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Meghalaya’s Cherrapunji had held the crown of being the ‘rainiest place on Earth’ for the longest time. Though it lost the title to its neighboring village, Mawsynram, the destination continues to be a massive tourist attraction.
A quick search tells me it is one of the most Googled destinations from Northeast India, and is popular among both Indians and global travelers.
But navigating this beautiful place can be quite daunting, especially if you are not used to traveling around this region. So, here’s a detailed list of places to visit in Cherrapunji, things to do, and insider tips and tricks to ensure you have a satisfying trip to Cherapunji.
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8 Stunning Places To Visit In Cherrapunji
1) Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint and Duwan Sing Syiem Viewpoint
If you’re traveling from Shillong, this will be your first stop on the Shillong-Sohra road. The Mawdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint is often regarded as a window into the unfiltered beauty of Cherrapunji’s misty hills.
When you step down to cherish nature’s finest work, walk towards the Duwan Sing Syiem Bridge, which overlooks the stunning valley. Two things are most likely to happen: you will be drawn in by the stunning greenish-blue mountains (if you’re lucky), or you will be enchanted by the mighty clouds, which will brush against your face and leave you mesmerized.
Things to do: Near the aforementioned bridge is the Duwan Sing Syiem Viewpoint. Go inside, get down the flight of stairs, and soak in the beauty of the valley.
TWT Tip: If you’re like me and wish to take a few snaps near a teal blue waterfall, go down to the lowest part of the viewpoint and be surprised by the gorgeous waterfall that awaits you.
Timings: It would be ideal to visit the viewpoint between 8 AM and 5 PM.
Entry fees: INR 20-50
Location: Google Maps
2) Eco Park
One of the biggest reasons I keep returning to Eco Park is to experience the marvels of nature up close. This expansive park, which is a stone’s throw away from the Seven Sister Falls, is surrounded by trees and streams that originate from the various falls in the area.
Things to do: Just sit back and relax! If you’re traveling with family, enjoy the swings and seesaws. You can even enjoy a picnic there while soaking in the stunning views of the valley and Seven Sisters Falls. I am the happiest when I am at Eco Park, and I know you would feel the same once you go there.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry fees: INR 20 (adults) & INR 5-10 (kids)
Location: Google Maps
3) Mawsmai Cave
It is no secret that Meghalaya has the highest number of caves in India (10 of them, and still counting!). But this cave stands out because of how it is engineered by Mother Nature herself.
As per reports, the subterranean networks inside Mawsmai Cave are spread across the southern ranges in a complicated setup, which in turn has formed paths through the gradual erosion of limestone and the constant flow of water within the cave.
Things to do: Bring your best, most bankable shoes out and explore the caves thoroughly by walking. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry fees: INR 20 (adults) & INR 5-10 (kids)
Location: Google Maps
4) Khoh Ramhah (or Mottrop), and Bangladesh Viewpoint
Mottrop is the most intriguing aspect of your entire Cherrapunji trip. The term ‘Khoh Ramrah’, in the Khasi language, means the basket of the giant, and as per legend, a demon who lived there among mere mortals has now turned into this humongous rock.
Stories aside, this naturally inverted, 200-foot conical rock is all the more popular among tourists because of its history and the gorgeous views of Bangladesh that it serves in its background.
Things to do: Take your cameras out and capture this fascinating place as much as possible. This one’s for the albums!
TWT Tip: Again, if you’re like me, go towards the right and enter the small park-like establishment, and keep walking downwards. You will find another impressive waterfall in close proximity and it’s so absolutely stunning!
Timings: 8:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Entry fee: INR 20 (adults) & INR 5-10 (kids)
Location: Google Maps
5) Thangkharang Park
It is one of those parks that takes you back to those nature-inclined parks from the 80s and 90s. Dense trees, pretty flowers, and a plethora of plants make it a must-visit spot.
One of the other reasons that you should visit Thangkharang Park is to spot the coy yet beautiful Missing Falls and Sohra valley, which are some of the most stunning places to visit in Cherrapunji.
Things to do: Go looking for the waterfall without fail, and immerse yourself in Mother Nature’s finest creations. Also, if you do decide to pack your own lunch, this is the right place to sit down and enjoy your meal with a view.
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM
Entry fee: INR 20 (adults) & INR 5-10 (kids)
Location: Google Maps
6) Noh Sngi Thiang Falls or Seven Sisters Falls
If you are still looking for a solid reason to visit Meghalaya’s Cherapunji, then the Seven Sisters Falls should be it.
Tall, thin streams of gushing waterfalls, and outrageously pretty, the Noh Sngi Thiang Falls (better known as Seven Sisters Falls) is a cluster of seven falls that sit prettily amid the gigantic cliffs of Cherrapunji in Sohra valley.
Things to do: Take a walk along the path parallel to the waterfall and bask in its glory. Also, if you want to try out momos and other local snacks, you can trust the street vendors here to serve you some truly appetizing delicacies.
Timings: Open all day, but it is best to visit between 6 AM – 6 PM (summers) and between 8 AM – 5 PM (winters).
Entry fee: Free
Location: Google Maps
7) Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama and Culture Museum
Hands down, this spot is for all the history and culture enthusiasts out there. The Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama and Culture Museum is one of those fascinating places to visit in Cherrapunji. Especially if you are interested in learning more about the background, customs, and traditions of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes of Meghalaya.
Things to do: Go through the multiple rooms of the museum that is home to several artifacts and handicrafts created by the people of Meghalaya, and gaze (from afar) at the simple yet rich lives of the students of the school.
Timings: 8.30 am – 4.30 pm
Entry fee: Free
Location: Google Maps
8) Nohkalikai Falls
You have not traveled to Meghalaya, if you do not pay a visit to the iconic Nohkalikai Falls. For the unversed, Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India, making it one of the must-visit tourist places in Cherrapunji. It is known for its mightiness and the vibrating sound that echoes in the valley throughout the year.
Things to do: Go in early and try to spend as much time as you can, because visibility is a serious issue around this waterfall, especially during summer and monsoons. Courtesy: the clouds!
Timings: All day
Entry fee: Free (if you watch it from outside the viewpoint area. It costs INR 50 from inside the viewpoint zone)
Location: Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherrapunji
- How To Reach Cherrapunji?
The best way to reach Cherrapunji is to visit Meghalaya’s capital city, Shillong, first. For your visit to Cherrapunji, book a private cab from Shillong or buy tour bus tickets through Meghalaya’s Directorate of Tourism office.
Please book your preferred ride a day or two in advance, and even earlier on weekends and during summer (October to March) and winter (April to September).
- How much time does it take to explore Cherrapunji?
If you are not caught up in traffic, you should be able to check out all the tourist spots in 8-9 hours. However, the hack is to start early, beat the traffic, and then utilize the extra time in exploring Cherrapunji at leisure.
- Are there any must-try vegetarian dishes or food joints in Cherrapunji?
One should try out the vegetarian momos in Cherrapunji. Since there aren’t any dedicated vegetarian-only food joints in Cherrapunji, it is recommended that you opt for the eateries that serve veg thaalis, comprising Bengali and Assamese dishes like aloo bhaaja (potato fry) and aloo pitika (mashed potatoes with spices and onion) among other vegetarian dishes.
- What should an ideal 2-day itinerary for Cherrapunji look like?
On day 1, you can cover Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint, Eco Park and Missing Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Khoh Ramhah (or Mottrop), Bangladesh Viewpoint, and Thangkharang Park.
Devote day 2 to both the waterfalls, i.e; Noh Sngi Thiang Falls or Seven Sisters Falls, and Nohkalikai Falls. Once you have witnessed the beauty of both these waterfalls, you can head over to Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama and Culture Museum.
