mawmluh Cave is one of the best destinations for adventure seekers.

Hill Station And Parks:

• Mawsynram: Mawsynram is a town in the East Khasi Hills district. It is reportedly the wettest place on Earth receives more than 10000 mm of rain every year.
• Dawki: Dawki is a beautiful town in the West Jaintia district. It’s the best to place for nature lovers. Here are some of the things to see and do in Dawki.
• Mawkdok Dympep Valley View: Best place to do photoshoot and adventure place in Cherrapunji. It is 24km away from Cherrapunji. Mawkdok Dympep Valley is one of the prominent destinations for tourists.
• Thangkharang Park: There are so many things to see like 2 feet bridge, shiva rock, and a lush valley. And you can see the clear and beautiful view of Bangladesh from Thangkharang Park. So, it is like you are witnessing 2 countries at the same time.
• Eco Park: The Government of Meghalaya is maintaining this beautiful park. It is also one of the “Must See” places in Cherrapunji.

Hotels & Resorts In Cherrapunji

The Travel to Cherrapunji – Ultimate Guide’s best hotels to stay. Due to Cherrapunji being such a beautiful place, maybe you are thinking that hotels or resorts are expensive. To tell you, not at all. Everyone can afford to get a nice and beautiful cabin. Here, you will get a room according to your budget. You will also find guest houses in Cherrapunji.

Some Cheapest Hotels And Resorts In Cherrapunji

• Saimika Resort
• Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort
• Jiva Resort
• La Kupar Inn

Here you can also find some hotels or resorts whose fares will be less than Rs.500-1000. So, you do not need to worry about your accommodation.

Best Time To Visit Cherrapunji

The best time to visit Cherrapunji is from the end of September or October to March. There is very little rain these months. Therefore, you can enjoy Cherrapunji comfortably and to the fullest.

April to May is the maximum summer that can become a hindrance in your journey. And from June to September, Cherrapunji receives maximum rainfall, due to which most of the area gets flooded. In this way, it becomes impossible to enjoy the journey.

So, It would be good if you arrange your trip to Cherrapunji from October to March. Because no flood will spoil your journey in those months, you will be able to enjoy the rain and weather of Cherrapunji to the fullest.

How To Reach Cherrapunji

The best way to reach Cherrapunji is from Guwahati to Shillong and from there, take a bus or taxi to Cherrapunji. If you want to drive yourself, you can also rent a bike or car from Shillong. India has plenty of things to do. Travel to Cherrapunji – Ultimate Guide is your tip for your trip.

Important Tips

• Your prediction will be wrong when it will rain. So, it’s better to keep an umbrella, raincoat, and some warm clothes with you while you are in Cherrapunji.
• If you are self-driving, keep in mind that the speed should not exceed 50. Because most of the roads in Cherrapunji are always wet. Remember, slippery when wet.
• Meghalaya is a hill station and the sunset is also early. So, do not go around so much after dark. It is better to stay near your place before 7 pm.
• Ask your hotel management if they can book a cab service and tourist cab for you. The best thing to do is to book a cab from the hotel. Anyway, cabs are not that expensive.
• If you book the cab directly, you don’t pay more than Rs.2000 for the whole trip.
• Always keep the contact number of your hotel management with you and write it on a paper with the name of the hotel. It is always best to have the emergency number handy on a piece of paper and in your smartphone.
• Don’t worry if your cab driver tells you his name as Star, Roaming Star, or Morning Star. Because in Meghalaya, many people have such names, it is common. It is funny and weird but it is true.
• Before booking the trip, read the latest Meghalaya Travel Norms.

So, enjoy this Travel to Cherrapunji – Ultimate Guide and tips. Be sure that whenever you land in India, visit the amazing Cherrapunji. It is worth your fare and effort.

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Note: Image Source: onhisowntrip. Not all images in this article are personally taken by the author. Credit to the owner.

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