Among the wettest place on the Earth, Cherrapunjee with its clean and pristine surroundings is an excellent place to sit back and unwind. It is a subdivisional town in the East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya . With a unique climate gifted to the area, its untouched beauty and an environment similar to the freshest dew drops, Cherrapunjee is sure to refresh you inside out. The waterfalls in the area only compliment the climate and the flattering pleasant air around. These include the Dain Thelen falls, Noh Sngithiang falls, Noh Kalikai falls and more. This rainy misty place is also famous for astounding tourists with the lavish spread of the Bangladesh plains from it's cliffs.
The weather conditions of the town remain pleasant and comfortable for most part of the year. Cherrapunji receives heavy rainfall throughout the year. So, the best time to visit Cherrapunji is between the months of October and May, when the weather remains cool and pleasant.
Guwahati airport is the nearest major airport to Cherrapunji. It is located 181 km from the city. To get to Cherrapunji town, you can hire taxis from Paltan Bazaar bus stand in Guwahati or get a pre- paid taxi from the airport itself. Technically, the Umroi Airport (91 km) near Shillong is the nearest airport to Cherrapunji. However, the airport receives flights from Kolkata only and that too, with very low frequency.
Guwahati acts as the nearest railhead to Cherrapunji. Although it lies at a distance of 181 km from this region, bus service or taxis can be availed from the railway station. Guwahati railway station is well connected to the entire country and regular trains carry passengers to and fro.
Buses for Cherrapunji leave from the Sohra Bus Stand in the Bara Bazaar area of Shillong.
There are some hotels and resorts in Cherrapunjee that can appeal to the more elite group of travellers as they offer facilities that are equivalent to a 3 star/ 4 star hotel. Some of these hotels and resorts are boutique properties in remote scenic locations while some are larger and closer to town. You can choose your preferred accommodation option according to your travel goals. Polo Orchid Resort and Cherrapunji Holiday Resort are some of the best places where one can stay.
Hidden deep in the lush, green forests of the wettest place in India: Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya; one can find the magnificent Jingkieng Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge; more commonly known as the Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge or simply just the Double Decker Root Bridge. This area is famous for root bridges made of Indian Rubber Tree, but the Double Decker Bridge is the most famous of all due to its large size. It is 3 kilometers long and placed at a height of 2400 feet.
A small border town in the Jaintia Hills, Dawki and its famed river Umngot is a must visit if in Meghalaya. Sandwiched between India and Bangladesh, Dawki is a major center of trade between India and Bangladesh. This e small city, besides being a trade hub is also famous for its tourism scene, with many people flocking to the city in order experience a boat ride in its famed Umngot River and enjoy the nearby sights and sounds.
Mawlynnong is a small village situated around 90 km from Shillong in the East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya and is also known as God's own Garden. It was declared as the cleanest village in Asia in 2003 by Discovery India which certainly which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Indian state. Mawlynnong village is a community- based ecotourism initiative where the entire community made collective efforts in making and maintaining the cleanliness of the village. Mawlynnong offers some of the most picturesque natural beauty with lush green valleys, crystal clear water in the river, an abundance of flowering orchids hanging from the trees and extremely clean roads which makes this small village a worth visiting destination for tourists visiting Meghalaya.
The fourth highest waterfalls in the world, Nohkalikai falls plunge some 335 meters from a verdant cliff to the ground giving the portrayal of immense and natural magnificence. The pride of the state of Meghalaya, the falls are one of the most beautiful and grand waterfalls in the country. Tucked in between evergreen rainforest of the Khasi Hill and flowing with all its majesty and might, the falls plunges into a lagoon which is as blue as the afternoon sky. Nohkalikai Falls is one of the most popular and significant places to see in the North-East
Cherrapunjee houses a wide range of food options including North Indian, Bengali, Punjabi, South- Indian and Chinese cuisine as well as their slightly unique Khasi versions. The local cuisine is rich, refreshing and zesty and one must indulge in it. Pork momos and Jadoh along with rice cooked with pork blood are the specialty of this region. Rice beer is a compulsory drink in celebration and ceremonies, religious or otherwise. Khasis ferment rice beer and through the process of distillation, making spirit out of rice or millets. Sohra Pulao is another unique delicacy popular here, prepared only with vegetables and oil, without using any spices.
Cherrapunjee is known for its handicrafts, especially items made from cane and bamboo. Stalls and shops selling cane and bamboo artefacts ranging from mementos to furniture are quite common. Cherrapunji is the best place to buy good quality orange flower honey. You can also buy cinnamon and other spices that are cultivated in and near Cherrapunji. You should definitely buy Meghalaya tea which has a distinctly lighter flavour compared to Assam or Darjeeling tea.
