Absolutely, Cherrapunji is definitely worth visiting! It offers a unique and immersive experience of Meghalayan beauty right in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India. From stunning waterfalls and green landscapes to vibrant culture and delicious local food, Cherrapunji has something for everyone. So, if you have the chance, I highly recommend visiting Cherrapunji to enjoy its natural wonders and cultural richness.
In this article, I will give you a complete guide to Cherrapunji and tell you everything you need to know about this amazing place.
1.Interesting facts about Cherrapunji.
1.The name “Cherrapunji” is derived from the Khasi words “sohra” and “pung” meaning ‘the land of oranges’.
2. Cherrapunji holds the Guinness World Record for the highest annual rainfall, receiving an average of over 11,000 millimeters (430 inches) of rain per year.
3. Cherrapunji is home to the unique living root bridges, which are natural bridges formed by training the roots of rubber trees over rivers.
4. The region is known for its beautiful waterfalls, including the Nohkalikai Falls, which is one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in India.
2.How to Reach Cherrapunji?
1.By Road:
- Cherrapunji is well-connected by road to major cities in Meghalaya and neighboring states. You can hire a taxi, use private or shared cabs, or take a bus to reach Cherrapunji.
- The nearest major city is Shillong, and the distance between Shillong and Cherrapunji is around 54 kilometers. Depending on road conditions and traffic, it usually takes around 2 to 3 hours to travel this distance.
2.By Train:
- The nearest railway station to Cherrapunji is in Guwahati, Assam, which is approximately 147 kilometers away. Guwahati is well-connected to major cities in India. After reaching Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Shillong, and from there, proceed to Cherrapunji.
3.By Flight:
- The nearest airport to Cherrapunji is Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport), which is approximately 30 kilometers away. However, flights to Shillong are limited, and the airport may not be well-connected to major cities.
- An alternative is to fly to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati Airport), which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Guwahati, you can then proceed to Cherrapunji by road.
Before planning your journey, I recommend checking for the latest information on transportation options and making reservations as needed.
3.Best time to visit Cherrapunji.
The best time to visit Cherrapunji is during the dry season, which typically lasts from October to May. During these months, the weather is more pleasant, with less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the region’s natural attractions and enjoying outdoor activities without being interrupted by heavy rains.
4.Travel tips to Cherrapunji.
1.Pack Light: Bring light, breathable clothing suitable for warm and humid weather, along with waterproof gear like a raincoat or umbrella for sudden showers.
2. Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, especially if you plan to explore the region’s hilly terrain and trek to waterfalls or living root bridges.
3. Stay Hydrated: Carry water bottles to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities and hikes.
4. Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays, even on cloudy days.
5.Travel Documents: Don’t forget to pack essential travel documents like your passport, ID card, travel insurance details, and any necessary permits or reservations.
5.Here are 10 must visit places you have to consider while visiting to cherrapunji.
1.Nohkalikai Falls
Why it’s famous:
- Nohkalikai Falls is famous for being the tallest plunge waterfall in India,around 1,100 feet!. People come from all over to see this natural wonder in Cherrapunji.
- Distance: Nohkalikai Falls is located approximately 7 kilometers (about 4.3 miles) from the main town of Cherrapunji.
- How to travel : To reach Nohkalikai Falls from Cherrapunji town, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus. The falls are easily accessible by road, and the journey takes around 15-20 minutes.
- Entry fees:
Entry Fee | INR 20 |
Camera Charges | INR 20 |
2.Living Root Bridges:
Why it’s Famous:
- The Living Root Bridges are famous because they are unique and incredible bridges made from the roots of living trees. Found in the northeastern state of Meghalaya in India, these bridges are a natural wonders created by the local Khasi and Jaintia communities . They’re like natural works of art that connect people across valleys.
- Distance: The Living Root Bridges is located approximately 10-15 kilometers (about 6-9 miles) from the main town of Cherrapunji.
- How to travel: To reach the Living Root Bridges from Cherrapunji town, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus. The bridges are accessible by road, and the journey takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on the specific bridge you visit.
- Entry fees: There is an entry fee of 50 Rs/- and additional fee for camera and Go Pro.
3.Mawsmai Cave:
Why it’s Famous:
- Mawsmai Cave is known for its cool limestone formations and underground beauty, like a natural sculpture gallery.
- Distance: Mawsmai Cave is located approximately 6 kilometers (about 3.7 miles) from the main town of Cherrapunji.
- How to travel: To reach Mawsmai Cave from Cherrapunji town, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus. The cave is easily accessible by road, and the journey takes around 15-20 minutes.
- Entry fees:
| S.No | Entry for | Ticket Cost |
| 1 | Adult | Rs. 30/ Person |
| 2 | Child below 10 years | Rs. 10 |
| 3 | Ticket Charges for Group less than 3 members | Rs. 30 |
| 4 | Still Camera | Rs. 20 |
| 5 | Video Camera | Rs. 100 |
| 6 | Film Shooting Camera | Rs. 1000 |
4.Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls):
Why it’s Famous:
- These falls are famous for being seven different waterfalls flowing together, making it a unique and beautiful sight.
- Distance: Seven Sisters Falls, also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, is located approximately 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles) from the main town of Cherrapunji.
- How to travel: To reach Seven Sisters Falls from Cherrapunji town, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus. The falls are accessible by road, and the journey takes around 30-40 minutes.
- Entry fees: There is no entry fee to visit Seven Sisters Falls.
5.Dainthlen Falls:
Why it’s Famous:
- Dainthlen Falls has become famous because of its incredible beauty. The sight is so stunning that it captures the attention and admiration of everyone who visits. People from different places come to witness the natural wonder of Dainthlen Falls, making it a well-known destination.
- Distance: Dainthlen Falls is located approximately 5 kilometers (about 3.1 miles) from the main town of Cherrapunji.
- How to travel: To reach Dainthlen Falls from Cherrapunji town, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus. The falls are easily accessible by road, and the journey takes around 10-15 minutes.
- Entry fees: There is no entry fee to visit Dainthlen Falls.
6.Thangkharang Park:
Why it’s Famous:
- Thangkharang Park is famous because it has amazing views of nature, showing off beautiful landscapes and a variety of plants and animals.The main attraction is the stunning outlook it offers of the Bangladesh plains and the plains of the Indian state of Meghalaya.
- Distance: Thangkharang Park is located approximately 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) from the main town of Cherrapunji.
- How to travel: To reach Thangkharang Park from Cherrapunji town, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus. The park is accessible by road, and the journey takes around 30-45 minutes.
- Entry fees:
| Entry for | Ticket Cost |
| Adult | Rs 10/ Person |
| Child (under 12 years) | Rs 5/ Person |
| Students (Under 12 years) | Rs 5/ Person |
| Disabled Person and Attendant | Rs 5/ Person |
| Still Camera or Digital Camera | Rs 20/- per day |
| Video Camera Amateur (Handy Cam) | Rs 20/- per day |
| Video Camera (Non- Commercial) | Rs 200/- per day |
| Advertisement Shooting | Rs 2000/- per day |
| Film Shooting Camera | Rs 2000/- per day |
7.Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint:
Why it’s Famous:
- This place is famous because it’s like a painting coming to life. Imagine seeing green valleys, a river that twists and turns, and beautiful scenes that make you go “wow!” It’s not just famous for being pretty; it’s also a favorite for people who love taking pictures. Photographers find it hard to resist because every angle is like a postcard picture.
- Distance: Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint is located approximately 16 kilometers (about 9.9 miles) from the main town of Cherrapunji.
- How to travel: To reach Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint from Cherrapunji town, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus. The viewpoint is accessible by road, and the journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Entry fees: Rs-50 per person.
Mawkdok Dympep Valley Ziplining
| S.No | Details | |
| 1 | Total No.Of Lines | 4 |
| 3 | Total Cost per person | Rs.400 |
| 4 | Duration | 15 mins |
| 5 | Line Size | Medium and Big |
| 6 | Trainers accompanying Tourist | 1 |
8.Kynrem Falls:
Why it’s Famous:
- Kynrem Falls is well-known because it’s a really tall and stunning waterfall, ranking as the seventh highest in India. Its beauty, surrounded by lots of greenery, attracts many people who love nature.
- Distance: Kynrem Falls is located approximately 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) from the main town of Cherrapunji.
- How to travel: To reach Kynrem Falls from Cherrapunji town, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus. The falls are accessible by road, and the journey takes around 30-45 minutes.
- Entry fees: 10 INR per person.
9.Rainbow Falls:
Why it’s Famous:
- Rainbow Falls is famous because of its stunning natural beauty. The waterfall got its name because of the colorful rainbows that often appear in the mist created by the cascading water.
- Distance: Rainbow Falls is located approximately 15 kilometers (about 9.3 miles) from the main town of Cherrapunji.
- How to travel: To reach Rainbow Falls from Cherrapunji town, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus. The falls are accessible by road, and the journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Entry fees: Rs. 20 for Person & Rs. 200 for Guide.
10.Wei Sawdong Waterfalls:
Why it’s Famous:
- Wei Sawdong Waterfalls is famous because it’s like a hidden treasure in nature.Simply put, Wei Sawdong is famous for being an amazing, quiet, and beautiful place in nature that not everyone knows about.
- Distance: Wei Sawdong Waterfalls is located approximately 18 kilometers (about 11.2 miles) from the main town of Cherrapunji.
- How to travel: To reach Wei Sawdong Waterfalls from Cherrapunji town, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus. The waterfalls are accessible by road, and the journey takes around 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
- Entry fees: Rs 15 per person.
6.FAQs about Cherrapunji.
Q1.What is so special about Cherrapunji?
Ans. Cherrapunji is special for its extraordinary rainfall, lush landscapes, and stunning waterfalls. Its unique geography and monsoon patterns create a captivating environment. You are amazed by its natural beauty, including living root bridges and green valleys, making it a must-visit destination for both nature lovers and those looking for adventure.
Q2.Why is Cherrapunji so wet?
Ans. Cherrapunji gets so much rain because it’s in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya where winds from the Bay of Bengal bring lots of moisture. The hills there make the clouds release rain. This happens a lot during the monsoon season, making Cherrapunji one of the wettest places on Earth.
Q3.Which fruit is famous in Cherrapunji?
Ans. Oranges are famous in Cherrapunji because they’re so delicious and juicy. People love them because they taste so good and you can find lots of them growing in Cherrapunji.
Q4.What should I wear in Cherrapunji?
Ans. Wear light, loose clothing in Cherrapunji, as the weather can be warm and humid. Bring along waterproof gear like a raincoat or umbrella because sudden showers are common. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the hilly terrain, and don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses for protection from the sun.
Q5.How many days are enough for Cherrapunji?
Ans. Two to three days are usually enough to see the best parts of Cherrapunji. You can visit waterfalls, walk on the living root bridges, and enjoy the green scenery. But if you want to take your time or see everything, you might want to stay longer.
Q6.Is it safe to stay in Cherrapunji?
Ans. Yes, it is generally safe to stay in Cherrapunji. The local community is welcoming and friendly towards tourists. However, it’s always advisable to take common safety precautions, such as take care of your belongings and following any local guidelines or advice provided by accommodations or tour operators.
Q7.What is the problem with Cherrapunji?
Ans. Cherrapunji is a beautiful place, but it faces problems like soil erosion and deforestation. The heavy rain can wash away the land easily, and building too much hurts the environment. So, as a traveler, it’s important to be mindful of nature and help protect Cherrapunji’s beauty.
Q8.Which month is best for Cherrapunji?
Ans. The best time to visit Cherrapunji is from October to May when there’s less rain. During these months, the weather is nicer, and you can enjoy exploring without getting too wet. It’s a good time to see the waterfalls and go for walks without worrying about heavy rainfall.
Q9.How do I travel to Cherrapunji?
Ans. To travel to Cherrapunji, you can first reach the nearby city of Shillong, which has good road connectivity. From Shillong, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Cherrapunji, which is about 60 kilometers away. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on road conditions.
Q10.What is the entry fee for Cherrapunji?
Ans. There are usually no entry fees for most natural attractions in Cherrapunji. You can explore places like the waterfalls, living root bridges, and caves without paying any admission fees. However, there might be nominal charges for parking or guided tours at certain sites, so it’s advisable to carry some cash.
Q11.What can I buy in Cherrapunji?
Ans. In Cherrapunji, you can buy local handicrafts like bamboo products, traditional Khasi shawls, and handmade textiles. Other popular items include organic spices, honey, and locally grown fruits like oranges and pineapples. Additionally, you can find souvenirs made from natural materials such as bamboo and cane.