Discover the 9 Best Cherrapunji Tourist Places for an Unforgettable Trip.
Many tourists make the mistake of staying in Shillong and squeezing Cherrapunji into a rushed one-day itinerary. They start at dawn, hop between a few commercialized spots, and return to Shillong by evening—barely scratching the surface of what this breathtaking destination has to offer.
The truth is, with such a one-day packed schedule, you’ll miss out on 80% of Cherrapunji’s real charm. Instead of just ticking off crowded tourist spots, why not immerse yourself in the region’s lush landscapes, hidden waterfalls, and serene viewpoints?
To truly explore the best Cherrapunji tourist places, I strongly recommend spending at least three days here. If time permits, four days would be even better, allowing you to soak in the mesmerizing views at a relaxed pace.
Now, let’s dive into the best places to visit in Cherrapunji, and enjoy an unforgettable trip ahead.
Top 12 Cherrapunji Tourist Places You Can’t Miss
Make sure you don’t skip these 12 must-visit places in Cherrapunji—each one offering an unforgettable experience. Stick to your plan and soak in the breathtaking beauty of this rain-kissed paradise!
Pro Tip: Cherrapunji is the wettest place on Earth, so pack smart—bring an umbrella, a lightweight raincoat, waterproof shoes, quick-drying socks, and undergarments to stay comfortable.
1. Double Decker Root Bridge
This iconic living root bridge isn’t exactly in Cherrapunji, but it’s a must-visit trek from there. The adventure begins at Tyrna village, about an hour’s drive from Cherrapunji, followed by a thrilling full-day hike through lush forests of East Khasi Hills, crossing living root bridges, wooden walkways, and wired hanging bridges.
After a 2.5 to 3-hour trek, you’ll arrive at the Double Decker Root Bridge—a two-story natural marvel formed by intertwining rubber tree roots. The upper level of the bridge offers a spectacular view of waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and the verdant hilly landscape. Don’t miss the chance to take a refreshing dip in the cool, pristine water below!
You can take a refreshing bath at the waterfalls near the root bridge; the stream is very clean and cool.
Explore more here: Double Decker Root Bridge – An Awesome Trekking Experience into the Forest of Cherrapunji
Hike further for hidden gems: Most tourists return after exploring Double-Decker Root Bridge, but if you hike ahead you’ll experience something more beautiful.
🔹 Natural Swimming Pool (40 mins ahead) – A picture-perfect blue lagoon with a live waterfall. Ideal for a relaxing soak.
🌈 Rainbow Waterfalls (1.5 hours ahead) – One of Meghalaya’s most stunning waterfalls, where you can witness a real rainbow over the falls on a rainy afternoon.
2. Garden of Caves
Many travelers overlook the Garden of Caves, largely because local travel agents don’t frequently recommend it—perhaps due to its off-route location, about 15 km from Cherrapunji town. But trust me, no Cherrapunji trip is complete without a visit here!
This natural marvel is a perfect blend of caves, evergreen forests, and five stunning waterfalls, all seamlessly connected by well-designed walkways. Whether you’re exploring the serene caves or soaking in the beauty of cascading waters, every corner feels like nature’s own masterpiece.
🌅 Bonus Tip: Visit in the afternoon to witness a breathtaking golden sunset from the hilltop. Take your time—don’t rush through! It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the entire site, plus 30 minutes of travel from Cherrapunji.
3. Seven Sister Falls
Among the most popular and commercially known attractions in Cherrapunji, Seven Sister Waterfalls—locally called Nohsngithiang Falls—offers a breathtaking sight, especially during the monsoon.
You can admire its wide-angle view from a roadside viewpoint, as there’s no direct access unless you’re up for a hiking adventure. This magnificent waterfall is formed by seven cascading streams, covering a vast expanse of cliffs.
Best Time to Visit: While winter may dry up some streams, early to mid-monsoon transforms the falls into an even grander spectacle, sometimes with more than seven visible streams. However, the region is often cloudy and misty, so don’t expect bright, clear snapshots—but witnessing this natural wonder in person is an experience you won’t forget!
4. Nohkalikai Falls
While not as commercialized as Seven Sister Waterfalls, Nohkalikai Falls offers a more peaceful and less crowded experience. Many travel agents from Shillong and Guwahati often skip this hidden gem, focusing only on the most popular tourist spots. However, if you’re in Cherrapunji, this breathtaking waterfall is a must-visit!
The Journey to Nohkalikai – A Road Trip Through Paradise
Reaching Nohkalikai Falls takes about 25 minutes from Cherrapunji town, and the drive itself is a highlight. As you wind through lush green landscapes, rolling valleys, and mist-covered hills, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a dreamland crafted by nature herself.
The Spectacular View
Alike Seven Sister Waterfalls, you can’t get close to Nohkalikai Falls, but the viewing point offers an unmatched panoramic spectacle. Standing at 340 meters (1,115 feet), it is the tallest waterfall in Meghalaya, cascading dramatically into a deep blue pool below. On a clear morning, the sight is absolutely mesmerizing—one of the most photogenic spots in the region!
🌿 Adventure Tip: If you are on a longer holiday, consider a full-day guided trek to get closer to the waterfall for a more immersive experience.
5. Arwah Cave
Among the 4–5 caves in Cherrapunji, Arwah Cave stands out as my second favorite after the Garden of Caves. This newly discovered cave is a natural wonder, featuring incredible rock formations and ancient fossils.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Arwah Cave
1️⃣ Unlike typical stalagmite caves, Arwah Cave holds fascinating fossil imprints, adding a unique touch to your exploration.
2️⃣ It’s less crowded, offering a peaceful and immersive experience compared to other tourist-heavy spots.
3️⃣ The journey to the cave entrance is an adventure itself—walking through a serene nature trail, with a steep valley on one side and majestic hills on the other.
🌿 Must-Visit Alert! If you’re short on time, skip other caves—but don’t miss Arwah Cave!
6. Eco Park, Sohra
Eco Park offers a breathtaking natural experience, with its key attractions including:
☁ Floating clouds surrounding you.
💦 Hidden waterfalls, including a fascinating underground cascade.
🌿 Panoramic views of Bangladesh’s lush green plains from the park’s edge.
Things to Keep in Mind
🌧 Rain is unpredictable here—carry your umbrella, raincoat, and waterproof shoes to stay prepared.
🍽 Delicious food options await! You’ll find a Bengali thali restaurant catering to Bangladeshi tourists and another offering continental dishes.
Pro Tip: Plan your Cherrapunji sightseeing itinerary so you can enjoy lunch at Eco Park—the food is worth it!
7. Mawsmai Cave
Located right in the heart of Cherrapunji, Mawsmai Cave is one of the most famous attractions in the region. Inside, you’ll witness stunning limestone formations, with intricate stalagmites and stalactites shaping the cave’s natural architecture.
Things to Keep in Mind
🚶♂️ Easily accessible due to its central location.
👥 Expect crowds—this is a major tourist hotspot, frequently included in travel packages from Shillong and Guwahati.
🌿 Looking for a quieter experience? A newly discovered stalagmite cave right beside the main one offers a more peaceful alternative.
If you don’t mind the crowd, Mawsmai Cave is a must-visit, but for a serene caving experience, consider exploring the lesser-known caves nearby.
8. Kynrem Falls
Kynrem Waterfall, a majestic multi-tiered cascade, is one of Cherrapunji’s hidden gems, located deep inside the forest to the south of town. Though you can’t get too close, the parallel view of this towering waterfall is absolutely stunning.
Best Time to Visit
☀ Avoid late afternoons—since the falls are inside a dense forest, sunlight fades early, making photography difficult.
🚗 Ideal stopover on your return trip from Tyrna village after exploring Double Decker Root Bridge)—if you plan to return in the morning session.
If you love scenic waterfalls and untouched nature, Kynrem is a must-visit on your Cherrapunji trip!
9. Mawmluh Caves
Located a little away from Mawsmai Cave, Mawmluh Cave offers a peaceful caving experience with relatively fewer crowds. While its stalagmite formations aren’t as striking as those in Mawsmai, it’s still a great option if you prefer a more secluded exploration.
📌 Worth visiting? – Yes, if you enjoy caves and want a break from the crowds. Otherwise, you can skip it.
This cave is also situated in the middle of the town, a little away from Mawsmai cave. The stalagmite architectures are not as good as in Mawsmai cave, but the crowd is also limited here.
If you don’t like to visit another similar cave, you may simply skip this one. But the good thing is, you can enjoy this cave peacefully in comparison to Mawsmai cave.
More Tourist Places Near Cherrapunji
If you’re traveling from Shillong to Cherrapunji, you’ll come across several scenic spots along the way. It’s best to visit these locations en route rather than making a separate trip from Cherrapunji.
Start early from Shillong and visit Duwan Sing Syiem Viewpoint and Mawkdok Dympep Valley first, followed by Wah Kaba Falls, before reaching Cherrapunji by evening. You can also explore Mawphlang Sacred Forest on the same trip (48 km from Cherrapunji), though off-roading is required to reach there.
10. Duwan Sing Syiem Viewpoint
This place offers a panoramic view of the lush green valleys and deep gorges of Meghalaya. The sight of mist rolling over the hills is even breathtaking. You can enjoy the view standing on a hanging bridge. For adventure lovers, a trek downward leads to the riverside and deeper into Mawkdok Dympep Valley. If the weather is clear, the sunset view from here is spectacular.
- Location: On the Shillong-Cherrapunji Road, about 23 km from Cherrapunji.
- How to Visit: A quick stop along the highway while traveling from Shillong to Cherrapunji; just park and enjoy the view.
11. Mawkdok Dympep Valley
This is the same stop as mentioned above; you just need to hike below the bridge and enjoy a short trek to explore the Mawkdok Dympep Valley. At the bottom, a stunning valley view with a hanging bridge offers perfect photo opportunities.
The deep valley and green hills around make this place a must-stop for nature lovers. Zip-lining is also available here for adventure seekers.
Note: Pioneer Adventure Tours arranges the activity.
- Location: 23 km before Cherrapunji.
- How to Visit: Located right along the highway; Stop at Duwan Sing Syiem Viewpoint, park your vehicle, and hike down to explore the valley.
12. Wah Kaba Falls
This is a tall seasonal waterfall plunging from rocky cliffs into the deep valley below. Best seen after the monsoon when the water flow is strong.
- Location: Around 8 km before Cherrapunji, on the Shillong-Cherrapunji Road.
- How to Visit: A short hike (10-15 minutes) from the parking area leads to a viewpoint. You can stop here on your way to Cherrapunji from Shillong or combine the visit with a trip to Arwah Cave, as the waterfall is located nearby.
Other Places in Cherrapunji
If you have extra time or are planning a 4-day itinerary, don’t miss these hidden gems that add more depth to your Cherrapunji experience:
- First Presbyterian Church – One of the oldest churches in Meghalaya, reflecting colonial-era architecture and local history.
- Thangkharang Park – A serene park offering panoramic views of Bangladesh’s plains and lush green valleys.
- Dain-Thlen Falls – A picturesque waterfall with a fascinating local legend, perfect for a peaceful nature escape.
- Ka Khoh Ramhah – A massive, uniquely shaped rock formation by the roadside.
Your Queries (FAQs)
1. How to Visit Cherrapunji
Shillong is the ideal starting point to initiate the journey to Cherrapunji. Some people plan to reach Cherrapunji directly from Guwahati Airport, but I don’t recommend this plan, as the direct journey can be too long and tiring.
By Air: Land at Shillong Airport (Umroi) or Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi). Flights often get canceled at Shillong Airport depending on weather conditions. So, Guwahati is the better option.
By Road: Stay overnight in Shillong after arrival and start for Cherrapunji the next morning. The Shillong to Cherrapunji drive (56 km) takes about 2-2.5 hours but can be extended for on-road sightseeing.
En Route Attractions
You can plan stops at Elephant Falls, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Duwan Sing Syiem Viewpoint, Wah Kaba Falls, and Mawkdok Dympep Valley before reaching Cherrapunji by evening. All these tourist attractions lie on Shillong to Cherrapunji road; in some cases, off-routing is required.
For the overnight stay at Shillong, you can check the list of best hotels, by tapping the link below.
2. Best Time to Explore Cherrapunji Tourist Places
- Best Time: October to April (Post-monsoon & winter) – Enjoy clear skies, lush greenery, and accessible trekking routes.
- Monsoon Season (June to September): Experience Cherrapunji’s true magic with heavy rainfall, over-flowing waterfalls, and misty landscapes, but be prepared for roadblocks and limited outdoor activities.
- Summer (May): Pleasant weather but occasional showers.
3. Where to Stay in Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji has accommodations ranging from budget homestays to luxury resorts.
- Luxury Stay: Polo Orchid Resort – Offers stunning waterfall views.
- Mid-Range: Jiva Resort, Coniferous Resort – Comfortable stays with good amenities.
- Budget-Friendly: Homestays like Nalgre Guest House or Sai Mika Resort provide cozy stays with a local touch.
4. Tips & Recommendations
✔ Pack Smart: Always carry rain gear (umbrella, waterproof shoes, quick-drying clothes).
✔ Start Early: Begin your sightseeing trips early to avoid afternoon fog and early sunsets.
✔ Carry Cash: ATMs are limited in this region, especially when you do sightseeing. So carry enough cash.
✔ Guided Treks: For adventures like the Double Decker Root Bridge trek, consider a local trek guide for a smooth experience.
Cherrapunji Tourist Places: The Final Remarks
Cherrapunji, with its breathtaking waterfalls, mystical caves, lush green valleys, and adventurous trekking trails, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you’re gazing at the majestic Nohkalikai Falls or Seven Sister, hiking to awe-inspiring Garden of Cave, exploring the fossil-rich Arwah Cave, or trekking through the Double Decker Root Bridge, every moment in Cherrapunji feels like a journey into the heart of Meghalaya’s untouched beauty.
Don’t forget to pack rain gear, as the weather here can be unpredictable. Take time to savor the local cuisine at Eco Park or nearby restaurants. Lastly, if you love adventure, don’t miss zip-lining at Mawkdok Dympep Valley or a guided trek to the root bridges.
Cherrapunji is not just a destination; it’s an experience—a blend of nature’s wonders, serenity, and thrill. Plan well, travel responsibly, and immerse yourself in the enchanting charm of Meghalaya!
If you need any further queries please let me know, I’ll be happy to help you.
Have a nice trip!
Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!
Wow! Those places look amazing. I have visited several places in my native country but would like to venture out after this worldwide lockdown break. If I plan to visit India as well as Cherrapunji, I’d especially like to visit the Garden of Caves since I usually try to avoid crowded places.
I’d also like to visit the Seven Sisters Falls. How long would a hiking trip be? Are we talking hours or days?
You certainly have so many falls in India lol. If you were to recommend only three of them to a first-timer, which ones would they be?
Thanks for sharing. I look forward to reading more.
It’s great to see you are interested to explore India as well as Cherrapunji.
India is a huge place with a great number of awesome destinations. To explore the above-listed places you need to plan a Meghalaya tour visit during your India trip. Meghalaya is a hilly state at North-east India and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya is known as Word’s highest raining place (more accurately it’s Mawsynram near Cherrapunji).
To get a closer view of Seven Sister Waterfalls you need to plan a day hiking trip starting from Cherrapunji; it takes a few hours to reach there. But it’s not a usual trip in Cherrapunji and not allowed in all seasons; you have to contact local tour operators if you are interested in this hiking trip.
I’m coming to your 2nd query. India is a huge place and there are thousands of beautiful waterfalls. It’s really difficult to choose the best 3 among those!
This article explores only a very tiny part of northeast India. From this article, you can easily figure out the best 3 waterfalls in Cherrapunji, and you have already picked up the best 2 among them (Garden of Caves, Seven Sister). The third one might be Nohkalikai falls.
I am truly amazed at the fact that Cherrapunji is best known for its overly rainy weather. That means that it rains every day or just a couple of days for a long period of time? The Seven Sister Waterfalls looks like such a peaceful and relaxing place to meditate and relax just to withdraw your mind. It’s a gigantic place so it’s impossible to cover everything in just one day, but it’s worth the experience of being in the presence of such a beautiful place that Mother Nature has allowed us to be part of.
Rain falls every day in Cherrapunji, except in winter.
It’s difficult to reach very close to the Seven Sister waterfalls. I’d say, the best way to enjoy the beauty of Seven Sister is to stay at the nearest resort from where you can watch the amazing waterfalls full day long.
7 Sister Inn Resort
Polo Orchid Resort
You may browse the above links to check out the nearest resorts to Seven Sister waterfalls. The second one is the best resort in Cherrapunjee.
hello, I’ve read all your blogs. It was great from all of your blogs, my most liked place is Double Decker Root Bridge that you have mentioned above. Thank you for giving us this information.
Glad to know your insight. Yes, Double Decker Route Bridge is a great place, especially the trekking!
This article is really informative. Hope in future you share this type of content again.
Thanks for your valuable content. Hope in future you share this type of content again.
Awesome article, I hope for more posts like this in the future.