Meghalaya in Monsoon

 

                 

Visiting Meghalaya in the monsoon is a magical experience, especially if you're a nature lover. Waterfalls are in their full drive beautifying the mountains and little streams pop up everywhere. The environment is pleasant with cool breeze, bright sunlight and cloudy weather with incidental rainfalls. Green lush trees brighten the neighbourhood alongside creepy crawling chirpings and sweet bird callings.If you adore cloudy skies and cool breezes, this season is idealize since you can breathe nature. 

Abode of Clouds 🌈☔

Meghalaya or Megh - Alay which suggest home of the clouds is one of the most picturesque states in India. Meghaya in monsoon offers a mix of flourishing waterfalls, cool caves, living root bridges, clean see- through lakes, cultural villages, cool mountain social towns and different delicacies to enjoy.

• Meghalaya is one of the wettest places in India, especially Cherrapunji and Mawsynram.
• Lush Greenery,Hills, waterfalls,forests and feilds come alive with life and greenary
•  Hiking through scenic mountain trails
• Cool Temperatures: Daytime temps hover around 15–25°C (59–77°F).

1. Best time to visit Meghalaya

The best time to visit Meghalaya depends on what you’re looking for—pleasant climate,lavish green landscapes, local festivals and celebrations. Although Meghalaya is beautiful and travel worthy throughout the year but underneath is the season shrewd portrayal for reference:

🌤️ Best Overall Time: October to April

• Temperature and weather condition being Cool, dry, and comfortable (15°C–25°C)
•  Clear skies are ideal for sightseeing, trekking through living root bridges gives an enticing experience
•  crystal-clear water in Dawki river offers beautiful boating exprience
• Cherrapunji & Mawsynram known for their caves exploration, trekking and waterfalls, although due to dry season waterfalls are not in full force but the scenic beauty is still appealing.
• locals market places in Shillong are lively. Also being the captal city it connects through every location in Meghalaya 
• Festivals like Wangala can be enjoyed during these months (harvest festival of Garo tribe in Nov)

🌧️ Monsoon (May to September)

• during monsoon season the state experiences heavy to very heavy rainfall.
• Meghalaya looks magical during this season with waterfalls like Elephant Falls, Seven sister Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, and Krang Suri Falls being at full strength creating a beathtaking view.
•  Lakes have crystal clear water
•  Everything is lush and green
•  Ideal for photographers and monsoon lovers
•  Landslides, roadblocks, and reduced accessibility are possible in some regions during this season.

❄️ Winter (December to February)

•  Cold and dry weater, temperature can drop to 4–6°C in some areas
• Great for trekking, festivals and cultural exploration
• Festivals like Shillong Winter Festival and Strawberry Festival in February (Ri Bhoi district)

2. How to reach Meghalaya:

Reaching Meghalaya depends on where you're begining from, but here’s a general guide:

✈️ By Air:

Closest Airplane Terminal is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) located in Guwahati, Assam (~120 km from Shillong, Meghalaya's capital).It is connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, and others. After coming to GAU you can hire a shared cab or get a pivate taxi for yourself and begin your 3hr joyrney to Shillong, capital city of Meghalaya.

🚆 By Train:

• Nearest Major Railway Statition is Guwahati Railway Station (GHY).
• It is well connected to most parts of India.
• Upon reaching Guwahati, you’ll can take a cab, shared taxi or bus to Shillong.

🚌 By Road:

· From Guwahati to Shillong the distance is about 100- 120 kms and takes about 3hrs to reach. Shared cabs / Sumo taxis, ASTC (Assan State Transport Corporation) and private buses, private taxi are available for comfortable and affordable journey ahead.

3. Food and Health:

Food in Meghalaya is a big part of the experience—unique, flavorful, and rooted in tribal traditions. The cuisine is primarily from the three main tribes: Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo, each with their own specialties.The cuisine here is usually mixed with meat and non-veg items but also has good vegetarian and local produce-based options. Pork, chicken and fish are basic meat options.The food is rich in onion, garlic and spices. Local vegetables and greens along with rice are common for vegetarians. Momo and noodles are exceptionaly cherished and common with the locals.A variety of local bakeries a offer good alternative snack options. Seasonal colorful fruits are always available in local markets.

Health wise: it's beneficial to carry your own medicine although pharmacies and online drug stores are found in Shillong and Guwahati.

4. Places To visit:

1. Shillong – The Capital City

• Colonial charm, music, cafes, shopping, museums gives Shillong a charm of its own.
• Umiam Lake – Serene and scenic reservoir
• Shillong Peak – Panoramic city view
•  Elephant Falls
• Ward’s Lake – Boating & gardens
• Don Bosco Museum – Rich tribal culture

2. Cherrapunji (Sohra) – Rain-Lover’s Paradise

• Sohra was previously called the wettest place of Earth because it used toreceive rainfall through out the year but due to failing climatic conditions and deforestation in the mountains slowly its loosing its title. places to visit in Sohra / Cherrapunji are 
•  Nohkalikai Falls – Tallest plunge waterfall in India
•  Double-Decker Living Root Bridge
•  Mawsmai Cave – Limestone caves
•  Seven Sisters Falls
•  Eco Park – Great views & picnic spot

3. Mawsynram – Wettest Place on Earth

• In the recent years Mawsynram has had record-breaking rainfalls throu out the yeal long giving it the title of Wettest Place On Earth.
• Its a feast for people who love exploring caves especially the unique feature of these caves that can only be experienced personally.
•  Mawsmai Cave and Symper Rock
•  Mawjymbuin Cave – Unique stalagmite formations

4. Dawki – Crystal-Clear River

• Known for: Dawki River and Indo-Bangladesh border.
•  Umngot River offer Clear water boating
•  Shnongpdeng has adventure sports like ziplining, kayaking

5. Mawlynnong – Cleanest Village in Asia

• Known for: Cleanliness and eco-tourism, has been named cleanest village in India
• Living Root Bridge (shorter, scenic)
•  Sky Viewpoint – Bamboo watchtower

6. Nongriat – For the Adventurous

•  Known for: Trekking and the Double-Decker Root Bridge
•  Must-Do: 3,000+ step trek through forest and bridges
•  Tip: Stay overnight for the full experience

7. Laitlum Canyon

· Known for: Panoramic valley views and dramatic cliffs

· Great for: Sunrise/sunset, photography, peace

8. Jowai – Lesser-Known Gem

• Known for: Natural beauty , treakking and tribal culture
•  Krang Suri Falls – Stunning turquoise waterfall
•  Thadlaskein Lake

5. Things to remember:

• Prefer neighbourhood drivers and cabs for touring and arrange as per their counsel since they will know about the climate and street conditions superior than web.. Keep few extra buffer days in case there is flight or rail delays due to weather or road blockages due to sudden landslides in heavy rain.
• · Always carry emergency medicines with you or your prescribed medicines in case of emergency. Although multiple drug stores can be found in and around main city.
• · Try the local cuisine but be careful what suits your stomach and what not.
• · And most critically make your luggage waterproof. Carry raincoats and waterproof shoes if you plan to visit the state during the monsoons in Meghalaya as it can be damp inspite of being enchanted.