Meghalaya — "the abode of clouds" — packs an extraordinary range of sights into a small state: some of the tallest waterfalls in India, bridges grown from living tree roots, river water so clear that boats seem to float, limestone caves, sacred forests, and a capital with a lively music scene.
This guide lists 31 Meghalaya tourist places, ranked by how much we think each is worth your time. Every entry includes the distance from Shillong, how long to spend there, the best months to go and the entry fee, so you can build a realistic route. The photographs are from our own trips; places without one are marked, and we add new photos as we travel.
How to plan a trip around these places
Most Meghalaya tourist places fall into four clusters. Grouping them saves hours on the road:
- Shillong and around — Shillong city, Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Laitlum Canyons and Mawphlang. Base: Shillong.
- Cherrapunji (Sohra) — Nokhalikha, Seven Sister, Kynrem, Weisadong and Dainthlen Falls, Mawsmai and Arwah caves, and the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Base: Sohra, two nights.
- Dawki and the border villages — Dawki, Shnongpdeng, Mawlynnong and the Riwai root bridge. Base: Shillong or a riverside camp at Shnongpdeng.
- Jaintia Hills — Jowai, Krang Suri Falls, the Nartiang monoliths and Thadlaskein Lake. Base: Jowai or Shillong.
The Garo Hills in the west — Balpakram and Siju — need a separate trip via Tura. For driving times, see our Meghalaya distance chart, and check the best time to visit before you fix dates.
