Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji: The Land of Living Clouds and Ancient Roots

Destination Type: Nature | Waterfalls | Trekking | Offbeat Adventure | Eco Travel
Best Time to Visit:

• October to May – Clear skies, cool weather, trekking-friendly

• June to September – Monsoon magic with full-flowing waterfalls (expect mist & rain)
  Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days

🧭 3-Day Cherrapunji Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Waterfall Wonders

• Morning:

  • Arrive in Shillong or Guwahati, then drive to Cherrapunji (~2.5 hrs from Shillong).

  • Check into a scenic eco-lodge or homestay overlooking the valley.

    • Recommended: Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort, Polo Orchid Resort, or Saimika Resort

• Afternoon:

  • Visit Nohkalikai Falls – India’s tallest plunge waterfall with a stunning turquoise plunge pool.

  • Head to Dainthlen Falls, linked to Khasi legends, and perfect for panoramic sunset views.

• Evening:

  • Relax at your stay with local Khasi dinner and misty surroundings.

Day 2: Living Root Bridges & Caves Adventure

• Early Morning:

  • Start your trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village (~3,500 steps one way).

    • The trek takes 3–4 hours round-trip and passes natural pools, forest trails, and hanging bridges.

    • Optionally extend to the Rainbow Falls for more adventure.

• Afternoon:

  • Return and rest. Then visit:

    • Mawsmai Caves – easy-to-explore limestone cave system

    • Optional: Arwah Caves – larger and quieter, with ancient fossils and longer tunnels

• Evening:

  • Watch clouds roll into the valley at Eco Park or enjoy a quiet night with bonfire and folk music (available at some resorts).

Day 3: Scenic Points & Departure

• Morning:

  • Visit Thangkharang Park for clear views of the Bangladesh plains.

  • Stop by Seven Sisters Falls (also called Nohsngithiang Falls) – a fan-like formation of seven parallel waterfalls cascading down a cliff.

• Optional Detours (time permitting):

  • Wah Kaba Falls – a great picnic spot and monsoon favorite

  • Khasi Heritage Village at Mawphlang (if heading back via Shillong)

• Afternoon:

  • Drive back to Shillong or Guwahati for onward travel.

🌟 Highlights of Cherrapunji

• 🌧️ Nohkalikai & Seven Sisters Falls – iconic, dramatic waterfalls

• 🌱 Double Decker Root Bridge – a marvel of bioengineering and sustainable living

• 🕳️ Mawsmai & Arwah Caves – limestone cave networks with fossils and formations

• 🌄 Thangkharang & Eco Parks – stunning viewpoints, ideal for photography

• 🌿 Living Khasi Culture – seen in food, homes, hospitality, and eco-conscious life

📌 Travel Tips

• Trek Smart: The Nongriat root bridge trek is physically demanding. Start early, wear good shoes, and carry water.

• Weather Watch: Monsoon season is intense—pack rain gear. Roads may be slippery.

• Permits: Not required for Indian citizens. Carry ID for check-ins.

• Local Guides: Hire local guides for root bridge or cave treks—they enrich your experience and ensure safety.

• Stay Connected: Mobile signal is weak in some areas. Airtel and Jio have better coverage.

🧳 What to Pack

• Hiking shoes and sandals (for stream crossings)

• Raincoat, umbrella, waterproof bags

• Reusable water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent

• Flashlight (especially for caves and early/late treks)

• Lightweight layers for varying mountain weather

✨ Perfect For:

• Eco-travelers & nature lovers

• Adventure seekers & backpackers

• Couples, friends, and solo explorers

• Photographers & monsoon lovers