In North-East India, Meghalaya is one of the most visited regions. This is due to the sheer beauty of nature in this region. Until today, this region is one of the rare places to visit in the country.
Amidst numerous attractions in Meghalaya, we have listed the top 10 Tourist attractions in Meghalaya that you ought to visit.
1. Mawlynnong Village
This is tagged as the cleanest village in the continent. This is the place where you can find many rare wonders like Mawlynnong Waterfall, a live root bridge (not the famous double-decker bridge), wonder boulders and much more. Apart from these natural attractions, this region of Shillong is also famous for its beautiful culture. Do you love nature activities? This is the first place to visit in Meghalaya.
2. Laitlum Canyon
This is heaven for trekkers. If you love trekking, this should be on your bucket list. The terrain is difficult, and it suits only avid trekkers. Hire a guide and trek through the canyon. You can span the distance in 5 hours to enjoy the panoramic view of the entire Meghalaya from the summit. The best time to visit is sunrise or sunset. While on the route, you ought to take a trip to Lwai Falls. This is the wild part of Meghalaya, which is for avid adventure lovers.
3. Double Decker Living Bridge
Cherapunjee is the wettest region in the country. The region receives the highest rainfall in India. Cherapunji is also the home to the double-decker living Root Bridge. It is one of the most complex natural structures formed with gigantic roots of the ancient trees. This is one of the most visited natural attractions in the world. To visit this bridge, one needs to trek to Nongriat village. The trekking route is not an easy one. The route is slippery due to frequent rains, and the place will be filled with moss. Even trained trekkers should choose to walk with a cane to avoid injuries. Even though this is one of the most important attractions in Meghalaya.
4. Ialong Park
This is one of the best places to visit if you wish for a relaxed time during your vacation. This park is located 10 km away from Jowai. It was a hidden gem in the past. Today, number of people visiting this region has grown several times. This park has several trekking trails. Enjoy trekking, picnic, fishing and leisure strolling in the lush park. You can get a good view of the valley and the River Myndtu from the park.
Also Read : Things to Know about Jatayu Nature Park, Kerala
5. Balpakram National Park
This national park is located in Tura region. This is the place where one can enjoy nature, flora and fauna. The region is rich with forest, gorge, cliffs, rugged mountain paths and much more. This geographic diversity help to increase the beauty of your trekking experience. This is the best place for birdwatching. You can spot a few mammals here like red panda and others.
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6. Don Bosco Center For Indigenous Culture
Meghalaya is not just about nature. Culture is also an integral part of the region. Visit the center to explore the museum. The collections and artifacts in the museum explains the history and pride of the state and the six sister regions. There is a large library inside the complex, which is open to tourists to read. If you love adventure, choose skywalk to enjoy a majestic view of the city. Skywalk is not for those with light heart.
7. Umiam Lake
Located in Ri Bhoi district, this is one of the winter destinations of Meghalaya. From October to February, the lake will be lush with vegetation and the place will be very scenic. During the summer months, the water level will be very low; you can find small islands here and there in the lake region. After rainy season, the lake fills up with fresh water and the place become very scenic with vegetation. During winter, you can enjoy many water activities on this lake. The cost of the water activities are quite expensive. If you desire to find an economic activity, choose group rowing boat to enjoy the lake at sunset. It is one of the most romantic places in Meghalaya.
8. All Saints Church
The background and the church make this region worth a picture for a postcard. The area around the church becomes lush with fresh and dark grasses during winter, making it look like a well-maintained pasture. Walking around the church on the grass is a very good outdoor activity. The church is famous for its architectural beauty, woodwork, and others. This Anglian church is located in one of the hot spots of Meghalaya, and thus, it is easier to add this destination to your itinerary.
9. Mawsmai Cave
This place is suitable for cave explorers, sightseeing lovers, adventure lovers and nature lovers. The cave is dark and has narrow paths. Even during daytime, cave has its night. It is advised to remove your shoes and walk into the cave. The cave is large and has an eerie look that can add spookiness to your adventure. Carry an extra set of dress with you when you visit this destination. You might slip and get your dress messy. The one comforting truth is that the cave has one entry point and one exit point. Thus, you will not get lost inside the cave. You can spot many stalagmite and stalactites throughout the trip.
10. Mawthadraishan Peak
This is one of the landmarks of tourism in Meghalaya. A trip to the peak is a worthy activity. From the peak, you can spot Bangladesh in the south and the Himalayas next to it. On the east, you can spot the Khasi hills. The place is filled with lush vegetation and thick grasses. You can enjoy picnics, trekking, and nature sightseeing here. You can smell the fresh and clean air up in the peak.
This is not the end of Meghalaya. You can find numerous attractions, natural spots, cultural activities, and much more here. This is also the best place to find unique souvenirs. If you wish to travel to Meghalaya for your next vacation, learn about the climatic conditions and pack accordingly. Always carry your raingear with you.
