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The state of Meghalaya, located in the northeast region of India, is a prominent holiday destination. The Sanskrit meaning of “Meghalaya” translates to “abode of clouds”, which is as magical as the array of remarkable tourist attractions spread across the region. Individuals from all over India and the world visit Meghalaya for its exceptional sightseeing and adventure aspects. The state is home to many wonders of nature, including hills, lakes, caves, waterfalls, forests, canyons and so on. One can also find several historical landmarks across Meghalaya, including megalithic bridges, stone memorials, monoliths, etc. All of this helps to make Meghalaya's tourism experience one of the best in the country.
For instance, during your Meghalaya trip, you can visit Cherrapunji to witness the vibrant nature running at its usual course, learn more about the region’s past by visiting the museums and historical landmarks or go on a spiritual journey by visiting the sacred sites across the state. Thrillseekers will also find Meghalaya to be a fantastic destination for their vacation adventures. Some exciting activities that Meghalaya tourism has to offer include kayaking, trekking, camping, snorkelling, mountain biking and so on. The state also features a wide range of local shops, markets and restaurants where individuals can go shopping and try out regional delicacies. In terms of nightlife, partygoers will find an extensive list of popular pubs and bars across the state that they can visit to have a wonderful evening. These are some reasons why tourists keep flocking to Meghalaya to spend their holidays.
The major attractions in Meghalaya usually consisted of various natural, historical and religious landmarks. Some examples of iconic Meghalaya tourist places are:
The Nartiang Monoliths are a crucial part of Meghalaya tourism. They have a significant place in the region's history and culture, attracting tourists from all over the globe. The site is located in Nartiang, West Jaintia Hills, just 27 kilometres from Jowai. It features a vast garden of well-preserved monoliths erected as memorials for the erstwhile rulers of the region. Apart from its historical importance, the meandering paths and surrounding beauty gives this site a remarkable panoramic visual.
Related to the country’s colonial past, the David Scott Monument is one of the most visited Meghalaya tourist places. It is a giant structure made of brick as a memorial to honour David Scott, a former official of the East India Company. This ashlar-stone-made memorial is located in Cherrapunji and is famous for its intricate carvings and inscriptions.
This building plays a very important role in maintaining the state’s history and culture. Located in Ribong’s Brooke Complex in Shillong, it is responsible for reprinting hundreds of years old crucial documents belonging to the state.
If you are a bookworm and wish to learn more about the region’s culture and history, make sure to visit the State Central Library in Shillong. It is home to thousands of books from different genres, available in multiple languages. It also has journals, magazines and newspapers that you can look into.
The Mawlynnong village in East Khasi Hills is among the top attractions in Meghalaya. Located about 79 kilometres from Shillong, this village draws in visitors for its natural beauty. It is also well-known for being one of the cleanest villages on the continent. During your visit there, you can witness the local traditions, root bridges, rushing streams, giant fruit orchards and tall palm trees encompassed by greenery on all sides.
If you want to spot the regional flora and fauna of Meghalaya, make sure to visit Balpakram National Park during your trip. Nestled in South Garo Hills, this site is a go-to choice for locals and tourists for wildlife watching, adventure activities and connecting with nature. Its unexplored dense jungles, rushing rivers and soaring high rock structures give the best scenic visuals of the region. You can also expect to see a variety of wildlife, like Wild Buffaloes, Elephants, Deer, Red Pandas, Leopards, and so on.
Among the various waterfalls found across the region, the Elephant Falls in Upper Shillong, East Khasi Hills, is quite famous. This multi-levelled waterfall, with a beautiful cool-water pool at the bottom, paints a mesmerising picture. The elephant-shaped rock, after which the British named the falls, was destroyed in an earthquake incident over a hundred years ago.
The Kyllang Rock is one of the most famous places to visit in Meghalaya. It is located in Nongkhlaw, West Khasi Hills, roughly 14 kilometres from Mairang. It is a naturally-formed giant monolith surrounded by lush green vegetation. Tourists visit this site to capture the brilliant views of the sunrise and the surrounding area from the top of the rock. This location is also preferred for adventure activities, with hiking being the most prominent one.
The Shillong peak ranks as one of the most beautiful Meghalaya tourist places, located about 10 kilometres from the city centre. With an elevation of roughly 1962 metres above sea level, the site offers the best picturesque views of the city and its surrounding greenery. The peak is also home to the U Shulong sacred site and hosts grand rituals during spring.
Jowai is a small town situated in the district of West Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya. It is a place that has rich historical and cultural importance in the region. The vibrant local traditions and natural beauty of the town attract a massive tourism crowd around the calendar. In addition, the Kiang NongBah Monument and Jowai Presbyterian Church are the two main highlights of the place. The town has great availability of quality accommodations and is close to several popular attractions, like Nartiang Monoliths, Thadlaskein Lake and Sacred Grove.
The state of Meghalaya is covered by tons of breathtaking natural landmarks, and the Mawsmai Cave is a popular example of such a site. Located in Mawsmai Village, near Sohra, this site is a must-visit place for individuals who are interested in cave exploration. It is a 150 metres long cave that is quite accessible and makes up for an interesting adventure.
The Don Bosco Museum in Shillong is a great place you can visit if you want to learn more about the cultural history of the region. It is one of the largest museums on the continent, with 17 galleries. Each gallery is dedicated to portraying a specific section of the cultural history, like agriculture, art, fishing and hunting, basketry, food, etc.
Lying in the South Garo Hills, Baghmara is one of the most visited places in Meghalaya. The entire area is covered by thick green vegetation and difficult hilly terrain. During your visit to Baghmara, you can explore the majestic natural beauty of the region, present in the form of rivers, hills and small lakes. The regional wildlife, Siju caves and Baghmara Tyisam Festival are some of its most famous attractions.
There are a number of splendid root bridges across Meghalaya, and the Double-decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunji is a great example of such a magnificent creation. The roots of this bridge are ancient rubber trees, grown and stacked over the years to create this incredible attraction. This root bridge is inarguably one of the best places to see in Meghalaya.
Tasek Lake is a well-known tourist attraction in East Garo Hills. Located nearly 35 kilometres from Williamnagar, it is a natural lake formed as a result of a massive earthquake back in 1897. At present time, Tasek Lake has become a famous spot for locals and tourists due to its serene atmosphere, beautiful lakeside scenery, wildlife and boating activities. It is also one of the most sought-after Meghalaya tourist places for a grand family picnic.
With a height of about 1,115 feet, the Nohkalikai Waterfalls is regarded as one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. This spectacular rainwater-fed waterfall is located close to Cherrapunji and has a unique green-ish plunge pool at its drop. In addition, the thick green vegetation and clear blue sky add up to the beauty of the site.
Another glorious lake in Meghalaya that attracts tourists for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic visuals is the Umiam Lake. It is a massive man-made lake located about 15 kilometres from Shillong. Many visit Umiam Lake to spend some relaxing time by the lakeside, while others prefer the boating and watersport activities available at this location.
Also known as Mawphlang Sacred Groves, it is one of the most interesting places to visit in Meghalaya. Located near Mawphlang in East Khasi Hills, the place holds major significance in the history and culture of the region. Apart from the breathtaking natural beauty of the forest, you can find a series of sacrificial and old coronation sites marked with monoliths in the area.
While many visit Meghalaya to witness its unique natural, historical and cultural heritage, others visit the state for its plethora of thrilling adventure activities. Here are some popular activities you can consider doing in Meghalaya:
Meghalaya is a perfect place for trekking adventures. The region is filled with numerous challenging routes surrounded by the exceptional beauty of nature. You can easily find beginner-friendly to moderately challenging trekking routes and soak in the scenic visuals at your own pace. A few examples of trekking routes in Meghalaya are the David Scott trail, Umden village trek, Living Roots Bridge trek, Mawlyngot trek and Dawki trek.
You can consider cave exploration in Meghalaya for a more thrilling adventure. The region has some of the most beautiful caves in the country, with interesting paths and many mysteries to uncover. It is one of the best ways to witness the spectacular creations of Mother Nature. Among the various caves spread across the state, the Siju cave and Mawsmai Cave are ideal for this adventure activity.
Mountain biking in Meghalaya is one of the most exciting adventure activities you can try during your trip. There are tons of trails surrounded by stunning visuals where you can take part in this activity. It is a great way to cover a lot of distance and explore the regional beauty during your vacations. Sohliya Village is considered the best place for mountain biking in Meghalaya.
If you are in for a slow-paced yet exciting group adventure, try camping in Meghalaya. The vast region covered by exuberant natural landforms is perfect for this activity. There are a lot of popular campsites across the region, however, Umiam Lake, Mawlynnong Village, Dwaku Shnongpdeng and Rtiang Village are the most preferred ones.
For a calming experience, tourists can opt for boating in the serene waters of Meghalaya, surrounded by picturesque scenic visuals. A prominent place for boating in Meghalaya is at Umngot River in Dawki. You can go on a solo or group ride in a wooden boat and enjoy the majestic beauty of the river and its surrounding.
History buffs who wish to learn more about the rich past of Meghalaya can consider going on historical tours. There are various prominent historical landmarks and museums spread across the region with options for guided tours. The Megalithic Bridge on Um-Nyankanah, Nartiang Monoliths and David Scott’s Monument are a few examples of sites you can visit for a historical deep dive.
Another exciting thing you can try in Meghalaya during your trip is Cliff jumping. This adrenaline-pumping activity requires you to jump into the clear blue river water from the edge of a tall cliff. Umngot River in Dawki is the best place in Meghalaya where you can enjoy cliff jumping.
The rushing rivers flowing through Meghalaya are ideal for thrilling paddling adventures like river rafting and kayaking. It is a must-try activity, especially if you are visiting Meghalaya during October and November. Mawphanlur, Shnongpdeng, Mawlyngbna and Shillong Whitewater Village are some of the best places to visit in Meghalaya for rafting and kayaking adventures.
Tourists who want to take part in underwater adventure activities can go snorkelling in Meghalaya. It is a perfect slow-paced activity that doesn’t involve any heavy equipment, unlike scuba diving. River Umngot in Dawki is the best place for snorkelling adventures in Meghalaya.
Apart from popular attractions and adventure activities, Meghalaya is also well-known for its shopping aspect. There are tons of markets spread across the region, offering high-quality regional crafts and art. Here are some prominent shopping areas in Meghalaya that you can visit:
Located in the Hat Thymmai village in Meghalaya, it is a very popular market in the region. Being close to the Indo-Bangla border, the market features an extensive range of unique regional craftwork that you can buy at reasonable prices. This market is a great place to shop for chocolates, cosmetics and souvenir items.
Also known as Iewduh Market, the Bara Bazaar in Ïewduh, Shillong, is one of the oldest markets in the region. There are hundreds of local shops and roadside vendors selling a variety of goods, ranging from apparel to food. It is an ideal place to shop for shoes, meat and fish, jewellery, handbags, exotic fruits, etc.
Located in Dawki, this market is one of the most popular places to do shopping in Meghalaya. You can find a variety of products at this location, including local craftworks, food, bags, clothing, etc. When visiting the Dawki Market, make sure to try out the delicious rice cakes and other regional cuisines offered at this location.
If you are looking to shop for branded products during your Meghalaya trip, consider visiting the OB Shopping Mall at Jail Road in Shillong. It is one of the most popular shopping malls in the region, ideal for buying high-quality clothing and trying out delicious food. You can find outlets for well-known brands at this multi-storied shopping centre.
The local market in Gokolgre is a great place to shop for regional crafts and goods when visiting Meghalaya. You can find all kinds of products on display at this place, offered at various price points. The traditional Khasi snacks available at this market can be great gifts for family and friends.
The Police Bazaar in Shillong is a major shopping area in Meghalaya. You can find all kinds of shops, shopping malls, restaurants, street vendors, etc., at this location. During evenings, this place fills up with shoppers and becomes one of the busiest areas in the city. Some of the most popular things to buy at this market are regional fruits, snacks and clothing.
The Lew Sohra Bazaar in Cherrapunji is a colourful market where you can find a solid range of products made by artisans of the local villages. Tourists often visit this market during their stay at Cherrapunji for gift and souvenir shopping. Some examples of popular items sold at this market include shoes, wooden crafts, figurines, junk jewellery and hats.
Located in Laitumkhrah, this market is a go-to place to shop for clothing. In addition, the market area features many restaurants and local eateries where you can try out delicious regional snacks and dishes. The market region usually operates from 10 AM to 9 PM, and you can buy some great products at decent prices.
A trip to Meghalaya remains incomplete without trying out the regional cuisine. Here are some examples of popular restaurants to consider during your Meghalaya vacation:
From delicious dishes to incredible scenic views, Cafe Shillong is a great place to dine in with friends and family during your Meghalaya trip. It offers a multi-cuisine menu that you can choose from, along with quick service and a pleasant ambience. Some of their must-try dishes are Pork Momos, Shillong Fried Rice and Chilli Pork. This restaurant is located in Laitumkhrah in Shillong.
For a heavenly delight during your stay at Shillong, make sure to visit Dejavu at Police Point in Laitumkhrah. The classy interior and seating arrangement offer an elegant ambience, perfect for eating out with family and friends. The Karaoke station and Asian and Chinese cuisine options make Dejavu a must-visit restaurant in Meghalaya. Make sure to try out their mouth-watering Spicy Chicken Corn Soup and Fish Manchurian during your visit.
The City Hut Family Dhaba is one of the best restaurants where you can eat in Shillong. The incredible contemporary ambience, hospitable service and delectable food make the restaurant quite popular among locals and tourists. It remains open from 11 AM to 9:30 PM and serves Asian, Chinese and Indian cuisines.
Regal Restaurant near Police Bazar in Shillong is another great place to try out Indian and Chinese cuisines in Meghalaya. Apart from its beautiful ambience, the restaurant is popular for serving a wide range of veg and non-veg food options. Make sure to have a go at their menu for Pizzas, Shakes, Snacks and Beverages.
The Bamboo Hut Cafe on G.S. Road near Kacheri, Shillong, is one of the most popular cafes in the region. It serves great quality food at reasonable prices, making it quite economical for tourists. The place has a lovely setting and serves both Indian and Chinese cuisines. Their Chicken Momos and Mughlai Food are a few must-try items of this place.
It is one of the most popular dishes you can try out in Meghalaya, available in the form of street food and at local eateries. Jadoh is a type of red rice that is cooked alongside pork and a few other vegetables. A mix of ginger, black pepper, onions, etc., is also used when cooking Jadoh for added spice and flavour. This delicious, aromatic dish is a must-try item for tourists.
Kyat is a regional speciality drink that adults love to try during their Meghalaya visit. It is a type of beer made with fermented rice and a few other local ingredients. It is a famous celebration drink available at most bars across the region.
This massively popular food item needs no new introduction. Meghalaya’s edition of momos often comes with a generous amount of delicious pork or chicken fillings, making it a wonderful snack during your vacations. And if you want to skip meat, you can choose from the tasty veg momo options available at restaurants and street food vendors across Meghalaya.
It is a well-known sweet dish made with powdered rice and jaggery. It is an ideal food for individuals with a sweet tooth and fits perfectly as a suitable conclusion to a grand Meghalaya cuisine. It is a speciality item during Wangala Festival and is a great companion to hot coffee during the evenings.
It is a beautiful dish with an incredible taste. It is made with steamed powdered rice and is a staple food item in certain parts of the region. A specialised pot called Khiew Ranei is used for cooking Pumaloi and you can learn about the preparation method during your visit. Pumaloi is served alongside gravy-rich meat or vegetable side dishes.
The nightlife in Meghalaya, especially in the capital city of Shillong, is truly phenomenal. Here are some of the best places with great nightlife in Meghalaya:
The Klong Lounge Bar is one of the most popular Meghalaya tourist places with a rich nightlife. Located at the centre of Police Point in Laitumkhrah, the bar offers incredible panoramic city views from its terrace seating. The place is well-known for its prompt service, delicious food, extensive drinks menu and karaoke nights.
Known for its incredible ambience and phenomenal live performances, The Evening Club in Shillong is a must-visit place if you want to witness the vibrant nightlife of Meghalaya. With the availability of signature cocktails, live musical performances and delectable food, the club remains filled with locals and tourists alike.
Cloud9 in Shillong is one of the oldest and most famous nightclubs in the city. The place is renowned for its spacious setting, vibrant ambience, stylish decor, drinks, Pan-Asian food, etc. The nightclub also hosts live music performances from famous artists in the region, adding up to the whole Meghalaya nightlife experience.
When talking about nightlife in Meghalaya, one can not miss out on the Polo Irish Pub. Located in Shillong, the pub is a go-to place for youngsters and party lovers during the weekends. Apart from its wide range of food and drinks menu, the pub is popular for its DJ music, electrifying atmosphere and karaoke nights.
The state of Meghalaya is in the northeastern region of India, and it shares its borders with Bangladesh and Assam. The Sanskrit meaning of the state’s name translates to “Abode of Cloud”, which it gets from the enormous amount of annual rainfall that occurs in the region. Meghalaya’s unparalleled natural beauty makes it a highly sought-after holiday destination in India. However, the major tourist attractions in Meghalaya go far beyond its national parks, natural landforms, waterfalls, towering peaks, caves, and so on. The region has been a prominent centre of history and culture in the country since ancient times. Meghalaya has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, making it a prime spot of interest for archaeological activities. It was also a subject of the British colonial rule of India, where they replaced the local tribal kingdoms of Jaintia, Khasi and Garo with their own administration. The British called Meghalaya the “Scotland of the East” due to their identical landscapes.
Thus Meghalaya’s rich past covers a vital sector of India’s history, which draws many casual tourists and history buffs to the region. With such a rich past, it is only natural for the state to house several historical monuments dating back to the forgone era. From historical buildings and archaeological sites to statues and stone memorials, there are a lot of things to uncover on a Meghalaya trip. Some major monuments in Meghalaya include David Scott Memorial Stone, Nartiang Monoliths, Kiang Nongbah Monument, Manipur Memorial, etc.
From incredible stone memorials in honour of the erstwhile rulers of the region to archaeological sites uncovering the earliest signs of human civilisation, history is embedded in every part of Meghalaya. Besides being popular tourist attractions, these marvellous sites also help individuals learn more about the region’s local culture and vast history. Here are some of the most well-known Meghalaya monuments that you can check out:
The Nartiang Monoliths in Jaintia Hills are one of the largest collections of Megalithic stones found within a single area. The site helps to preserve a crucial fragment of the region’s royal history and enables visitors to learn more about it. This garden of monoliths features several upright stones (Menhirs) and horizontal stones (Dolmens). These monoliths were erected as monuments of the previous rulers of the region and also to mark their achievements. Among this massive collection, the tallest monolith is locally known as Moo Long Syiem. It is about 26 feet tall and was erected by U Mar Phalyngki to commemorate a military victory. The rest were erected by several clans of the Nartiang Village between the period of 1500 to 1835 A.D.
The David Scott Monument in Cherrapunji is one of the most important and famous historical monuments of Meghalaya. It commemorates a British official named David Scott who was employed by the East India Company during the colonial era. He was widely known as a sincere and dedicated worker, and his demise on 20th August 1831 left a huge impact on the Governor-General’s office. Hence, an obelisk-shaped monument made of ashlar stone was erected in his honour. The tribute written on the memorial pillar by the British Raj is also a noteworthy aspect of the site. A path leading to the monument, called “David Scott Memorial Trail,” has become quite famous among tourists for hiking.
One of Meghalaya’s most common tourist attractions is its numerous megalithic bridges spread across the region. The Megalithic Bridge on the Um-Nyankanah River is a popular site that attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year. It is a bridge made of massive stone slabs resting upon four giant stone pillars. It is believed that this monolithic bridge was built under the reign of the Jaintia Kings of Jaintiapur in the mediaeval era. Its primary purpose was to promote trade, communication and transport between the ruling regions. The bridge is now a prime attraction for casual tourists and history buffs and is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Locally called Thul-Um-Wi, it is another remarkable megalithic bridge found in the district of Jaintia Hills. It resembles a similar structural composition, featuring large stone slabs and support pillars. Local legends indicate that it was also built under the reign of the Jaintia rulers with the purpose of maintaining trade and commerce with other ruling regions. This simple yet beautiful bridge is an important historical monument and one of the well-known Meghalaya tourist places. One of the stone slabs of this bridge broke down when an elephant tried to cross it several years after its construction. The broken section is still a part of the structure and makes for a beautiful backdrop for photographs.
This stone bridge is one of the most beautiful historical monuments of Meghalaya. It was built by laying massive stone slabs over the Um-Kumbeh River, supported by giant stone pillars at the bottom. According to local legends, this stone bridge was built by U Luh Lyngskor and Mar Phalangki under the orders of the then-Jaintia King. It is also believed that the bridge’s construction took place following the shift of the capital from Sutnga to Nartiang. This megalithic bridge assisted in maintaining trade and communication between the Jaintia Kingdom’s old and new capitals. The stones used to make the bridge date back to the 18th century AD.
The Manipur Memorial is one of the most significant historical monuments in Meghalaya. Located just 2.2 kilometres from Shillong’s city centre, it is a massive tourist attraction in the region. The memorial is a tall, octagonal-shaped structure made of ashlar stone, standing on a gradually receding platform. It was erected to commemorate Mr Quinton and several other British Military officials who lost their lives in Manipur in the year 1891. There are also inscriptions engraved into the memorial that briefly describe the cause of their demise.
Located in Nartiang, the Stone Memorial of U-Maw Thodur-Briew is one of the most popular Meghalaya monuments. The memorial is built by and dedicated to the people of U-Maw Thodur-Briew, a local tribe in the region. The megalithic stones in the memorial are generally classified into three categories, called Dolmens, Menhirs and Cairns. Menhirs are more common than the other two types, with the tallest being around 9 metres tall. These menhirs are raised in groups, ranging between three to seven at a time, with the middle one towering over others. A capstone, representing a hat or the shape of a head, is often provided over these menhirs.
The famous Kiang Nongbah Monument is one of the most iconic historical monuments of Meghalaya. Located on a massive field called “Madiah Kmai Blai” by the banks of the Myntdu River, the monument commemorates U Kiang Nongbah. He was a Jaintia patriot who fought for the freedom of his region during British colonial rule. He died as a martyr for his cause by public hanging on 30th December 1862. People from all over India as well as the world, visit the Kiang Nongbah Monument to pay their respects and learn more about the region’s historical heritage.
Following their traditions and beliefs, the Khasi tribes erected several monoliths throughout the ages to honour their tribe and heroes. Such monoliths can be found within Meghalaya’s Bhoi Area, believed to have been constructed by the people of Khasi communities. This massive monolithic stone memorial is locally known as U-Mawthoh-Dur, and is among the most well-known historical landmarks in the region. Both casual tourists and history buffs like to visit this stone memorial in Meghalaya.
The earliest signs of civilization in Meghalaya date back to the Neolithic period. Hence it has been a major site of interest for archaeological activities. One of the most famous archaeological sites discovered in the state is Bhaitbari. Lying close to the Assam-Meghalaya border, the site was involved in a short excavation between 1991-92, which resulted in several crucial historical findings. The findings include the discovery of a 5 kilometres long burnt brick-mud fortification, a planned brick-built temple with 28 terracotta tiles, an Octagonal Temple with multiple Shiva Lingas, and a stupa (structure related to Buddhism). The ruins of this ancient kingdom date back to the 4th-8th century AD. These ancient monuments have piqued the interest of several history buffs and tourists in recent years.
