Cherrapunji

Located high up in the Khasi Hills, Cherrapunji was once believed to be the wettest place on earth. The distinction has since passed on to nearby Mawsynram. But Cherrapunji still has sufficient attractions of its own to more than hold its own.

Once the capital of the Khasi tribes, it went by the name of Sohra. But the British pronounced it as Cherra, and the name stuck. Remnants of the British also appear in the town, imbuing it with the aura of an old town lost in time.

Add to this its role as the base camp for one of Meghalaya’s most cherished treks and the allure of Cherrapunji becomes clearer.

WHAT TO SEE
Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat village: If you could find Middle Earth in Meghalaya, you would find it here. The Khasi tribes of Meghalaya are unique in their ability to develop root bridges, woven together using the roots. A root can hold at least 50 people at a time and is built over 15 years. There are 12 root bridges in Meghalaya. But the best known of them the Double Decker Living Root Bridge lies close to Cherrapunji at the Nongriat village. You reach it through one of Meghalaya’s most arduous treks, which has travellers climbing 3,500 stairs and descending 2,400 feet.

Nohkalikai Falls: One of the primary attractions of Cherrapunji, Nohkalikai Falls is the highest waterfall in India, and it cascades down from a height of 1115 feet. It ranks fourth amongst the highest falls in the world. The roar of the falls is a sound experience as the water descends with great speed to create a water hole on the ground, which appears blue in winters and green in summers.

Nohsngithiang Falls: This fall is also known as the Mawsmai Falls or the Seven Sister Falls. It is the fourth highest waterfall in India. It got the name as seven different water streams come together to form one fall that cascades from a height of 1035 feet. The spectacular surroundings of the fall and the serene environment draw travellers from around the wall.

Thangkharang Park: Located on a cliff facing the Nohsngithiang Falls, the Thangkharang Park is just 12 kilometres away from the main city. The park offers a clear, mesmerising view of the Bangladesh plains. The Koh Ramhah rock, which appears as a gigantic basket kept upside down is the key attraction of the park. The basket, also known as the giant basket, is a single stone carved structure.

Colonial-era heritage: The influence of the British on this town is seen in its many colonial style era buildings. Some of the names that stand out include the Thomas Jones School of Mission, the Teacher’s Training Centre and the Presbyterian Church. The memorials we stumbled on were built in honour of David Scott and Ubidon Roy. All of these were built before the turn of the last century.

Mawsmai Caves and Falls: Located close to Cherrapunji, the Mawsmai Falls are among the locations that accentuate Meghalaya’s enduring beauty. Visiting the nearby limestone caves are also an unforgettable adventure.

Dawki: Some distance away from Cherrapunji, the small town of Dawki is also the location of the International Radcliffe Line, which separates India and Bangladesh. Watch out for an aerial view of the Umngot River at this point. It is an aerial view of Dawki unlike any other.

WHAT TO DO
Cherrapunji is best known for its unforgettable treks, which both renew your spirit and challenge your resolve. But it’s also a location you can experience Meghalaya in all its tribal splendour.

What to eat: Cuisine in this part of India celebrates pork, reflecting its tribal past. You can’t leave Meghalaya without sampling its pork staples like jadoh and dohkhlieh. A favourite fish preparation is nakham bitchi, which is a fish and vegetable soup. Other cuisines unique to this part of India are pumaloi a steamed rice preparation and bamboo shoots.

What to buy: The best takeaways from Meghalaya are handicrafts made in bamboo or using the distinctive weaves of these parts. For women, you could try a dakmanda, which is a traditional wraparound skirt worn by the Garo women. You may not find a shop where this is on sale at Cherrapunji but watch out for curio shops at Shillong or popular tourist destinations like Nohkalikai Falls.

Getting around: The only way to travel around Cherrapunji is to use private transport. Most hosts here are aware of this. So, they should be able to help you arrange this. Enquire about it before you reach Cherrapunji.

Where to stay: Cherrapunji has its share of resorts and homestays. We recommend you find accommodation within the main town as gives you an opportunity to discover the many flavours that make Cherrapunji unique.

The best time to visit: As one of the wettest places on the earth, you can expect rainfall at Cherrapunji throughout the year. So, tourists usually visit this hill town throughout the year. However, a favourite time to visit is during winter when rainfall is minimal.

How to get there: The best way to reach Cherrapunji is by road. The nearest Airport is Borjhar Airport in Guwahati. The nearest railway station is the Guwahati Railway Station.