3 Days in Cherrapunji for an Outdoor Adventure

Kick off your Cherrapunji adventure with its most famous sights, from breathtaking waterfalls to living root bridges, and soak in the misty charm of this rain-soaked paradise.

Activities

Nohkalikai Falls & Viewpoint

Start your day with the tallest plunge waterfall in India, Nohkalikai Falls. The viewpoint offers a stunning panorama of the waterfall cascading down 1,115 feet into a turquoise pool below. The misty mornings make it even more magical, and the local legend behind its name adds a layer of intrigue.

Nohkalikai Falls Viewpoint, Cherrapunji8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (best light and fewer crowds)INR 20-30 per person (entry fee)

Tips:

• Wear sturdy shoes as the path can be slippery
• Carry a light jacket—it’s often chilly and misty

Double Decker Living Root Bridge

Head to the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village. This engineering marvel, crafted by the Khasi tribe over centuries, is a must-see. The trek down is steep (about 3,000 steps) but rewarding, passing through lush forests and small waterfalls. The bridge itself is a surreal sight, with two layers of living roots intertwined to form a sturdy pathway.

Nongriat Village, near Cherrapunji10:30 AM - 3:00 PM (start early to avoid afternoon rain)INR 50-100 (guide optional but helpful)

Tips:

• Pack water and snacks—no shops on the trail
• Hire a local guide for stories about the bridge’s history

Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint

Wrap up the day with a visit to the Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint. Named after the seven separate streams that cascade down the cliffs, this spot is especially dramatic during the monsoon. The viewpoint is easily accessible by car, making it a relaxing way to end the day.

Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint, Cherrapunji4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (ideal for golden-hour photos)INR 10-20 per person (entry fee)

Tips:

• Bring binoculars for a closer look at the falls
• Stop by the nearby stalls for fresh pineapple or local tea

Must Try Foods

A mix of stunning natural wonders and local culture, with visits to unique caves, sacred forests, and a chance to savor Khasi flavors.

Activities

Mawsmai Cave Exploration

Step into the otherworldly Mawsmai Cave, the most accessible limestone cave in Meghalaya. Navigate through narrow passages, squeeze between rocks, and marvel at the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is well-lit but retains a raw, adventurous feel—bring shoes with grip as it can get slippery. The play of light on the formations makes for great photos.

Mawsmai Cave, near Sohra (Cherrapunji)9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (best visited early to avoid crowds)INR 20-50 per person

Tips:

• Carry a small torch for darker sections
• Avoid during peak monsoon as some areas may flood

Sacred Forest Walk at Mawphlang

Visit the mystical Mawphlang Sacred Grove, a preserved Khasi forest where ancient rituals still take place. Walk with a local guide who’ll explain the medicinal plants, tribal legends, and the unspoken rule: nothing—not even a leaf—can be taken from here. The moss-covered monoliths and quiet trails feel straight out of a fairy tale.

Mawphlang Sacred Grove, 25 km from Cherrapunji10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (guides available throughout the day)INR 300-500 (includes guide fee)

Tips:

• Wear sturdy shoes—trails can be muddy
• Ask guides about the 'Lyngdoh' clan's rituals

Sunset at Thangkharang Park

Wrap up the day at this cliffside park with panoramic views of the Bangladesh plains. The viewpoint here is less crowded than Nohkalikai but just as breathtaking. Look for the rare pitcher plants along the trails and the distant Kynrem Falls cascading down the opposite cliffs.

Thangkharang Park, 12 km south of Cherrapunji town4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (ideal for golden hour)INR 10-20 entry fee

Tips:

• Binoculars enhance the distant waterfall views
• Local vendors sell sweet corn—try it roasted with lime

Must Try Foods

A relaxed day uncovering lesser-known spots and local flavors, perfect for winding down your trip with unique experiences.

Activities

Must Try Foods