Image by AmitRane1975

Meghalaya

Separating the Assam valley from the plains of Bangladesh, hilly Meghalaya (‘the abode of clouds’) is a cool, pine-fresh mountain state set on dramatic horseshoes of rocky cliffs. Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram are among the wettest places on Earth; most of the rain falls between June and September, creating very impressive waterfalls and carving out some of Asia’s longest caves.

The state's population predominantly comprises the Jaintia, Khasi and Garo tribal groups, who live in the eastern, central and western parts respectively. Though mostly Christian since the 19th century, these peoples still maintain elements of their old animist culture, including fierce clan loyalties, sacred forests where chickens and goats are still sacrificed and lively harvest festivals with mass dances in colourful traditional dress. Meghalaya's tribal groups also maintain their matrilineal system, with property and names passed down from mother to daughter, and men moving in with their maternal in-laws after marriage.

Explore Meghalaya

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Meghalaya.

  • Bridge

    Nongriat Root Bridges

    The most fascinating sights around Cherrapunjee are the incredible living bridges – formed from rubber-fig roots that ingenious Khasi villagers have, over…

  • Museum

    Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures

    This well-displayed museum is a fabulous repository of tribal artefacts interspersed with exhibits on Christian missionary work. The self-guided visit…

  • Sports Ground

    Khasi Hills Archery Sports Institute

    This is the venue for a 50-person archery event whose outcome is the subject of a highly popular betting game in Shillong, known as Thoh Tim or Teer or…

  • Waterfall

    Nohkalikai Falls

    At 340m, Nohkalikai is said to be the highest single-drop waterfall in India. It's at its best during the monsoon, when its capacity increases 20-fold…

  • National Park

    Balpakram National Park

    Hilly Balpakram is traditionally considered by the Garo to be the ‘abode of souls’, where people temporarily go after they die, and is full of…

  • Cave

    Mawsmai Cave

    This 150m-long limestone cavern, with its low passages, is the most impressive of the area's easily accessible caves and very popular with domestic…

  • Museum

    Ramakrishna Mission

    At the top of the hill in Cherrapunjee village, the museum in the Ramakrishna Mission (a Hindu spiritual movement with origins in West Bengal) has an…

  • National Park

    Nokrek National Park

    East of Tura, the forested hills rise to Nokrek Peak (1412m), the highest point in the Garo Hills. The summit is part of the 48-sq-km Nokrek National Park…

  • Monument

    Nartiang Monoliths

    The Jaintia Hills are home to Nartiang village, 63km east of Shillong, where you can visit an intriguing complex of stone monoliths erected by different…

  • Museum

    Wankhar Entomology Museum

    This remarkable one-room display of pinned butterflies, moths, rhinoceros beetles and stick insects is housed in the home of the original collector. Most…

  • Lake

    Ward’s Lake

    The central landscaping element of colonial-era Shillong, this attractive lake has a pretty ornamental bridge, adjacent flower beds and manicured lawns,…

  • Park

    Shillong Golf Course

    Walk 2km northeast of Police Bazar to stroll the rolling meadows of Shillong Golf Course, bordered by pine trees and overlooked by a pretty clubhouse. You…

  • Historic Building

    Pinewood Hotel

    The centrally located Pinewood Hotel is a 1920s tea-growers' retreat that is particularly representative of colonial-era architecture. It's now a state…

  • Church

    Presbyterian Church

    The Presbyterian Church, perched above Police Bazar, is a graceful structure in whose grounds stands a statue of Thomas Jones, the still-revered Welsh…