Cherrapunji: Best Attractions, Things to Do, and Sightseeing

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Cherrapunji is the Wettest place on Earth, that is no surprise, but amidst those thick rainforests and heavy showers are numerous known and unknown natural wonders just waiting to be discovered. And if you are concerned about the heavy Cherrapunji rainfall, then relax, the locals have survived there for centuries so that you will last a few days at least!!!

In addition to Cherrapunji there are numerous Romantic places in Northeast as well, so make sure you read the blog until the end as we have listed places that must feature on your Northeast Honeymoon Package.

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Why is Cherrapunji India the wettest place on Earth?

The reason for heavy rainfall in Cherrapunji is quite complex to understand, but essentially, it’s the monsoon clouds that form over the Bay of Bengal that flyover relatively flat terrains until they reach Cherrapunji.

However, once they reach Cherrapunji, they are faced with the steep slopes of the Khasi Hills and to make their way over them, they first need to dump most of their moisture. As a result of which, Cherrapunji receives heavy and frequent rainfall.

World Records Held by Cherrapunji India

Cherrapunji, the Wettest place on Earth holds many world records for the highest recorded rainfall in history. But, Cherrapunji Rainfall hasn’t always claimed the number one spot. In the year 1985, a neighbouring town of Mawsynram recorded a staggering rainfall of 26,000 millimetres, beating Cherrapunji at its own game.

The Indigenous People of Cherrapunji India

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The indigenous people of Cherrapunji are referred to as the Khasi. These Khasi tribes have been lived here for centuries and thrived despite the heavy Cherrapunji Rainfall.

After centuries of battling heavy rainfall, the Khasi have developed ingenious ways to turn an otherwise disastrous situation to their advantage. Once such technique is the growing of the living root bridges that take 10-15 years to develop but can last up to several centuries.

The Famous Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunji India

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These century-old bridges made from tangled old roots are not only synonymous with the Wettest place on Earth but are essential for the survivals of the locals.

The locals use several techniques to ensure that the roots of the trees grow in the desired. The roots are twisted, ties, pulled to merge with the existing bridges and over a period they create natural architectural structure aka Living Root Bridges.

Often scaffolding is made out of perishable material to create temporary structures that are used to train young roots to grow the right way and eventually to replace such structures.

Best Time to visit Cherrapunji

 Planning on booking your Cherrapunji package, make sure you keep in mind the best time to visit. Although it rains in Cherrapunji all day every day, some months of the year are worse and travelling during that time can be quite inconvenient.

• Summer (March-May): Best time to visit Cherrapunji as the region receives relatively low rainfall. Bear in mind that May is the wettest month of the year, so its best to leave before then.
• Monsoon (June-September): Heavy rainfalls coupled with low temperatures make this the most unfavourable time to visit Cherrapunji.
• Winter (November-February): If you can brave temperatures between 5- degree Celsius with occasional showers then winters is the excellent time to visit Cherrapunji.

The landscape is picturesque, and the sights are breathtakingly beautiful this time of the year.

The Journey from Shillong to Cherrapunji

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Shillong to Cherrapunji is a thrilling and scenic 1.5-hour drive. This is one of the most famous road trips not only in the region but India.

The roads from Shillong to Cherrapunji can be challenging to manoeuvre, but the scenic views, lush green landscapes and the ultimate destination make it all worth it.

If you are familiar with the region, then feel free to drive or else hire a cab. And if you are an adrenaline junkie, then you could also navigate the route on the bike. But keep in mind that the roads are not in the best conditions and you bets be prepared for any situation.

Luxurious Cherrapunji Resorts and Hotels

1. Resort Polo Orchid

As far as Cherrapunji Resorts go it doesn’t, it doesn’t get better than Polo Orchid Resort. Located just half a kilometre from the seven sister falls the resort offers stunning views of the Khasi hills and its surrounding valley.

• Average room rate per night on a twin sharing basis: INR 11,499/- onwards
• Trip Advisor Rating: 3.5/5

2. Kutmadan Resort

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Among the top-rated Cherrapunji Resorts, Kutmadan is an excellent budget accommodation with all modern amenities and strategically located near all major tourist hotspots.

• Average room rate per night on a twin sharing basis: INR 1780/- onwards
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5/5

3. Coniferous Resort

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Perhaps one of the most famous resorts in Cherrapunji, Coniferous resort has its in-house restaurant and all modern amenities and is reasonably priced. The resort sells out almost immediately so make sure you book in advance.

• Average room rate per night on a twin sharing basis: INR 1700/- Onwards
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4/5

4. Pala Resort

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There aren’t many great Hotels in Cherrapunji, but luxury resorts such as Pala Resort are a great substitute. This mid-range resort has a multicuisine restaurant and is just 100 meters away from the seven sisters falls.

• Average room rate per night on a twin sharing basis: INR 3600/- Onwards
• Trip Advisor Rating: 3.5/5

Tourist Places in Cherrapunji India

1. Double Decker: Living Root Bridge

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One of the natures most beautiful wonders are the living root bridges found in North East India. Hence a visit to the famous Double Decker bridge must feature on your list of Tourist places in Cherrapunji.

• Approx Distance from Cherrapunji: 12.8 km
• Approx Travel Time: 32 m
• How to get there: Cab, Self-Drive, Bus
• Ideal For: Anyone

2. Dainthlen Waterfalls

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Among the numerous Cherrapunji Attractions is the legendary Dainthlen Waterfalls. Legendary because the falls are adjacent to the spot where once a might python was slaughtered by the locals, who believed doing so would rid them of evil.

• Approx Distance from Cherrapunji: 10.9 km
• Approx Travel Time: 26 m
• How to get there: Cab, Self-Drive, Bus
• Ideal For: Anyone

3. Seven Sister Waterfalls

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Perhaps the most recognisable tourist attraction in Cherrapunji, the Seven Sisters falls is a symbolization of the seven North Easter State. The falls are spread across the Khasi Hills and offer stunning views of the valley and surrounding landscape.

• Approx Distance from Cherrapunji: 3.6 Km
• Approx Travel Time: 10 m
• How to get there: Cab, Self-Drive, Bus
• Ideal For: Anyone

Also Read: Ten fascinating places in North East

4.Rama Krishna Mission and Museum

Northeast is known for its rich tribal culture and traditions. Hence, you must visit the Rama Krishna Mission and Museum that has on display artefacts, handicrafts of the local people. The museum plays an integral part in restoring and promoting Cherrapunji Tourism.

• Approx Distance from Cherrapunji: 3.6 km
• Approx Travel Time: 10 m
• How to get there: Cab, Self-Drive, Bus
• Ideal For: Anyone

Things to do in Meghalaya

1. Nature Treks and walks

North East India is blessed with an abundance of nature and beautiful and diverse wildlife. Hence nature walks and trekking should be on top of everyone’s list of Things to do in Meghalaya, as they are the best way to explore what nature has to offer in the region.

You can trek to the famous living root bridges, scenic viewpoints, picturesque neighbouring villages, national parks etc. Treks can last from anywhere between few hours to a few days.

You can choose based on your interest and ability to tackle these reasonable arduous treks.

• Where: Double Decker Bridge, Umkar Root Bridge, Splashing park, Mawshamok via Lover’s road, trek to viewpoints in Nongwar Village, Pony Tail Trek to Laitkynswe Hill Portion etc
• Ideal Duration: Varies between 2-10 hours
• Ideal For: Anyone with reasonable physical fitness.

Also Read: Trekking In Ladakh – 10 Perfect Treks For Adventure Junkies

2. Camping in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

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North East India is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders and raw and untouched outdoor landscapes. There are many ways to explore the tremendous northeastern outdoors, but none compare to the likes of camping. There are many outdoor camping sites in Cherrapunji and other parts of Meghalaya.

At the camping sites, you can enjoy activities such as river canyoning and angling. You may need to carry your sleeping bags (in fact its recommended) and make sure you carry other things such as torches, batteries, warm clothes, raincoats, etc., so you are prepared for any situation.

• Where: Saimilka Park and Resort, Eco-Tourism Park, Maple Pine farm, Spring Valley Farm etc.
• Approximate Cost for one: INR 1200/-
• Ideal For: Anyone

Suggested Read: Camping Out: The Best Camping Destinations in India

Places to visit in Meghalaya

1. Laitlum Canyon

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One of Meghalaya’s unexplored yet picturesque tourist attraction is the beautiful and sublime hilltop called the Laitlum Canyon. Perched on top of the magnificent Khasi Hills, the views from here a simply breathtaking and the lush green valley, winding staircases, beautiful gorges have all the making for a perfect photo shoot.

Your list of Places to visit in Meghalaya merely is incomplete without the inclusion of this lesser known natural wonder which is ideally located for those who wish to indulge in some birdwatching as well embark on some thrilling treks.

Make sure you are up for some serious work out as you will need to scale a steep 3000 steps staircase before you arrive on top of this breath-taking hilltop. Although exhausting, the hike is defiantly worth it, you are bound to return mesmerised and awestruck.

• Approx Distance from Cherrapunji: 43.7 KM
• Approx Travel Time: 1h 27m
• Things to do: Nature Walks, Sightseeing, Photography, trekking, birdwatching,
• Ideal For: Anyone

2. Mawphlang Sacred Forest

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There are numerous sacred forests in and around the Khasi Hills in Meghalaya.  The forests have great significance in the Khasi culture and religious beliefs.

As the name suggests, there is one sacred rule that all must follow when visiting the forest and you take nothing from the forest upon existing the saved groves. The Mawphlang hold within itself some great treasures both explored and unexplored. The forest covers the ground of 192 acres and has been preserved by local Khasi Tribes for thousands of years.

Visiting the forest is a great honour and gives you a deep insight into the lives of these indigenous people. So, please be respectful and mindful of their feelings and sentiments. And don’t forget to include a visit here when you are browsing through the Meghalaya Tour Packages.

• Approx Distance from Cherrapunji: 46 km
• Approx Travel Time: 1h 23m
• Things to do: Cultural experience, wildlife spotting, nature photography etc.
• Ideal For: Anyone

Places to visit in Northeast

1. Shillong

Shillong is part of the seven sisters in North East India and can be described as a city surrounded by beautiful pine trees, mountain peaks and 360-degree panoramic views. Shillong also serves as a gateway to Cherrapunji. When browsing for North East Tour Packages don’t forget to look for once that include a visit to Shillong especially if you want to visit Cherrapunji.

In fact, the drive from Shillong to Cherrapunji although challenging due to the uneven terrain and steep mountainsides is quite exhilarating. There are numerous things to on Shillong. In addition to a host of outdoor activities, it’s a great place to learn about the northeastern culture and traditions. A visit to Shillong will leave you in awe of their way of life, respect for mother nature and you will return a more content, generous and conscious person.

• Approx Distance from Cherrapunji: 53.8 km
• Approx Travel Time: 1h 40m
• Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport
• Best time to visit: September to May
• Average Cost for Two: INR 10,000 onwards excluding airfare
• Things to do: Trekking, Camping, Sightseeing, Bird Watching, Photography, Cultural Experiences, Food Tours etc.

2. Guwahati

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Guwahati is the largest cosmopolitan city in the northeast often the starting point for most visitors of the region. Hence, it is almost possible to include this vibrant yet traditional city on your list of Places to visit in North East.

There is an endless list of places and attraction to explore in the city including a well-established cantonment area. And once you are done, you can head out to other cities such as Shillong, Cherrapunji etc.

• Approx Distance from Cherrapunji: 147 km
• Approx Travel Time: 4h 11m
• Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
• Best time to visit: October-March
• Average Cost for Two: INR 10,000 onwards excluding airfare
• Things to do: Trekking, Camping, Sightseeing, Bird Watching, Photography, Cultural Experiences, Food Tours etc.