Cherrapunji

Why To Go

Welcome to Cherrapunji, the second wettest place in the world and a hill station in the state of Meghalaya. It still holds the all time record for the highest recorded rainfall not only in a calendar month but also in a year.

The hills and valleys around the place are quite beautiful and offer a picturesque landscape to the tourists. Due to the abundance of rain, the hill side is covered with a dense vegetation cover and is a treat to anyone who is tired of seeing the grey cityscape. The place is located at a height of around 1500 m from the sea level. While Cherrapunji is the commonly used name, the historical name Sohra is coming into usage more and more of late.

Located just 50 km away from Shillong, Cherrapunji is famous for the double-decker living root bridge. Cherrapunji has a mild subtropical highland climate, with monsoonal influences which makes the town rich in flora. The wonderful widespread views of valleys and waterfalls are a treat to one’s eyes.

Cherapunji receives both the southwest and northwest monsoonal winds, giving it a single monsoon season. It lies on the windward side of the Khasi Hills.

In the winter months it receives the northeast monsoon showers that travel down the Brahmaputra valley. Perhaps it is the only place in India which has monsoon as the only season.

Travel Tips

Rainfall in Cherrapunji occurs all throughout the year and varies from light to heavy but there’s hardly a month without rainfall. Hence, the best time to visit the place is during winter, which is cold but pleasant. The days may be without rain or little rain and is thus the perfect time to visit the place and explore the region is between October and February. But don’t forget to carry umbrellas, raincoat and other rain protective gears.

Things To Do

There are plenty of places to visit around Cherrapunji. While the place itself has a beautiful terrain, there are a number of places that you can make a trip to while visiting Cherrapunji. The village of Mawsynram is quite nearby, which is the wettest place on earth. It is a well-known tourist spot and is famous for the shivalingam shaped stalagmite formation. The cave where the stalagmites are formed is a popular tourist location. Tyrna village is another nearby village you should pay a visit to. Located in the forest of Meghalaya, the Double Decker Root Bridge is a root bridge made using Indian Rubber tree. With 3 km long and at a height of 2400 feet, the bridge is well known for its large size. Nokrek National Park is around 45 km from Cherrapunji. It is well known for its collection of orchids and elephants. Krem Mawmluh Cave is at around half a kilometer from Cherrapunji. The cave is the fourth longest cave in the entire Indian subcontinent and attracts a large number of tourists. Thangkharang Park is another park in the vicinity of Cherrapunji. The park is under the control of forest authority. In there you can see the famous Khoh Ramhah rock, which is in the shape of a basket. Eco Park is a recently opened park which houses a large variety of orchids. Savour your taste buds with the rich local cuisine, refreshing and zesty and would certainly indulge in it. Pork momos and Jadoh are the must try outs.

Getting Around

The town of Cherrapunji is quite well developed and getting around is fairly easy. The public transport system is quite good. There are plenty of buses. You can also move about by renting a car. Car renting services are fairly numerous and come at a reasonable price. It is best to first reach either Shillong(60 km) or Guwahati(150 km) and then start for Cherrapunji. Shillong airport is the closest. Taxis from Shillong are easily available. If you plan to go by train, the Guwahati station is the closest. Helicopter services are available from Guwahati to Shillong – a thrilling experience in itself. Bus service is quite active and good between Shillong and Cherrapunji.

How To Reach

FLIGHT

The nearest airport is at Shillong, 60 km from Cherrapunji. Hired taxis are easily available to reach Cherrapunji. Alternatively, you may take a flight to Guwahati (which is around 150 km from the hill station), the airport at Guwahati and take a taxi from there to reach Cherrapunji.

TRAIN

The nearest important railway station is at Guwahati in Assam. From the station, Cherrapunji is a few hours’ drive. The distance can be covered by bus or taxi. The station at Guwahati is well connected to the other parts of the country.

ROAD

This is the best way to travel if you are going to Cherrapunji. The roads are well developed and connected to the other cities in the north-eastern part of the country. There are plenty of buses which leave daily for Cherrapunji. You can also take a cab or a rented car to reach Cherrapunji from any of the major towns around. Taxi services can be availed of from cities like Guwahati, Agartala, and Dimapur, and Shillong.

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Surrounding Attractions

If you are planning a trip to Cherrapunji, there are a number of places that you can visit. Dainthlen Waterfalls is the perfect place for a short drive. The place is known for its scenic beauty. Rangjyrthej is a village that falls on the way and is well worth visiting. Khasi Monoliths are important memorials that were built by the indigenous population. You may also go and explore Krem Phyllut Cave. This long cave has three entrances and is one of the tourist attractions of the place. Also, just an hour drive away lies the state capital of Meghalaya, Shillong, blending the scenic beauty with modern day facilities. Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Its height is 1115 feet. The waterfall is located near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth. Seven Sisters Falls, is dramatic waterfalls, some of the highest in India, over limestone cliffs in a picturesque setting. The Kynrem Falls is located 12 kilometres from Cherrapunji in East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is situated inside the Thangkharang Park. It is the 7th highest waterfalls in India. The Kynrem Falls is a three-tiered waterfalls.

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Cherrapunji

Brief

Travel Tips

Things To Do

Getting Arround

How to Reach

Surrounding Attraction

Hotel

Travel Agent

Why To Go

Travel Tips

Things To Do

Getting Around