Meghalaya — Welcome to the Abode of Clouds

Translated from Sanskrit, Meghalaya means the Abode of Clouds — and the moment you set foot in this extraordinary northeastern state of India, you will understand why that name fits so perfectly. Rolling green hills wrapped in soft white mist, thundering waterfalls plunging from dramatic cliff faces, mysterious limestone caves carved by ancient underground rivers, the cleanest river you have ever seen in your life, living bridges grown from the roots of trees, and small pristine villages where communities have lived in harmony with nature for centuries — Meghalaya is not just a destination. It is a completely different world. One of the most naturally beautiful and least-touristy states in all of India, Meghalaya is divided into three distinct hill regions — the Khasi Hills, the Jaintia Hills, and the Garo Hills — each offering its own unique landscape, culture, and set of experiences. The state is home to some of the wettest places on Earth, over 1,500 caves, more than 320 varieties of orchids, unique matrilineal tribal societies, and some of the most jaw-dropping natural scenery that India has to offer. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker, a photography enthusiast, a culture explorer, or simply someone who wants to escape the noise and chaos of everyday life and breathe some of the cleanest and freshest air in India — Meghalaya will give you all of this and so much more. With Ababli Tour, your Meghalaya experience will be beautifully planned, expertly guided, and completely unforgettable from start to finish.

Top Places to Visit in Meghalaya

• Shillong — The capital city of Meghalaya and lovingly known as the Scotland of the East, Shillong is a charming and vibrant hill station sitting at 1,496 metres in the heart of the Khasi Hills. It is a city of rolling pine-covered hills, sparkling lakes, colonial-era architecture, lively cafes, and a thriving rock music culture that has earned it the title of Rock Capital of India. Top attractions include the stunning Elephant Falls, the peaceful Ward's Lake in the heart of the city, the panoramic Shillong Peak, the fascinating Don Bosco Museum of indigenous cultures, and the lively Police Bazaar market. Shillong is also the most convenient base city for exploring the rest of Meghalaya.
• Cherrapunji (Sohra) — Just 55 km from Shillong lies Cherrapunji — one of the wettest places on Earth and one of the most dramatically beautiful destinations in all of India. This extraordinary town is home to the iconic Nohkalikai Falls cascading from a breathtaking height of 1,120 feet, the magnificent Seven Sisters Falls with its seven waterfalls flowing side by side, the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge, the Mawsmai limestone caves, and some of the most powerful and awe-inspiring landscape photography locations in the entire country. Cherrapunji is a place that leaves absolutely every visitor completely speechless.
• Double Decker Living Root Bridge — The single most famous and most unique natural attraction in all of Meghalaya and one of the greatest natural wonders in India. Located in the village of Nongriat near Cherrapunji, this extraordinary bridge has been created by the indigenous Khasi people over generations by carefully training the roots of rubber fig trees to grow across rivers, forming strong, living bridges that become stronger with every passing year. The Double Decker version features two such bridges stacked one above the other — a 150-year-old masterpiece of ancient bio-engineering that must be seen to be believed. The trek down through the forest to reach it involves over 3,500 steps — but every single step is worth it.
• Mawlynnong Village — Officially recognised as the Cleanest Village in Asia, Mawlynnong is a truly remarkable and deeply inspiring place. Every lane in this beautiful Khasi village is spotlessly clean, every home has a gorgeous garden, bamboo dustbins line every path, and the entire community works together with remarkable pride and dedication to keep their village a green and welcoming paradise. The bamboo Sky Walk here offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and the plains of Bangladesh stretching below. A visit to Mawlynnong is one of the most uplifting and heartwarming travel experiences you will have anywhere in India.
• Dawki & the Umngot River — Located about 80 km from Shillong near the India-Bangladesh border, Dawki is home to the Umngot River — one of the clearest and most transparently beautiful rivers in the entire world. The water is so perfectly crystal clear that boats floating on the surface look as though they are gliding through thin air. A boat ride on the Umngot River is one of the most surreal and magical natural experiences you can have in India. Shnongpdeng Village nearby adds kayaking, snorkelling, and camping adventures to the experience.
• Mawsynram — Just 15 km from Cherrapunji, Mawsynram holds the world record as the wettest place on Earth, receiving over 11,800 mm of rainfall every year. Despite — or perhaps because of — this extraordinary rainfall, the landscape here is lush beyond imagination and the tiny peaceful village has a quiet, misty beauty that is completely unique. The famous Mawjymbuin Cave with its remarkable stalagmite formations is a fascinating attraction within the village.
• Laitlum Canyons — One of Meghalaya's most breathtaking and least-known hidden gems, located about 23 km from Shillong in the East Khasi Hills. The name translates to "end of hills" in the Khasi language — and standing at the edge of these dramatic green canyons and looking out over the sweeping gorges and valleys below is one of the most powerful and visually stunning experiences this state has to offer. The canyons are also sacred to the local Khasi community and carry deep spiritual significance.
• Jowai & the Jaintia Hills — An emerging and exciting destination in the eastern part of Meghalaya, the Jaintia Hills region around Jowai is known for its turquoise-coloured waterfalls, serene valleys, ancient Pnar tribal culture, and some of the longest and most adventurous caves in all of India — including the 30,957-metre Krem Liat Prah, the longest natural cave in the Indian subcontinent. A wonderful and off-the-beaten-path addition to any Meghalaya itinerary.
• Balpakram National Park — A remote and beautiful national park in the South Garo Hills, known locally as the Land of Perpetual Winds and carrying deep spiritual significance for the Garo tribe who believe it is the resting place of departed souls. The park is home to Asian elephants, clouded leopards, red pandas, gaur, and a wide variety of rare Himalayan flora. Surrounded by dramatic gorges and dense pristine forest, Balpakram is one of the most wild and adventurous wildlife experiences in Meghalaya.
• Umiam Lake (Barapani) — A vast and beautiful reservoir sitting just 15 km from Shillong, surrounded by lush green hills and pine forests. The lake is man-made but looks magnificently natural, and its wide, sparkling surface offers wonderful opportunities for boating, kayaking, and simply sitting in peaceful silence watching the sunrise or sunset paint the water in shades of gold. A wonderful and easily accessible half-day trip from Shillong.

Things to Do in Meghalaya

• Trek down to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge through Nongriat village for one of India's most unique and awe-inspiring natural experiences
• Take a crystal-clear boat ride on the Umngot River in Dawki and float above the glass-like water
• Explore the limestone caves of Mawsmai and Arwah near Cherrapunji for a fascinating underground adventure
• Stand at the edge of Laitlum Canyons and take in one of Meghalaya's most breathtaking panoramic views
• Walk the spotless lanes of Mawlynnong Village and climb the bamboo Sky Walk for views into Bangladesh
• Trek to Nohkalikai Falls in Cherrapunji and stand before one of India's most powerful and spectacular waterfalls
• Go kayaking, snorkelling, and camping at Shnongpdeng Village by the crystal-clear Umngot River
• Explore Police Bazaar and Lewduh Market in Shillong for local handicrafts, Khasi food, and authentic Meghalaya shopping
• Attend the Shillong Autumn Festival in November for a wonderful celebration of local music, dance, and art
• Visit the Don Bosco Museum in Shillong for a deeply fascinating journey through the tribal cultures of Northeast India

Best Time to Visit Meghalaya

• October to April (Autumn, Winter & Spring) — The absolute best time to visit Meghalaya. The monsoon has passed, the skies are clear, the waterfalls are still flowing beautifully with post-monsoon water, and the entire state is a vivid, lush green. The weather is cool and very comfortable — perfect for trekking, cave exploration, river activities, and all outdoor sightseeing. This is the peak tourist season and the most popular time to visit.
• March to May (Spring & Early Summer) — Another excellent season with pleasant weather, comfortable temperatures, and beautiful blooming landscapes. Crowds are smaller than in peak winter months, making for a more peaceful and personal Meghalaya experience. A wonderful time for trekking and nature photography.
• June to September (Monsoon) — Meghalaya receives extraordinarily heavy rainfall during the monsoon season — this is when the state is at its most dramatically beautiful and its most wild. Waterfalls like Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters Falls roar at their most powerful and spectacular. However, heavy rain makes trekking and cave exploration difficult or impossible and road conditions can be challenging. Recommended only for experienced travellers who are comfortable with monsoon travel.

How to Reach Meghalaya

• By Air — The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam — about 128 km from Shillong. Shillong also has its own Umroi Airport, about 30 km from the city centre, operating limited domestic flights. From Guwahati Airport, private taxis and shared cabs to Shillong take about 3 to 4 hours through beautiful scenic roads.
• By Train — Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest major railhead, well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and all major Indian cities. From Guwahati, private taxis and shared Sumo cabs are comfortably and regularly available for the 3 to 4 hour road journey into Meghalaya.
• By Road — Shillong is about 100 km from Guwahati by road — a scenic and enjoyable drive of approximately 3 hours through the Assam plains and into the Meghalaya hills. From Shillong, all major destinations within Meghalaya — Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawlynnong, and more — are comfortably accessible by private taxi or hired vehicle.

Quick Travel Tips

• Always carry a good quality raincoat or waterproof jacket — Meghalaya receives rainfall throughout the year and showers can arrive suddenly even outside the monsoon season
• Hire a local driver or guide familiar with the state's roads — many routes to waterfalls and caves are narrow, winding, and can be foggy and slippery
• The trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge involves 3,500 steps going down and the same coming back up — wear comfortable, sturdy trekking shoes and carry sufficient water and snacks
• No special permits are required for Indian citizens visiting Meghalaya — travel is straightforward and easy
• Meghalaya is a matrilineal state — family names and property pass through the mother — and more than 70% of the population is Christian, which creates a unique and fascinating cultural character quite different from most of India
• Try local Khasi and Garo cuisine during your trip — Jadoh (rice and meat), Dohkhleh (pork salad), Tungrymbai (fermented soybean curry), and steaming hot momos are all absolutely delicious and deeply authentic to this part of India