- Where
- Mawsmai village, about 6 km south of Sohra
- Altitude
- About 1,200 m
- Distance
- About 6 km from Sohra; 55–58 km from Shillong
- Timings
- About 9:30am–5:30pm; reported closed on Sundays
- Entry fee
- About ₹20 adults, ₹10 children, ₹20 camera (reports vary)
- Permit
- None
- Best time
- October–April
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes inside
Mawsmai Cave (Krem Mawsmai) is a limestone cave about 6 km from Cherrapunji, and the best-known cave in Meghalaya that is lit and set up for ordinary visitors. Meghalaya has some of the longest cave systems in South Asia; Mawsmai is the easy introduction.
What it's like inside
The show section is about 150 metres long (some visitors estimate more). You enter through a wide mouth and follow a one-way path past stalactites, stalagmites and fossil-like shapes in the rock, then squeeze through a few low, narrow passages before coming out at a separate exit. Lights are fixed along the route. The floor is wet and uneven in places, and in one or two spots you'll need to stoop or turn sideways.
Is it safe? Who should skip it?
- Most people manage easily. It takes 20–45 minutes, with no technical climbing.
- Skip it if you're claustrophobic; the narrow section is short but tight, and the one-way route means you can't easily turn back when it's busy.
- Larger adults and people with knee problems may find the low sections uncomfortable.
How to reach Mawsmai Cave
The cave is about 6 km from Sohra, on the road to Seven Sisters Falls, which is just a few minutes away. Every Cherrapunji sightseeing day includes it. See our Shillong to Cherrapunji cab and Meghalaya tour packages.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Sohra (Cherrapunji) | about 5 km | 10–15 min |
| Shillong | about 55 km | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Guwahati Airport | about 170 km | 4–4.5 hrs |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
Tickets and timings
- Hours: about 9:30am to 5:30pm. Several sources say it is closed on Sundays.
- Fees: about ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children and ₹20 for a camera are most often reported; other sources quote different figures. Cash only.
- Guides are optional for the lit route.
Weather and best time
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17°C | 7°C | Dry |
| Feb | 18°C | 8°C | Dry |
| Mar | 21°C | 12°C | Light |
| Apr | 23°C | 15°C | Wet |
| May | 23°C | 17°C | Wet |
| Jun | 24°C | 19°C | Very wet |
| Jul | 24°C | 20°C | Very wet |
| Aug | 24°C | 20°C | Very wet |
| Sep | 24°C | 19°C | Wet |
| Oct | 23°C | 16°C | Light |
| Nov | 21°C | 11°C | Dry |
| Dec | 18°C | 8°C | Dry |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 1208 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
- October–April: dry, comfortable, best for the cave.
- May–September: water drips and pools inside, and sections can close after very heavy rain.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Wear shoes with grip, not sandals; the floor is slippery and there may be ankle-deep water.
- Go at opening time. By late morning tour groups form queues in the narrow section.
- Want a real cave? Meghalaya has much bigger systems, like Krem Chympe, but they need guides and caving gear. Our Krem Chympe guide and garden of caves guide have more.
Nearby
- Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang), a few minutes' drive away.
- Nohkalikai Falls, about 15 minutes from Sohra.
- Wei Sawdong Falls, about 30 minutes away.
Mawsmai Cave: questions travellers ask
What are Mawsmai Cave timings?
About 9:30am to 5:30pm. Several sources say it is closed on Sundays.
What is the entry fee for Mawsmai Cave?
About ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children, plus about ₹20 for a camera, though reports vary. Carry cash.
How long is Mawsmai Cave?
The visitor section is about 150 metres, taking 20–45 minutes.
Is Mawsmai Cave safe?
Yes for most people. It is lit with a fixed route, but a few sections are low and narrow.
Is Mawsmai Cave suitable for claustrophobic people?
Probably not. The tight section is short, but the route is one-way and can be crowded.
How far is Mawsmai Cave from Cherrapunji?
About 6 km, 10–15 minutes by car.
Can children go into Mawsmai Cave?
Yes. Children usually find it easier than adults, with supervision on wet rocks.
Sources
- TravelTriangle: Mawsmai Cave
- Outlook Traveller: Mawsmai Cave, Meghalaya's lit limestone passage
- Holidify: Mawsmai Cave
- Photo: Wann Majaw, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
