Meghalaya

Meghalaya, located in the northeastern region of India, is a beautiful state known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and unique living root bridges. One of Meghalaya's most incredible natural wonders is the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in the village of Nongriat.

The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a unique bridge made entirely out of the roots of Ficus elastica trees. The bridge consists of two levels, hence the name Double Decker. It is located in a remote area and can only be reached by a trek of about 2-3 hours through dense forests and several steep staircases.

The trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge is an experience. Walking through the dense forests, you will encounter several waterfalls, streams, and natural pools. The trek can be challenging, but the stunning views of the natural beauty around you will make it all worth it.

Once you reach the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, you will be amazed by its beauty and unique structure. The bridge is around 30 meters long and is believed to be over 200 years old. The local Khasi tribe still uses it to cross the river.

Besides the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Meghalaya has many other natural wonders to explore, including the Nohkalikai Waterfall, the Mawlynnong village (known as the cleanest village in Asia), and the Umiam Lake.

If you are a nature lover looking for an offbeat destination, Meghalaya should be on your bucket list. The state is rich in natural beauty and culture, and the Double Decker Living Root Bridge is just one of the many incredible things it offers.

Best Time To Visit Meghalaya:

The best time to visit Meghalaya is during the winter season, from November to February. The weather is cool and pleasant during this time, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. This is also the driest time of the year, making it easier to explore the state's natural beauty.

If you want to witness the lush greenery and the blooming of wildflowers, the monsoon season, from June to September, can be a great time to visit Meghalaya. The state receives very high rainfall during this time, which can lead to landslides and roadblocks, but it also brings out the full glory of the state's natural beauty.

The summer season, from March to May, can be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. However, this is still a good time to visit if you want to explore Meghalaya's cultural and historical attractions, such as the various festivals and the traditional arts and crafts.

The best time to visit Meghalaya depends on your preferences and interests. If you want to enjoy pleasant weather and explore the state's natural beauty, the winter season is the best time to visit. But if you want to witness the lush greenery and the unique cultural festivals, the monsoon season can also be a great time to plan your visit.

Take A Trip To Meghalaya:

Day 1: Arrive in Guwahati and drive to Shillong:

Guwahati is the nearest major city with an international airport connecting to major cities in India. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. The drive takes about 3 hours and takes you through scenic landscapes.

Day 2: Explore Shillong:

Shillong is a vibrant city with a mix of modern and traditional elements. Spend the day exploring the local markets, trying the local cuisine, and visiting attractions such as the Don Bosco Museum and the Shillong Peak.

Day 3: Trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge:

Take a day trip to the village of Nongriat, where you can trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. The tour takes about 2-3 hours and through lush forests and several steep staircases. Spend the day exploring the area's natural beauty and relaxing by the waterfalls and pools.

Day 4: Visit Cherrapunji and the Nohkalikai Waterfall:

Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, is a beautiful town about 1.5 hours from Shillong. Visit the Nohkalikai Waterfall, one of India's highest waterfalls, and explore the surrounding natural beauty.

Day 5: Visit Mawlynnong and Dawki:

Mawlynnong, known as the cleanest village in Asia, is located about 2.5 hours from Shillong. Visit the Living Root Bridge and explore the local culture and traditions. Next, head to Dawki, a town situated on the border with Bangladesh, and take a boat ride on the crystal-clear Umngot River.

Day 6: Depart from Guwahati:

Drive back to Guwahati and depart for your next destination.

This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can customize it to your preferences and interests. Meghalaya has many other natural wonders to explore, including the Mawsmai Cave, the Balpakram National Park, and the Umiam Lake. If you have more time, you can also explore other parts of Northeast India, such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, known for their natural beauty and unique culture.

Places To Visit In Meghalaya:

Cherrapunji:

Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, is a beautiful town about 1.5 hours from Shillong. It is known as one of the wettest places on earth and is home to the Nohkalikai Waterfall, one of India's highest waterfalls.

Mawlynnong:

Mawlynnong is the cleanest village in Asia and is located about 2.5 hours from Shillong. The town is known for its well-maintained gardens, Living Root Bridge, and traditional culture.

Shillong:

Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya and is known for its mix of modern and traditional elements. It is a vibrant city with local markets, unique cuisine, and attractions such as the Don Bosco Museum and the Shillong Peak.

Dawki:

Dawki is located on the border with Bangladesh and is known for the crystal-clear Umngot River, a popular spot for boating and fishing.

Balpakram National Park:

The Balpakram National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It is home to several species of rare animals, such as the Asian Elephant, Red Panda, and Clouded Leopard.

Nongkhnum Island:

Nongkhnum Island is the largest river island in Meghalaya, located on the Brahmaputra River. It is a popular spot for picnics, camping, and trekking.

Mawsynram:

Mawsynram is another town known for its high rainfall and is about 1.5 hours from Shillong. It is home to the Mawsmai Cave, a popular spot for caving and adventure activities.

These are just a few of the many beautiful and unique places to visit in Meghalaya. There are many other natural wonders, cultural attractions, and offbeat destinations to explore in this beautiful state.

Adventure Activities In Meghalaya:

Trekking:

Meghalaya has many scenic trekking routes, including the trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, the David Scott Trail, and the Mawphlang Sacred Grove. These treks take you through beautiful forests, hills, and waterfalls and provide a great opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Meghalaya.

Caving:

Meghalaya is known for its extensive cave systems, and caving is a popular adventure activity here. The Mawsmai Cave, Krem Mawmluh, and Krem Liat Prah are popular caves to explore. These caves have unique rock formations, underground rivers, and waterfalls.

River rafting:

River rafting is a popular adventure activity in Meghalaya. The Umngot River in Dawki is a popular spot for river rafting, which takes you through beautiful landscapes and deep gorges.

Kayaking:

Kayaking is another popular adventure activity in Meghalaya. The Dawki River and the Umiam Lake are popular spots for kayaking, and you can explore the beautiful surroundings while paddling in the clear waters.

Rock climbing:

Meghalaya's hills and cliffs offer a great opportunity for rock climbing. The limestone cliffs near Cherrapunji and Sohra are popular spots for rock climbing, and there are many routes of varying difficulty levels to choose from.

Camping:

Meghalaya's beautiful landscapes and scenic camping spots make it a perfect destination for camping. You can camp near waterfalls, forests, or hilltops and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

These are just a few adventure activities you can do in Meghalaya. The state has many other options for adventure seekers, such as zip-lining, rappelling, and mountain biking.