Places to Visit in Cherrapunji: 10 Spots & a 1-Day Cab Route

Cherrapunji, known locally as Sohra, is about 55 km from Shillong and usually a 1.5 to 2 hour drive. In one day by cab you can see its biggest sights, including Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai Cave and the valley viewpoint at Mawkdok. Here are ten places worth your time, followed by a practical one-day route.

10 places to visit in Cherrapunji

1. Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint

This is the first big stop on the road from Shillong. The viewpoint looks over a deep, wide valley, and on a clear day the layers of hills seem to go on forever. In the monsoon, clouds often fill the valley completely. There are stalls for tea and snacks, and ziplining has been offered here at times.

2. Wei Sawdong Falls

A three-tiered waterfall with striking turquoise pools, close to the main road before Sohra town. Reaching the bottom involves a steep, rough descent with some makeshift steps, so wear proper shoes and skip it if you are not steady on your feet. The view from partway down is also worth it.

3. Dainthlen Falls

A wide waterfall flowing over flat rock, linked to a well-known Khasi legend about a giant serpent. It is an easy stop with little walking, which makes it good for families and older travellers.

4. Nohkalikai Falls

The most famous sight in Sohra and one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India. The water falls into a green pool far below, and the viewing area gives you the full height. It is most powerful in and just after the monsoon, while in the dry months the flow is thinner but the pool colour is often more vivid. A nominal entry fee usually applies; check at the counter.

5. Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang)

A series of side-by-side falls dropping off a cliff near Mawsmai village. It is truly spectacular in the monsoon, but in the dry season it can shrink to a trickle or dry up, so manage your expectations if you visit in winter.

6. Mawsmai Cave

A limestone cave with a lit, fairly short walking route. Some sections are narrow and you may need to bend or squeeze through. It is one of the more accessible caves in Meghalaya and popular with families. Expect queues on busy days.

7. Arwah Cave

A larger cave on the other side of Sohra, reached by a paved walkway along the hillside with good valley views. Inside you can see fossils embedded in the rock. It is usually less crowded than Mawsmai.

8. Eco Park

A landscaped park on the edge of the plateau with views down towards the plains of Bangladesh on clear days. In the monsoon you can see small streams flowing off the edge. It is a relaxed stop with space to walk around.

9. Thangkharang Park

Another viewpoint park on the edge of the hills, with views over the Bangladesh plains and, in the rainy season, the Kynrem Falls in the distance. It is a little off the main circuit, so include it if you have time.

10. Nongriat Double-Decker Living Root Bridge

The most famous living root bridge in Meghalaya, formed over many years from the roots of rubber trees. The trek starts from Tyrna village and involves a long descent of roughly 3,000 to 3,500 steps, plus a few hanging bridges over rivers. The climb back up is the hard part. Most fit walkers need about 4 to 6 hours for the round trip, so plan a separate day for it or stay overnight in Nongriat. You can read more in our living root bridges guide.

A one-day Cherrapunji route by cab from Shillong

This route covers the main sights without the root bridge trek. Timings are approximate and depend on traffic, weather and how long you linger.

1. 7:30 to 8:00 am: Leave Shillong. An early start helps in the monsoon, when fog builds by afternoon.
2. Mawkdok Dympep Viewpoint: 20 to 30 minutes for the view and a cup of tea.
3. Wei Sawdong Falls: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on whether you go all the way down.
4. Dainthlen Falls: about 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Nohkalikai Falls: 30 to 45 minutes.
6. Lunch in Sohra: local Khasi food and simple restaurants are available in town.
7. Mawsmai Cave and Seven Sisters Falls: they are close together, so allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for both.
8. Eco Park or Arwah Cave: pick one if time allows.
9. Return to Shillong by early evening.

If you want to see everything at a slower pace, or do the Nongriat trek, consider staying a night in Sohra. Our Shillong & Cherrapunji Getaway allows more time in the area.

When to visit Cherrapunji

The monsoon, roughly June to September, is when the waterfalls are at their best, but fog can hide them for long periods. October and November often give you both flowing falls and clearer views. Winter is dry and clear, good for caves and treks, but the falls are much thinner. See our best time to visit Meghalaya guide for more detail.

Practical notes

• Most sights charge a nominal entry or parking fee. Rates change, so check at the counter.
• Wear shoes with good grip. Steps and paths get slippery when wet.
• Some sites may close early or temporarily for safety in very bad weather. Check locally before heading out.

How we can help

Pranjal Taxi Service runs day trips and multi-day tours to Cherrapunji from Shillong, with drivers who know the timing of each stop. We can adjust the route for your pace and the weather on the day. WhatsApp us or use the enquiry form to plan your trip.