Meghalaya Photo Gallery

Where these photos were taken

Every photo above is from one of these places. Each line says what you will see there and when it looks its best.

• Umiam Lake · Near Shillong

  A scenic reservoir (Barapani) surrounded by pine forests, perfect for boating, kayaking and sunset viewpoints near Shillong.

  Best time: October to May for clear blue skies, pleasant weather and the best reflections. Early mornings (6–8 AM) offer misty, crowd-free views; sunset is best for photography. Monsoon (June–September) turns the surrounding hills lush green but skies can be overcast.

• Shillong Peak · Near Shillong

  The highest point in Shillong offering panoramic views of the city and Khasi Hills.

  Best time: October to April. Visit during sunset for dramatic sky colors.

• Elephant Falls · Near Shillong

  A scenic three-tiered waterfall 12 km from Shillong — one of the most accessible and most visited natural attractions in Meghalaya.

  Best time: June to September for the most powerful, full-flow falls (expect spray and slippery steps). October to February offers pleasant weather, clearer light and easier walking. Early morning (entry opens around 8 AM) is best to beat the crowds.

• Laitlum Canyons · Near Shillong

  Breathtaking canyons near Shillong with sweeping valley views and trekking routes to remote villages.

  Best time: October to March for clear views. Monsoon brings dramatic cloud-filled valleys.

• Nohkalikai Falls · Cherrapunji & Sohra

  India's tallest plunge waterfall near Cherrapunji, plunging into a turquoise pool below dramatic cliffs.

  Best time: July to September for peak water flow. October to March for clear skies.

• Double Decker Living Root Bridge · Cherrapunji & Sohra

  A centuries-old natural bridge formed from living tree roots — one of the world's most extraordinary structures.

  Best time: November to March for dry trekking conditions. Avoid monsoon for safety.

• Dawki – Umngot River · Jaintia Hills

  Crystal-clear river where boats appear to float in mid-air — Meghalaya's most photographed destination.

  Best time: November to February for the clearest water. Monsoon makes the river murky.

• Mawlynnong Village · East Khasi Hills

  Asia's cleanest village with spotless pathways, bamboo skywalk, and views of Bangladesh.

  Best time: October to May for pleasant weather and clear views from the skywalk.

Tips for photographing Meghalaya

• Waterfalls are fullest from June to September, but mist often hides them by midday. Go early, and carry a rain cover for your camera.
• October to December brings the clearest skies for canyon and valley views such as Laitlum and the Sohra plateau.
• The Umngot River at Dawki is clearest from November to April, when boats appear to float on glass.
• Living root bridges sit under heavy forest cover. A phone's night mode or a fast lens helps more than a long zoom.
• Ask before photographing people in villages, and respect signs at sacred forests such as Mawphlang.