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Things to Do in Cherrapunji
10 Things to Do in Cherrapunji on Your Next Adventure
Cherrapunji is a beautiful town in Meghalaya. Locally known as Sohra, Cherrapunji is known for being one of the wettest places on earth. However, that's not the only thing Cherrapnji is all about. There’s more to Cherrapunji than it’s record-breaking rainfall. You'll find amazing sights like the living root bridges made by the Khasi people and stunning waterfalls like Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters. The whole place is covered in lush green plants, making it look like a wonderland.
Visiting Cherrapunji is more than just seeing new attractions; it is also about enjoying the beauty of nature and human creativity. Read the blog to discover the top things to do in Cherrapnji to make the most of your stay and create lasting memories.
CONTENTS:
Here’s the list of things to do in Cherrapunji on your next visit.
1. Witness the Spectacular Waterfalls
2. Trek to Living Root Bridges
5. Experience the Culture of Cherrapunji
6. Enjoy Ziplining at Mawkdok Dympep Valley
9. Explore Ramakrishna Mission Ashram
1. Witness the Spectacular Waterfalls
One of the best things to do in Cherrapunji is exploring its breathtaking waterfalls. Being home to many remarkable waterfalls of Meghalaya including Nohkalikai Falls and Seven Sisters Waterfall, Cherrapunji offers stunning views, especially for nature lovers.
Among the two, Nohkalikai is the tallest plunge waterfall in India, descending from a height of around 340 metres into a lovely turquoise pool below. Meanwhile, Seven Sisters Waterfall, also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, captivates with its seven distinct streams, creating an amazing spectacle, especially during the rainy season. Surrounded by greenery and cloudy skies, these waterfalls provide mesmerising views of Cherrapunji's natural beauty.
2. Trek to Living Root Bridges
In Meghalaya, you'll find something truly unique: living root bridges. These incredible structures, crafted by the Khasi tribes over centuries, show their amazing ingenuity. Venture into the dense forests of Cherrapunji to uncover these wonders. These bridges, made from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees, are carefully guided over rivers and ravines by the locals. It takes years, even decades, for them to become strong enough for people to cross.
The most famous one, the Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat village, is a popular tourist attraction in Cherrapunji. These bridges seamlessly blend into the lush rainforest surroundings, showing how people and nature can coexist. Trek to these bio-engineering marvels to uncover the extraordinary part of the region that reminds you of the bond between humans and the environment.
3. Explore Mawsmai Cave
Want some adventure? Visit Mawsmai Cave - a popular tourist attraction in Cherrapunji.
It is also one of the longest caves in Meghalaya. Inside, you'll be amazed by the limestone formations.
Mawsmai is one of the few caves where you can easily walk in to explore and learn about the area’s history. With well-lit pathways, it's safe for exploration. Walk through Mawsmai Cave and discover another world, with narrow paths leading to large chambers filled with wonders. It's a stunning example of nature's beauty in Meghalaya.
4. Visit Eco Park
If you enjoy spending time in nature, Eco Park is the perfect getaway. Located near Seven Sisters Falls, this beautiful park boasts breathtaking views of valleys and hills. Here you can enjoy a leisurely walk, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and experience nature's tranquillity.
Created by the Meghalaya government, this park offers stunning vistas perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Eco Park boasts diverse flora, including a variety of native and hybrid orchids planted by the local forest department. A clear stream adds to the park's peaceful atmosphere. This is one of the best places to visit in Cherrapunji.
5. Experience the Culture of Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji celebrates its strong indigenous culture through its clothing, lifestyle, cuisine, festivals, and traditions, all reflecting the rich heritage of the Khasi people. To fully experience this culture, visit traditional Khasi villages where you can meet friendly locals, learn about their customs, and enjoy authentic Khasi dishes.
Don't miss the vibrant festivals like Nongkrem Dance and Shad-Suk Mynsiem, where you can witness the colourful celebrations of locals. Also discover the unique Khasi tradition of passing down their family lines through women, a practice not commonly found elsewhere. Exploring local traditions and the warm hospitality of its people is one of the top things to do in Cherrapunji.
6. Enjoy Ziplining at Mawkdok Dympep Valley
If you are into hard-core adventure, this is for you. Experience an unparalleled adrenaline rush at Mawkdok Dympep Valley with its thrilling zipline adventure. Soar above the valley and witness mesmerising views of lush greenery and cascading waterfalls below. With top-notch safety measures and expert guides, this activity in Cherrapunji is suitable for all ages, ensuring a fun and secure experience.
Whether you're looking for some thrill or simply seeking a unique way to admire Cherrapunji's beauty, the ziplining at Mawkdok Dympep Valley endures an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more. If you are a newbie, there are options and security guidelines available to you. So, don’t miss the chance.
7. Savour Local Dishes
No list of things to do in Cherrapunji would be complete without adding a taste of the local cuisine. Cherrapunji's traditional food is a delicious blend of ingredients that fully represents the local culture. You'll find spicy pork dishes, refreshing salads with local herbs, and the famous Khasi dish called Jadoh, made with rice and meat cooked with chillies and spices. If you’re a vegetarian, try out dishes made from locally grown vegetables and fruits.
There’re many popular restaurants in Cherrapunji where you can savor authentic Meghalaya cuisine, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, like:
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7 Sisters Falls View Inn Restaurant: Offers a mix of meats and vegetables in traditional Khasi meals.
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Orange Roots: Perfect for vegetarians, serving a variety of veggie dishes.
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Halari Restaurant: Known for its Paneer Butter Masala and other paneer delights, ideal for vegetarians.
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Sao Aiom: Famous for its Jadoh with chicken or fish, giving you a taste of traditional Khasi food.
ALSO READ: Popular restaurants in Shillong
8. Enjoy Bird Watching
Meghalaya is home to over 600 bird species, including migratory birds like the Dark Rumped Swift, Green Cochoa, and Blue-winged Laughing Thrush. Cherrapunji, thanks to its dense forests and green landscape, offers perfect place for bird-watching.
Take your binoculars and get ready to spot rare and exotic birds in their natural homes. The tranquil forests and valleys provide the perfect homes for these birds, making birdwatching one of the most amazing things to do in Cherrapunji.
9. Explore Ramakrishna Mission Ashram
Learn solemnity and humbleness at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Cherrapunji.
Located near Nohkalikai Falls, this ashram is one of the best places to visit in Cherrapunji. Built on the teachings of Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda, this famous ashram in Cherrapunji is a place of service and learning.
Here you’ll find inner peace and the motivation to help those in need. The ashram is known for its charity work, providing meals, education, and jobs to those who need it most. It also offers schooling to tribal children from Meghalaya.
10. Hike to Rainbow Falls
If you're trekking to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunji, why not extend your adventure by adding a 3-kilometre trek to Rainbow Waterfalls? Located near Nongriat Village, this stunning waterfall offers one of most adventurous treks in Meghalaya, known for its cleanliness and lush surroundings.
Experience the magic of nature as you admire the waterfall's cascading beauty and enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the natural pool below. While the trek to this popular tourist attraction in Cherrapunji may be challenging, taking a dip in the turquoise waters will help you recharge and wash away any fatigue.
ALSO READ: Things to do in Shillong
Wrap Up!
Cherrapunji is the perfect holiday destination if you are looking for adventure amid nature’s beauty. This small town is world-renowned for its unparalleled rainfall. What make it extra amazing is the natural wonders like stunning waterfalls, picturisque landscapes, luss greenery and a very authentic and delicious local cuisine.
Located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, Cherrapunji is easily accessible by road from Shillong. Plan your visit during the monsoon season to witness the waterfalls in their full glory, or visit during the dry season for pleasant weather and clear skies.
Don’t miss the chance to explore Cherrapunji with the Meghalaya tour package. Book Holidays Crowd’s special tour package - Cherrapunji's Rainy Charm, and discover all the top tourist attractions in Cherrapunji. Get ready to pack your bags and let the wonders of nature unfold before your eyes!