9 Best Places to Visit in Shillong and Cherrapunji: Waterfalls, Living Root Bridges, and Cloud Valleys

Meghalaya, the 'Abode of Clouds', presents one of India's most enchanting highland landscapes, stretching from the pine-covered hills of Shillong to the dramatic tablelands and rainforest gorges of Cherrapunji (known locally as Sohra). As you travel from the cosmopolitan capital down to the edge of the southern Khasi cliffs overlooking the Bangladesh plains, you encounter a pristine world of emerald lakes, thundering plunge waterfalls, limestone caverns, and centuries-old bio-engineering marvels. If you are preparing your journey to the state capital, our guide on how to reach Shillong from Guwahati airport and station covers shared sumos, private cabs, and scenic highway pitstops.

Cherrapunji historically holds world records for the highest annual rainfall on earth, feeding hundreds of waterfalls that carve deep canyons through the limestone and sandstone plateau. Combining the colonial charm and pine woods of Shillong with the raw, untamed wilderness of Sohra creates an unforgettable holiday circuit. Here is the definitive guide to the 9 best places to visit across Shillong and Cherrapunji.

1. Nohkalikai Falls: India's Tallest Plunge Waterfall

Plunging an astonishing 340 meters (1,115 feet) straight off the sheer cliff edge of the Sohra plateau, Nohkalikai Falls is India's tallest unsegmented waterfall. The water crashes into an amphitheater of black basalt rock, forming an ethereal turquoise-green natural plunge pool that retains its vibrant coloration even during winter months.

A viewpoint complex provides multiple viewing platforms along the rim of the canyon. On clear mornings, you can gaze across the canyon toward the lush hills of Bangladesh in the far horizon. A small trail leads from the plateau edge through grassland patches to the upper stream feeding the waterfall, offering bird's-eye perspectives for seasoned hikers.

2. Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Jingkieng Nongriat)

Hidden deep in the lush tropical rainforest gorge below Cherrapunji lies the world-famous Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Engineered over generations by the indigenous Khasi villagers using the living aerial roots of Ficus elastica (Indian rubber tree), these natural bridges grow stronger with time as the root networks intertwine and fuse across roaring river torrents.

Reaching Nongriat village requires descending approximately 3,500 stone steps starting from Tyrna village, crossing two swaying iron wire suspension bridges along the way. To fully prepare for the physical ascent and find local homestay options, read our detailed guide to living root bridge trekking in Nongriat Meghalaya. Beyond the double decker bridge, hikers can trek another 90 minutes upstream to the magical Rainbow Falls, where sunlight creates vivid daytime halos in the mist.

3. Umiam Lake (Barapani)

Spread over 220 square kilometers of tranquil water just 15 kilometers north of Shillong, Umiam Lake—affectionately called Barapani—is a massive reservoir formed by damming the Umiam River in the early 1960s. Encircled by rolling hills of Khasi pine (Pinus kesiya), the lake is the first breathtaking landmark greeting travelers arriving from Guwahati.

The Umiam Water Sports Complex at Lum Nehru Park offers speedboat rides, kayaking, water scooters, and pedal boats. For landscape photographers and couples, sunrise over the misty waters of Barapani offers a peaceful atmosphere reminiscent of Scottish lochs.

4. Laitlum Canyons: The Edge of the World

Perched along the high ridges of the East Khasi Hills near Smit village (roughly 22 kilometers from Shillong), Laitlum literally translates to 'End of Hills'. This spectacular natural rim drops precipitously over 2,000 feet into deep gorges carved by mountain streams, revealing tiny tribal hamlets such as Rasong nestled on the canyon floor.

A historic stairway of approximately 3,000 rough stone steps connects Rasong village to the canyon rim, used daily by villagers carrying bamboo baskets of broom-grass and betel nut. Laitlum remains blissfully uncommercialized, offering sweeping 270-degree panoramas of endless green valleys, drifting fog banks, and dramatic canyon cliffs.

5. Mawsmai Cave and Arwah Cave: Ancient Limestone Wonders

Meghalaya is home to some of the longest and deepest cave systems in South Asia. In Cherrapunji, Mawsmai Cave is an illuminated limestone cavern that allows visitors to walk through a 150-meter subterranean chamber filled with ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and calcite pillars without requiring professional caving equipment.

A few kilometers away lies Arwah Cave, tucked inside the Lawshynna forest. Arwah is far larger and less crowded, famous for its preserved marine fossils embedded in limestone walls dating back millions of years to the Eocene epoch. Caving enthusiasts looking for deeper adventures can consult our complete guide on Meghalaya caving across Krem Puri, Mawsmai, and Arwah.

6. Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls)

Also known as Nohsngithiang Falls or Mawsmai Falls, this iconic seven-segmented waterfall plunges 315 meters (1,033 feet) down the sheer limestone cliffs of the Khasi Hills. The seven streams symbolize the seven sister states of Northeast India. When the sun sets in the west, the rays illuminate the cascading water columns in brilliant golden and crimson shades against the dark rock backdrop.

The viewpoint is easily accessible right along the main road near Eco Park in Sohra. Eco Park itself features beautiful botanical gardens displaying rare indigenous orchids, pitcher plants (Nepenthes khasiana), and viewing decks perched over the edge of the southern canyon.

7. Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak

Located 12 kilometers on the outskirts of Shillong near Upper Shillong Air Force Station, Elephant Falls is a magnificent three-tiered cascade nestled in dense green ferns and moss-draped boulders. The British named it after a massive rock near the falls that resembled an elephant, which was later destroyed by an earthquake in 1897.

Nearby, Shillong Peak sits at an altitude of 1,965 meters (6,447 feet), representing the highest point in the state capital. The viewpoint offers panoramic aerial views over the entire Shillong urban sprawl, surrounding pine forests, and distant cloud formations. For more local heritage spots and bustling bazaars, explore our guide to the top things to do in Shillong.

8. Ward’s Lake and Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians

Right in the heart of Shillong city lies Ward's Lake (known locally as Pollock's Lake), a horseshoe-shaped artificial lake built over a century ago during the British Raj by Sir William Ward. The lake is spanned by a picturesque white wooden bridge and surrounded by manicured flower gardens, cobblestone walking trails, and cherry blossom trees that bloom into soft pink canopies every November.

A short distance away stands the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians in Laitumkhrah. Built with high arches, stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes, and an earthquake-resistant sand-and-rock foundation, it is one of the most prominent landmark churches in Northeast India.

9. Dainthlen Falls and Wei Sawdong Three-Tiered Falls

Just off the main route into Cherrapunji lies Dainthlen Falls, steeped in Khasi mythology regarding the slaying of a gigantic serpent named Thlen. The river flows across wide, flat bedrock with natural potholes before plunging 80 meters over a curved precipice.

A short drive further down the same road brings you to the trek trailhead for Wei Sawdong, an extraordinary three-tiered emerald waterfall. Reached via a steep jungle trail with bamboo ladders, Wei Sawdong features three stepped turquoise plunge pools stacked atop one another like giant natural infinity pools. For more route planning across these waterfalls, check out our guide on top things to do in Cherrapunji and the comprehensive Sohra Cherrapunji waterfalls and caves guide.

Best Time to Visit Shillong and Cherrapunji

Monsoon (June to September): Waterfalls are at their absolute peak volume, the countryside is lush and vibrant, and the cloud drama is sensational. Ideal for waterfall enthusiasts, though heavy rainfall requires rainproof gear and flexible travel schedules.

Autumn and Winter (October to March): The weather is dry, crisp, and sunny with clear blue skies. Temperatures in Shillong range between 5°C and 18°C. This is the best season for trekking to Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge, caving, and exploring Laitlum Canyons.

Spring (April to May): Mild and pleasant temperatures, blooming orchids, and ideal conditions for outdoor day excursions across the Khasi plateau.

Practical Tips for Exploring Shillong & Cherrapunji

Allow at least 4 to 5 days to cover both destinations comfortably: 2 days based in Shillong and 2 to 3 days in Cherrapunji. Hire a reliable local taxi from Shillong or Guwahati for flexible transfers across remote viewpoints. Pack comfortable hiking shoes with sticky rubber soles, as mossy limestone rocks and wet stone staircases can be extremely slippery. Respect local Khasi customs, avoid littering in sacred groves (Law Kyntang), and carry sufficient cash since ATM connectivity can be erratic in remote valleys.