Cherrapunji, or locally called Sohra, is a place that should be on everyone's ‘must visit’ lists. The place has been called the wettest place on Earth and also as the Rain Capital of the World. It rains all through the year there, but monsoon is when rain is at its peak, therefore it has been suitably flood-proofed so one need not worry about visiting then. And due to its continuous rainfall, Cherrapunji has many wonders that have also contributed to the city becoming a famous tourist attraction and destination. There are plenty of waterfalls, caves and centuries-old living root bridges which are a spectacle to visit. Plenty of water sports and other adventures are available there. Sohra is always a beautiful rainy retreat for all those who enjoy the moist climate and the natural showers. Although the welcome in Cherrapunji can be damp, this blog will promise you a wonderfully bright trip around the place. So look below for all of the things to do in Cherrapunji.
Some Of The Amazing Things To Do In Cherrapunji:
1. Fall in love with the falls:
The waterfalls in Cherrapunji are some of the reasons why the place is so famous. Truly, they are a marvel; a God made wonder. And one visiting Cherrapunji has to go see at least some of these falls. And when you do, you won't be able to move your eyes away.
Nohkalikai Waterfalls:
Among the tallest waterfalls in India is the Nohkalikai falls, situated in Cherrapunji. It is also the 5th highest waterfall in the world. The name Nohkalikai comes from the story of Ka Likai who leaped off the cliff in sadness, and the name literally means ‘Jup of Ka Likai’. The altitude of the falls is about 335 metres, and the water plunges down the cliff to form a pool at the bottom. It is a great picnic spot too.
Dain-Thlen Waterfalls:
This is another famous tourist attraction in Cherrapunji. This waterfall flows from a height of 90 metres. This fall was named after a battle between the villagers and a corrupted python named Thlen where the snake was defeated and destroyed with a huge stone. One can explore carvings of the snake on the huge rocks there. A careful trek over rocks is required to reach the viewpoint for the falls.
Rainbow Falls:
The falls got its name because one might be able to see a rainbow near the falls because of sun rays. It is situated near the Double Decker Root Bridge, in a seclusion deep inside a forest. Although, to reach this destination one has to trek a long distance in a total of almost 5 to 6 hours. But it is better to start early and finish before 5 pm because it gets dark soon in Meghalaya.
Nohsngithiang Falls:
More famously called the Seven Sisters Falls, it is a wonder situated near Mawsmai village, and hence it has also got the name Mawsmai Falls. The falls is also one of the highest falls in India with an altitude of 315 metres. As the fall plunges, it flows down into seven different streams and so came the name. There are a few viewpoints available for one to see the whole of the falls in grand.
Wah-kaba Waterfalls:
It is situated on the Cherrapunji to Shillong road. It flows from a steep rocky cliff at a height of about 190 metres and falls down into a ravine. The water is said to be so clear but contrarily tastes nasty. One can also hike to the top of the falls where a beautiful view is present.
Kynrem Waterfalls:
With a height of about 305 metres, this is also another one of the highest waterfalls in Meghalaya. This falls is better when visited in monsoon as you'll find very less flow during other seasons. There is a lookout deck within the Thangkharang Park which is a popular viewpoint for this falls.
2. Trek to living root bridges:
The living root bridges are another of the wonders of Meghalaya, and in Cherrapunji. Sohra is in fact famous for its living root bridges as well. These bridges were formed and built by men of the Khasi tribe decades or even centuries before and they take a long time to grow and become stronger and stiffer. The slow process of building a living root bridge takes years to complete. They are formed using the aerial roots of rubber trees and are carefully guided over rivers and ravines.
These bridges can carry about 50 or more people at a time. One of the more famous root bridges is the Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge which is located in Nongriat. This one, in particular, is famous because it is built in a stacked manner of one over the other, and is the only double-decker living root bridge in the entire world. This bridge is said to be about 250 years old. Many of these living root bridges can be reached only after an ample amount of trek. But don't hesitate, the outcome after is worth it.
3. Cave exploration:
The caves in Sohra are some that must be visited and explored. They are another main cause of Cherrapunji's popularity. Exploration of these caves can be interestingly eerie and also fun. It would be perfect for archeology enthusiasts and cave admirers. See below to find the top cave attractions in Cherrapunji.
Mawsmai Cave:
One of the popular caves to visit, the Mawsmai cave is famous for its fossils which you would be able to find if you spend some time looking at the rocks and formations. It is a limestone cave that is naturally lit throughout when compared to many other caves, and hence it makes a safe tour for visitors to look around. It is filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and is also home to various flora and fauna. Although the cave is bigger and deeper, only about 150 metres are open for tourists viewing.
Arwah Cave:
This cave was discovered only recently and so has been left unexplored by many. It consists of fossils and limestone formations which are believed to be over a million years old. This cave is larger than Mawsmai cave but only a part of it, which is about 300 metres, is open to visitors, and takes around 20 minutes to look around. The cave is very dark and sometimes one might be required to crawl through narrow passages to pass, which might seem creepy. One might also find a stream inside.
Mawmluh Cave:
Locally known as Krem Mawmluh Cave, it is considered to be the fourth longest cave in India with a total length of 7 kilometres. The cave is situated at a height of about 4,503 metres. Five different rivers conjoin inside the cave to form a pool inside. Many stalagmites and rock formations can be found inside. A 30 minute hike is required to reach the cave, and once reached, the entrance is very narrow so one might need to squeeze to get inside the cave. During the monsoon, some parts of the cave are completely submerged under water, so it's best to avoid visiting this then.
4. Get down for some adv:
Cherrapunji also offers some amazing adventurous sports and activities. If you are a person looking for some thrill, then this place also has them waiting for you! Because of the rivers and all the water, you'll find that there's some boating and canoeing sort of sports available. The Dawki River, or Umngot River, offers you a pleasant boat ride. You'll find it captivating with the clear water and all the marine life you can see below. The Mawkdok Dympep Valley has ziplining for all the adrenaline junkies. You'll get to view the valley at a bird's eye level and immensely enjoy the ride.
It is definitely one of the fun things to do in Cherrapunji. Are you a daredevil waiting to take another daring adventure? Then yes, Sohra has one of those too! In Laitkynsew Hills you'll find river canyoning which involves the activities of crossing the river, trekking by the river, climbing boulders, and many more. This activity requires and can be performed only by those real thrill seekers and have a well physiqued body. But there are also plenty more activities and fun suitable for all ages, if you know to look in the right places.
5. Get to know the culture:
Cherrapunji is populated by the famous Khasi tribe, and so everything you get to see and experience there locally is all part of their customs and traditions. The Khasi tribe have one of those rare traditions of following the matrilineal society. Here, the children take the surname of their mother, and the youngest daughter in the family inherits the properties of the mother. Mingling with them and exploring their culture are some of the things to do in Cherrapunji when you visit.
You'll get to experience their traditions, lifestyles, culture, clothings, cuisine, celebrations and festivals and many more. Some of the traditional Khasi cuisines comprises 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. Also try not to miss the festivals of Nongkrem Dance and Shad-Suk Mynsiem, which are some of the most colourful celebrations of the Khasi tribe.
6. Explore the flora and fauna:
Cherrapunji has some of the exotic bird species and spectacular plant varieties. With the place being composed of lush greeneries and dense forests, you'll be sure to spot a plethora of animals, birds and plants. There are chances of spotting migratory birds like the Dark Rumped Swift, Green Cochoa, and Blue-winged Laughing Thrush if you're lucky.
The abundant rainfall in Sohra creates a vibrant ecosystem suitable for many kinds of plants and wildlife. You can find Pitcher plants, Needlework trees, Ground Orchids, Oak, Birch Magnolia and so many more. It is also home to animals like gaurs, mithan, wild pigs, leopards, anteaters, wolves, apes and more. You can also visit Nokrek National Park in Cherrapunji to find unique wildlife and landscapes.
Concluding Thoughts:
Visiting Sohra makes your hands full and you will find yourself occupied with various things to do in Cherrapunji. So to keep things organised and noted, we have come to make things easier for you and jotted down all of the amazing things to do in Cherrapunji so that you won't miss out. Simply visiting the city itself would be a wonderful vacation because the landscape and the climate is such that you'll find it difficult to part. Just keep in mind to always carry an umbrella and wear suitable clothes and have many spares.
So get geared up and prepared to have an exciting tour in and around Cherrapunji!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What is so special in Cherrapunji?
Cherrapunji, or also called Sohra, is a place in the state of Meghalaya, which is popular mainly for its climatic conditions. It rains throughout the year, all 365 days. It is in fact known as the wettest place on Earth. And due to this, the environment and landscapes are so extraordinary and beautiful to look around. The main places of interest in Cherrapunji are its waterfalls, living root bridges and caves.
Q. How many tourist places are there in Cherrapunji?
Cherrapunji has a plethora of tourist places in and around for visitors and tourists to look around. Some of them are the Double Decker Root Bridge, Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Falls, Mawmluh Cave, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Nokrek National Park, Eco Park, Mawlynnong village, and so on.
Q. Does it rain in Cherrapunji everyday?
Cherrapunji has rain all throughout the year, a total of 365 days. But it is in the season of monsoon when the rain is heavy and pouring, and so this season is best known to be avoided when visiting Cherrapunji.
Q. Which month is best to visit Cherrapunji?
Cherrapunji is best visited from October to February, which is the winter season. Then the weather is pleasant and easy-going and is perfect for touring and undergoing any adventurous activities.
Q. Which fruit is Cherrapunji famous for?
Bananas are famous in Sohra. Many varieties like Jahaji, Chenichampa, Malbhog and other indigenous varieties are commonly grown there.
