Meghalaya’s Top 15 Must-Visit Destinations: Complete 2025 Travel Guide

Whenever I think of Meghalaya, the image of endless clouds kissing its green hills, waterfalls that seem to fall from the sky, and the warm smiles of locals flash in my mind.

If you are planning to visit the North-Eastern state, you are in for one of the most soulful journeys of your life. Meghalaya has so many places that will make you stop, stare and fall in love with nature.

But before diving into the list of top Meghalaya tourist places, let’s answer the most common question: When should you go?

Both summer and winter have their own charm. If you visit in April, May, or June, the weather is pleasant—perfect for sightseeing and trekking. From October to February, the crisp air and clear skies make it ideal for exploring caves and cultural festivals.

In my opinion, the best time to visit Meghalaya is just after the monsoon, between September and November. The waterfalls are full, the hills are emerald green and the roads feel like they’re leading straight to heaven.

Here are the Top 15 Meghalaya Tourist Places you must include in your Meghalaya tour package:

1. Cherrapunji – Land of Waterfalls

Imagine waking up to clouds drifting into your hotel balcony—the experience in Cherrapunji is priceless. Known for being one of the wettest places on Earth, it has dramatic cliffs and iconic waterfalls like Seven Sisters and Nohkalikai. If Meghalaya was a poem, Cherrapunji would be its most soulful verse. Just remember to book a hotel in Cherrapunji in advance, as it gets crowded during peak season.

2. Living Root Bridges – Nongriat Village

No photograph can ever do justice to the magic of the Living Root Bridges in Nongriat. After trekking down 3,500 stone steps through forests and villages, you reach a natural wonder woven by time. Roots of ancient rubber trees are guided across streams until they grow into sturdy bridges. Walking on the double-decker bridge felt surreal, like stepping into a fairytale where humans and nature live in harmony.

3. Shillong – Scotland of the East

Shillong, the capital city, is a beautiful mix of colonial charm and modern vibrance. Rolling hills, pine forests and live music cafés give it a unique rhythm. Evenings at Police Bazaar, quiet strolls around Ward’s Lake, and local Khasi hospitality made my stay unforgettable. Shillong also serves as the perfect base to explore other Meghalaya tourist places.

4. Dawki & Umngot River 

A boat ride on the Umngot River in Dawki is a memory etched forever. The water is so clear that boats seem to float in the air. Sitting in a wooden boat while watching the riverbed shimmer below was magical. Dawki, near the Indo-Bangladesh border, adds a cultural touch as people from both sides equally share trade and smiles.

5. Mawlynnong – Asia’s Cleanest Village

Stepping into Mawlynnong felt like walking into a living postcard. Flowering plants lined every path, bamboo dustbins stood at corners, and not a scrap of litter was visible. From treehouse viewpoints overlooking Bangladesh to its disciplined community life, Mawlynnong is an inspiring reminder of how cleanliness creates beauty.

6. Mawsynram

Mawsynram rivals Cherrapunji for being the wettest place on Earth. The sky seemed to have a secret pact with the land, showering mist and drizzle all day. Unlike Shillong’s bustle, Mawsynram felt raw and untouched, with waterfalls forming overnight. Standing under an umbrella that felt too small, I realised this was a place you don’t just see but feel.

7. Nohkalikai Falls – Tallest Plunge Waterfall

At Nohkalikai Falls, India’s tallest plunge waterfall, I stood spellbound as water tumbled into a turquoise pool below. The view was breathtaking, but the legend made it unforgettable. Folklore says Ka Likai leapt from the cliff after discovering she had unknowingly eaten her child, killed by her jealous husband. The falls, named “Jump of Ka Likai,” are as tragic as they are beautiful.

8. Laitlum Canyon – End of the Hills

Just an hour drive from Shillong, Laitlum Canyon lives up to its name, which means "End of the Hills". Standing on its edge, I saw endless gorges wrapped in drifting mists. Unlike crowded spots, it felt like a secret shared only with the clouds. I sat for hours, watching valleys disappear into fog, feeling like time itself had slowed down.

9. Elephant Falls –The Three-Tiered Cascade

A short drive from Shillong brought me to Elephant Falls, a three-step cascade framed by lush greenery. In the morning light, the water sparkled like silver ribbons. Though the rock shaped like an elephant has collapsed, the charm of the falls remains timeless. Easy to reach and stunning to witness, it’s a must in any Meghalaya tour package.

10. Mawphlang Sacred Forest

The Mawphlang Sacred Forest carries centuries of Khasi beliefs. Locals say a guardian spirit protects it, and nothing— not even a leaf—can be taken away. Walking through moss-covered trees and ancient monoliths, I felt an almost sacred silence. More than a forest, it’s a living temple of culture, spirituality, that teaches you respect for nature.

11. Krang Suri Falls – Nature’s Blue Paradise

Near Jowai, Krang Suri Falls dazzled me with its turquoise-blue pool beneath a curtain of white spray. The short hike was scenic, but swimming in the cool water was the real reward. Whether you sit by the rocks or take a refreshing dip, Krang Suri feels like nature’s own spa.

12. Jowai – Heart of the Jaintia Hills

Jowai showed me a quieter side of Meghalaya. Surrounded by paddy fields and lakes, it offered moments of peace far from busy tourist spots. Thadlaskein Lake mirrored the sky like glass, while local markets brimmed with colour and music. Festivals here carry the rich heritage of the Jaintia people, making Jowai perfect for those seeking authenticity of the North-Eastern state.

13. Balpakram National Park 

In the South Garo Hills, Balpakram National Park unfolded like a mythical land. Known as the “Land of Spirits,” it’s home to elephants, rare plants, and even the elusive red panda. The cliffs and gorges looked almost supernatural, especially at sunrise. Walking its trails felt like entering a living legend.

14. Siju Caves – An Underground Adventure

The Siju Caves, also called Bat Caves, revealed Meghalaya’s adventurous side. Exploring its limestone chambers with a flashlight felt like stepping into an Indiana Jones movie. The echo of bats and strange rock formations added mystery and thrill to our experience before we finally came out into daylight.

15. Ward’s Lake – Heart of Shillong

In the middle of Shillong lies Ward’s Lake, a peaceful retreat of gardens, bridges, and cherry blossom trees. I spent a quiet afternoon here, feeding fish from the wooden bridge and watching paddle boats drift by. It’s the perfect place to unwind after exploring the city.

Come and unwind with Meghalaya's Natural Magic

It may look like a long bucket list, but traveling through Meghalaya isn’t just about ticking off tourist spots. It’s about letting the clouds drench you, listening to stories from locals, tasting food that warms your soul and realizing the journey is the true destination.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to book that Meghalaya tour package, this is it. Pack your bags, carry an open heart, and let Meghalaya rewrite your idea of travel.