Meghalaya is a place with lots of clouds and waterfalls. It has nice villages that are very clean. The natural beauty of Meghalaya is still untouched.
When you think of Meghalaya two places come to mind: Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong. Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong are very beautiful and special in their way. Cherrapunji is famous for getting a lot of rain having waterfalls and big caves. On the hand Mawlynnong is known as the cleanest village, in all of Asia.
If you are planning a trip to Meghalaya this guide for Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong will help you find the places to see in Meghalaya. You will learn about the things to do in Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong the time to visit Meghalaya and some useful travel tips for Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong all, in one place.
Why Visit Cherrapunji & Mawlynnong Together?
Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong are really close, to each other. This makes Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong a great pair of places to visit together. When you visit Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong you get to see a lot of things. Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong offer:
Stunning waterfalls and viewpoints
Living root bridges and caves
Clean villages and eco-friendly lifestyle
Scenic road trips
Peaceful nature experiences
Visiting both destinations gives you the true essence of Meghalaya.
About Cherrapunji – The Land of Waterfalls & Clouds
Cherrapunji, which people also call Sohra gets a lot of rain. It is 55 km from Shillong. Cherrapunji is really famous, for its landscapes, very deep valleys and lots of heavy rainfall. The Cherrapunji area is also full of greenery. People love to visit Cherrapunji because of its landscapes and heavy rainfall. The Cherrapunji region is very special.
The hills are always surrounded by clouds even when the sun is out. These clouds just float around the hills. This makes the whole place feel really magical. The clouds and the hills together create a special atmosphere. The atmosphere, around the hills is magical because of the clouds.
Must See Attractions in Cherrapunji
- Nohkalikai Falls – India’s Tallest Plunge Waterfall
Nohkalikai Falls is the most famous attraction in Cherrapunji and one of the tallest waterfalls in India.
Height: Around 1,100 feet
Best time to visit: Monsoon & post-monsoon
Ideal for photography and sightseeing
The viewpoint is really something. It gives you views of the waterfall and the valley that is all, around it. You can see the waterfall and the valley from this spot.
- Seven Sisters Falls
The Nohsngithiang Falls is really something to see. It looks like the Nohsngithiang Falls has seven little streams all coming together and falling down a cliff. The Nohsngithiang Falls is very pretty.
Best viewed during monsoon season
Great viewpoint for panoramic valley views
It is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Meghalaya.
- Mawsmai Cave – Easy Cave Exploration
Mawsmai Cave is the most popular and tourist-friendly cave in Cherrapunji.
Well-lit and safe
Beautiful limestone formations
Suitable for beginners
Caving here is a fun and memorable experience.
- Arwah Cave – Fossils & Natural Beauty
The Arwah Cave is a nice place to visit because it is not crowded like other caves. What makes the Arwah Cave special is that it has a lot of fossils, in the limestone walls. You can see the fossils of the Arwah Cave there in the walls. The Arwah Cave is a choice if you want to see fossils in a quiet place.
Natural cave with water streams
Ideal for slow exploration
Peaceful surroundings
This is perfect, for people who like to travel to places that’re not very popular. Travelers who enjoy places will really like this.
- Eco Park – Best Sunset View
Eco Park is really something. It has one of the viewpoints in Cherrapunji. You can see a lot from Eco Park in Cherrapunji. The views from Eco Park are very pretty. Eco Park, in Cherrapunji is a place to go.
Views of green valleys and Bangladesh plains
Best time: Evening & sunset
Family-friendly attraction
- Dainthlen Falls
Dainthlen Falls is near Cherrapunji. The Dainthlen Falls is really pretty. It has a lot of stories, from the local people. You can see a wide waterfall when you go to the Dainthlen Falls.
Less crowded
Beautiful rock formations
Good photography spot
Things to Do in Cherrapunji
Waterfall hopping
Cave exploration
Trekking to living root bridges
Nature photography
Enjoying misty landscapes
Cherrapunji is a place that you should take your time to see. You will really like the feeling of Cherrapunji when you explore it slowly. This is the way to enjoy the vibe of Cherrapunji.
About Mawlynnong – Cleanest Village in Asia
Mawlynnong is a small village. It is 90 km away from Shillong. Mawlynnong is also close to the India-Bangladesh border. People over the world started to know about Mawlynnong after it was declared the cleanest village, in Asia. The village of Mawlynnong is very famous now because of this.
The village is a place that shows us how to take care of the earth and live together as a community. The village is really good at eco-tourism and community living. People in the village work together. This is what makes the village so special. The village is an example of how we can all live in harmony with nature and, with each other.
Must See Attractions in Mawlynnong
- Mawlynnong Village Walk
Walking through Mawlynnong is an experience in itself.
Clean roads and bamboo dustbins
Well-maintained gardens
Friendly local villagers
The village is an example of how the people there can keep everything clean and still have a lot of tourists visiting. The village really shows that cleanliness and tourism can work together. The village is proof that you do not have to choose between cleanliness and tourism because the village has both. Cleanliness and tourism are very important, to the village.
- Sky View Point – Bangladesh Border View
The Sky View Point is one of the main attractions in Mawlynnong.
Bamboo structure viewpoint
Views of Bangladesh plains
Great spot for photography
Climb carefully to enjoy stunning panoramic views.
- Balancing Rock
The Balancing Rock is a natural wonder where a huge rock balances on a smaller one.
Surrounded by greenery
Interesting geological formation
Popular tourist stop
- Living Root Bridge Near Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong has something cool near it apart from Nongriat. There is a living root bridge near Mawlynnong. The living root bridge is a deal, near Mawlynnong.
Short walk from the village
Easier than Double Decker trek
Great for first-time visitors
Things to Do in Mawlynnong
Village walk and photography
Learn about eco-friendly living
Try local Khasi food
Visit nearby root bridges
Relax in peaceful surroundings
Mawlynnong is really great for people who want to travel and have a time. It is a place that’s very simple and that is what makes Mawlynnong so perfect for travelers who want to get away, from it all and just relax. Mawlynnong is a place for travelers to visit when they are looking for calm and simplicity.
Best Time to Visit Cherrapunji & Mawlynnong
Best Season:
October to April: Pleasant weather, clear views, ideal for sightseeing
Monsoon Season:
June to September: Waterfalls at peak beauty but heavy rainfall
If you do not like getting wet in the rain or driving on roads it is a good idea to avoid going out during the peak monsoon season. The peak monsoon season is really not a time, for people who dislike rain or slippery roads.
How to Reach Cherrapunji & Mawlynnong
Starting Point: Guwahati or Shillong
Guwahati to Shillong: ~100 km
Shillong to Cherrapunji: ~55 km
Cherrapunji to Mawlynnong: ~90 km
Best transport option: Private cab or shared taxi
Ideal Travel Itinerary (Suggested)
Day 1: Shillong to Cherrapunji – Sightseeing
Day 2: Cherrapunji waterfalls, caves & viewpoints
Day 3: Cherrapunji to Mawlynnong – Village exploration
Day 4: Mawlynnong sightseeing & return to Shillong
Travel Tips for Cherrapunji & Mawlynnong
Carry rain gear and light jackets
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Start sightseeing early due to fog
Respect local culture and cleanliness
Keep cash for small villages
Food & Stay Options
Food:
Local Khasi food
Simple Indian meals
Cafés in Cherrapunji
Stay Options:
Budget homestays
Mid-range hotels
Eco-friendly resorts
I really think that homestays are a way to get a feel for the local area. Homestays give you the local experience because you get to live with the people who actually live there. You can learn a lot about the way of life when you stay in a homestay. Homestays are really good, for people who want to have an experience.
Why This Travel Guide Is Perfect for First-Time Visitors
This travel guide is, about Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong. It tells you everything you need to know about Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong.
All major attractions
Easy sightseeing plan
Cultural and natural experiences
Practical travel tips
It is ideal for couples, families, solo travelers, and photographers.
Final Thoughts
Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong are really places in Meghalaya. They are all about being close to nature and living a life. When you visit Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong you see waterfalls and interesting caves. The villages, in Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong are very clean. The people who live there are very friendly. All of these things make Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong places to travel to and they stay in your memory for a long time.
If you want a trip filled with natural beauty, calm moments, and unforgettable experiences, add Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong to your Meghalaya travel plan.
