Cherrapunji : Escaping to the peaceful Embrace in Meghalaya

Introduction

Cherrapunji is also known as ‘Sohra’. Cherrapunji holds the world record for receiving maximum rainfall in a year. The local people living in and around Cherrapunji are known as Khasi. Misty valleys and waterfalls in the area make a long drive through Cherrapunji ideal for road trips. Cherrapunji has a wide variety of food options including North Indian, Bengali, Punjabi, South Indian, and Chinese cuisine as well as their unique Khasi versions. The tourist destination of Cherrapunji is famous all over India.

Cherrapunji is 54 km far from Shilong To travel to Cherrapunji you can take a taxi or local bus service from Shillong city. Over hundreds of years, people have developed techniques for growing tree roots into large bridges. For those who have a little time, the town of Dawki, located on the border with Bangladesh, offers a wonderful clear water boating experience during the winter season.

History of cherrapunji

Initially, Cherrapunji was known as Sohra. However, the British were not able to pronounce it correctly, thus, with time, it became Churra and eventually Cherrapunji.

Historically, the origins of the city can be traced back to the 16th and 18th centuries when it was ruled by the Sims (Kings) of the Khasi Hills. But soon, these hills came under British rule in 1883 as the last frontier, Tirot Singh became obedient to the British.

Cherrapunji tourist places

Nohkalikai Waterfalls

Nohkalikai Waterfalls is the highest waterfall in India, its height is 340 meters. Nohkalikai Waterfalls is located near Cherrapunji in the state of Meghalaya. The Nohkalikai waterfall, which is the pride of the state of Meghalaya, is among the most exquisite and magnificent in the nation. Nohkalikai Waterfalls is one of the most popular and important places to visit in the North East.

Her husband developed a feeling of jealousy which manifested itself in hatred towards Ka Likai’s daughter. So one day when Ka Likai was out working, the man killed Ka Likai’s daughter cooked her meat, and served it to Ka Likai. She eats the food and goes in search of her daughter and while doing so she finds her daughter’s fingers in a betel nut basket. Seeing this she became very upset and jumped from the top of the hill. The waterfall from which he jumped was named ‘Noh Ka Likai’.

Mawsmai Cave

Mousmai Cave is one of the most popular places in Cherrapunji, which is a must-visit for tourists. This cave is situated at a distance of only 6 km from Cherrapunji. Mawsai Caves is a breathtaking labyrinth of caves in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. When sparkling light meets limestone, a myriad of colors and patterns of light are created. Carry a torch if you want to explore the deeper corners of the cave system in Mausamai.

The length of the cave is just 150 meters which is not the longest compared to other caves in the area, but it certainly offers a glimpse of life underground. Mousmai Cave is one of the best-visited tourist places in Cherrapunji, don’t miss the caves when you are here.

The Eco Park

Eco Park is one of the most popular places in Cherrapunji, located at a distance of 7 Km from Cherrapunji city. Eco Park has been built by the state government in the plateaus of Meghalaya, it is a big attraction for the local people as well as tourists to come and visit for picnics. Shillong Agricultural Horticulture has donated many beautiful orchids to this park which are kept in the greenhouse of the Eco Park.

The biggest attraction of Eco Park is that from here you can enjoy the views of the plains of the Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Here tourists can enjoy the beautiful view of the ‘Green Canyon’ of Cherrapunji as well as the surrounding waterfalls.

Nohsngithiang Falls

Nohsangithiang Falls is a seven-section waterfall. It is located 1 kilometer south of Mawsai village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. Nohsingithiang Falls is also known as Seven Sisters Waterfall or Mawsai Falls. The waterfall rises from a height of 315 meters (1,033 ft) and has an average width of 70 meters (230 ft) making it one of the tallest waterfalls in India.

There are several waterfalls in the area due to heavy rainfall, including Nohkalikai Falls and Denthalen Falls. The Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills also have several waterfalls, notably the Tirechi Falls on the way to Jowai and the Pelga Falls near Tura. It is a must-see attraction during monsoon when the river is filled with water and flows rapidly downwards, forming a perennial rainbow, which is very popular with tourists. The falls are very active during the rainy months and this is the best time to witness the amazing view of Nohsingithiang Falls.

Mawlynnong Village

Mawlynnong Village is a village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. This village is located about 22 km from Cherrapunji and is also known as God’s Garden. It was declared the second cleanest village in Asia in 2003 and the cleanest village in India in 2005 by Discovery India, which certainly makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cherrapunji. The waste collected in dustbins made of bamboo is sent to a pit and then used as compost.

Mawlynnong Village offers you some of the most picturesque natural beauty with lush green valleys, flowering orchids hanging from trees, and extremely clean roads, making this small village a must-visit Cherrapunji tourist place for tourists visiting Cherrapunji. During summer, you can find pineapples and litchis which are then exported to the surrounding areas as well. Monsoon is considered the best time to visit here. Many festivals are celebrated around the village during September-November.

Double Decker Living Root Bridge

Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a kind of simple suspension bridge made of living plant roots shaped like a tree. They are common in the southern part of the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya. Handmade from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees by the Khasi and Jaintia people of the hilly areas of the southern part. The bridge starts from Tirna village And crosses the Umshiang River during its journey. The actual bridge is a bit difficult to reach. The hike down to the bridge is 3500-3600 steps to the bridge and back from the base village of Tirana.

There are also many guest houses here where tourists can stay at a very low cost. The area is famous for its root bridges made from Indian rubber trees, but the Double Decker Bridge is most famous due to its large size. The roots are ‘trained’ by the villagers to shape the bridge. However, bridges cannot be used immediately after shaping. The roots require at least 15 years to become strong enough to withstand the weight of people walking by.

Dainthlen waterfall

Denthalen Falls is one of the beautiful waterfalls of Meghalaya, it is located in the East Khasi Hills district near Cherrapunji. Falling from a height of about 90 meters, the water passes through densely forested hills. The waterfall is named ‘Thalen’ after the python killed at the top of the waterfall by the local people. There are some stones near the waterfall which symbolize this violent but heroic event.

The best time to visit Cherrapunji

The best time to visit Cherrapunji is July to February, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 24 degrees Celsius. June to September is a heavy rainfall and it is best to avoid these months. Here we are going to give you complete information about the Cherrapunji tourist trip. If you are visiting Cherrapunji, then you must visit the 7 tourist places given below.

Cherrapunji Famous Food

Cherrapunji has many food options including North Indian, Bengali, Punjabi, South Indian, and Chinese cuisine. The local food of Cherrapunji is very fresh and delicious which everyone should taste. Pork momos and jaado as well as rice cooked with pork are specialties of the region. Rice beer is an essential drink during religious festivals and other celebrations here. Sohra Pulao is another unique dish here, which is prepared with just vegetables and oil without any spices.

How to reach Cherrapunji

Local Transport In Cherrapunji

The best way to travel to any place in Cherrapunji is to hire an auto or taxi.

By Road:

Many buses and taxis ply passengers from Guwahati to Shillong. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours. Cherrapunji is 54 Km away from Shillong. To travel to Cherrapunji you can take a taxi or local bus service from Shillong city.

By Railway

The nearest major railway station connecting Cherrapunji is Guwahati. And you can take a taxi or bus From Guwahati.

By Airway

Umroi is an airport 30 km from Shillong on the Guwahati-Shillong Highway. There is a helicopter service are also connects Shillong to Guwahati and Tura. The Baljek Airport near Tura became operational in 2008.

Whenever you visit Cherrapunji, try to take a tour package of the entire Meghalaya state since there are lots of places to visit which are just amazing for more info you can also read more on our link: https://indiansites.info/meghalaya-tourism-paradise-in-northeast-india

Conclusion

Cherrapunji, the city nestled in the misty hills where rain never stopped, is today facing a changed environment. Instead of laughing waterfalls on the chest of the mountains, lines of worry have started appearing. But accepting defeat is not like this soil. The local community has joined hands with nature and efforts are underway to shape the script of the future.

The first color in this grooming is that of the trees. The mantra is being chanted to bring back greenery to the dry mountains. The story of saving water sources is resonating along the banks of rivers. The web of tourism is now being woven with sustainability, where guests learn to respect nature.

These efforts may not bring back the old pattern of rainfall but will create a new balance. Tomorrow Cherrapunji will teach a lesson about living with nature. This will show that there is a need to be encouraged rather than broken in the face of challenges. It will say that our home is in the lap of Mother Earth and we must save her beauty.

So let us write the tomorrow of Cherrapunji by immersing ourselves in the colors of nature. That tomorrow brings the glow of hope in every drop and shows that man and nature can find their tune only in each other’s music.

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