Exploring 20 Best Things to Do in Meghalaya for an Epic Trip

• “Meghalaya’s beauty is in its waterfalls and its people, who welcome you with open arms.” 
• – Ratan Tata

The richness of Meghalaya, a land of clouds, cannot be completely described in words. Its historical ruins, unique culture, traditions, and plethora of natural wonders attracted 12.7 lakh tourists in 2023. 

Located in the north-east of India, this place captures the serenity of the peaceful and simple life, away from the crowded cities. Though 80% of the population depends on farming, tourism is highly promoted with the Meghalaya trip package. It includes walking tours through vibrant, bustling markets and adventure sports such as trekking and sailing boats. 

So pack your luggage to get ready to dive into the wonders of pleasant things to do in Meghalaya. Also, learn about Travel Guide to Meghalaya by reading this article.

Top 20 Things to Do in Meghalaya: 

Welcome or as they say in the Khasi language ‘Hap hapoh’ to your one-stop destination for a wonderful Meghalaya Backpacking Trip. This is your chance to explore the 20 best things to do in Meghalaya that you are going to remember for a lifetime. We have curated top activities that are not to be missed when visiting this exciting location with a rich biodiversity. 

Start your journey from one of the world’s wonders – the Nartiang Monoliths. Ideally, monoliths are naturally formed from a single large stone as a reminder of ancestors. Their exact location is 24 kms from Jowai, in the Law Mulong area of Nartiang village. 

There are two types of monoliths here. The standing ones or ‘Menhirs’ represent the male ancestors and the flat ones (Dolmens) are dedicated to the female ancestors. Visiting this place, you will sense a deep mystery but also beautiful vibes. It is often not crowded, so it is easy to navigate through the stones.   

The best way to spend quality and fun time with family or a group is by taking a boat ride on Umiam Lake. It is an artificial lake with a maximum depth is around 200 ft, which is the same height as the Umiam-Umtru Hydroelectric Power dam built in the 1960s. 

It is a perfect example of a man-made ecosystem that supports wildlife in and around the lake. You can either take the traditional wooden boat to experience the old-world charm. Or ride on a speed boat or hire a guide for kayaking. 

Whether you are staying in a hotel an Airbnb or a hostel, you will be welcome to try the local Khasi cuisine. The main course consists of Jadoh which is basically like rice and pork. You can also try Dohkileh, which is a pork salad, or the lip-smacking Doh-neiiong which is smoked pork with bamboo shoots. 

Besides these, a variety of seafood will amaze you that is enjoyed with traditional stews. Don’t forget to savor Pumaloi, a ball-shaped, steamed rice cake, and Tungtap, a tangy chutney.

FUN FACT
Meghalaya was created in 1972 from two districts of Assam. Before that, it was part of undivided Assam, with Shillong as the capital. 

Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya, with many traditional and modern markets to explore. You can visit the largest market, Police Bazar, known for its winter garments and showpieces, or Bara Bazar which is the main meeting place for indigenous tribes of the hills. 

Take back home beautiful and exotic souvenirs from Khasi Emporium and Purbashree Emporium. They have handcrafted items such as traditional Meghalaya apparel in red and white, or stuff crafted out of bamboo shoots. 

For those who love to be in the midst of nature and explore the wildlife, visiting Nokrek Park is equal to heaven on Earth. It is the highest peak in West Garo Hills, with a huge collection of rare plants and animals. It is a UNESCO biosphere reserve as it is home to protected species like Fishing Cats, Golden Cats, Pangolin, and tigers. 

For some tourists, it might be tiring as it requires almost 1 hour of trekking, but the soul-stirring visuals are a guarantee. You can lodge at nearby homestays or hire a guide to follow the beautiful trails safely. 

Besides taking Instagram-worthy pictures, you can also see your reflection on the world’s cleanest waters of Dawki. Some call it a magical place while enjoying boating at the Umngot River. The steersman will also hand you a life jacket if you feel like floating or taking a dive. Or you can enjoy kayaking while setting up a private camp. However, the villagers and the government are strictly against spreading waste in or around the lake. Therefore, carrying a separate bag for storing trash is recommended. 

Those waterfalls that you often see in the movies can be witnessed in the mesmerizing Nohkalikai Falls. It literally means ‘Jump of Ka Likai, and with 335 meters, it is the highest plunge in India and 4th highest in the world. It’s gigantic, overflowing, and attracts a lot of tourists from around the globe. 

The lagoon below is a beautiful green and clear water that can be trekked if you are an adventure enthusiast. But for others, caution is recommended as the thrilling sounds seem like a roaring lion awakening in the wild. 

A short distance from Sohra is the underground wonder called Mawsmai Cave. Its name means ‘Oath Stone’ in Khasi language, and it’s located at an altitude of 1,195 meters above sea level. With limestone everywhere and subterranean formations, it’s a go-to place for adventure seekers. As you enter from the wide mouth of the cave, it quickly narrows into a one-person path, filled with adventure. Most people do not recommend it for kids and the elderly as some places might be too slippery and claustrophobic. 

The strategic location of Meghalaya made it the perfect hill station in the past for European settlers. They left colonial footprints in the architecture of churches and a few government buildings. However, today’s Shillong is modern and thriving despite the heavy rainfall throughout the year. 

You can book a heritage walk with a guided tour to understand the colonial influence and its impact on the tribal. The historical facts are interesting to know, which is a bit different from the mainstream freedom fighter’s movement.  

Nature has its surprising ways to create wonders that not even humans can understand. One such amazing must-visit location is the Living Root Bridges. It is rightly named so because it is built by naturally weaving the roots of Indian Rubber trees. The local people call it Jing Kieng Kri.

This bridge has remained sturdy for years and can be accessed by trekking 3500 stairs one way. Visitors usually start early in the morning about 9 am to take their time hiking, crossing, and returning safely before the day ends.   

DO YOU KNOW? 
The living root bridge is about 100 feet long and has obtained the perfect shape after 10 to 15 years.

As tourism grew steadily, the local towns also transformed their lodgings and market area, welcoming outsiders. Today’s Shillong has modern facilities and young people driving the cool factor of the surroundings. It has a vibrant nightlife with many pubs and bars with live music with local musicians entertaining the crowds. 

The main locations for enjoying nightlife are Police Bazar, Polo Ground, Laitumkhrah, etc. You can also indulge in street food or visit marketplaces in Bara Bazaar as you walk around to reach your favorite hangout spot. 

Visiting Mawlynnong village is a completely different experience for anyone from India and the world. It has won many ecotourism awards for maintaining cleanliness through local efforts. You will find dustbins made of bamboo and signposts encouraging tourists to maintain cleanliness. 

Though it’s a small village with no luxury hotels, but there are nearby resorts and homestays. The best time to visit this place is from April to June, which is summer. For tourists there is an rs100, entrance fee, however, there are only a few local eateries to replenish your body and mind. 

If you are visiting Meghalaya with your family, then a visit to the amusement park is recommended. There are six well-known playgrounds here – Thrills Fun Park, Mattilang Amusement Park, Malse Amusement Park, Dreamland Amusement Park, Umkhakoi Water Park, and Mawphanlur Natural Lake. These charges range from rs 1000 for weekdays and rs800 to rs1500 on weekends. 

The culture and traditions of Meghalaya are so different that it’s worth visiting the Don Bosco Museum to know more about it. It showcases the socio-historical aspects of the indigenous people of Meghalaya. The seven-story museum has unique artifacts of the region, a rich collection of books, vintage photographs, the history of the northeastern states, and more. 

A separate section is also dedicated to the progress India has made in space technology. A short movie is screened, a skywalk with panoramic views of Shillong, and a cafeteria on the seventh floor. 

This beautiful garden in Shillong is named after First Lady Mrs. Haidari and is a peaceful retreat. The scenic locations will rejuvenate your senses after participating in many activities on the Meghalaya package trip. It also has a small zoo with selective birds and animals. A small pond inside the park is a perfect place for clicking group couple or solo photographs. The seasonal flowers welcome you with their bright colors, waving as the cool wind blows over them. 

As you explore the flora and fauna of Meghalaya, don’t forget to attend a local festival or a conventional competition to become part of their celebrations. Since it’s largely a farming community, all the festivals are based on the seasons of harvest and sowing. After all, a cultural festival helps understand the region’s traditions in-depth, with families and shops displaying local cuisines that feed the soul. 

In the South of Garo Hills, lies the Balpakram Park at an altitude of about 3,000 ft. It’s a densely forested area with the famous canyon-cum-gorge with wild animals such as elephants, tigers, bison, leopards, sambar deer, black bears, etc. Its rich biodiversity will amaze your children as it is preserved in its most natural form. People come here especially to see the huge elephants, beautiful birds and butterflies, and the only known ape in India, Hoolock Gibbon. 

Rest is also important when you have a long itinerary of activities to do and places to visit in Meghalaya. Therefore, relax your body and mind by dedicating a spa day at a luxurious inn. After all, your legs must be tired after trekking through the beautiful hills or kayaking. You can either go to a private spa or the one in your hotel with all the preparation and amenities to enjoy at leisure. The people of Shillong are polite and welcoming, so you will have no issues getting a professional massage or a facial.  

Laitkor Peak is a famous Shillong Point of View that you shouldn’t miss. It is located at an altitude of approximately 6,398 ft. The panoramic views are breathtaking, with the complete route of visual appeal of rolling hills, greenery, majestic peaks, and fresh air.

You can hire a cab from your hotel to reach the place safely and quickly. Shared taxis are also available that operate on fixed routes and pick up passengers along the way. However, be cautious at a new place as a stranger as being vigilant is always better, especially if you don’t know the local language.  

The weather impacts the kind of agricultural produce, which in Meghalaya mostly consists of rice-based dishes, pork, and seafood. The wholesome snacks that everyone enjoys here are Ja Shulia or sticky rice, Pu Khlein, or fried rice cake and Pu Maloi, or steamed rice cake. Besides these, you can feast your palette on Na’kam Bitchi, Momos, Pukhlein – a sweet dish, and Kyat which is a beer made from fermented rice. 

Conclusion

A visit to Meghalaya is a treat for all your senses, with so many cultures, architecture, dishes, hills, and nature to explore. A few of the locations mentioned here are near to each other, whereas for others you will need more time of the day to visit. The languages mostly spoken here are Khasi, Bengali, Nepali, Garo, and Pnar. 

Most of the people living in metros also know English, but if you don’t know any of the local languages, then booking a Meghalaya package tour with a guide is highly recommended. When you book a tour of this wondrous place, then be prepared for a historical and cultural magnificence that you have never experienced before. 

Capture A Trip of Your Dream Trip Today

Prepared to revel in the magic of Meghalaya? Don’t miss the journey of a lifetime! Contact Capture a trip today to plan a perfect getaway. With our expert travel-making services, we’ll create an itinerary that’s tailor-made for your interests. 

We will make sure that every moment of the journey is as awesome as you’ve imagined. Hence, E-Book a Meghalaya tour now and make your dream experience a reality.

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