Published Date: April 23, 2025
The world knows Meghalaya through the rain capital, ‘Cherrapunji’ or ‘Cherrapunjee’. This place receives rainfall every single day of the year and hence is considered the wettest place on Earth. As the state is covered 70% by tropical thick forests, Meghalaya attractions often revolve around biodiversity, sightseeing, flora, fauna, and ecotourism.
Before we delve into the to-do activities, let’s quickly understand the best time and places to visit in Meghalaya.
The Scotland of the East—best time to tour
From November to May (winter and spring), you can expect pleasant weather, clear skies, splashing waterfalls, blooming gardens, and minimal rainfall. However, when traveling in the summer and autumn months between June and October, you cannot escape the heavy rainfall.
Top tourist places to visit in Meghalaya
The important places to visit in the state include the Jaintia Hills, the Khasi Hills, and the Garo Hills. Any tourist spot falls under either of these hills. Some of the most visited places are Kudengrim, Kyllandg Rock, Nongriat Root Bridges, Phan Nongliat Park, Umiam Lake, Arwah Cave, Elephant Falls, Mawsynram, Tura Peak, Tasek Lake, Nartiang Durga Temple, and Nokrek Biosphere Reserve.
Things to do in Meghalaya: top 7 picks
- Experiencing the living root bridges
Living root bridges are one of the unique attractions in Meghalaya, with the rubber tree’s roots forming natural bridges. The three most-visited spots for this attraction are Mawlynnong (the cleanest village on the continent), Nongthymmai (an off-beat place), and Nongriat (two-tiered).
Visiting these places enables you to interact with the tribal community, which is a great chance to get to know their culture. Undoubtedly, any tour agency you enquire with, this place will be on the North East India Tour Packages itinerary by default!
- Exploring the sacred groves
Sacred groves are mystical and protected forest regions in the state that people consider holy and serene owing to sacred trees, rare flora, and tranquil ambiance. Exploring this tourist spot is a legendary thing to do when visiting Meghalaya.
While Mawphlang in Khasi Hills is a well-known sacred grove, Panchvati Van is still a hidden grove. According to Indian Hindu history, the great saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa spent more time in the Panchavati Van.
- Diving into the natural waterfall pools
Among the must visit Meghalaya tourist places, waterfalls are unavoidable. Yes, the state houses around ten or more extraordinary and majestic waterfalls with natural pools. Seven Sisters Waterfalls tops the list with about seven tiers of cascading waterfalls. Nature lovers cannot miss this incredible waterfall, and believe us, the views are truly stunning.
Other breathtaking waterfalls include Krang Suri Falls, Langshiang Falls, Dainthlen Falls, Elephant Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Riat Khwan Falls, and Kynrem Falls.
- Enjoying the rock music
Rock music is very popular in Meghalaya, and music lovers, especially rock genre fans, must visit the state during one of their festivals—Nongkrem, Shad Sukra, or Wangala. Their musical instruments are distinguished and retain their ancient legacy. Who knows, playing their drums can be an unforgettable moment in your life! So, exploring their art forms and musical styles is a mandatory activity on the list of Meghalaya things to do.
- Tasting the authentic local cuisine
Meghalayan cuisine features delicious, earthy, and fresh flavors. When you taste their signature dishes, you can feel the aroma directly transported from the deep forests. Some must-try foods include Umami bomb made with fermented soybeans, Doh Khlieh (rich-flavoured minced pork), Pumaloi cooked in bamboo shoots, fruit wines, the mouth-watering Doh Khlieh, etc. Do not fail to get their honey (pure and sourced from the forests).
Important tip: Not all tour operators guide this in detail to the travelers. Only a few, like Starline—the best travel agency in India—enable travelers to explore the best things about tourist places!
- Indulging in adventure
Trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and hiking are some of the best adventure activities you can carry out in Meghalaya. The suitable spots include Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek, Umden Village Trek, Mawlongbna Village Trek, Nongkhnum Island Trek, David Scott Trek, etc. Surprisingly, the state encompasses more than 1500 caves. However, not all are accessible. Check with your tourist guide for more details.
- Participating in water activities
If you’re booking Meghalaya group tours, water activities are a must-do. From funny boat rides to amazing kayaking, river canyoning to fishing, waterfall rappelling to river rafting, every water activity can’t get more exciting and amusing than at Meghalaya. Moreover, you get to see the most magnificent views of the hills, which are indescribable.