Things To Do
in Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji, located in the northeastern state of Meghalaya in India, is known as one of the wettest places on Earth, receiving extremely high amounts of rainfall annually. The region is characterized by lush green landscapes, numerous waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain vistas. The heavy rainfall has led to the formation of deep gorges, caves, and unique limestone formations in the area.
Cherrapunji is also famous for its living root bridges, which are made by training the roots of trees over many years to create natural, strong and durable bridges.
- "kiddan" - How are you?
- "shukriya" - Thank you
- "tuhada naa ki hai" - What is your name?
- "ki haal chaal" - How are things?
- "chalo" - Let's go
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a trek to Meghalaya's famous living root bridges. The scenic paths will lead you through lush greenery and vibrant local flora.
Visit the Nohkalikai Falls, one of the tallest in India. The spectacular view offers great photo opportunities and a chance to relax by the waterfall.
Enjoy the sunset at a viewpoint overlooking the valleys. Wind down your day with some local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
Explore the Mawsmai Cave for an exciting underground adventure. Marvel at the unique limestone formations that tell a story of ancient geological history.
Head to the Khasi village for a cultural experience. Interact with locals and enjoy traditional Khasi dishes to understand their way of life.
Visit the eco-park for an evening stroll. The park's tranquility offers a peaceful escape amidst nature as you unwind from the day's activities.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with lush green hills and waterfalls.
- Rich cultural heritage and diverse tribal communities.
- Abundant rainfall makes it a unique ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna.
- Opportunities for adventure activities like trekking and exploring caves.
- Home to various indigenous plants and wildlife found nowhere else.
- Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding and landslides, affecting infrastructure.
- Limited connectivity and transportation options, especially during the monsoon season.
- Basic amenities may be lacking in comparison to urban areas.
- High humidity can be uncomfortable for some visitors.
- Isolation can lead to a lack of jobs and economic opportunities for locals.
Best Activities in Cherrapunji
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience an exhilarating trek through dense forests to reach the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge, a marvel of nature crafted by the local Khasi tribe.
Explore one of the tallest waterfalls in India, Nohkalikai Falls, and enjoy breathtaking views of the cascading water surrounded by lush greenery.
Delve into the fascinating Mawsmai Caves, which feature stunning limestone formations and offers an adventurous caving experience.
Set up a campsite and enjoy the stunning landscapes, starry nights, and the serenity of the surrounding nature.
Witness the majestic Seven Sisters Falls, where the water flows down in seven distinct streams, especially stunning during the monsoon season.
Engage in bird watching at the nearby Siju Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to diverse avian species and rich biodiversity.
Participate in various adventure sports like zip-lining and rock climbing at the Eco Park, which offers thrilling activities against a backdrop of natural beauty.
Experience the stunning sunrise at the Khasi Hills viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
Tours
Uncover the best of Cherrapunji with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Cherrapunji
Visit one of these nice places.
The tallest plunge waterfall in India, Nohkalikai Falls offers stunning views, especially during the monsoon season when the water cascades intensely.
Famous for its limestone formations, the Mawsmai Cave provides a unique backdrop for photography, along with scenic views of the surrounding hills.
This picturesque waterfall is known for its seven distinct streams. The views are particularly breathtaking during the monsoon months.
Known for its crystal-clear waters, the Dawki River offers spectacular photo opportunities with its scenic landscape and vibrant boat rides.
Located in the nearby villages, these natural engineering marvels made from the roots of trees provide a great setting for unique and stunning photos.
This park offers panoramic views of the valley and hills, along with activities like trekking, making it a great spot for both views and photography.
The park provides breathtaking views of the plains below and the distant hills, making it a peaceful spot for nature photography.
Famous for its living root bridges, the village offers a glimpse into local life with breathtaking landscapes making it perfect for cultural and landscape photography.
Food in Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Khasi dish made with rice, pork, and aromatic spices, often served with the local delicacy, tungrymbai (fermented soybean paste).
Must-Try!
Putharo is a rice cake cooked in banana leaves, paired with Dohjem, a flavorful chutney made using special black sesame seeds called ‘Sohdanein’.
A mouthwatering vegetarian dish combining locally grown bamboo shoots and fresh pumpkin cooked in aromatic herbs and spices.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Cherrapunji better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can sample local street food such as steamed momos, jadoh, and tungrymbai along with an array of fresh local produce and spices.
Offering an incredible array of street food options, including chaats, kebabs, and traditional Khasi snacks like pumaloi, a sweet rice cake.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It's important to be aware of and respect the local customs and traditions of the Khasi people in Cherrapunji. This includes understanding practices related to family, greetings, and celebrations.
When visiting villages or religious sites, it is advisable to dress modestly. This reflects respect for the local culture and shows sensitivity towards the values of the community.
Always seek permission before taking photographs of people or their property. This gesture of respect is appreciated and fosters good relations with the local inhabitants.
Safety
Tipping in Cherrapunji
Ensure a smooth experience
In Cherrapunji, tipping is not a widespread practice but is appreciated in the hospitality sector. Visitors often leave a small gratuity for hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant workers, especially if they are satisfied with the service. The amount is usually at the discretion of the customer and can range from 10-15% of the total bill.
Payment practices in Cherrapunji vary depending on the establishment. Most hotels and restaurants accept cash, and it's advisable to have Indian Rupees on hand, as card acceptance can be limited. Some larger establishments may accept digital payment methods, but it's always good to confirm in advance. Local markets and smaller vendors typically prefer cash transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is one of the best times to visit Cherrapunji, as the weather is pleasantly warm with moderate humidity. The region comes alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery, making it ideal for trekking and exploring waterfalls.
Cherrapunji receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, making it one of the wettest places on Earth. While the landscape is stunningly beautiful with cascading waterfalls, travel can be challenging due to wet roads and landslides. This season is recommended for adventure seekers who are prepared for the rains.
Autumn is another wonderful time to visit Cherrapunji, as the rains subside and the weather becomes cooler and drier. The scenic views are clear, making it perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and enjoying outdoor activities.
Winters in Cherrapunji are cooler and can get quite chilly, especially at night. This season sees lesser tourists, making it a peaceful time to visit. While it is not as vibrant as other seasons, you can still explore the natural beauty and enjoy the solitude.
Cherrapunji at Night
Hiking in Cherrapunji
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trek that leads to one of the tallest waterfalls in India, Nohkalikai Falls, offering breathtaking views of the lush landscape.
An easy to moderate trek that follows the old route used by David Scott, featuring beautiful views of valleys and the Khasi hills.
A unique hike that takes you through the humid forests of Meghalaya to see the famous living root bridges, showcasing the indigenous techniques.
A picturesque spot perfect for hiking that offers stunning views of valleys and hills, ideal for adventure and photography.
A beautiful hike leading to a hidden waterfall, surrounded by dense forests, making it a peaceful getaway.
A challenging trek that leads to the captivating living root bridge in Nongriat, a fine example of nature's artistry and local craftsmanship.
Aiports
How to reach Cherrapunji by plane.
Located in Guwahati, Assam, this is the nearest major airport to Cherrapunji, approximately 160 kilometers away.
Situated in Kolkata, West Bengal, this airport is about 600 kilometers from Cherrapunji, serving international and domestic flights.
Located in Bagdogra, West Bengal, this airport is around 700 kilometers from Cherrapunji and provides access to several domestic and limited international connections.
Located in Imphal, Manipur, this airport serves as another option, situated approximately 750 kilometers from Cherrapunji.
Located in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this airport is about 1,050 kilometers away from Cherrapunji, serving primarily regional and some international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Cherrapunji, known for their matrilineal culture and unique traditions.
A sub-tribe of the Khasi community, known for their distinct language and traditions.
A small yet significant community, often involved in educational and religious activities.
Another ethnic group that shares cultural links with the Khasi but has its distinct identity and language.
A lesser-known group contributing to the rich cultural diversity of the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is a widely popular sport in Cherrapunji, with local clubs and schools participating in various tournaments and leagues.
Cricket enjoys a massive following in Cherrapunji, where local matches and inter-school competitions are a common sight.
Basketball is also popular among the youth, with many schools having courts and teams that compete at different levels.
Given the region's hilly terrain, trekking and trekking-related activities are popular among both locals and tourists.
Traditional sports like Khasi wrestling can often be seen during local festivals and community events, reflecting the cultural heritage of the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cherrapunji.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Cherrapunji caters well to vegetarian and vegan preferences, with many restaurants offering diverse plant-based dishes, including traditional Khasi recipes made without meat or dairy.
While traditional Khasi cuisine heavily features rice and vegetables, individuals with gluten restrictions can find gluten-free options at several cafes and restaurants, especially those focusing on organic and health-conscious menus.