Meghalaya - A Place Nestled in the Clouds

The word Meghalaya, when loosely translated in Hindi means मेघों का घर, “abode of clouds”. While this may seem unrealistic to some, those who visit this state nestled in the northeast region in India, know how true the statement is. As one of the sister states in India, Meghalaya has been a popular tourist destination with its valleys, caves, steamy jungles, cliffs, rushing rivers, lip-smacking cuisine, unique cultures, botanical habitats and home to rainwater clouds roaming the highland. Thanks to its lush verdant valleys and hills where wind whispers in the ears of the travellers, Meghalaya is a paradise for nature lovers. Meghalaya is one of those tourist places that has not only captured the heart but the mind and soul as well. Someone who visits this state never forgets it. Home to the hill tribes of Khasi, Garo, Pnars, Hajons, Karbis and the Koch further distinguished by their dialects, diets and clothing.

Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya

If you are looking for things to do in some of the most beautiful sightseeing places in Meghalaya, we have just the right information for you. With a list of some of the best places to visit in Meghalaya,

• Elephant Falls
• Krang Shuri Falls
• Nartiang Monoliths
• Mawkdok Dympep Valley
• Mawphlang Sacred Forest
• Mawlynnong Village

Elephant Falls

There are many great places to visit in Meghalaya but there is no comparison to the Elephant Falls. A three-tied waterfall located in the middle of a lush forest and located in the vicinity of Shillong. Named the Scotland of the east - Shillong is a popular Meghalaya tourist spot that sees an abundance of crowds each year. As the capital of the state, Shillong is home to a modern, young and creative population.

Among the famous tourist places in Shillong, Meghalaya, Elephant Falls is named after a gigantic rock located at the bottom of the pool which suspiciously looks like an elephant. Surrounded by dense forest and the sound of water crashing on the stones, the place creates an ethereal ambience.

The waterfall gushing through the first pool passes the forest and collects in the pool beneath where tourists prefer to gently wade through the knee-deep water to feel the spray of the waterfall and indulge in a picture or two with their loved ones and the giant cascade in the background.

Krang Shuri Falls

Located in the West Jaintia Hills, Krangshuri Falls is among the popular tourist places in Meghalaya and one that looks like it has jumped straight out of a comic book with shimmering clear blue water that covers the rocks like a curtain

All it takes to see the massive cascade of the waterfall is a short stroll through the forest and down some stairs after a short drive from the sleepy town of Amlarem or Umlrem. You can take a stroll around the surroundings and enjoy the waterfall from a vantage point or take a dip in the pool and boat around with your family and friends. Krang Shuri Falls is truly one of the most beautiful places in Meghalaya.

Nartiang Monoliths

Famously known as the “Garden of Monoliths” this place is an archaeological site in Nartiang famous for the largest collection of monoliths. These monoliths were known to have been erected to honour the old rulers centuries ago. The fact that each rock is dedicated to a specific person makes the place even more intriguing. The flat rocks (Dolmens), also known as Moo Kynthai, are said to be a tribute to the female ancestors, while the standing rocks (Menhirs), also known as Moo Shynrang, are said to have been dedicated to the male ancestors. The monoliths are placed on a winding path surrounded by trees that create what tourists like to call a surreal look. The path makes for a very peaceful walk, perfect for those who crave to spend time alone in nature and is among the places to visit in Meghalaya for history buffs.

The monoliths are a kilometre away from Nartiang temple. According to Hindu belief, Nartiang temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga and has been a sacred devotional site for centuries. The temple is built on the remains of the old one and is said to have a space where war canons from the time of old Jaintia kings are stored.

Mawkdok Dympep Valley

Covered in the blanket of lush trees as far as the eye can see, cascading waterfalls and clouds that seem to be touching the tip of the steep cliffs, Mawkdok Dympep Valley is located on the Shillong - Cherrapunji road in Meghalaya.

An ideal tourist place in Meghalaya, the valley boasts the most stunning panoramic views that leave the tourists mesmerised. The valley holds a dedicated viewpoint for tourists to witness the breathtaking vistas of nature. Accessible through a flight of stairs, Duwan Sing Syiem Bridge Viewpoint is the finest location to sightsee the majestic Seven Sisters Falls. And if you are an adventurer, zip line through the valley and take a glimpse into the valley's yawning mouth with its lush trees and flora and fauna.

Mawkdok Dympep Valley is also a popular destination not to be missed in the Meghalaya honeymoon package. Couples can stroll along the nearby Skybridge, indulge in Puhlein or take a bite out of steaming momos and shop around in gift shops. Dress up in traditional Khasi attire and spend the evening clicking pictures surrounded by the warm hues of the setting sun.

The valley is known to provide a feeling of tranquillity and bring peace to those who visit.

Mawphlang Sacred Forest

Tropical monsoons, rainforests, verdant landscapes and Meghalaya go hand-in-hand. A nature lover’s dream comes true with its network of thousands of plants and trees that have lived for more than a century and the air has a certain quality that is felt as soon as you enter the space.

Tourists who enter this forest feel a scared and calming presence surrounding them. According to a local legend, the forest is a blessing bestowed by a sacred deity called Labasa who is believed to appear in the form of a lonely predator, a tiger or a leopard to protect the tribes from misfortunes. Despite the mysterious aura surrounding the forest, it is a natural habitat of the locals, the Khasi tribe.

The forest comes alive in the monsoon season when the first showers help it unearth its treasures. Littered with oak, pines, rhododendrons and Rudraksha trees whose branches create a canopy to cover even the brightest of suns, the silence here echoes powerfully. Mawphlang Sacred Forest is one of the places for sightseeing in Meghalaya which holds more than what meets the eye.

Mawlynnong Village

A quaint little village located a 3-4 hour drive from Shillong, Mawlynnong is home to some awe-inspiring views including the living root bridges, and a sky viewpoint that shows a glimpse of Bangladesh. Coined the “Cleanest Village in Asia” with spotless streets, functioning toilets, bamboo dustbins lining every corner, and rainwater harvesting systems, Mawlynnong village is part of Meghalaya tourism where enjoying the serenity of peaceful village life and clean surroundings is no longer a piped dream for travellers. The village also has a strict prohibition on plastic usage and smoking. The village is maintained by locals and is a special part of the Meghalaya tourism.

Nicknamed the “God’s Own Garden”, the village has blended well with man’s effort to coexist with nature and keep the environment clean. The place has well-maintained roads, public services, piped water, and solar-powered street lamps. It is one of those tourist places in Meghalaya where tourists can spend quality time soothing their busy spirits.

Tourists can also visit during the festive season. With Behdienkhlam in July, Wangala – between September to December, and Nongkrem Dance Festival in October or November, there will always be something to see and enjoy in Mawlynnong Village.

The fact that Meghalaya is mesmerising at the very first glance cannot be challenged. There are many other tourist places in Meghalaya and double the reasons to visit them that has made Meghalaya tourism prominent today. Perfect for a week’s getaway, the tourist attractions in Meghalaya are officially considered the best time away from the hustle and bustle of the world.

Plan a visit by booking a Meghalaya tour package with us and indulge yourself in the blend of festivities, heart-capturing views, cultures and cuisines.