Cherrapunjee is located in the Indian state of Meghalaya. Situated at an altitude of about 4,267 feet above sea level, Cherrapunjee receives the highest rainfall in the world. Sohra is the local name of Cherrapunjee, the seat of Khasi literature and culture around Cherabazar. Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, Cherrapunjee boasts narrow mountain roads and deep gorges, playing hide and seek with the clouds on the mountains, one can get lost in this state of extraordinary beauty. Enjoying Asadha or Shravan rain here is a dream come true for any travel lover.
Cherrapunjee Sightseeing
Cherrapunjeein Meghalaya, India has several places to visit. On the way to every place, you will encounter many charming fountains and mountain slopes.
- Cherrapunjee Village: Here, there are various hill settlements and orange groves. You will witness the kingdom of clouds rising over the mountain, along with limestone caves.
- Moosinram: It receives the maximum rainfall, with an annual rainfall of about 2300 mm. There is a natural cave called Kremmaojumbui, Jabrem, Khreng Khreng Rock, and Ritmangsi View Point.
- Stalag Madhai Stone Shiv Linga: This is an amazing forested ancient cave, the length, and depth of which are still unknown. There are several monolithic pillared arches at the entrance.
- Double Decker Route Bridge: Here, you have to climb up 2,500 feet by stairs and come down in the afternoon. On foot, you will see forests, fountains, rivers, and a beautiful living root bridge over the river. Here, you can wash away the tiredness of the journey by bathing in the fountain.
- Nohkalikai Falls: It is the second-highest waterfall in Asia, taking a very beautiful form during monsoon. There are opportunities for trekking, but it’s only allowed for a few winter months.
- Ramakrishna Mission: There are schools, temples, and museums here. Ramakrishna Mission houses an ethnological museum as well.
- Mosmai Cave: This cave is reputed to have a ghostly environment. Many people say that you can go to Bangladesh through the tunnel of this cave.
- Mosmai Falls: Mosmai Falls is a special attraction of Cherrapunjee, located about 6 km from Cherrapunjee Bazar. This waterfall is the 4th highest waterfall in the world.
- Mockdok View Point: Climb up the stairs and you will see the undulating form of the hill.
- Thangkharang Park: A park surrounded by greenery and frost.
- Kalikai Falls: Various kinds of orchids and a fair of colorful butterflies make the surroundings of this waterfall more attractive. If you go here, you will get lost in the immense beauty of nature.
Apart from these, there are some other places of interest like Rainbow Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Eco Park, Arwa Cave, and Kharma Stone.
The best time to visit Cherrapunjee
The real beauty of Cherrapunjee is beautifully captured on a rainy day, as at this time all springs are full of water. So, the monsoon season is the perfect time to visit Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya. June-August is the best time to visit Cherrapunjee. Apart from this, you can go anytime from May to October. During the winter (November to February), Cherrapunjee gets very cold, hence it is the off-season for tourists, with temperatures ranging from 5-15 degrees. Even though the springs are dry, Cherrapunjee has a different beauty in winter. So, you can visit Cherrapunji by choosing the right time.
How to reach Cherrapunjee
You can reach Guwahati from anywhere in India. Hire a taxi from Guwahati Airport or Railway Station to Cherrapunjee.
Where will you stay
There are several resorts to stay in Cherrapunjee, with rents varying according to the season.
- Cherrapunji Holiday Resort: Cherrapunji Holiday Resort is 14 km away from Cherrapunji. The room rates here start from Rs 3,200 to Rs 3,850. One advantage is that the cost includes breakfast. However, if you rent a room for four people, the rate can be lower; the room rent for four people is Rs. 2000.
- Pala Resort: Rooms here start from Rs 3,850 to Rs 4,950.
- Cafe Cherrapunji: There are two types of accommodation here, in tents and cottages. Tent rent is Rs 1000-2842 and cottage rent is Rs 3,500-4,500.
Apart from these, there are some good accommodation options like Kutumadan Resort, Polo Orchid Resort, Green Valley Restaurant and Accommodation, Halali Restaurant cum Lodge, D-Cloud Guest House, and La Cooper Inn.
If you want to stay at a lower cost, Sohra Plaza Resorts in Sohra Market is also a good option. Additionally, one can stay in Naingriyat village, where homestay is available; room rent for four people ranges between 1000-1500 rupees. Ramakrishna also has guest houses and American missions for accommodation. You can stay in a double room between 800 and 4,000 rupees in Police Bazar, Shillong. Alternatively, you can contact Ramakrishna Guest House or American Mission.
What to eat
Don’t forget to try the local delicacies Jado Stem Chicken and Chicken Neyong at the holiday resort. Apart from this, chicken momos, egg rolls, and vegetable noodles are popular among street food. Cherrapunji has a number of foodie hotels to cater to your taste buds.
Shopping In Cherrapunjee
The police market is good for shopping, where you can buy clothes, shoes, bamboo products, and chocolates. Oranges, honey, and cinnamon can be found in Sohra Bazar. You can buy pure honey and various kinds of spices near the Nukaikali Falls. Cherrapunji is better for buying food items and any hobby or home decoration showpiece.
Cherrapunji travel expenses
To visit Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mausinram, Nartiang, and Maolinong easily and at a low cost, you can join the tours organized by the Meghalaya Tourism Department. The tour starts from the Tourist Information Center on Jail Road, Police Bazar. However, if there are 8 to 10 people in your group, you can visit the tourist places by renting a Tatasumo. There is no need to get confused about the taxi fare, as the police will know the fare amount by looking at the list at the taxi stand in the market.
Cherrapunji Travel Tips
Before going to Cherrapunji, some extra preparations are required. Along with packing your bags, you have to make some additional preparations for this tour. Things to keep in mind are:
- Cherrapunji is very crowded during the Puja and Christmas holidays, and it is difficult to get a seat in the hotel. So, it is better to avoid these two holidays and go at some other time.
- Choose clothes that are comfortable and take up less space in your bag when traveling, and take light winter clothes.
- Carry traveling or trekking shoes with a good grip for climbing hills.
- As the real beauty of Cherrapunji can be seen on rainy days, definitely carry a raincoat and umbrella.
- To get to Cherrapunji’s double-decker root bridge, one has to climb and descend about 2,500 feet of stairs. So be sure about your physical ability, go in the morning, and come back in the afternoon.
- All the fountains in Cherrapunji are covered with clouds most of the day, so you can ignore the rush of the driver and wait for a while to see the full form of the fountain.
- All the shops here are closed on Sundays.
- There may be internet problems, so if you download offline maps in advance, it will be convenient to go to different places just using GPS.
- It will be convenient to go to different places if you take a guide with you.
- When buying from the sidewalk, bargain for cheaper prices.
- (This is for Muslims) Be careful while eating street food because there are many dishes cooked with pork meat, so listen carefully, know the ingredients, and then order the food.
Some more things to keep in mind while traveling
- It is better to keep an extra battery and power bank with you.
- Don’t forget to bring your own separate camera or a good camera phone to capture the memories in the frame.
- Keep a first aid box handy at all times.
Some essential phone numbers
- Shillong City Police Headquarters: 91-364-2224400/91-364-2224100.
- For information about Cherrapunji, contact – the Meghalaya Tourism Department, Phone: 91-364-226220.
- Apart from this, detailed information can also be obtained by calling the Indian Tourism Department, Phone: 91-364-225632.
