All you nature lovers, Meghalaya is calling you to explore its gorgeous natural surroundings and wonders. From the ancient caves to rivers in Meghalaya, from trekking trails to camping spots, the state houses unending tourist attractions. And do you know what the most magical thing to do here is? Watching those cotton-like clouds that float around you, they also earn the state the title of ‘the abode of clouds’. Trust us, it’s an ethereal sight!
So, come explore the tourist gems of this north-eastern state on your next trip. And if you’re doing so, we are here to help you with your planning. Read on to get a complete travel guide to Meghalaya to make your trip memorable and hassle-free.
Well, you can reach Meghalaya by air, road or rail, whatever you prefer! If you’re going by flight, land in Shillong. Trains will take you to the Guwahati Railway Station. From there, you can get a cab or a bus to take you to your preferred Meghalaya destinations. If a road trip is on your wishlist, you can take the National Highway 37 or 40. And enjoy the spectacular views along the road.
This nature’s abode can lure you with its charm at any time of the year. Having said that, Meghalaya best time to visit is during winter from the months of November to February when the fresh blooms make the place more attractive. Also, you won’t get much rain to interfere with your outdoor plans. But, if you enjoy rain, you can also take a trip to Meghalaya in the monsoon season from June to September. Because the state becomes even greener during the monsoon.
As we already mentioned, Meghalaya has various tourist places, each comprising a myriad of tourist attractions. Now, let’s take a look at the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Visit the capital city of Meghalaya and tour some of the Meghalaya famous places for an incredible experience. From virgin waterfalls to well-maintained museums, the city houses plenty of tourist attractions. Our top recommendations for you include Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Umiam Lake, Don Bosco Museum and Lady Hydari Park. Enjoy the scenic views of the encompassing valleys and waterfalls from elevated spots and get lost in their charm.
If you’re wondering where to stay, there are plenty of options. Hotel POLO Towers, M Crown Hotel, Anant Homestay and Hotel Assembly are just to name a few. Choose one as per your budget and book it in advance.
Your Meghalaya tour will remain incomplete if you don’t stop by this town that houses the wettest place on Earth, Mawsynram. Enjoy rainfall in this village or head to Seven Sister Falls and Nohkalikai Falls to cherish natural waterfalls. Look out for the root entangled bridges that form some of the popular Meghalaya points of interest. To explore the natural beauty, you can also go caving in Arwah and Mawsmai caves.
Speaking of accommodations, Cherrapunji offers you an array of hotels, homestays and resorts to stay in. Book your preferred one from top hotels like Polo Orchid Resort, La Kupar Inn, Five Pearls Homestay and Hospitality Inn.
Explore the India-Bangladesh border by touring this district headquarter of the South Garo Hills. Dotted by hills, rivers and caves, this town will let you admire nature’s beauty in depth. Here are the 5 best Meghalaya tourist places that you can visit in Baghmara! Baghmara Reserve Forest, Siju Bird Sanctuary, Siju Caves, Nengkong Cave and Simsang River. Try to plan your trip in December to witness the famous Baghmara Tyisam Festival here.
We suggest you stay in one of the resorts within the Baghmara Reserve Forest for a thrilling and soothing experience. Among them, you can choose Hotel Broadway, Hotel Micasa and Hotel Pegasus Crown. If you want to stay outside the forest, the best options for you will be Baghmara CIrcuit House and Baghmara Tourist Lodge.
Welcome to Asia's cleanest village, Mawlynnong! If you want to seek serenity and rest in the lap of nature, this will be an ideal destination for you. When you’re here, check out the top Meghalaya places to visit in this village, including Mawlynnong Falls, Jingmaham Living Root Bridge, Mawlynnong Sacred Forest and Sky Walk.
You can choose to stay in any of the cosy homestays or hotels here according to your budget and requirements. If you ask us, we say you book accommodation in places like Deli-Baiar Guest House, Mawlynnong Homestay, Hospitality Inn or Wood Cabin Homestay.
All you wildlife enthusiasts, Tura is waiting to surprise you with a number of wildlife forests for you to explore. Visit Nokrek National Park and Balpakram National Park to encounter wild creatures in their natural ecosphere. Once you have spent some time admiring the wildlife, you can visit the Pelga and Rongbang Dare waterfalls to relax. Climb to the Tura peak for some adventure and then sit on a spot to admire the panoramic view of the verdant Brahmaputra valley. Here is an intriguing fact! You can also see the fields of Bangladesh from here!
Among the few hotels located in this town, our top picks for you will be Hotel Polo Orchid, SKS Inn, Hotel Rikman Continental and Hotel Ronee Plaza. Take our advice and book your selected hotel in advance as all the hotels are mostly crowded here
Meghalaya offers you the opportunity to take part in plenty of activities that are interesting, as well as fun to do. Here are the best things to do in Meghalaya
A major Meghalaya attraction for tourists is trekking to the living root bridges in Cherrapunji. When you’re in the state, you must not miss the chance to go through this thrilling trekking trail and enjoy the lush greenery around.
Whether you’re looking for some adventure or just relaxation, camping in Meghalaya can offer it all to you. Among the many spots in the state, Umiam Lake is the perfect place to host your camp. Here, you can enjoy a number of adventure sports like rappelling, zip-lining, water scooting, kayaking and rock climbing during your camp. Picnicking by the lake and relaxing in one of the cosy houseboats are also worth a try.
Go on a gastronomic adventure by trying authentic Meghalayan dishes in some of the popular restaurants and food joints here. Dishes like Doh Kelia, Jakhaw Khasi, Tungtap and Doh Jam are must-tries. In case you want to ask, Jiva Veg, Dejavu, Cafe Shillong and Trattoria are some of the food places where you can devour the authentic taste of the Meghalaya delicacies.
Bring back some souvenirs from Meghalaya by shopping at the famous markets here, including Bara Bazaar, Police Bazaar, Leh Sohra Bazaar and Dawki Market. Gift items, traditional attires, handicrafts, snacks, whatever you feel like buying, you will find them all in these local markets. Don’t forget to bargain to get your favourites at a steal price!
So, now you’re good to go for a fun trip to Meghalaya as you have a thorough guide to this state. Start planning your trip to Meghalaya by booking flights and hotels and get going! Meghalaya is all set to welcome you with open arms.
