Known to be one of the wettest places on the planet, Cherrapunji or Sohra as it is formally known, is a stunning quaint town in the Northeastern state of Meghalaya. The state is known for its abundant natural beauty, and Cherrapunji is no different. From caves to waterfalls to local culture, there is so much to explore, and whether you are on a longer statewide trip, or looking for an itinerary for your upcoming trip to the town, here are some Cherrapunji places to visit that you must explore.
1. Mawsmai Cave
Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya happen to have some of the most complex cave systems in India. Mawsmai Cave which happens to be one of the most famous Cherrapunji places to visit is the most accessible one of out of them all. This is one of the coolest things to do in Cherrapunji is you are somebody who enjoys anthropology as this cave is also home to many fossils that you can check out while exploring the nooks and crannies of this cave. There is also a zipline close to this cave, making it one of the more fun Cherrapunji attractions.
2. Double Decker Living Root Bridges
You cannot talk about Cherrapunji attractions and not include the double-decker living root bridges. More formally known as the Nongriat root bridges, these are living structures that have taken decades to form. Hands down one of the best things to do in Cherrapunji, a walk on these living root bridges will blow your mind. What could only be described as botanical architecture, these bridges are some 3000 steps from the nearest village, need a bit of effort but the view more than makes up for it.
3. Seven Sister Falls
The next stop in your Cherrapunji sightseeing should be the Seven Sister Falls. Merely 4 km from the town, these falls are said to be one of the tallest waterfalls in India. The falls get their name from the seven streams that fall from the limestone cliffs in the Khasi Hills. This is one of the Cherrapunji attractions that is best experienced in the monsoons when the falls are at their fiercest best. There is no way to get to the water, but you can always view it from a viewpoint in Mawsmai village or the eco point park.
4. Mawsynram
If you ever paid attention in a general knowledge class, you exactly why Mawsynram is one of the most famous Cherrapunji tourist spots. The wettest place on the planet, Mawsynram is an experience that’ll simply blow your mind. It is also home to the longest sandstone cave in the world, and for adventure lovers, there are many treks that they can embark on. Things to do in Cherrapunji, especially Mawsynram aren’t limited to adventure, however. When visiting this spot, make sure you also check out the fossil sites in Mawlyngbna which tell the story of how at one point the entire region was underwater.
5. Dawki
If you are looking for things to do in Cherrapunji and can spare a day or two, we suggest taking a cab and exploring the nearby Dawki. By now you’d have already seen the spot get super popular on social media, and to be honest, it deserves the fan following it has amassed. The Umngot River is as clear as it looks in the pictures, with one catch however. It is that stunning only in the winter and spring seasons as in the monsoon it gets too muddy.
You can camp here, or explore nearby accommodations post your boating session.
6. Mawlynnong Village
Another of Cherrapunji attractions that often makes its way to GK books is the Mawlynnong Village, the cleanest village in Asia. Serene, straight out a painting, and heartwarming, Mawlynnong Village is poetry as a landscape. You can explore the local culture here, enjoy the cuisine, and let your mind relax.
7. Nohkalikai Waterfalls
Another of the things to do in Cherrapunji for those who love nature is to visit the Nohkalikai Waterfalls. The tallest plunge falls in the country, Nohkalikai attracts shutterbugs as well as adventurers alike. The plunge pool for this waterfall changes colour each season, making it a delight no matter when you visit it. This is also one of the best Cherrapunji places to visit if you are into trekking as the trails here are exploding with stunning visuals no matter where you look.
8. Nongsawlia Presbyterian Church
While most of the Cherrapunji places to visit on this list have been natural wonders, the culture also deserves a mention. This beautiful church, built in 1846, is the oldest in Meghalaya. Serene and stunning, the church has been quite significant culturally in the region, apart from being one of the first religious structures in the state.