Things To Do And Major Attractions In Meghalaya

Unparalleled natural beauty and tranquility are synonymous with Meghalaya. This North Eastern state is any adventure seeking, nature lover’s haven. The surroundings are untouched and the air is calmingly pure. If you are planning a trip to this state, then here is a list of things to do and major attractions in Meghalaya. There is so much to explore and so many sights to witness that you need to plan well to cover everything.

Must See At The Capital City

Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is a vision with the waterfalls, the smell of pine trees, the greenery and the scenic beauty. It is also the hub of adventure and great culture. Here are some things that you should not miss at Shillong:

Don Bosco Centre For Indigenous Culture – Mawlai, Shillong

For anyone who loves history and anthropology, the Don Bosco Center for Indigenous culture is the first stop. This private museum is beautifully maintained and gives visitors a comprehensive lesson about the life and the history of the north east. There is a library with hundreds of books on the states of the North east. The skywalk that offers a gorgeous view of the capital city is a must-see.

Waterfall Rappelling At Elephant Falls

The Elephant falls at Shillong roll down three large steps. One of them is covered by trees, the second one controls the flow of the water and the third one has the waterfall gushing down. Although an earthquake destroyed a large portion of this elephant shaped water fall, it is a great place to enjoy rappelling. The rocks are designed perfectly for you to descend through the waterfall and enjoy the cool stream below.

Shillong Peak

Make a picnic basket and head to the most beautiful spots in all of Shillong. The peak can be reached on horseback. When you get there, you will have a bird’s eye view of the beautiful hills and the lush green surroundings from the highest point in Meghalaya.

Feel The Night Life In Shillong

While Shillong is mostly associated with its scenic beauty and untouched natural surroundings, it can give any cosmopolitan city a run for its money with its delightful nightlife. You can enjoy several lounges, bars and nightclubs. Some of the most recommended spots are Cloud 9, Platinum, Tango Pub and Dejavu. You can enjoy a few drinks while you listen to lively music. The ambiance is perfect with a glimpse of the culture through dance, music, and of course, great food. If you are a party animal, then Shillong is the place to be.

Laitlum Canyon Trek – Shillong

If you enjoy trekking, then make sure you add the Laitlum Canyon to your bucket list. There are several trekking expeditions that are carried out here each day. The terrain is challenging but the view makes all the effort completely worth it. The sky is painted in various colors depending on the time of the day. There is a myriad of red hues that makes the sky look breathtaking. On the way back, a dip at the Lwai falls is the perfect way to unwind after a tiring trek.

More To Meghalaya

When you move out of the capital city, the rest of Meghalaya is just as enthralling and offers some spectacular sights to see.

Explore The Caves Of Garo Hills, Khasi Hills And Jaintia Hills

There are a large number of caves in the Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and the Garo Hills. You can witness some of the longest caves in the world here. In fact, of the ten longest caves in India, the top 9 are located in Meghalaya. The longest one is in the Jaintia Hills, known as the Krem Liat Prah which is 30,957 m long. The beautiful limestone formations are breathtaking and should be witnessed at least once in a lifetime.

Double Decker Living Root Bridge – Cherrapunji

In the heart of the rainiest place in India, Cherrapunji, in the village of Nongriat, is the magnificent double decker living root bridge. It is a naturally formed structure that attracts travelers from across the globe. The only catch is the strenuous trek to the bridge. Close to 2000 slippery steps lead to the bridge. It is definitely worth it as the bridge is one of the places in Meghalaya that you simply must visit.

Mawlynnong Village

Maylunnog Village is known for being Asia’s cleanest village. You will not find even a piece of straw or dust on the roads here. Every road seems to be laid freshly. Besides this, Mawlynnong is home to some fabulous natural wonders such as the Mawlynnong waterfall. The waterfalls gush through green trees and fall straight into a pristine stream below. The living root bridge, not the same as the double decker living root bridge is one of nature’s biggest mysteries. It is supported by nothing but small stones which also makes it a place of great interest to archaeologists. Ask anyone who has visited Meghalaya and they will tell you that this is one of the best places that they have ever seen.

Boating In Umiam Lake

Located in the Nongpoh district in Meghalaya, this lake is made from a reservoir built because of a dam. The best time to visit the lake is in the winters between October to February. It is simply breathtaking. For those who have seen the lake in the winters, it will look completely different during the summer. This lake is often compared to the beautiful water bodies in Scotland.

Angling At Dawki

The Umngot River that flows through Dawki near the East Jaintia Hills is a prime fishing spot. It is called the angler’s paradise as many tourists come to the river to enjoy a quiet day of fishing. Sit by the edge of the river or take a boat to the heart of the river and wait to make your catch as you are surrounded by nature’s bounty.