Things to Do in Cherrapunji: 11 Experiences You Can't Miss
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From India's tallest plunge waterfall and living root bridges to ancient limestone caves — here are the best things to do in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya.
Cherrapunji — locally known as Sohra — sits at 4,500 feet in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Once recorded as the wettest place on Earth, Cherrapunji is a landscape of thundering waterfalls, mist-covered valleys, ancient limestone caves, and the extraordinary living root bridges woven by the Khasi tribe over centuries.
Here are the best things to do in Cherrapunji for a trip you will never forget.
Best Time to Visit: October to May for clear skies and waterfall views. June to September brings heavy monsoon — waterfalls are powerful but roads can be difficult.
1. Stand at the Edge of Nohkalikai Falls
Nohkalikai Falls is India's tallest plunge waterfall — dropping an extraordinary 340 meters into a striking blue-green pool at the base of the cliff. Standing at the viewpoint as the water disappears into the mist below is one of the most dramatic natural sights in the entire country.
The falls are named after a haunting local Khasi legend of a woman named Ka Likai — one of the most powerful folk stories in Meghalaya.
- Entry: Small fee at the viewpoint
- Best time: October–November for maximum water flow
- Tip: Visit early morning before clouds settle over the gorge
2. Trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village is one of the most extraordinary natural structures in India — two bridges stacked on top of each other, grown entirely from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees over hundreds of years by the Khasi tribe.
Getting there requires a descent of roughly 3,500 steps through dense rainforest — steep, rewarding, and completely worth every step.
- Distance: ~5 km from Tyrna village
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Duration: 4–5 hours return
- Tip: Wear proper trekking shoes and carry enough water
3. Explore Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai Cave is the most accessible limestone cave in Cherrapunji — a 150-metre illuminated passage of dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and narrow rock corridors carved by centuries of water movement.
Short enough to complete in 30 minutes but impressive enough to leave a lasting impression. Fully lit and safe for all visitors including families.
- Duration: 30–45 minutes
- Tip: Gets narrow in sections — not ideal for those with claustrophobia
4. View the Seven Sisters Falls
The Seven Sisters Falls — also known as Nohsngithiang Falls — drops in seven distinct streams from the plateau edge, falling over 315 meters into the valley below. Best viewed from the opposite side of the gorge for the full panoramic spread of all seven streams.
Most powerful and visually spectacular during and just after the monsoon when all seven streams flow simultaneously at full force.
5. Swim at Wei Sawdong Falls
Wei Sawdong Falls is Cherrapunji's best kept secret — a beautiful three-tiered waterfall hidden deep in the forest with a natural pool at the base perfect for swimming.
Fewer visitors, no crowds, and a short trek through lush rainforest to reach it. If you want one experience in Cherrapunji that feels completely off the tourist trail, this is it.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Duration: 1–2 hours return trek
- Best for: Swimming, photography, quiet exploration
6. Visit Dainthlen Falls
Dainthlen Falls is one of Cherrapunji's most scenic and culturally rich waterfalls — set against a dramatic rocky gorge and tied to the famous Khasi legend of the serpent Thlen killed by a warrior at this very spot.
Less crowded than Nohkalikai, easy to reach, and the surrounding gorge makes for excellent photography throughout the day.
7. Walk Through Eco Park, Cherrapunji
Eco Park sits right on the edge of the Cherrapunji plateau with the most accessible panoramic view in the area. On clear days, you can see all the way across the plains of Bangladesh, stretching to the horizon.
The park also gives a close aerial view of the Seven Sisters Falls, and the walking paths are perfect for a relaxed morning stroll.
- Best time: Clear mornings before mist rolls in
- Tip: Combine with Mawsmai Cave — both are minutes apart
8. Explore Arwah Cave
Arwah Cave is less visited than Mawsmai but far more rewarding for those who venture in. The cave contains ancient fossil formations estimated to be millions of years old — shells and marine creatures embedded in the limestone walls telling the geological story of Meghalaya.
The cave also opens into a stream passage and a hidden waterfall inside — making it one of the most unique underground experiences in Northeast India.
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Best for: Geology lovers, photographers, and offbeat explorers
9. Stop at Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint
On the road between Shillong and Cherrapunji, the Mawkdok Dympep Valley viewpoint is one of the most dramatic roadside stops in Meghalaya. The gorge drops steeply on both sides, and the valley stretches endlessly into the distance.
Most travelers zip past it. Stop here. It is worth every minute.
- Location: ~25 km from Cherrapunji on the Shillong Road
- Duration: 20–30 minutes
10. Visit Thangkharang Park
Thangkharang Park is an underrated viewpoint perched at the edge of the Cherrapunji plateau, offering sweeping views over the Bangladesh plains below. On exceptionally clear days, the view extends all the way to the Bay of Bengal.
The park also has a close-range view of Kynrem Falls — one of Meghalaya's tallest and most powerful waterfalls — making it ideal to combine both in a single stop.
11. Cross the Single Decker Living Root Bridge
While the Double Decker gets all the attention, the Single Decker Living Root Bridge is an equally remarkable piece of living engineering — and far easier to reach for travelers short on time or energy.
Several single root bridges exist around Cherrapunji and Nongriat, each one a testament to the Khasi tribe's extraordinary tradition of training tree roots across streams over generations until they become strong enough to walk across.
Final Thoughts
Cherrapunji overwhelms you in the best possible way. Waterfalls around every corner, living bridges growing from the forest floor, caves hiding fossils millions of years old, and valleys so deep and green they barely feel real.
For anyone traveling through Northeast India, Cherrapunji is non-negotiable.