31 Places to Visit in Meghalaya (2026): Tourist Spots, Timings & Entry Fees
Meghalaya is waterfalls, living root bridges and clear rivers, spread across three hill regions. Most trips base in Shillong and Cherrapunji (Sohra), with a day for Dawki's glass-clear Umngot river and Mawlynnong village. Further out, the Jaintia Hills have Krang Suri falls and the Nartiang monoliths, and the Garo Hills have Wari Chora's canyon.
1.Nohkalikai Falls
Cherrapunji (Sohra), East Khasi Hills
Nohkalikai is India's tallest plunge waterfall, dropping about 340 m into a green pool near Cherrapunji. It's at its fullest from June to September.
- Timings
- Roughly 8–9am to 5pm
- Entry fee
- Small fee, reported as ₹20–50, plus a camera charge
- Distance
- About 7 km from Sohra, 53 km from Shillong
- Time needed
- 45 minutes–1 hour
- Best time
- June–September for the most water; October–November for clear views
2.Double-Decker Living Root Bridge
Nongriat village, below Tyrna
The double-decker root bridge at Nongriat is two bridges of living rubber-tree roots, one above the other, reached by a steep trek of about 3,000 steps from Tyrna.
- Timings
- Daylight; start the trek by 8–9am
- Entry fee
- Small fee, reported as ₹20–100, plus camera charges
- Distance
- Trek starts at Tyrna, about 11 km (30 minutes) from Sohra
- Time needed
- 5–7 hours return, or stay a night in Nongriat
- Best time
- October–March for dry steps
Double-Decker Living Root Bridge: full guide, how to reach and tips →
3.Dawki and the Umngot River
Dawki, West Jaintia Hills, on the Bangladesh border
The Umngot river at Dawki is famous for water so clear that boats seem to float in air. Here is when it is actually clear, what boating costs, Dawki vs Shnongpdeng, and what happened to the river in 2025.
- Timings
- Boating roughly 8am–4pm
- Entry fee
- Boat about ₹700–1,500 per boat in recent seasons; some 2026 reports higher
- Distance
- About 80 km from Shillong, 2–2.5 hours
- Time needed
- Half a day; overnight at Shnongpdeng
- Best time
- November–March for clear water
Dawki and the Umngot River: full guide, how to reach and tips →
4.Mawlynnong Village
Pynursla block, East Khasi Hills
Mawlynnong, called Asia's cleanest village since 2003, is a Khasi village of bamboo bins, flower-lined paths and a living root bridge near the Bangladesh border. Since January 2026 it is closed to day visitors on Sundays.
- Timings
- Daylight hours, Monday–Saturday; closed to day visitors on Sundays since January 2026
- Entry fee
- Parking about ₹200 per vehicle; Sky View about ₹10; root bridge about ₹20 (reported)
- Distance
- About 75–90 km from Shillong, 2–2.5 hours
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Best time
- October–April
5.Laitlum Canyons
East Khasi Hills, about 25 km from Shillong
Laitlum, 'the end of the hills', is a clifftop above deep green gorges about 25 km from Shillong. It's best at sunrise or sunset, and a steep stairway leads down to Rasong village.
- Timings
- Daylight; best at sunrise or sunset
- Entry fee
- Free or a small local fee (reports vary)
- Distance
- About 22–25 km from Shillong, 45 minutes–1 hour
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours; a full day to walk down to Rasong
- Best time
- October–April
6.Umiam Lake (Barapani)
Ri-Bhoi, 15 km before Shillong
Umiam Lake, or Barapani, is a large reservoir among pine hills on the Guwahati–Shillong road, 15 km before Shillong, with boating and water sports.
- Timings
- Viewpoints any time; water sports about 9am–5pm
- Entry fee
- Viewpoints free; water sports priced per ride
- Distance
- About 15–20 km from Shillong; 85 km from Guwahati
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Best time
- October–April
7.Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang)
Mawsmai, about 5 km from Sohra
Nohsngithiang, the Seven Sisters Falls, drops 315 metres off the limestone cliffs south of Cherrapunji in up to seven streams. Here's when all seven actually flow, the sunset view and how to see it with Mawsmai Cave.
- Timings
- Daylight; best late afternoon
- Entry fee
- Small fee or none reported
- Distance
- About 5 km from Sohra, 55 km from Shillong
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Best time
- June–October for all seven streams
Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang): full guide, how to reach and tips →
8.Elephant Falls
Upper Shillong, 12 km from the city
Elephant Falls is a three-tier waterfall in the forest 12 km from Shillong, reached by a short flight of steps. It's on almost every Shillong sightseeing day.
- Timings
- Daytime; reported hours vary from 9am–5pm to 6am–6pm
- Entry fee
- ₹20 per person plus ₹20 for a camera (most reports)
- Distance
- About 11–12 km from Shillong, 30 minutes
- Time needed
- 45 minutes–1 hour
- Best time
- June–October for the most water
9.Shillong Peak
Laitkor, on the edge of Shillong
Shillong Peak, at Laitkor, is the highest point around Shillong, with a viewpoint over the whole city inside an Indian Air Force area. Bring your ID; here's what to expect at the gate.
- Timings
- About 9am–3:30pm reported; some sources say closed Wednesdays
- Entry fee
- About ₹30–50 reported, plus parking
- Distance
- About 10–11 km from Police Bazar
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Best time
- October–March, mornings
10.Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai, about 6 km from Sohra
Mawsmai is a short, lit limestone cave near Cherrapunji: about 150 metres of stalactites, squeezes and low ceilings that anyone reasonably fit can walk through in half an hour.
- Timings
- About 9:30am–5:30pm; reported closed on Sundays
- Entry fee
- About ₹20 adults, ₹10 children, ₹20 camera (reports vary)
- Distance
- About 6 km from Sohra; 55–58 km from Shillong
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes inside
- Best time
- October–April
11.Krang Suri Falls
Amlarem, West Jaintia Hills
Krang Suri is a turquoise waterfall in the Jaintia Hills where you can swim (with a life jacket) and walk behind the falls. Here is the fee, the life-jacket rule, the drive from Jowai or Dawki and when the water is blue.
- Timings
- About 9am–5pm
- Entry fee
- About ₹50 per person; life jacket extra (about ₹100–200)
- Distance
- About 30 km from Jowai and 30 km from Dawki; 85 km from Shillong
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Best time
- October–April for blue water
12.Shnongpdeng
On the Umngot river, near Dawki
Shnongpdeng is a riverside village on the Umngot, about 8 km upstream from Dawki, with camping, boating, cliff jumping, kayaking and a zipline. It's where people go to spend a night by the clear water rather than just look at it.
- Timings
- Activities in daylight; camps overnight
- Entry fee
- Pay per activity
- Distance
- About 8 km from Dawki; 74 km from Shillong
- Time needed
- 1 night
- Best time
- November–March (clear water)
13.Arwah Cave
Sohra (Cherrapunji), East Khasi Hills
Arwah Cave near Cherrapunji is a limestone cave with marine fossils in its walls, reached by a forest path with views over the Sohra plateau. Entry fee, timings, the walk, what you'll see and how it compares with Mawsmai.
- Timings
- About 9 am–5 pm
- Entry fee
- Roughly ₹20–50 per adult; camera extra
- Distance
- About 3.5 km from Sohra bus stand; about 58 km from Shillong
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Best time
- October–May
14.Wei Sawdong Falls
Near Dainthlen, about 12 km from Sohra
Wei Sawdong is a three-tiered waterfall near Cherrapunji with square blue pools, reached by a steep 15–20 minute walk down bamboo and stone steps. Here is the fee, the trail and when to go.
- Timings
- Roughly 7am–5pm
- Entry fee
- About ₹50 per person; parking ₹20–50 (reported)
- Distance
- About 12 km from Sohra; 55–60 km from Shillong
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Best time
- October–March for safe paths; July–September for the fullest flow
15.Borhill Falls
Riwai–Dawki road, near Mawlynnong
Borhill Falls is a roadside waterfall on the Riwai–Dawki road near Mawlynnong, seen from a small bridge in front of the falls. A quick, free stop on a Dawki and Mawlynnong day, best after the monsoon.
- Timings
- Daylight
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- A short drive from Mawlynnong and Riwai; about 85 km from Shillong
- Time needed
- 15–20 minutes
- Best time
- June–October for the most water
16.Dainthlen Falls
Near Sohra (Cherrapunji), East Khasi Hills
Dainthlen Falls near Cherrapunji drops over a broad rock shelf tied to the Khasi legend of the serpent Thlen. The legend, entry, distance from Sohra and Shillong, safety at the edge and the best season.
- Timings
- Daylight hours
- Entry fee
- Free; small parking fee
- Distance
- About 5 km off the Shillong–Sohra road; about 11 km from Sohra town
- Time needed
- 45 minutes–1 hour
- Best time
- June–October for flow; October–November for safer rocks
17.Dawki Bridge and the India–Bangladesh Border
Dawki, West Jaintia Hills
Dawki's old suspension bridge spans the clear Umngot river a short distance from the India–Bangladesh border crossing, where you can look across into Bangladesh. What you can see, rules at the border and how to reach.
- Timings
- Daylight; the border crossing keeps official hours
- Entry fee
- Free to view the bridge and border area
- Distance
- About 80 km from Shillong, 2–2.5 hours
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Best time
- November–April, when the Umngot is clearest
Dawki Bridge and the India–Bangladesh Border: full guide, how to reach and tips →
18.Don Bosco Museum
Mawlai, Shillong
The Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures in Shillong is a seven-storey museum of Northeast India's tribes, with more than 17 galleries and a rooftop skywalk over the city. It's closed on Sundays.
- Timings
- Mon–Sat 9:30am–5:30pm (summer), 9:30am–4:30pm (winter); last entry an hour before
- Entry fee
- About ₹50–100 for Indians reported; confirm at the counter
- Distance
- About 3 km from Police Bazar
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Best time
- Any time; good on a rainy day
19.Kongthong (Whistling Village)
East Khasi Hills, between Sohra and Pynursla
Kongthong is Meghalaya's 'whistling village', where every child is given a tune by their mother as well as a name, and people call each other across the valley by melody. India nominated it for UN Tourism's Best Tourism Villages in 2021.
- Timings
- Day visit or overnight
- Entry fee
- Village fee may apply
- Distance
- About 53 km from Shillong
- Time needed
- 1 night
- Best time
- October–April
Kongthong (Whistling Village): full guide, how to reach and tips →
20.Krem Chympe
Near Khaddum, East Jaintia Hills
Krem Chympe is a cave in the East Jaintia Hills where a river pours out of the rock as a waterfall into a turquoise pool. Reaching it means a guided trek down from the road, and it's off-limits in the monsoon.
- Timings
- Daylight; start the walk by 9am
- Entry fee
- About ₹50 reported; guide charged separately
- Distance
- About 120–130 km from Shillong; 70 km from Jowai
- Time needed
- Full day from Jowai
- Best time
- November–March; avoid June–September
21.Kyllang Rock
Near Mairang, Eastern West Khasi Hills
Kyllang Rock is a huge granite dome rising out of the hills near Mairang, about 59 km from Shillong, tied to a Khasi legend of a battle between two hills. You can walk up it for views over the West Khasi Hills.
- Timings
- Daylight
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 59 km from Shillong; 14 km from Mairang
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Best time
- October–April
22.Lady Hydari Park
Shillong
Lady Hydari Park is a landscaped garden in central Shillong with a pond, Japanese-style gardens and a small deer and bird enclosure. Timings, the Monday closure, entry fee and what to expect.
- Timings
- About 8 am–5 pm (4:30 pm in winter); closed Mondays
- Entry fee
- Roughly ₹10–20 per adult; camera extra
- Distance
- About 1.5 km from Police Bazar
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Best time
- March–May for flowers; October–November
23.Lyngksiar Falls
East Khasi Hills, west of Sohra
Lyngksiar Falls is a tall, little-visited waterfall in the East Khasi Hills, reached by a short walk through a cave. Distance from Shillong and Cherrapunji, the walk, the best season and tips.
- Timings
- Daylight hours
- Entry fee
- Free or a small local fee
- Distance
- About 50–55 km from Shillong, 2 hours by road
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours with the walk
- Best time
- October–November, after the monsoon
24.Mawkdok Dympep Valley
Shillong–Sohra road, East Khasi Hills
Mawkdok Dympep is the deep green valley you see from the Shillong–Sohra road, with a viewpoint, a zipline across the gorge and morning mist. It's the classic first stop on the drive to Cherrapunji.
- Timings
- About 7am–6pm (Meghalaya Tourism)
- Entry fee
- Viewpoint free or nominal; zipline charged separately
- Distance
- About 24 km from Shillong; 30 km from Sohra
- Time needed
- 20–60 minutes
- Best time
- October and April for clear views
25.Mawlyngbna
Near Mawsynram, East Khasi Hills
Mawlyngbna is a village on the southern edge of the Khasi Hills known for fossil-studded rocks, the Um Khakoi lake where you can kayak, and the Mawlyngbna crevice walk. It's run as a community tourism village with its own homestay.
- Timings
- Daylight; activities through the village
- Entry fee
- Village activity charges vary
- Distance
- About 75–80 km from Shillong; 16 km from Mawsynram
- Time needed
- 1 night
- Best time
- October–April
26.Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Mawphlang, East Khasi Hills
Mawphlang's sacred grove is a patch of old Khasi forest protected for centuries by belief: nothing, not even a fallen leaf, may be taken out. Visits are on a guided walk with a local guide.
- Timings
- Daylight; guided walks only
- Entry fee
- Entry plus a local guide (about ₹30 entry reported; guide extra)
- Distance
- About 25 km from Shillong, 45 min–1 hour
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Best time
- October–May
Mawphlang Sacred Forest: full guide, how to reach and tips →
27.Nartiang Monoliths
Nartiang, West Jaintia Hills
Nartiang has the largest cluster of monoliths in Meghalaya, a garden of standing stones raised by the Jaintia kings, the tallest about 8 metres high. A 500-year-old Durga temple stands nearby.
- Timings
- Daylight
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 56–65 km from Shillong; 25 km from Jowai
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Best time
- October–April
28.Nongjrong Viewpoint
Mawkynrew block, East Khasi Hills
Nongjrong is a ridge-top village in the East Khasi Hills where, on the right winter morning, you look down on a sea of clouds filling the valley below. It's a pre-dawn drive from Shillong and worth every minute of lost sleep.
- Timings
- Arrive before sunrise; the clouds lift by about 8am
- Entry fee
- None reported
- Distance
- About 45–55 km from Shillong
- Time needed
- Half a day from Shillong
- Best time
- October–April, mornings after a clear night
29.Phe Phe Falls
Shkentalang, near Jowai, West Jaintia Hills
Phe Phe Falls drops into a turquoise pool in a forested gorge near Shkentalang village, about 20 km from Jowai. A short walk down from the road gets you there, and it's still quiet compared with the Sohra falls.
- Timings
- About 8am–5pm reported
- Entry fee
- About ₹50 reported
- Distance
- About 20 km from Jowai; 75–85 km from Shillong
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Best time
- October–April
30.Riwai Living Root Bridge
Riwai village, near Mawlynnong, East Khasi Hills
The single living root bridge at Riwai, next to Mawlynnong, is the easiest root bridge to reach in Meghalaya: a short walk down stone steps through forest to a stream. Entry fee, timings and how to combine it with Mawlynnong and Dawki.
- Timings
- Roughly 7 am to 5 pm
- Entry fee
- Small fee, reported as about ₹20–50 per person
- Distance
- About 2 km from Mawlynnong; about 80–90 km from Shillong
- Time needed
- 45 minutes–1 hour
- Best time
- October–May; the stream is fuller in the monsoon
Riwai Living Root Bridge: full guide, how to reach and tips →
31.Wari Chora
South Garo Hills, near Baghmara
Wari Chora is a narrow river canyon in the South Garo Hills where you glide by bamboo boat between sheer, fern-covered rock walls. It's a long way from Shillong, which is why it's still quiet. Here's how to get there, when, and what it costs.
- Timings
- Boats run in daylight; start the trek by 8–9am
- Entry fee
- Local entry and boat charges, paid to the village; varies
- Distance
- About 45 km from Baghmara; 230–250 km from Guwahati
- Time needed
- 2–3 days from Guwahati
- Best time
- November–March (clear water, low river)
Best time to visit Meghalaya
October to April is the main season: clear skies, comfortable days and the Umngot at its clearest from November to March. June to September is monsoon, when the waterfalls are at their biggest but roads and treks are slippery.
Meghalaya weather month by month →How to reach Meghalaya
Fly or take the train to Guwahati; Shillong is about 100 km (3 hours) by road, and Cherrapunji another 55 km. Shillong also has a small airport at Umroi with limited flights.
See Meghalaya with a local team
Private trips with a driver, hotels and permits arranged, built around the places above.
Meghalaya tour packages →Meghalaya: frequently asked questions
How many days are needed to see Meghalaya?+
Five to six days covers Shillong, Cherrapunji, the living root bridges, Dawki and Mawlynnong. Add two days for the Jaintia Hills or a slower pace.
What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?+
October to April for clear weather and sightseeing; June to September if you want the waterfalls at full flow and don't mind rain.
Do I need a permit to visit Meghalaya?+
No. Indian travellers don't need a permit. Foreign nationals also don't need one, but should carry their passport.
Which places should first-timers not miss?+
Nohkalikai Falls, the Double Decker living root bridge, Dawki's Umngot river, Mawlynnong and the Laitlum canyons.
More places to visit in Northeast India
- Places to visit in Darjeeling
- Places to visit in Sikkim
- Places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh
- Places to visit in Gangtok
- Places to visit in Assam
- Places to visit in Shillong
- Places to visit in Cherrapunji
- Places to visit in Tawang
- Places to visit in Pelling
- Places to visit in Guwahati
- Places to visit near Guwahati
- Places to visit in Northeast India
- Offbeat places to visit in Meghalaya
- Places to visit in Gangtok and Darjeeling
- Places to visit in North Sikkim
- Places to visit in South Sikkim
- Places to visit in Nagaland
- Places to visit in Kaziranga
- Places to visit in Dawki and Mawlynnong
- All Northeast India attractions