What are the top 5 places to visit in Meghalaya?

1. Nohkalikai Falls, 2. Double Decker Living Root Bridge, 3. Dawki/Umngot River, 4. Mawlynnong Village, 5. Laitlum Canyons. These five represent Meghalaya's most iconic experiences.

How many days do I need to see all major places?

7-10 days is ideal to cover all major destinations including Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawlynnong, Jaintia Hills, and at least one multi-day trek.

Are all places in Meghalaya accessible by road?

Most tourist destinations are accessible by road from Shillong. However, attractions like the Double Decker Root Bridge and some waterfalls require trekking (30 min to 3 hours).

Travel guides · Updated October 2026

80 Places to Visit in Meghalaya

Book a stay Ask on WhatsApp

The details

Backed by XTSY — Northeast India's NEITA 2025-nominated hospitality brand, operating India's biggest backpacker hostel and the country's first 270° stargaze glamping ensuite, both in Shillong. Meghalaya is packed with natural wonders waiting to be discovered. From thundering waterfalls and mysterious caves to pristine villages and dramatic viewpoints, this comprehensive guide covers every destination worth visiting in the Abode of Clouds. We've personally explored each location and organized them by region to help you plan the perfect itinerary.

Waterfalls in Meghalaya — Top 20

Meghalaya is India's waterfall capital with hundreds of cascades ranging from gentle streams to thundering plunges. The monsoon season (June-September) is when these waterfalls are at their most spectacular, though many flow year-round.

✓ Nohkalikai Falls (Cherrapunji) — India's tallest plunge waterfall at 1,115 ft with turquoise pool below
✓ Seven Sisters Falls (Cherrapunji) — Seven distinct streams cascading down a cliff face visible from Eco Park
✓ Krang Suri Falls (Jaintia Hills) — Stunning turquoise swimming pool, best visited Feb-May for clearest water
✓ Wei Sawdong Falls (Cherrapunji) — Three-tiered waterfall requiring a 45-minute trek, uncrowded gem
✓ Elephant Falls (Shillong) — Three-tiered falls just 12 km from city, easily accessible by road
✓ Nohsngithiang Falls (Mawsmai) — Seven Sisters alternate name, best viewed from Mawsmai viewpoint
✓ Bishop & Beadon Falls (Shillong) — Twin falls near Laitlum, popular photography spot
✓ Kynrem Falls (Thangkharang Park) — Seasonal 1,000+ ft cascade, view from Thangkharang Park
✓ Phe Phe Falls (Jaintia Hills) — Hidden gem requiring a 2-hour trek through forests
✓ Dainthlen Falls (Cherrapunji) — Associated with a local legend about a giant serpent

Caves in Meghalaya — India's Caving Capital

Meghalaya is home to India's longest and deepest caves, making it the country's premier caving destination. The Khasi and Jaintia Hills contain over 1,500 documented caves, many still unexplored. Caving in Meghalaya ranges from easy walk-through tourist caves to extreme expeditions requiring technical equipment.

✓ Mawsmai Cave (Cherrapunji) — Well-lit tourist cave, 150m walkthrough, limestone formations, easy access
✓ Krem Liat Prah — India's longest cave (34.8 km), requires guided expedition, not for casual visitors
✓ Krem Mawmluh — Third longest in India, fossils, underground river, requires guide
✓ Siju Cave (Garo Hills) — Famous bat cave with stalactites, 4.5 km long, partially explored
✓ Mawjymbuin Cave (Mawsynram) — Houses a naturally formed Shivling, pilgrimage site
✓ Arwah Cave (Cherrapunji) — Fossils visible in limestone walls, well-maintained path

Villages & Cultural Experiences

Meghalaya's villages offer authentic cultural immersion that's increasingly rare in modern India. The Khasi people follow a matrilineal system where property and family name pass through the mother — one of the few surviving matriarchal societies in the world.

✓ Mawlynnong — Asia's cleanest village, bamboo dustbins, living root bridge, sky platform with views to Bangladesh
✓ Nongriat — Gateway to the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge, requires 3,500-step descent
✓ Kongthong — The "Whistling Village" where each child receives a unique musical tune as their name
✓ Laitlum Canyons — Village perched on dramatic cliff edge, breathtaking valley views, easy trek
✓ Mawphlang Sacred Forest — 78-hectare ancient grove protected by Khasi religious beliefs for centuries
✓ Nongkhnum Island — India's second-largest river island at the confluence of Kynshi rivers

Viewpoints & Scenic Spots

Meghalaya's terrain creates dramatic viewpoints where the Khasi Plateau meets the Bangladesh plains. On clear days, you can see the vast flatlands of Sylhet stretching to the horizon — a surreal contrast to the misty hills.

✓ Laitlum Canyons — "End of the hills" with panoramic views, popular sunset spot
✓ Shillong Peak (1,965m) — Highest point in Shillong, 360° views, Indian Air Force radar station
✓ Eco Park Cherrapunji — Views of Bangladesh plains and Seven Sisters Falls
✓ Thangkharang Park — Views of Kynrem Falls and Bangladesh, well-maintained gardens
✓ Smit — Royal seat of Khasi Syiems, Nongkrem Dance Festival venue, cultural significance
✓ Umiam Lake (Barapani) — Scenic lake 15 km from Shillong, boating and water sports available

Adventure & Activities

Beyond sightseeing, Meghalaya offers growing adventure tourism opportunities. The terrain is ideal for trekking, the rivers for water sports, and the caves for spelunking. Many activities are organized through hostels like XTSY or local operators.

✓ Trekking: Double Decker Root Bridge (6-8 hrs), David Scott Trail (16 km), Nongjrong Sacred Forest
✓ Water Sports: Kayaking in Shnongpdeng, cliff jumping at Dawki, snorkeling in Umngot River
✓ Caving: Guided cave explorations from ₹500-5,000 depending on difficulty
✓ Zip-lining: Mawkdok Dympep Valley zip-line near Cherrapunji
✓ Rock Climbing: Natural rock faces near Shillong and Cherrapunji
✓ Fishing: Umngot and Kynshi rivers offer excellent angling spots

Why Travellers Pick XTSY

XTSY is a Northeast Indian independent hospitality brand — Shillong-born, traveller-built, and having hosted 10,786+ guests through owned properties, curated tours, weddings, catering and rentals.

✓ NEITA 2025 nominee — Best Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Northeast India
✓ Experience by XTSY — India's first stargaze glamp
✓ Rated 4.7★ on Google from 248 reviews
✓ Pluxee India partner — corporate stays via employee-benefit vouchers accepted
✓ 24/7 WhatsApp booking & on-trip support — +91 88373 17070
✓ Owned operations in Shillong + vetted partner network across NE India and Sikkim

Frequently asked questions

Written by the XTSY travel team, New Shillong TownshipWe run XTSY Travellers Hostel and plan Northeast India trips every day. Prices on this page come from our live booking engine; drive times are checked against our own trips. Last reviewed October 2026.

Go further in Northeast India

Eight states, living root bridges, rhinos, Himalayan passes and some of India’s warmest hosts. Start in Shillong with XTSY, then let our desk and trusted partners take you further — one team, one WhatsApp, the whole journey.

MeghalayaRoot bridges, Dawki, Cherrapunji — base yourself at XTSY.AssamKaziranga rhinos, Majuli island, Brahmaputra sunsets.ArunachalTawang monastery, Sela Pass, Ziro valley.NagalandHornbill Festival, Kohima, Dzukou valley.SikkimGangtok, Tsomgo lake, Kanchenjunga views.BeyondBhutan, Nepal and pan-India trips with trusted partners.