Meghalaya is the wettest region on Earth, with Mawsynram and Cherrapunji recording the highest annual rainfall anywhere in the world. That rainfall feeds hundreds of waterfalls, carves limestone cave systems, and grows the living root bridges: natural crossings made by training the aerial roots of rubber trees over decades. The Umngot River at Dawki is so clear that boats appear to float in mid-air. Shillong, the capital, sits at 1,500 metres and has a distinct hill-station character unlike anywhere else in the northeast.
Cities to Explore
Hub Cities & Gateways
Major base cities to plan your Meghalaya trip from
Cherrapunji
Essential hub city for exploring Meghalaya. Classic nature and waterfall hub; base for caves and living root bridges.
Explore city guideDawki
Essential hub city for exploring Meghalaya. River-side adventure hub on the crystal-clear Umngot River.
Explore city guideJowai
Essential hub city for exploring Meghalaya. Less-crowded cultural and waterfall hub in the Jaintia Hills.
Explore city guideMawlynnong
Essential hub city for exploring Meghalaya. Asia's cleanest village near the Bangladesh border.
Explore city guideNongriat
Essential hub city for exploring Meghalaya. Trekking hub for the legendary double-decker living root bridge.
Explore city guide
Shillong
Essential hub city for exploring Meghalaya. Capital city and primary base for all of Meghalaya; 2–4 nights recommended.
Explore city guideTura
Essential hub city for exploring Meghalaya. Western Meghalaya eco-tourism hub in the Garo Hills.
Explore city guideFood & Dining
Restaurants & Cafes in Meghalaya
207 dining spots across 7 cities
The full list
All destinations in Meghalaya
Meghalaya Travel: Common Questions
- What is Meghalaya famous for?
- Meghalaya is famous for its living root bridges (formed by training rubber tree roots across streams over decades), the crystal-clear Umngot River at Dawki where boats appear to float in mid-air, Cherrapunji and Mawsynram (the wettest places on Earth), Mawlynnong (Asia's cleanest village), the Nongriat double-decker root bridge, and Shillong's distinct hill-station culture.
- Do I need an Inner Line Permit to visit Meghalaya?
- No. Meghalaya does not require an Inner Line Permit for Indian or foreign nationals. Travel within the state is unrestricted.
- What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?
- October to May is the best time to visit Meghalaya for clear skies and good road conditions. The monsoon (June to September) brings extreme rainfall, particularly around Cherrapunji, making roads difficult but the waterfalls spectacular. The living root bridges and river attractions are at their most photogenic between November and February.
- How do I get to Meghalaya?
- The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (Umroi), about 35 km from Shillong city, with limited connections. Most travellers fly into Guwahati (about 100 km from Shillong) and drive to Meghalaya in 2-3 hours. Shared taxis between Guwahati and Shillong run throughout the day.