Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, is a destination that truly deserves a spot on every travel bucket list. Nestled in the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya, Cherrapunji has been the traditional capital of the Khasi tribal Kingdom. The place is known as the wettest place on earth, as it rains throughout the year. From cascading waterfalls and hidden caves to the centuries-old living root bridges, there are ample of things to do in Cherrapunji. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a random explorer, Cherrapunji promises an unforgettable experience that’s as unique as its climate. This is not the kind of place you visit just to tick off a checklist. There are plenty of things to explore in Cherrapunji, from waterfalls, caves, to visiting centuries-old living root bridges, which are a must-include in your Meghalaya tour package.
Things to Do in Cherrapunji
From exploring the ancient caves to visiting scenic waterfalls, here is a list of some of the best things to do in Cherrapunji.
1. Waterfalls
Cherrapunji is home to some of the most famous waterfalls in Meghalaya. Waterfalls here are not an occasional treat; they are constant wonders cascading down from cliffs amidst lush greenery. You can hear the roaring of the giant falls from afar, and what you witness when you visit them is something that stays with you for a long time. Some of the must-visit waterfalls have been listed below:
- Nohkalikai Falls: The tallest plunge waterfall in India. The name comes from a tragic Khasi story of a Khasi woman named Likai. Her second husband killed her daughter, and when Likai spotted her daughter’s finger in her meal, she ran in grief and pain, and jumped off the cliff. This tragic story gave the fall its name, Nohkalikai, translating to “the leap of Likai,”. The turquoise pool at the bottom looks almost unreal, and this is one of the best falls to visit.
- Seven Sisters Falls: also called the Mawsmai falls, the Seven Sisters Falls is one of the most popular places to visit in Cherrapunji. It flows in seven parallel streams, from a cliff into a lush valley below, with full force, especially during the monsoon season. There is a viewpoint nearby, and you can hear a thunderous roar echoing through the hills. A clear sky will let you witness the falls in full flow, but the sound is what cuts even through the mist.
- Wah Kaba Falls: This is dramatic, high, and worth a short hike. Located just a short drive from the main Sohra town, it falls from a steep, jagged cliff, framed by greenery and fog. It's not the tallest, but the force with which it drops straight into a deep gorge makes it feel intense and immediate. A short trail leads you toward the edge. You can hike closer to the top for a slightly elevated view. On rainy days, it is filled with more power, and the spray sometimes reaches the trail.
- Rainbow Falls: This is called the “Rainbow Falls” as one is most likely to see a rainbow near the falls because of the sun's rays cutting through the falls. It is situated near the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, deep inside a forest. To reach this destination, one has to trek a long distance that might require a total of almost 5 to 6 hours. It is better to start early to enjoy the view during the peak hours of the day.
- Kynrem Waterfalls: With a height of about 305 metres, Kynrem Falls is also one of the highest waterfalls in Meghalaya. It is better to visit these falls in monsoon as during the other seasons, there might be very little flow. There is a lookout deck within the Thangkharang Park, which is a popular viewpoint for these falls.
2. Walk Across the Living Root Bridges
These Living Root Bridges do not belong to the present day; they are centuries-old marvels. They belong to patience. Shaped and engineered over decades by the Khasi tribe, these structures are made from the aerial roots of rubber trees, guided by minds, hands, and time across rivers and streams.
The most famous is the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat. Reaching it requires effort. The trail is 3000 steps down into a quiet village. These bridges are found in places like Cherrapunji, Nongriat, Pynursla, and Mawlynnong. There are over 100 living root bridges in Meghalaya including the oldest and the longest ones, and each one holds centuries of local wisdom, patience, and care, and has been perfectly engineered over decades.
3. Explore the Caves
The caves in Cherrapunji are more than mere geological formations. They’re spaces where silence echoes and time feels stuck, seized to perfection.
- Mawsmai Cave: Mawsmai Cave is the most visited cave in Cherrapunji, and it's great for first-timers. It’s short, well-lit, and easy to walk through. The limestone inside forms strange shapes on the walls and ceiling, with soft curves and patterns carved over time. Water drips quietly in some spots, and the air stays cool and damp. You don’t really require a guide here. Just take your time, look around, explore, and enjoy how peaceful it feels, inside a cave, under the ground.
- Arwah Cave: This one is deeper, darker, and more rugged than the other caves. You’ll find fossil impressions and narrower passages. The entrance is wide, but the paths get narrower as you go in. There are fewer lights here, so it feels a little closer to the wild. Some parts of the cave have water trickling through, and the sound adds to the stillness and chill. This cave is larger than Mawsmai Cave, but only a part of it, which is about 300 metres, is open to visitors.
- Mawmluh Cave: Locally known as Krem Mawmluh Cave, it is considered to be the fourth-longest cave in India with a total length of 7 kilometres. The cave is situated at a height of about 4,503 metres. Five different rivers conjoin inside the cave to form a pool. Many rock formations can be found inside. A 30-minute hike is required to reach the cave. The entrance is very narrow, and during the monsoon, some parts of the cave get completely submerged under water, so it's best to avoid visiting this during the monsoon.
4. Take in the Views from Eco Park and Thangkharang
Sometimes the clouds clear up the way for calmer observations. Not all the things to do in Cherrapunji need to be a trek or an adventure. Some of the best places to visit in Cherrapunji are the quiet ones. Sometimes, all it takes is a patch of green and a little patience to spot the perfection in peace.
- Eco Park is a green stretch of grass and viewpoints managed by the government. It is one of those places that is quiet and open. It’s breezy and lined with simple walking paths. There are spots to sit, look out, and let you feel the wind. From here, on a clear day, you can see deep into the surrounding valleys, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Sylhet plains of Bangladesh in the far distance. It’s peaceful, never too crowded, and perfect if you want to slow down for a while.
- Thangkharang Viewpoint is a short drive away and offers a bigger view of the landscape. You can see the cliffs spread wide, and if the weather’s right, you’ll spot Kynrem Falls pouring through the hills in the distance. When it’s cloudy, everything disappears into sheets of white. But when the clouds move, it all comes back slowly, the hills, the trees, the sound of the falls in the background.
5. Try Ziplining at Mawkdok Dympep Valley
If you’re looking for something adventurous on the list of things to do in Cherrapunji, then this one is just the perfect thing for you. Ziplining at Mawkdok Dympep Valley is one of the most fun things to do in Cherrapunji. It doesn’t take long, and it isn’t too intense, but it’s exciting enough to leave you thrilled for the rest of the day. It is the longest zipline in East India, spanning over 2300 feet. October to May is the best time to do Ziplining. The valley is deep and green, with cliffs on both sides and clouds hanging very close. The zipline runs straight across, giving you a bird’s eye view of everything below. As you glide through the air, all you hear is the wind. You don’t need to be very adventurous to try it. If you're planning your visit during the best time to visit Cherrapunji, ziplining is worth trying once.
6. Go Boating at the Umngot River, Dawki
Dawki is a little outside Cherrapunji, but the visit feels like a natural part of the journey. The Umngot River here is one of those rare places to visit in Meghalaya where everything seems to slow down as you arrive. The Umngot River is known for its clear water. On some days, it’s so clean that the boat looks like it’s floating in the air. You can see straight to the bottom, pebbles, fish, and the plants in the benthic zone. Boating on the Umngot River feels calming. October to March are the best months to experience the crystal clear beauty.
7. Engage and Enjoy with Locals
Cherrapunji is home to the famous Khasi tribe, and so everything you get to see and experience there locally is all part of their customs and traditions. The entire Northeastern belt has a rich tribal culture and traditions. The Khasi tribe has one of those rare traditions of following a matrilineal society. Engaging with them and exploring their culture are some of the things to do in Cherrapunji when you visit. Getting to experience their traditions, lifestyles, culture, clothing, cuisine, celebrations, and festivals is one of the best things to do in Cherrapunji. Also, try not to miss the festivals of Nongkrem Dance and Shad-Suk Mynsiem, which are some of the most colourful celebrations of the Khasi tribe.
8. Explore The Rich Fauna and Flora
Cherrapunji has some of the best National Parks in Meghalaya that host exotic bird species and spectacular plant varieties. The rain makes everything grow here. Orchids bloom in unexpected places. With the place being full of lush greenery and dense forests, it is obvious to spot a plethora of animals, birds, and plants. There are chances of spotting migratory birds like the Dark Rumped Swift, Green Cochoa, and Blue-winged Laughing Thrush if you're lucky. The abundant rainfall in Sohra creates a vibrant ecosystem suitable for many kinds of plants and wildlife. You can find Pitcher plants, Needlework trees, Ground Orchids, Oak, Birch, Magnolia, and so many more. It is also home to animals like gaurs, mithan, wild pigs, leopards, anteaters, wolves, apes, and more. The Nokrek National Park in Meghalaya hosts unique wildlife and landscapes.
9. Taste Local Khasi Food
In Cherrapunji, the local Khasi food is one of the famous foods of Meghalaya and isn’t very fancy, heavy or complicated. It’s grounded, flavourful, and made with care. Some of the traditional Khasi cuisines comprise spicy pork dishes, refreshing salads with local herbs, and the famous Khasi dish called Jadoh, made with rice and meat cooked with chillies and spices. It’s soft, spiced just enough, and feels comforting from the first bite. You’ll also find Doh Khlieh, a kind of pork salad mixed with onions, chillies, and herbs. It’s light, fresh, and full of local flavour. For something more subtle, try Pumaloi, a steamed rice cake that’s soft and slightly sweet, often served as a side or a snack.
10. Dine at Orange Roots
Cherrapunji has a calm, quiet rhythm that suits all the travellers, but the local food isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, especially for vegetarians. Orange Roots is the solution to this. It is a clean and friendly vegetarian restaurant that many travellers love. It’s simple inside. You won’t find anything very happening or fancy. But what you will get is a hot plate of puri bhaji, some fried rice, or a cup of chai that feels just right after hours in the rain. The service is quick, the food is fresh, and the atmosphere is warm, especially when the weather outside is not. The best part is the view. The restaurant sits close to the edge of the hills, and if you grab a table near the window, you can watch the mist roll through the valley while you eat.
Cherrapunji isn’t the kind of place that rushes to impress you, and of all the things to do in Cherrapunji, the best is to let the trails lead you and guide you through the land of rain. With some of the tallest waterfalls, the oldest living root bridges, sacred forests, family-friendly ecological parks, charismatic cave visits, and so much more, this is a land of the best places to fit in your itinerary on your visit to Meghalaya. The place is full of rich culture, heritage, flora and fauna. It is home to the Khasi tribe and the locals here make the place and your visit even more beautiful. Sohra, or Cherrapunji as it is famously known, is a full package of the best things to do and places to visit in Meghalaya.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is Cherrapunji famous for?
Cherrapunji, also called Sohra, is one of the wettest places on earth. It is famous for its abundant annual rainfall, waterfalls, living root bridges and rich flora and fauna. There are ample things to do in Cherrapunji to experience its raw beauty.
2. How many days are enough for Cherrapunji?
There are plenty of things to do in Cherrapunji, from exploring the caves, visiting the waterfalls, and walking on the bridges that breathe, to just admiring the local cultures and rich heritage. Cherrapunji requires at least 4-5 days of a planned visit.
3. Which month is best to visit Cherrapunji?
The peak months for visiting Cherrapunji are from October to February. This is when the waterfalls flow in full and the beauty of the place is at its peak.
4. What is the main food of Cherrapunji?
The traditional Khasi cuisines comprise spicy pork dishes, refreshing salads with local herbs, and the famous Khasi dish called Jadoh, made with rice and meat cooked with chillies and spices.
