Meghalaya Travel Guide: Living Root Bridges, Cherrapunji and Dawki
Plan a Meghalaya trip: Shillong, Cherrapunji (Sohra), the double-decker living root bridge, Mawlynnong, crystal-clear Dawki river, caves and a 5-day itinerary.
A Meghalaya trip is one of the greenest journeys in India. Meghalaya, "the abode of clouds", is all green hills, waterfalls, deep caves and bridges grown from the roots of living trees. It is home to some of the wettest places on earth, and to Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities whose traditions shape everything a visitor sees.
When to go
- October to April: comfortable weather, clear rivers.
- June to September: heavy rain; waterfalls are at their most dramatic, but treks get slippery and roads can be affected.
Getting there
Fly into Guwahati (about 100 km from Shillong, 3 hours by road) or Shillong Airport (Umroi), which has limited flights. Shared taxis and private cabs run from Guwahati to Shillong.
Shillong
The state capital is breezy and musical, with a strong rock and café culture. See Ward's Lake, Shillong Peak (views over the city), Elephant Falls and the Don Bosco Museum, one of the best museums of North-East culture in India. Walk the busy Police Bazaar in the evening.
Cherrapunji (Sohra)
- Double-decker living root bridge, Nongriat: two levels of bridges grown from rubber fig tree roots over decades. Start early from Tyrna.
- Nohkalikai Falls: one of India's tallest plunge waterfalls.
- Mawsmai Cave: a short, well-lit limestone cave.
- Seven Sisters Falls: best during and just after the monsoon.
Mawlynnong and Dawki
Mawlynnong has been called one of Asia's cleanest villages, with bamboo dustbins and flower-lined paths. Nearby Riwai has a single-decker living root bridge that's easy to reach.
Dawki is famous for the Umngot river, so clear in winter that boats appear to float on air. Boat rides leave from Shnongpdeng, which also offers kayaking, snorkelling and camping.
A 5-day itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Guwahati to Shillong. Ward's Lake, Police Bazaar. |
| 2 | Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Museum. |
| 3 | Drive to Sohra. Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave. |
| 4 | Double-decker root bridge trek (full morning). Rest. |
| 5 | Mawlynnong, Riwai root bridge, Dawki/Shnongpdeng boat ride. Return to Shillong. |
Food
Try jadoh (rice cooked with meat), dohneiiong (pork with black sesame), tungrymbai (fermented soybean), and street momos and thukpa. Vegetarians should ask locally; options are fewer outside Shillong.
Tips
- Carry rain gear even outside the monsoon.
- Wear good walking shoes with grip for root bridge treks.
- Many attractions are on community land with small entry fees; carry change.
- Respect local customs and ask before photographing people.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Meghalaya?
October to April for pleasant weather and clear rivers. Dawki's water is clearest from November to April. The monsoon is spectacular for waterfalls but very wet.
How hard is the double-decker root bridge trek?
It's a descent of roughly 3,000+ steps from Tyrna village, so the climb back is tough on the knees. Moderately fit people manage it fine with breaks.
