Boasting as the wettest place in India, Cherrapunji is a popular and most loved holiday destination. This marvellous gem of nature must be in everyone’s bucket list aiming to travel around India. Planning to visit Meghalaya in 2024? Then this Cherrapunji travel guide is for you. The place has several mystery boxes in every nook and corners that will make you go Aww! Comfortably located in Meghalaya, this place is suitable for family trips or a romantic holiday with your loved one and is one of the best places in Meghalaya. We present to you the Ultimate Cherrapunji travel guide.
Best Time To Visit Cherrapunji
Though the weather of Cherrapunji is pleasant and soothing throughout the year, visiting the place at the correct time of the year is important to get the best out of the region. The monsoon season brings heavy rains that may spoil your mood of exploring the place. The months of October and May experience lesser rain and a perfect climate. Planning your trip during these months will allow you to take in the utmost beauty of the place.
Reasons why Cherrapunji cannot be missed
1. Wettest Place On Earth
Known as the wettest place on earth with an annual rainfall of 11777 mm, this place attracts tourists from around the world. You can enjoy monsoon and a hot cup of chai every day while falling in love with the breathtakingly beautiful views. The charm of this place never goes out of style and it continues to please tourists and win hearts every year.
2. Plains of Bangladesh
Beautifully tucked in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, the cliffs of Cherrapunji offer outstanding views of the plains in Bangladesh. Feel stumped by the mesmerizing views such as the basket-shaped rock in the Thangkharang Park. You can even trace the narrow routes that lead to the main town. You can spend some quality time exploring and admiring the geography of this beautiful region filled with rich flora.
3. Double Decker Living Root Bridges
Tired of carrying a bag full of sunscreen while trekking through sunny trails? Here’s Cherrapunji offering you an amazing trekking experience in pleasant weather. It is an ideal place for the trekking heroes to climb up while soaking up the peace that nature offers. What adds more adventure to this experience is the living root bridges present in the Tyrna village. This amazing two-tier bridge is 100 feet in length and it is amusing to know that it was made naturally 150 years ago. This natural wonder is indeed an amazing place in Cherrapunji but also one of the top attractions in Meghalaya.
4. The Seven Sisters Waterfall
Your Cherrapunji trip would be incomplete if you miss visiting the most beautiful waterfalls in the region especially the Seven Sisters Waterfall. Amongst all the places that you cover during your Cherrapunji falls, this stunning waterfall will definitely be your favourite. This gorgeous spot in the town is also known as Nohsngithiang Falls or Mawsmai Falls. The cascading water from the large cliffs during a perfectly sunny day is the best thing to do during your Cherrapunji trip.
5. Nokrek National Park
Located at a distance of 130 kilometres from the town, Nokrek National Park is the only reserve that houses Red Pandas. You can also spot some Asian elephants, peculiar eight species of cats and an amazingly rich variety of flora. Sink in the absolute bliss of nature’s tremendous creations at the Nokrek National Park of Cherrapunji.
6. Thangkharang Park
The next spot that will beautify your Cherrapunji trip is Thangkharang Park. It is located at a distance of 12 kilometres from the main town. The park owns many natural beauties such as lush greeneries through which goes a one-way path, the cascading Kynrem waterfall, and a basket-shaped rock. You can witness the most spoken beauty of the Bangladesh plains from this spot.
7. Dainthlen Falls
If you are looking for a perfect picnic spot amidst the best assets of nature, you can choose to visit the Dainthlen Falls. The magnificent aura of nature will offer immense peace and calmness to the soul. You can easily have a complete glimpse of this place in half a day’s time and soak in the bliss of serenity in the waterfall.
8. Krem Phyllut
Head to the southern part of the town to visit the Krem Phyllut cave, one of the best caves in Meghalaya and you can’t afford to not visit during the place during your trip to Cherrapunji. Witness the unmatched grandeur of the caves that are mostly crowded with tourists and locals. You can enter the caves in five ways. There are 3 pavements to get into the cave or one can also choose to go using the two river passages.
9. Mawkdok Dympep Valley View
If you are travelling from Shillong to Cherrapunji, you will get to see a jaw-dropping viewpoint known as the Mawkdok Dympep Valley view. It is located at the start of the famous Sohra tourist circuit. This hot spot built by the forest department is considered as one of the best gifts of the town. Travellers seeking peace and nature’s hug can make their way to the Mawkdok Dympep Valley during their Cherrapunji trip.
10. Mawsmai Cave
Situated in a half kilometre distance from the town, the Mawsmai cave is the fourth longest cave in the Indian subcontinent. You will enjoy exploring this splendid cave with rare natural traits present inside. The most spectacular feature about the cave is the pool that is formed by five different rivers. Get in touch with the unspoilt nature of Cherrapunji’s unique tourist destination.
How to reach Cherrapunji?
Located in the northeastern region in India, Cherrapunji can be reached by air, train and road.
By Air
The Umroi airport in Shillong is the closest way to connect with Cherrapunji when you opt to travel by air. You can also take a flight from Guwahati airport which is at a distance of 181 km from Cherrapunji.
By Train
The Guwahati Railway station is the closest to Cherrapunji and it has the advantage of easy accessibility from all parts of the state. Once you reach, you can jump into a taxi or a public bus to reach Cherrapunji.