Cherrapunji is a district in Meghalaya. It is located in the northeastern part of the country and is known as the “Forest City”. Cherrapunji is a city that is famous for its rich biodiversity and is home to many different types of plants, animals, and insects.
Cherrapunji is a paradise for nature lovers. During your trip to Cherrapunji, you’ll be able to explore plenty of mountains, hills, and valleys.
How to reach Cherrapunji?
By Train: The railway line connecting Guwahati to Shillong passes through Cherrapunji, and it takes about 2 hours from Guwahati to reach the town. The railway station at Cherrapunji is very close to the bus stand, making it easy for tourists to get around in the town.
By Air: Cherrapunji is the closest to Guwahati airport. A distance of 181 km separates it from the city. There are taxis available at Paltan Bazaar in Guwahati and pre-paid taxis at the airport to take you to Cherrapunji. The other nearest airport is situated at Shillong in Meghalaya.
By Road: Cherrapunji is connected to other major cities by road through National Highway 16 (NH-16). You can reach Cherrapunji by train via Imphal. From the capital city of Imphal, you can take the Kumbhirgram Bus service to Cherrapunji. You will need to book this bus well in advance as it is very popular. The main road connecting Guwahati with Cherrapunji passes through Dhemaji (about 75 km away), where one can take a bus or hire a cab for an hour or two journeys on the highway.
14 Amazing places to visit in Cherrapunji for your next vacation
You must travel to Cherrapunji to enjoy the peaceful environment and scenic beauty. In this article, we have compiled a list of 14 of the best places to visit in Cherrapunji.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge
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Double Decker Living Root Bridge is one of the most famous attractions in Cherrapunji. It is located at Tanjung Kundor, about 10km from Cherrapunji town. You can reach there by hiring a jeep or walking there from Cherrapunji.
This bridge was made by nature and is not supported by any artificial structure. The bridge comprises two parallel supports with a small gap between them. There are several caves underneath it, which can be explored during your visit to this site.
Dawki
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Dawki is another popular place to visit in Cherrapunji. It is located at Tohtling under Mawlai village in Mawlai Sub-division of Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. You can reach there by hiring a car or by walking from Cherrapunji town. It takes about 4 hours to get to Dawki from Cherrapunji Town via Tohtling-Mawlai road.
Located about 15 kilometres from Cherrapunji city centre is a waterfall called Nohkalikai Falls (also known as “Dawki Falls”). This waterfall is famous among tourists for its beautiful views and dramatic backdrop of cliffs and trees against a vivid blue sky at sunset.
Nohkalikai Waterfall
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Nohkalikai Waterfall is located in Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India. It is situated at a distance of about 30 km from Cherrapunji. Located on the way from Cherrapunji to Mawlynnong, this is a great place to stop for a picnic.
The waterfall has a height of about 50 metres and falls into the Khasi Hills river via two tributaries. It’s a good spot for swimming, so if you’re visiting in the summer, this would be a fantastic place to relax and cool off.
Mawlynnong
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A few kilometres past Nohkalikai Waterfalls is Mawlynnong, a small town with many natural attractions like waterfalls and caves. Mawlynnong is located on the banks of the river Brahmaputra in Meghalaya, India. The town has a population of around 10 thousand people and is considered one of the most historical towns in Meghalaya state.
The town has a small market where you can buy snacks and drinks before heading out on your hike through the area’s natural wonders. Mawlynnong is situated on NH44, which connects Guwahati with Shillong.
Mawsmai Cave
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India’s longest cave system can be found in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya in Cherrapunji. As one of Cherrapunji’s most accessible caves, Mawsmai Cave is a must-see place. An excellent introduction to the magnificent world of caves can be found in the 150-m-long cave.
In these caves, considered the fourth longest on the Indian subcontinent, there is a small pool formed by five rivers joining together. In terms of distance from the city centre and Cherrapunji, it is 7km away.
Mawsmai Falls
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Mawsmai Falls, also known as Nohsngithiang Falls or Seven Sisters Waterfalls, is a massive waterfall near Cherrapunji district. This beautiful waterfall is situated near the border of Cherrapunji district and Mawsynram district, just 11km from the city centre. You can reach there by booking a cab or bus.
Though it is located in a jungle area, it has been developed into an eco-friendly resort by setting up various waterfalls and pools, which can be visited during the rainy season as well.
The Mawkdok Dympep Valley View
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Tourists travelling to Cherrapunji must stop at the Mawkdok Dympep Valley View, located at the beginning of the Sohra circuit. A short walk down the road leads to the viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the valley. The Mawkdok Dympep Valley View is located in the Mawsynram district of Cherrapunji. It’s about 15 kilometres from Cherrapunji town. You can get there by bus or taxi.
Mawsynram
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Mawsynram in Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on earth and one of the most popular Cherrapunji places to visit. This village is one of the more desirable places to visit near Cherrapunji because it receives rain almost throughout the year.
Mawsynram is also located in the Cherrapunji district, but it’s further away from the city centre than Mawkdok Dympep Valley View or Mawsmai Falls. It’s about 23 km from Cherrapunji and can be reached by hiring a taxi or bus.
Dainthlen Waterfall
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Dainthlen Waterfall is a waterfall located in Dainthlen Village. It’s a popular tourist destination because of its gorgeous blue water and mossy rocks that make you feel like you’re in another world.
It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Cherrapunji, with a scenic path leading to the waterfall’s base and several swimming pools along the way that makes it an ideal place for tourists and locals alike to relax and have fun. It is located at a distance of about 4 kilometres from the city centre.
Krem Phyllut
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The Krem Phyllut mountain range is located in the northeastern part of the Cherrapunji district. It has several hiking trails, including one that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the city from above.
The area around Krem phyllut is known for its hot springs and waterfalls, which are visible from many vantage points in and around town. Krem Phyllut is located about 7 kilometres from the Dainthlen waterfall.
Eco Park
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It’s a beautiful place to visit, especially if you’re a nature lover. It was built by the Meghalaya government on plateaus and is a popular tourist destination. This park has many beautiful orchids housed in its greenhouse, thanks to Shillong Agri-Horticulture.
There are many animals to see, from birds to insects and snakes, so bring your binoculars. This park is located just outside Cherrapunji and can be reached by car in about 30 minutes. It is located around 10 km away from Cherrapunji city centre.
Nongsawlia Presbyterian Church
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Nongsawlia Presbyterian Church is a must-see for history buffs. Cherrapunji’s old church exhibits the area’s unique culture and is one of the fascinating places to visit. It was built by Welsh missionaries in 1841 AD and is the first church in Meghalaya.
Also, Nongsawlia is famous for its trees. The area is also known as ‘the garden of the forest’ because of its lush vegetation. It is just 4 km away from the city centre.
The Khoh Ramhah Rock
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The Khoh Ramhah Rock is another tourist attraction that you should visit if you are planning to go on a trip to Cherrapunji. Ka Khoh Ramah, or Pillar Rock, is an enormous rock with a unique cone-shaped structure.
Mesmerising waterfalls pass through the rocks, giving them an elegant appearance. Adventure seekers will undoubtedly enjoy themselves here. You can reach here by taxi or local bus; it is 8 km from the city centre of Cherrapunji.
Khasi Monoliths
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There is a great deal of difference between the culture of the Khasis and that of the rest of India. Khasi tribes and locals have distinct cultural traditions. The Khasi Monoliths are one such tradition preserved by Cherrapunji tourism. They are a fascinating aspect of North East heritage and offer a glimpse into its richness.
FAQs
Which are the most popular places to visit in Cherrapunji?
When exploring Cherrapunji, you must certainly explore the finest places of the hill station, like the root bridges, Nohkalikai waterfalls, Dawki, Mawsynram village, etc.
What is the required number of days required to visit Cherrapunji?
Cherrapunji is best explored over two to three days.
What is Cherrapunji known for?
As a result of the heavy rains, Cherrapunji is referred to as the 'jewel of Meghalaya'. It used to be among the wettest cities on the earth.
When is the most appropriate time to visit Cherrapunji?
There is heavy rainfall throughout the year in Cherrapunji, so it is most suitable to vacation there from October to May.
Which place is more suitable to stay in, Shillong or Cherrapunji?
There are great accommodation options in both Shillong and Cherrapunji. The only difference is that Shillong is a more urban town while Cherrapunji is a charming hill town.