Overview
About Arwah Cave
Arwah Cave is a limestone cave on the slope of Lawshynna Hill, a few kilometres from the centre of Sohra (Cherrapunji) in East Khasi Hills. It is reached by a paved forest path, and the explored section inside is lit, so no caving experience or equipment is needed. The main draw is the fossils. Fossilised crustacean shells and fish bones can be seen set into the limestone, mostly towards the far end of the cave. Look closely at the walls and ceiling there rather than hurrying through. Water has shaped the cave into a series of narrow turns and chambers. The approach walk is part of the visit: the path runs along the hillside with views of a waterfall and the valley below, and has benches along the way. Arwah is usually less crowded than Mawsmai Cave, Sohra's other show cave, and fits easily into a Cherrapunji day trip.
On the day
What to expect at Arwah Cave
Walk: A paved path of roughly 400 m from the parking area runs through forest along the hillside, with benches and valley views. It is mostly gentle, with some steps. Cave: A lit route through narrow passages and chambers. Some sections are low or tight and the floor can be wet and slippery. Fossils: Fossilised shells and fish bones in the rock, best seen near the end of the cave. Facilities: Parking at the start of the trail. A local guide is recommended. Wear shoes with good grip.
Before you go
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
October to May
Post-monsoon (October–November) and winter (December–February) are the most comfortable: the path and cave floor are drier, and the valley views are clear. Spring (March–May) also works well. Sohra is one of the wettest places in India, so during the monsoon (June–September) the trail and cave can be very slippery and views are often lost in cloud; go only in a break in the rain. Morning visits are quieter, before the tour groups arrive.
Getting There
Arwah Cave is roughly 55–58 km from Shillong, about 1.5–2 hours by road on the Shillong–Sohra road.
Arwah Cave is roughly 55–58 km from Shillong, about 1.5–2 hours by road on the Shillong–Sohra road. In Sohra it is about 3.5 km from the town bus stand, a short drive or taxi ride to the parking area. From there a paved forest path of roughly 400 m leads to the cave entrance. Shared sumos run between Shillong (Bara Bazar and Anjali taxi stand) and Sohra, and local taxis cover the last stretch, but services thin out by late afternoon. A private cab from Shillong can be booked with Tour Meghalaya to cover Arwah with other Sohra stops in one day.
Entry & Duration
Entry Fee: About ₹20–50 per adult; camera and guide may be charged extra
Allow about 1–1.5 hours, including the walk to and from the cave and time to look for the fossils.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Arwah Cave located?
Arwah Cave is on Lawshynna Hill in Sohra (Cherrapunji), East Khasi Hills, about 3.5 km from the Sohra bus stand.
How far is Arwah Cave from Shillong?
It is roughly 55–58 km from Shillong, about 1.5–2 hours by road.
What is the entry fee for Arwah Cave?
Recent listings put it at about ₹20–50 per adult, with lower rates for children. Camera and guide charges may apply.
What fossils can you see in Arwah Cave?
Fossilised crustacean shells and fish bones are set into the limestone, mostly towards the far end of the cave.
Is Arwah Cave difficult to explore?
No. The route is lit and the approach path is paved, though some passages are narrow and the floor can be slippery, so wear shoes with good grip.
Arwah Cave or Mawsmai Cave, which is better?
Mawsmai is closer to the main road and busier. Arwah has the fossils, a scenic forest walk and usually fewer crowds. Many visitors see both on a Sohra day trip.
