Meghalaya Travel Guide: Root Bridges, Dawki & Cherrapunjee

On Travel Team 27 Oct 20264 min read

Meghalaya, the "abode of clouds", is one of India's most beautiful and surprising states. Its rolling Khasi and Jaintia hills hide thundering waterfalls, caves, crystal-clear rivers and bridges grown from living tree roots. This guide covers the essential places, the best time to go and a practical itinerary for a first visit.

How to Reach Meghalaya

Most travellers fly or take a train to Guwahati in Assam. From there, Shillong is about 100 km (3 hours) by road. Shillong also has a small airport with limited flights. Road trips usually start and end in Guwahati.

Top Places to Visit

Shillong

The capital is known for its cafés, music scene and colonial-era charm. Visit Ward's Lake, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, the Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures and the busy Police Bazaar.

Umiam Lake

A large reservoir on the Guwahati–Shillong road, beautiful at sunset with boating options.

Cherrapunjee (Sohra)

Once famous as one of the wettest places on Earth. Highlights include:

Nohkalikai Falls – one of India's tallest plunge waterfalls.
Seven Sisters Falls – best during and after the monsoon.
Mawsmai and Arwah Caves – limestone caves with fossils.
Eco Park – viewpoints over the Bangladesh plains.

Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Nongriat

Khasi communities have trained the roots of rubber fig trees across streams for generations, creating living bridges. The famous Double Decker bridge is reached by a trek of about 3,500 steps down from Tyrna village – tiring but unforgettable. Natural pools near Rainbow Falls make it worth going further.

Mawlynnong

Often called Asia's cleanest village, with neat bamboo houses, flower gardens, a nearby single root bridge and the Balancing Rock.

Dawki and Shnongpdeng

The Umngot river is so clear in winter that boats appear to float in the air. Shnongpdeng, upstream, offers riverside camping, kayaking, snorkelling and cliff jumping.

Laitlum Grand Canyon

Dramatic viewpoints over deep green gorges, close to Shillong.

Jowai and Krang Suri Falls

In the Jaintia Hills, Krang Suri has striking blue pools. Nartiang's ancient monoliths are nearby.

Best Time to Visit

October to April: pleasant weather and clear river water at Dawki (best from November to March).
May to September: monsoon; waterfalls are at their most powerful but treks are slippery and views can be cloudy.

Sample 6-Day Itinerary

Guwahati to Shillong via Umiam Lake.
Shillong to Cherrapunjee – Nohkalikai, caves and Eco Park.
Trek to the Double Decker root bridge.
Mawlynnong and Dawki/Shnongpdeng riverside stay.
Krang Suri Falls and back to Shillong.
Laitlum Canyon and return to Guwahati.

Adding Kaziranga

Many travellers combine Meghalaya with Kaziranga National Park in Assam, home to the one-horned rhinoceros. Add two days for a jeep safari and the drive.

Getting Around

Roads are winding and travel times longer than distances suggest. A private car or Tempo Traveller with a local driver is the most practical option. Shared taxis are available between major towns.

Where to Stay

Shillong has hotels for all budgets. Cherrapunjee has resorts with valley views and simple guesthouses. At Nongriat there are basic homestays for those who wish to stay near the root bridges. Shnongpdeng offers riverside tents.

Food to Try

Try Khasi dishes such as jadoh (rice cooked with meat), dohneiiong (pork with black sesame), tungrymbai (fermented soybean) and local tea and snacks. Shillong's cafés serve everything from momos to continental food.

Culture and Etiquette

Meghalaya's Khasi and Jaintia societies are matrilineal. Many sites are community-managed and charge small entry or parking fees – these support local villages. Ask before photographing people and respect local rules at sacred groves.