Cherrapunji

Meghalaya, Meghalaya

Cherrapunji

Meghalaya, Meghalaya

WaterfallsLiving Root BridgesUNESCO

Waterfalls, caves and living root bridges

One of the wettest places on Earth, on a plateau above the plains. Cherrapunji has Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave and Seven Sisters Falls, and the living root bridges that the Khasi people have trained from fig tree roots over generations. The waterfalls are at their fullest in the rains, but cloud often hides the view.

Ideal stay1–2 nightsMost visitors come on a day trip from Shillong. One night lets you see the waterfalls and caves early in the day and avoid the afternoon mist.

Getting thereAbout 2 hours from Shillong by roadGuwahati Airport is about 5 hours away. Sohra, as it is called locally, sits on a plateau above the Bangladesh plains.

Time zoneGMT+5:30Same time as India

Getting around. A car with a driver is the best way to reach the sights. Treks to the double-decker living root bridges involve many steps, so allow time and wear good shoes.

Part ofMeghalayaShillong and Cherrapunji

Things to do in Cherrapunji

3 experiences from our activity catalogue

Mawsmai Cave

NatureMawsmai CaveLit limestone cave near Mawsmai village outside Sohra, with about 150 metres of walkable passage including several tight squeezes.40 min₹20 (Indian adult); camera ₹20 extra

Nohkalikai Falls

ScenicNohkalikai FallsIndia's tallest plunge waterfall at 340 metres, dropping into a turquoise pool in a gorge about 7 km from Sohra.1 hr

Seven Sisters Falls

ScenicSeven Sisters FallsSeven-segment waterfall, officially Nohsngithiang, dropping over 300 metres off the limestone cliffs near Mawsmai.1 hrFree at the roadside viewpoint; ₹20 (Indian adult) at Sohra Eco Park, which has the better vantage points

Packages that include Cherrapunji

Ready-to-book itineraries with Cherrapunji on the route

Meghalaya Escape

5 nightsMeghalaya EscapeGuwahati · 1NShillong · 3NCherrapunji · 1N5 Nights | 6 DaysFrom₹42,000 per personView package

Meghalaya & Kaziranga

8 nightsMeghalaya & KazirangaGuwahati · 1NKaziranga · 2NShillong · 3NCherrapunji · 2N8 Nights | 9 DaysFrom₹68,000 per personView package

North East Grand Circuit

11 nightsNorth East Grand CircuitGuwahati · 1NKaziranga · 2NShillong · 3NCherrapunji · 1NGangtok · 3NPelling · 1N11 Nights | 12 DaysFrom₹94,000 per personView package

Hand-picked hotels

Stays our experts book in Cherrapunji

Weather and best time to visit

Tap a month to see the details

Best time to visit

November

Clear and cool. A good time for root bridge treks.

High / Low20° / 11°CRainfall21 mm

Best timeGoodOff seasonOpen-Meteo historical weather (ERA5), 2015–2024 averages

WinterNovember–FebruaryBest Time

Best time to visit — clear skies, comfortable temperatures, low rainfall. Dawki River at its crystal-clear best.

Pre-MonsoonMarch–May

Waterfalls begin building up. Wildflowers in bloom. Good for living root bridges trekking.

MonsoonJune–SeptemberWaterfalls

Meghalaya receives the world's heaviest rainfall (Mawsynram: 12,000+ mm/year). Waterfalls spectacular but roads can flood.

Post-MonsoonOctober

Waterfalls still roaring, landscape lush, and sky clearing. Shoulder season with fewer tourists.

More cities in Meghalaya

Often paired with Cherrapunji on the same trip

All of Meghalaya

Shillong

ShillongThe Scotland of the East, with lakes and live music