On the second day in Meghalaya, Footlooseinme decided to tour the many places to visit in Cherrapunji. Starting early is always rewarding—especially when you’re travelling in Meghalaya. It helps you avoid morning traffic while getting out of Shillong city. As planned, I started early. My driver was very punctual and always arrived on time. After a good night’s sleep—refreshed and recharged—I began the journey from Shillong. Unlike the previous day, when I was groggy and tired leaving the hotel (read my initial adventure story to know why), this time I was filled with enthusiasm and excitement. I was finally on my way to explore the best places to visit in Cherrapunji.
The previous day, I had finalised the list of places to visit and shared it with my driver. He then mapped out the route accordingly. Along the way, I noticed a lot of road-widening work in progress. I was eager to see Cherrapunji again—a place I had visited several times during childhood, although I only had faint memories of it.
Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point
My first stop was Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point. This expansive, V-shaped green valley offers a spectacular view. For adventure enthusiasts, there’s even ziplining across the valley! After soaking in the view, I headed to a newly added attraction in the places to visit in Cherrapunji.
Garden of Caves
Yes, you guessed it—I was at the Garden of Caves. This place wasn’t known back when I visited Cherrapunji as a child. The name Garden of Caves suggested a network of narrow, dimly lit passages and caves. Initially, I was reluctant to visit, owing to my recently developed claustrophobia. Despite doing some research online, I remained unconvinced. But my driver reassured me that while the name includes “caves,” it is more like an open, forested area.
I agreed, thinking to myself that if I felt any discomfort, I would turn back immediately. I was told there were 11 points spread across a 2.5-hectare area, taking around 1–2 hours to explore. With apprehension, I entered after purchasing the ticket.
The site was very well managed, with numbered signposts and staff at every point to guide visitors. Nestled within lush forest, this natural area features a mix of caverns, waterfalls, and rock formations. Historically, it served as a hiding spot for the Khasi tribe during British colonial rule. In 2010, parts of the forest were cleared to make it accessible, and it was developed into a tourist attraction.
Since then, Ka Bri Ki Synrang has been popularly known as the Garden of Caves, now one of the must-visit places in Cherrapunji. I followed the marked pathways, moving from one scenic spot to the next. At one point, I descended stairs into a cave, feeling nervous. To my surprise, it was airy and had an exit nearby—I passed through easily. Though I visited during the dry season and wasn’t expecting much water, a few waterfalls still had a flow.
One highlight was a bamboo bridge leading to the medicinal water point. Locals sell bamboo bottles to collect this water, which emerges naturally from the mountains. The Garden of Caves sees heavy footfall, and many visitors take these bamboo bottles home as souvenirs. I was lucky to get the last bottle available and filled it with the cool, clear water. After exploring the last spot there, I headed to the next destination.
Wah-Kaba Waterfalls Viewpoint
My next stop was the Wah-Kaba Waterfalls viewpoint. I climbed down a flight of stairs, but unfortunately, the waterfall was completely dry. Still, the view of the windy valley was quite rewarding.
Cherrapunji or Sohra
Next, we drove into Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra—its native Khasi name. During British colonial times, the name was mispronounced as “Cherra,” then the Bengali word punji (meaning a cluster of villages) was added, resulting in the name Cherrapunji. Today, it has officially been renamed Sohra.
Once the wettest place on Earth, Cherrapunji still receives significant rainfall year-round. As I entered the town, childhood memories came flooding back—though I couldn’t find anything familiar. I moved on to my next destination.
Anthropological Museum – Sri Ramakrishna Mission
Next on the list was the Anthropological Museum at the Sri Ramakrishna Mission. A simple museum, but packed with information and displays of traditional items used by tribes across Northeast India. There were old photographs of various places—some are now major tourist attractions. After writing a short note in the museum diary, I moved on.
Nohkalikai Waterfalls
My next stop was the most famous point in Cherrapunji—Nohkalikai Waterfalls, India’s tallest plunge waterfall. Though I visited in the dry season and saw only a thin ribbon of water, it was still a beautiful sight. In the monsoon, the falls swell dramatically, creating a breathtaking view with rainbows in the mist on sunny days.
This waterfall also has a haunting legend. Nohkalikai means “Jump of Ka Likai.” Likai, a Khasi woman, was widowed with an infant daughter. (Ka is a prefix used to address Khashi women.) She took the job of a porter to raise her child. She later remarried to have someone take care of her infant while she was at work. But the stepfather grew jealous of the attention the child received. One day, he murdered the infant and cooked her flesh. Unaware, Ka Likai ate the meal. On realising the horrifying truth, she jumped off the cliff in grief—giving the waterfall its name.
Mawsmai Cave
Like many tourist spots, the area around Mawsmai Cave has become a hub for local shopping and performances. A local music band was performing nearby. Gathering courage, I bought my ticket and walked toward the entrance.
I had no fear of enclosed spaces in childhood—I remember walking deep into this cave until we reached a point where we were told not to go further. Someone had said that beyond that point lay Bangladesh!
Read about my cave experience in Jagdalpur (Kotumsar Cave).
Read about Pataleshwar Cave in Pune.
With those dimly lit memories, I stepped inside. A local elderly man (likely from the Khasi community) checked my ticket and, through sign language, asked if I was alone. His facial expression read: “Oh dear, going in alone?” I smiled and walked in.
Unlike before, the cave was now well-lit and had a paved floor at the entrance. I happily explored alone. However, I eventually reached a narrow section that required squeezing through. I chose not to risk triggering my claustrophobia and turned back. The same elderly man greeted me with a sweet, toothless smile and gestured, “Were you scared?” I smiled and nodded in agreement.
Seven Sisters Waterfalls
The final stop on my list of places to visit in Cherrapunji was the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, also known as Nohsngithiang Falls or Mawsmai Falls. This segmented waterfall is most striking during the monsoon. Unfortunately, I saw only a dry bed during my visit.
The Mawsmai village lies about a kilometre away. The surrounding landscape was lush, and the valley views below were stunning. From this viewpoint, you can even see the plains of Bangladesh. Perhaps, seeing this vista as a child, my mind created a memory of the Mawsmai cave extending into Bangladesh.
Final Reflections
With all these thoughts swirling, I returned to the car. My touristy day in Cherrapunji—or Sohra—was over, and I was heading back to Shillong. On the way, I noticed a picturesque colonial building, surrounded by pine trees and enclosed by a white picket fence. I asked my driver about it. He told me it was a cafe. Unfortunately, we had already passed it. But it had made a place in my heart. Knowing it was a cafe meant I could visit it the next day. I was to take the same route again. To find out where I headed next—stay tuned.
Read my previous post on Dawki.
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