If you’re planning a trip to Cherrapunji, one place you simply shouldn’t miss is the Garden of Caves — a hidden gem nestled in the southern part of Meghalaya.
Known for its breathtaking hilly landscapes and lush greenery, Meghalaya draws thousands of visitors from around the globe each year. Yet, despite its charm, the Garden of Caves remains relatively undiscovered by many travelers, leaving its serene beauty hidden from most.
In this guide, I’m excited to reveal a detailed overview of the Garden of Caves, a destination you’ll want to add to your Meghalaya itinerary and experience its enchanting allure firsthand.
Related Article: Top 9 Cherrapunji Tourist Places You Shouldn’t Skip
How is the Garden of Caves: The Impression
The name itself signifies the place — the Garden of Caves near Cherrapunji is a stunning blend of caves, rocky hills, waterfalls, and lush greenery.
Nature has beautifully sculpted this paradise, and thoughtful human interventions have made every corner easily accessible.
Well-planned hiking paths seamlessly connect the natural wonders, leading visitors on a peaceful 1-2 hour walk through dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene landscapes—creating an unforgettable experience.
This hidden gem is perfect for a serene retreat with loved ones, offering an unforgettable experience amid Meghalaya’s enchanting landscapes. Don’t miss the Garden of Caves on your upcoming Meghalaya trip!
Related Article: Mawphlang Sacred Forest: A must-visit place in Meghalaya
A Trip to Garden of Caves: A Hidden Paradise in Meghalaya
Among the many beautiful places I visited in Meghalaya, the Garden of Caves remains my top favorite—and for good reason:
- Stunning Beauty: Waterfalls, caves, and lush greenery at every turn.
- Easy Accessibility: Just a 40-50 minute drive from Cherrapunji.
- No Strenuous Hiking: Suitable for all age groups.
- Affordable Entry: INR 20 per person, with INR 50-100 for a DSLR or camcorder (subject to change).
What to Expect Inside the Garden of Caves
The Garden of Caves is a vast yet well-organized area with several unique viewpoints. Each section offers a different experience, from waterfalls and natural sculptures to hiking trails and picturesque spots.
- Hilly hiking paths inside the caves.
- Awesome greenery.
- 5 waterfalls — each has its significance.
- Narrow streams running beside you.
- Mother’s womb natural sculpture.
- Sunset point/ lover’s heart
- Bamboo Bridge.
- Natural medicinal water resource point.
Let’s delve into details.
1. Cave & Waterfall – The Grand Entrance
Your adventure begins by walking through a wet cave tunnel where water drips gently from the rocky ceiling.
At the end of the cave, you’ll be greeted by a small yet magnificent waterfall. Clear, cool spring water flows down from the top through a narrow opening, creating a photogenic scene. The large stone covered with green algae enhances the beauty of the place.
📸 Tip: You’ll likely spend at least 10 minutes here capturing countless photos—don’t forget to bring your camera!
2. Two-Step Waterfall – A Scenic Wonder
After exiting the cave waterfall, follow the hilly path surrounded by natural stone sculptures to your next attraction.
Soon, the path divides into two directions—take the right path to reach the second viewpoint.
Here, you’ll find a two-step waterfall. Water flows from an upper level, lands on a rocky ledge, and then cascades down a second drop. The staggered flow creates a tiered effect, which is a rare sight. While you can’t get too close, the area offers an unobstructed view perfect for landscape photography.
If you visit during the monsoon season, the waterfall is especially vibrant and powerful, providing a thrilling spectacle.
📸 Tip: The layered flow of water adds a mesmerizing touch—perfect for panoramic shots.
3. Curved Waterfall – Nature’s Artwork
Cross a tiny wooden bridge, and after a short walk, you’ll reach another beautiful sight—a tall, narrow waterfall. Though it’s not an extraordinary waterfall, the curved path of the falling water makes it unique.
The real highlight here is the cone-shaped formation made of ferns and algae beside the waterfall—a natural artwork worth admiring. This combination of the curved cascade and green-cloaked stones feels like a scene from a fairy tale.
📸 Tip: Capture close-up shots of the algae-covered cone for a unique perspective.
4. Behind-the-Waterfall – A Rare Experience
A few steps further, you’ll come across a towering waterfall cascading down from the cave’s edge, creating a natural curtain of water. And the most thrilling part is, you can walk behind the waterfall—a rare and magical experience.
💡 What makes this special?
✅ The chance to view a waterfall from behind, which is a rare and magical perspective.
✅ The echoing sound of water creates a soothing, immersive environment.
🌊 Caution: The path behind the waterfall is slippery, and there are no guardrails, so walk carefully. Wear shoes with good grip to avoid slipping. Keep strong eyes on children for safety.
📸 Tip: Try a slow-motion video while standing behind the waterfall to capture the cascading water from a unique angle.
5. Sand & Waterfall Spot – A Natural Playground
As you continue your journey, After a 10-15 minute hike, you’ll hear the roaring sound of another grand waterfall. Upon descending a few stair steps, you’ll arrive at a peaceful spot where a majestic waterfall pours down into a soft sandy area. This section feels like a hidden beach nestled within the jungle!
The area is spacious, allowing visitors to relax on the soft sand while soaking in the sounds of gushing water and chirping birds. The combination of sand and water makes it an ideal spot for families and children to explore and play safely.
It’s an ideal place to sit on the sand, relax with your loved ones, and let the soothing sound of water create a memory you’ll cherish forever.
📸 Tip: Capture playful moments here, especially if traveling with kids. The contrast of golden sand against the lush green background is perfect for bright, vibrant photos.
6. Mother’s Womb – A Natural Sculpture
After covering the last-mentioned spot, you’ll begin your return journey, but the route is different. You need to follow the directed signboards to reach the other beauties in Garden of Caves.
Deeper inside the Garden of Caves lies a unique rock formation known as Mother’s Womb. This naturally formed curved dig in a large rock resembles a baby inside a mother’s womb—a fascinating display of nature’s artistry.
📸 Tip: Take a few quick snaps of this unique formation before moving forward.
7. Sunset Point & Lover’s Heart – A Romantic Spot
A few more steps lead you to the top of the region, where you’ll find two romantic viewpoints:
1️⃣ Sunset Point: From this elevated spot, you get a breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys. If you arrive in the late afternoon, you’ll witness a golden sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
2️⃣ Lover’s Heart: This naturally formed heart-shaped dig in the rock is a perfect spot for couples to capture romantic moments.
📸 Tip: Time your visit to Sunset Point at the late afternoon to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Pose with your partner behind the heart-shaped rock—it’s a fun and memorable photo opportunity!
8. Bamboo Bridge & Medicinal Water – An Authentic Touch
Near the sunset point, you’ll find the bamboo bridge, which connects to the medicinal water spot. There is an additional fee of INR 20 per person to cross the bridge.
Bamboo Bridge: This slightly shaky but safe bridge offers a unique experience, especially if it’s your first bamboo bridge walk. You can see a narrow stream far below.
Medicinal Water: Locals believe the mineral-rich spring water here has healing properties, though this claim remains unverified.
🌊 Caution: Walk carefully, as the bamboo bridge is a little shaky.
Garden of Caves: End of the Journey
It’s time to return. But before leaving the place, take a moment to:
- Enjoy the rocky valley near the medicinal water spot.
- Ask friendly locals to capture group photos—they are helpful and experienced in photography.
The exit gate (main entrance) of the Garden of Caves is just a few more steps downhill.
Your Queries:
Where is Garden of Caves?
The Garden of Caves is located in Laitmawsiang village, in the southern part of Meghalaya, close to Cherrapunji. It lies off the Shillong-Cherrapunji highway and is accessible via a detour road.
How to reach the Garden of Caves?
From Shillong, follow the road towards Cherrapunji. The Garden of Caves is located on a side route off the main highway. It is approximately 30-40 minutes by car from Cherrapunji.
- Airport: Shillong Airport serves the region, but flights are often irregular due to rain. A more reliable option is to fly to Guwahati Airport and drive to Shillong.
- Rail Station: The closest railway station is Guwahati. From there, you can hire a private car to reach Shillong, followed by Cherrapunji.
💡 Travel Tip: It’s possible to visit Garden of Caves on your way from Shillong to Cherrapunji. However, it’s better to stay in Cherrapunji overnight and visit the Garden of Caves the next day to explore it fully and comfortably.
Avoid tour buses from Shillong, as they often skip the Garden of Caves in favor of more commercialized sites. For a complete Cherrapunji experience, plan at least a 3-day stay.
Where to Stay?
Cherrapunji is the ideal place for attending Gaden of Caves.
A related Article: 10 Best Hotels in Shillong: Must Check Before Your Shillong Trip
When to visit Garden of Caves
The best time to visit is September to November (just after monsoon) when the waterfalls are at their most vibrant. Also, you can plan to visit Garden of Cave between March and May. It is suggested to avoid winter visits, as most waterfalls dry up during this season.
🔔 Note: In October and May, Shillong and Cherrapunji remain relatively crowded due to festival holidays and summer vacations; but the Garden of Caves usually remains peaceful as it is less frequented by tourists.
Related Article: Double Decker Root Bridge – An Awesome Trekking Experience into the Forest of Cherrapunji
Other Places to visit in Meghalaya
To explore the best places to visit in Cherrapunji, read This Article.
For the Best Tourist Places in Shillong, read This Article.
Other places to visit in Meghalaya:
Final Thoughts
The Garden of Caves is a perfect blend of natural beauty, accessibility, and affordable adventure. Whether you’re an adventurer, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this hidden paradise will leave you with lasting memories.
Take your time, breathe in the fresh air, and let the rhythmic sound of waterfalls soothe your soul.
Don’t miss the Garden of Caves on your next Meghalaya trip—it’s a journey you’ll cherish forever!
If you have any questions about the Garden of Caves, feel free to drop them in the comments section below—I’ll be happy to assist you!
If you found this guide helpful, social sharing would be highly appreciated.
✨ Wishing you a memorable and relaxing 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!
Thank you for your splendid description of the garden of caves that makes it so fascinating.
I am naturally attracted to nature and all it has to offer and would love to have the opportunity to visit this location in India. The 5 waterfalls, each with its own significance are a special attraction to me. May I know if there is any spectacular feature that distinguishes each waterfall e.g. the temperature of the water?
If you are talking about hot spring, then, no sorry. There is no temperature alternation feature in any of those waterfalls. They are just beautiful by their appearance.
Thousands of national and foreign guests visit Meghalaya because of its amazing beauty, a few among them experience the beauty of the Garden of Caves. I hope this description helps them all to discover this place, that’s my prime reason to create this article.
Hello dear, thanks for sharing these information with us, I was amazed by the quality content I saw on this site, your choice of words and writing skills was really amazing. I already saved these posts so as to come back for future reference.
I am really glad I got to see this post on the amazing place “Garden of Caves”, thanks for the info, I’ll surely do some recommendations.
Thank you very much for stopping by and share your insight. I’m glad that you like it.
Hope this one will help if you or any of your close people ever visit Meghalaya as well as the Garden of Caves. In fact if any foreign tourist visits India, they must not miss Meghalaya, this place is known as Scotland of east.
Wow!! “Garden of Caves” seems to be are really amazing place that you will want to visit more than once. This makes a great place to vacation or to get away for other special occasions. With a trip like this, it will provide lasting memories. This is a great way to connect with nature in the great outdoors. Thanks again for sharing.
Yes Norman, Garden of Caves is really an amazing place… You can spend there quality time there that is not only peaceful but also charming.
What a beautiful place! I just love waterfalls! If I ever go to India I will definitely go to the Garden of Caves. I really enjoyed reading this article. I almost felt I was there looking at the video and pictures. your description and details on how to get there was very useful. I will definitely put it on my list of places to visit in the future.
Glad to know you love it.
India is a very wide country with thousands of beautiful places. Garden of Caves is just one among those situated in the northeast corner. So, if you visit India you have plan to visit Meghalaya, which is known as Scotland of the east; then you need to keep the “Garden of Caves” in your list of places to visit.
We can help you plan your trip if you visit Meghalaya.
Wow amazing views! Waterfalls are somehow hypnotizing and spiritually relaxing thing for me. I live in Lithuania and we don’t have mountains, caves or waterfalls. The only place I have been near waterfalls is in Croatia. I was there many years ago (about 10 years ago). And I truly dream to go to a similar place in the future.
After reading your article, I am amused by how beautiful the Garden of Caves is. From now on it is my new dream to go to India and visit Meghalaya in the first place! Thank you very much for giving me something new to dream about!
Great to hear from you David.
Definitely Lithuania has its own beauty, I’m well aware of it. But Indian landscapes are versatile; there are amazing sea beaches, mountains, deep forest, and even world’s wettest place like Meghalaya (to more specific, Mausinram near Cherrapunji). For that versatility and incredibility (and also because of cost-effectiveness), millions of foreign travelers visit India every year.
I can assure you, you’ll enjoy Meghalaya exactly as I mentioned here, it’s really am amazing place. But when you plan to visit there, don’t miss out Garden of Cave as most of the tourists do.
I’ll keep exploring more and more places in Meghalaya as well as India one-by-one here. You may follow up if you really wish to have a trip to India in future.
best wishes.
I had never heard of the Garden of Caves before. I appreciate the introduction. I especially love waterfalls so the five waterfalls grabbed my attention. Thanks for this informative article along with a beautiful video description that has expanded my geographical knowledge.
Thanks for sharing your insight. Please let me know if you need any further assistance.