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Meghalaya
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Explore Meghalaya’s cloud-covered hills, living root bridges, limestone caves, waterfalls, forests and distinctive Khasi, Jaintia and Garo cultures.

Meghalaya occupies the eastern section of India’s north-eastern hill country, rising between the Brahmaputra and Surma valleys. Its name means “abode of clouds”, an apt description of a plateau cut by forested ravines, limestone escarpments and deeply incised rivers. Shillong, the state capital, sits amid pine-covered hills and remains the principal cultural and practical base for travellers. Elsewhere, Khasi villages and market towns are separated by winding roads, while the Garo Hills to the west and the Jaintia Hills to the east offer distinct landscapes and cultural settings.
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The southern Khasi escarpment is Meghalaya’s most recognisable landscape. Around Sohra, historically known as Cherrapunji, rain-fed cliffs fall towards Bangladesh, with waterfalls such as Nohkalikai and seven-tiered Nohsngithiang dropping from the plateau. The area is also known for living root bridges, remarkable structures trained from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees over many years. Reaching the celebrated bridge at Nongriat involves a demanding descent and ascent on stone steps, making it a rewarding destination for walkers rather than a casual roadside stop.
Meghalaya’s scenery changes towards the western and eastern hills. The Garo Hills contain dense forest, limestone caves and habitats associated with Nokrek National Park and Balpakram National Park, while the Jaintia Hills combine wooded uplands, rivers and a long history of limestone extraction. Dawki and the Umngot River are associated with clear water and a busy border landscape near Bangladesh, though conditions and water clarity vary with season and weather. Sacred groves near Mawphlang preserve old forest under customary community protection and offer insight into local ecological traditions.
Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities have their own languages, histories and cultural practices, although English and Hindi are also useful in many visitor-facing settings. Meghalaya is widely noted for matrilineal inheritance among Khasi, Jaintia and Garo societies, but matriliny does not mean that every aspect of social or political life is organised through women. Music is prominent in Shillong, and local food commonly features rice, pork, smoked meats, bamboo shoots, vegetables and fermented or pickled flavours. Traditional markets, village walks and community-led excursions can provide a more grounded experience than viewing the hills only from roadside lookouts.
The region rewards careful planning. Distances that appear modest on a map can take considerable time on winding mountain roads, and many of the best waterfalls, caves and bridges require walking. The monsoon creates powerful scenery but also brings slippery trails, poor visibility and possible travel disruption; the drier months are generally easier for longer outdoor itineraries. A trip combining Shillong with Sohra, the eastern hills and a carefully chosen western excursion gives a fuller sense of Meghalaya’s geographical and cultural variety.

When is the best time to visit Meghalaya?

Best: March–April, November · 21–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1620
February1840
March (best)2160
April (best)24100
May27140
June29180
July30220
August30200
September29180
October25120
November (best)2160
December1740

Getting to and around Meghalaya

How to get there

Most international visitors reach Meghalaya through Guwahati in neighbouring Assam, whose Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and railway station are the main gateways for Shillong and the hill districts. Guwahati is outside Meghalaya, and the road journey to Shillong commonly takes several hours depending on traffic and weather. Shillong Airport at Umroi has limited air services and is not usually the most convenient international gateway. Long-distance buses, shared vehicles and private cars connect Guwahati with Shillong; road access is also available from Assam and, for some eastern routes, from adjoining parts of Bangladesh, subject to border and immigration rules.

Transportation

Meghalaya has no passenger railway network serving its main hill destinations, so travel within the state is primarily by road. Shillong has taxis and shared vehicles, while private cars with drivers are practical for multi-day circuits to Sohra, Dawki, Jowai and more remote areas. Public transport becomes less frequent away from larger towns, and some attractions require a final walk on steep or uneven paths. Roads can be slow because of bends, hills, traffic and monsoon conditions. Cycling and motorcycling are possible for experienced travellers, but they require care, good weather judgement and local advice.

Top city travel guides in Meghalaya

The cities of Meghalaya, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Meghalaya

Meghalaya’s attractions are shaped more by terrain and living culture than by a concentration of monumental architecture. Around Shillong, visitors can explore the city’s museums, churches, markets and music scene before heading to nearby forests and viewpoints. The southern Khasi Hills provide the state’s most famous excursions: Sohra’s waterfalls and limestone caves, the descent to Nongriat’s living root bridges, and the protected forest of Mawphlang, where customary rules have helped preserve a sacred grove. In the east, Jowai and the Jaintia Hills offer rivers, caves and historic sites, while Dawki is associated with the Umngot River and the border landscape. The Garo Hills require longer journeys but reward travellers with forest, wildlife and cave experiences connected with Nokrek and Balpakram. Outdoor activities range from guided cave visits and village walks to trekking, river excursions and birdwatching. Conditions are strongly seasonal, and many attractions are best approached with local guides or community-run services.

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Best landmarks in Meghalaya

Shillong’s most recognisable urban landmarks include the hilltop Shillong Peak area, the colonial-era ambience of parts of the city and prominent churches such as the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. In the Khasi Hills, the Nohkalikai waterfall near Sohra is an emblematic natural landmark, dropping from the plateau into a forested gorge, while the limestone cliffs and cascades around the same area define Meghalaya’s southern escarpment. The living root bridges near Nongriat are landmarks created through long-term cooperation between people and trees rather than through conventional construction. Mawphlang’s sacred grove represents an enduring customary approach to forest protection. In the Jaintia Hills, the monoliths and historic religious associations of Nartiang preserve evidence of the region’s older political culture. The forests and dramatic formations of Balpakram and the highland landscapes of Nokrek carry importance both as natural landmarks and as places connected with Garo cultural traditions.

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Explore Meghalaya on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Meghalaya

Meghalaya’s food reflects the traditions of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities as well as the wider culinary influences of north-east India. Rice is central, accompanied by pork, chicken, freshwater fish, seasonal greens, bamboo shoots and preparations that may be smoked, fermented or lightly spiced rather than dominated by chilli. Shillong offers the broadest choice, from simple local eateries and market food to cafés and restaurants serving Indian, Chinese and international dishes. In smaller towns and villages, menus are more limited but can provide a closer connection to local ingredients and household cooking. Look for dishes built around doh-nei-iiong, a Khasi pork preparation with black sesame, as well as jadoh, a rice-and-meat dish associated with Khasi cuisine; recipes vary between cooks and communities. Tea, locally produced snacks and seasonal fruit are easy to find, while rural dining often requires cash and patience rather than a fixed timetable.

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Best bars in Meghalaya

Shillong has Meghalaya’s most developed evening scene, with cafés, pubs, live-music venues and restaurants concentrated around the city’s commercial districts. Music is a major part of Shillong’s contemporary identity, and performances may range from local bands to popular Indian and international repertoires. The social atmosphere is generally more substantial than the nightclub offering in rural districts, where evenings centre on family restaurants, small bars, hotels or community events. Sohra and other hill destinations become quiet after dark, with accommodation-based dining more common than late-night entertainment. Breweries, cocktail-led venues and clubs may change frequently, so current local advice is more reliable than assuming a venue remains open. Alcohol is not necessary for enjoying Meghalaya’s evening culture, and visitors should respect local religious and community settings when choosing where and how to socialise.

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Best nightclubs in Meghalaya

Shillong has Meghalaya’s most developed evening scene, with cafés, pubs, live-music venues and restaurants concentrated around the city’s commercial districts. Music is a major part of Shillong’s contemporary identity, and performances may range from local bands to popular Indian and international repertoires. The social atmosphere is generally more substantial than the nightclub offering in rural districts, where evenings centre on family restaurants, small bars, hotels or community events. Sohra and other hill destinations become quiet after dark, with accommodation-based dining more common than late-night entertainment. Breweries, cocktail-led venues and clubs may change frequently, so current local advice is more reliable than assuming a venue remains open. Alcohol is not necessary for enjoying Meghalaya’s evening culture, and visitors should respect local religious and community settings when choosing where and how to socialise.

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Best shops in Meghalaya

Shillong has Meghalaya’s widest range of shops, markets and craft outlets, with locally made textiles, woven baskets, bamboo goods, shawls, jewellery, woodwork and regional food products available alongside ordinary Indian retail. Bara Bazaar is a busy commercial market where produce, household goods and local ingredients give a stronger sense of everyday trade than souvenir-focused shopping. In other towns, small markets are useful for seasonal fruit, spices, smoked foods and practical supplies, although selection and opening patterns vary. Visitors may find handwoven garments and accessories associated with Khasi, Jaintia and Garo craft traditions, but quality and provenance differ, so buying directly from cooperatives or established community producers is preferable when possible. Packaged tea, honey, bamboo products and regional snacks travel more easily than fresh foods. Bargaining may be expected in some informal markets but is less appropriate in fixed-price shops, and rural sellers may accept cash only.

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Meghalaya essentials

Currency and Payment
Meghalaya uses the Indian rupee (INR), like the rest of India. Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted in Shillong hotels, larger restaurants and established shops, but connectivity and acceptance are less dependable in rural areas and at small visitor sites. Carry clean, smaller-denomination notes for shared taxis, village fees, refreshments and local markets. ATMs are more readily available in Shillong and larger towns than in remote hill districts, so withdraw enough cash before travelling to rural destinations.
Safety
Take ordinary precautions with valuables in busy markets, transport areas and crowded events. The more significant visitor risks are environmental: steep steps, slippery rocks, sudden rain, fog, swollen streams and tiring walks. Stay away from waterfall edges and river currents, particularly during the monsoon, and use local guidance in caves or forest areas. Road journeys can be demanding after dark, so plan to arrive before nightfall where possible. Check conditions locally before travelling to remote areas, and avoid entering abandoned mining sites or unstable cave passages.
Emergency Situations
India’s unified emergency number, 112, can be used for police, fire and ambulance assistance in Meghalaya, although mobile coverage may be inconsistent in remote valleys. Ambulance access can take longer outside towns, so carry essential medication and tell a trusted person about longer walking plans. For a serious outdoor incident, contact local police, the nearest health facility or district administration as soon as possible; do not assume that every trekking area has dedicated mountain-rescue infrastructure. Download or note offline maps before leaving areas with reliable connectivity.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly and behave quietly at churches, sacred groves, village shrines and memorial sites. Ask before photographing people, homes, ceremonies or community activities, and obey signs or instructions at privately managed attractions. Do not remove plants, stones or objects from sacred or archaeological places, and take rubbish back from trails. Queue courteously, confirm shared-taxi arrangements before departure and avoid assuming that all communities follow the same customs. Tipping is discretionary rather than a fixed regional obligation, but small recognition for attentive service is appreciated.
Local Tips
Sohra is a useful base for waterfalls, caves and the Nongriat trek, while Shillong works well for museums, music, markets and onward transport. The wettest months produce dramatic scenery but can disrupt roads and trails; clearer conditions are often more convenient for walking and long drives. Ask accommodation providers about current access to rural attractions, as local conditions can change quickly. Try local Khasi, Jaintia or Garo dishes at reputable eateries rather than restricting meals to familiar national cuisine, and keep an open schedule for weather-related delays.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloKumno[koo-mno]
GoodbyeNoh[noh]
YesAe[a-eh]
NoMaha[ma-ha]
Please/You're welcomeKhublei[khub-lei]
Thank youKhublei Shibun[khub-lei shi-bun]
Excuse me/SorryNgi aiu[ngi ai-u]
How are you?Kumno phi?[koo-mno fee]
Fine. And you?Khasi. Bad phi?[kha-si. bad fee]
Do you speak English?Phi lah ban phah English?[fee lah ban pha-eh in-glish]
I don't understandNgi em sngap[ngi em sng-ap]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNgi kwah ban peit ka menu, khublei[ngi kwa-h ban payt ka menu, khub-lei]
I don't eat meatNgi em chiang khaw[ngi em chi-ang khaw]
Cheers!Khublei![khub-lei]
I would like to pay, pleaseNgi kwah ban shna, khublei[ngi kwa-h ban shna, khub-lei]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Thang![thang]
Go away!Noh shaneng![noh sha-ning]
Call the Police!Call ka Police![call ka po-lees]
Call a doctor!Call ka doctor![call ka doc-tor]
I'm lostNgi dang sngap[ngi dang sng-ap]
I'm illNgi don ka khia[ngi don ka khi-a]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ngi kwah ban pher...[ngi kwa-h ban per...]
I'm just lookingNgi dang peit[ngi dang payt]
How much is it?Teng shibun?[teng shi-bun]
That's too expensiveKoh kham bha[koh kham bha]
Can you lower the price?Phi lah ban pynkhreh ka shilling?[fee lah ban pin-khreh ka shilling]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kumno ka por?[koo-mno ka por]
It's one o'clockKa por ar[ka por ar]
Half past (10)Kharum (10)[kha-rum (10)]
MorningKyndong[kyn-dong]
AfternoonKylliang[kyll-iang]
EveningKylli[kyll-i]
YesterdayIoh mynni[ioh myn-ni]
TodayIoh ka sngi[ioh ka sng-i]
TomorrowKa sngi ban wan[ka sng-i ban wan]
1Ar[ar]
2Arphra[ar-phra]
3Kynthei[kyn-thei]
4Sa[sa]
5Shita[shi-ta]
6Shisoi[shi-soi]
7Shiteng[shi-teng]
8Shihni[shi-hni]
9Shiteng[shi-teng]
10Shihphra[shi-phra]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kumno ka ...?[koo-mno ka ...?]
What's the address?Kumno ka address?[koo-mno ka ad-dress]
Can you show me (on the map)?Phi lah ban shna ia ngi (ha ka map)?[fee lah ban shna ia ngi (ha ka map)]
When's the next (bus)?Kumno ka por ban wan (bus)?[koo-mno ka por ban wan (bus)]
A ticket (to ....)Ka ticket (sha ....)[ka ti-ket (sha ....)]

History of Meghalaya

Early Khasi, Jaintia and Garo societies

The hills of present-day Meghalaya have long been home to Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities, whose histories were preserved through oral traditions as well as material remains. Communities developed distinctive systems of land use, village governance, customary law and religious practice suited to a mountainous environment. Sacred groves, megalithic monuments and traditional settlements provide visible reminders of older relationships between people, forests and ancestral places. The region was not a single historical kingdom: the Khasi territories consisted of numerous traditional states, while the Jaintia and Garo areas followed their own political and cultural trajectories.

The Jaintia Kingdom and regional trade

The Jaintia Kingdom, centred in the Jaintia Hills and historically linked with the plains around present-day Jaintiapur, influenced trade and political relations across the hill–plain frontier. Its power was eventually weakened by external pressures and the expansion of British authority in the nineteenth century. The wider region’s passes and markets connected upland communities with the Surma and Brahmaputra valleys, allowing the exchange of agricultural products, forest goods and manufactured items. Remains associated with Jaintia history, including sites around Nartiang, reflect the area’s precolonial political and religious importance.

British expansion and the hill stations

British influence expanded into the Khasi Hills during the nineteenth century after conflict and negotiation with local chiefs. Shillong developed as a hill station and later became the capital of the Assam province, benefiting from its cooler climate and elevated setting. Missionary activity introduced new forms of education and Christianity, which became especially influential among several Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities, while customary institutions and local identities continued to shape everyday life. Roads and administrative links tied the hills more closely to the colonial economy and the surrounding plains.

Mission education, print culture and social change

From the nineteenth century onwards, schools, churches and printing initiatives helped create new networks of literacy and public debate in the hill districts. Khasi and other local languages gained written forms and developed modern literary traditions, while English became important in education and administration. Shillong acquired a reputation as a centre of learning, music and public life. These changes did not erase older institutions: village councils, customary land relationships, clan identities and community obligations remained influential, producing a layered society in which Christian practice, local custom and modern education developed alongside one another.

Meghalaya within Assam after Indian independence

After independence in 1947, the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hill areas formed part of Assam, but demands for greater political autonomy grew as communities sought stronger control over land, culture and administration. The Autonomous District Councils created under India’s constitutional framework provided a measure of self-government in tribal areas. Meghalaya became an autonomous state within Assam in 1970 and achieved full statehood on 21 January 1972. Shillong became the capital of the new state, giving the region a distinct political identity within the Indian Union.

Coal, limestone and environmental debate

Mining has shaped parts of Meghalaya’s modern economy, particularly through coal and limestone extraction. Small-scale coal mining expanded in several areas, often outside the formal framework of regulated industrial operations, while limestone supported cement production and related industries. These activities brought income but also raised serious concerns about water pollution, land degradation, forest loss and the effects on rivers and agricultural communities. Court interventions and changing regulation have altered the mining landscape, although the relationship between economic development, customary land ownership and environmental protection remains an important contemporary issue.

Contemporary cultural and ecological tourism

Since statehood, Meghalaya has promoted its landscapes, music, living root bridges, caves and community traditions as foundations for tourism. Shillong’s festivals and music venues have strengthened its reputation as a major cultural centre in north-east India, while village-led experiences have brought attention to sacred groves and traditional ecological knowledge. Tourism has also exposed fragile trails, waterways and waste-management systems to greater pressure. The region’s current challenge is to expand visitor opportunities without reducing living communities and forests to scenery or placing unsustainable demands on sensitive sites.

Meghalaya in Photos

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Meghalaya

Discover Meghalaya like never before with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and much more.

  • Comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Plan your Meghalaya adventure with Evendo, the comprehensive and free travel guide app. Explore attractions, book experiences, and get local tips—all in one place.

  • History of Meghalaya and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • Easy navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Imagine embarking on an unforgettable journey to Meghalaya, India, a land of misty hills, cascading waterfalls, and rich cultural heritage. With Evendo, your travel guide to Meghalaya, planning and experiencing this magical destination has never been easier. This 100% free app provides detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Explore iconic sites like the Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunji, the serene Umiam Lake, and the bustling Police Bazar in Shillong. Discover hidden gems with curated local tips, ensuring you experience Meghalaya like a local. Hungry? Evendo guides you to top-rated restaurants such as Trattoria, City Hut Family Dhaba, and Dylan's Café, offering you a taste of local flavors and culinary delights.

No more juggling multiple sources when planning your trip—Evendo has it all. Whether you want to book a hotel in Shillong, reserve a tour to the Nohkalikai Falls, or find activities near you with the 'Near Me' feature, Evendo makes it seamless. The app includes rich information, images, descriptions, maps, and contact details for each location, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.

Moreover, Evendo doesn't just stop at Meghalaya. With coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, you can rely on Evendo for all your future travels, making it your go-to travel companion.

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