Discover The Hidden Beauty Of Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is an underrated gem that is waiting to be discovered! Known for its stunning beauty, Cherrapunji is a must-see destination for any traveler.

Cherrapunji is a beautiful place that is often overlooked. Known for its stunning landscape, Cherrapunji is a great destination for travelers looking for an underrated gem. The area is full of tourist attractions, but the beauty of Cherrapunji lies in its natural surroundings. The surrounding hills are covered in dense forests and the river that runs through the town is crystal clear. There are plenty of hiking trails available, so anyone can explore the area to their heart’s content.

You might also read a past article by me: Wilderness of Cherrapunji.

Here are some reasons why Cherrapunji is so famous:

Where is Cherrapunji?

Cherrapunjee is a hill-station in the North East Indian state of Meghalaya. It’s located at an altitude of 1430 meters and is famous for its very high rainfall. The nearby village of Mawsynram has recorded the highest rainfall in the world!

Cherrapunji is the wettest place on Earth, and it’s no surprise – amid all those thick rainforests and heavy showers are numerous known and unknown natural wonders just waiting to be discovered. But don’t worry – the locals have survived there for centuries so you’ll be safe for a few days at least!

Why is Cherrapunji India the wettest place on Earth?

The reason Cherrapunji is so wet is because clouds from the Bay of Bengal form over flat land near Cherrapunji and then slowly make their way up the steep hills to the east. But once they get to Cherrapunji, these clouds have to dump a lot of water because it’s too heavy for them to travel any further. Consequently, Cherrapunji gets tons of rain every time there’s a monsoon storm!

Cherrapunji holds the record for the highest rainfall in history, but it wasn’t always #1. In 1985, Mawsynram recorded a staggering rainfall of 26,000 millimetres- beating Cherrapunji at its own game!

What are the Main Attractions at Cherrapunji?

• Mawsmai Cave –The cave is a beautiful work of nature that offers a thrilling experience.
• Krem Mawmluh Cave –The fourth longest cave with a pool is because of five different rivers.
• Nohkalikai Falls –
  

  

  The tallest waterfall in India is a sight to behold during monsoon.

• Double Decker Living Root Bridge –
  

  

  This two-tier bridge is a very unique example of bioengineering. It’s almost 100-ft long!

• Seven Sisters Falls –
  

  

  The Seven Sisters Falls or the Nohsngithiang Falls are seventy meters wide.

• Dainthlen Falls –Waterfalls look splendid due to a large number of potholes.
• Krem Phyllut –Caves are amazing places! They’re always interesting to explore and they make for some great tourist attractions.
• Thangkharang Park –The Kynrem Falls park is located on the edge of a cliff, which gives visitors an amazing view of the falls.
• Eco Park –I was so excited to see the beautiful blooming orchids.
• Kynrem Falls –The towering mountain waterfall is visible from the road, and it’s a beautiful sight.
• Motrop or Khoh Ramhah –The cone-shaped rock formation was once believed to be a giant’s basket, but recent research has shown that it is in fact just an old rock formation!
• Dawki –The small border town is known for the famous River Umngot and crystal clear waters.
• Mawlynnong – Asia’s cleanest village.
• Mawsmai Falls – Highest waterfall in India.
• The Mawkdok Dympep Valley View –This viewpoint offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.
• Nongsawlia –The Welsh Missionaries’ Site is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world.
• Mawsynram –We’ve found the wettest place on Earth!
• Khasi Monoliths –The caves are amazing! The paintings and carvings on the walls are astounding. I can’t believe how intricate they are.
• Nokrek National Park – I found a park with a wide variety of plants and animals!

Where to stay in Cherrapunji?

Kutmadan Resort:

If you’re looking for a budget accommodation with all the modern amenities, Kutmadan is an excellent choice. It’s strategically located near all of the major tourist hotspots, so you’ll be able to get around easily.

• Average room rate per night on a twin sharing basis: INR 1780/- onwards
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5/5

Coniferous Resort:

If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway with all the modern amenities and an in-house restaurant, then check out the Coniferous resort. It usually sells out quickly, so make sure to book your stay ahead of time!

• Average room rate per night on a twin sharing basis: INR 1700/- Onwards
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4/5

Camping :

When you’re camping, you can enjoy activities such as river canyoning and angling. You’ll need to carry your sleeping bags with you, and make sure that you have other things like torches, batteries, warm clothes, raincoats, etc. prepared in case of an emergency.

• Where: Saimilka Park and Resort, Eco-Tourism Park, Maple Pine farm, Spring Valley Farm etc.
• Approximate Cost for one: INR 1200/-

What to Eat in Meghalaya:

Shilong is one of those places where you can satisfy your taste buds for its vast availability of yummy street foods. I have been to North East India, couple of times. Though Shillong’s natural attractions are the reason why I came to visit, but their local food is also a factor why I keep coming back. You can check out my local street food journey in Shilong, Meghalaya.

Bonus Section:

What are some offbeat places around Cherrapunji?

Laitlum Canyon

One of Meghalaya’s hidden tourist attractions is the beautiful Laitlum Canyon, which sits atop the majestic Khasi Hills. The views from here are simply breathtaking and include lush green valleys, winding staircases, and beautiful gorges that make for perfect photo shoots.

If you’re visiting Meghalaya, don’t forget to add this lesser-known natural wonder to your list! It’s perfect if you’re a birdwatcher, and there are plenty of thrilling hikes available as well.

You are about to embark on a 3000 step staircase climb that will take you up to the top of this stunning hilltop. Although it will be strenuous, the view from the top is well worth it, and you are sure to return mesmerized and awestruck by what you see.

• Approx Distance from Cherrapunji: 43.7 KM
• Approx Travel Time: 1h 27m
• Things to do: Nature Walks, Sightseeing, Photography, trekking, birdwatching,

Mawphlang Sacred Forest

Numerous sacred forests exist in and around the Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, having great religious significance for the people of that region. The forests have been preserved by local Khasi Tribes for thousands of years, and visitors are asked to abide by one simple rule when visiting them: take nothing from the forest.

Visiting the forest is a great honour and provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the culture of these indigenous people. Be respectful and mindful of their feelings, and don’t forget to include a visit here when planning your Meghalaya tour packages!

• Approx Distance from Cherrapunji: 46 km
• Approx Travel Time: 1h 23m
• Things to do: Cultural experience, wildlife spotting, nature photography etc.

Share if you have any additional places in your bucket list worth visiting in Cherrapunji in the comment section. Also you can share your beautiful photos, article, stories with me. I will be happy to publish them as guest posts.