Cherrapunji, locally Sohra, packs Meghalaya's best-known waterfalls, its show caves and the Double Decker Living Root Bridge into a small plateau 54 km from Shillong. Here is what to see, in the order the road reaches it, and how to fit it into one or two days.
Quick answer
The best places to visit in Cherrapunji are Nohkalikai Falls, the Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Arwah Cave, Wei Sawdong Falls, Dainthlen Falls, the Garden of Caves and the Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat. The falls and caves fit in one day from Shillong (54 km, 1.5–2 hours each way); the root bridge trek, about 3,500 steps, needs a second day or a night in Sohra. A Shillong–Sohra cab starts from ₹2,800 one way, or about ₹4,560 for the full day.
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At a glance
Key facts at a glance
| From Shillong | 54 km · 1.5–2 hours |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 1 day (falls & caves) · 2 days with the root bridge trek |
| One-way cab | From ₹2,800 |
| Full-day car | From ₹4,560 |
| Entry fees | About ₹10–₹100 per place, cash |
| Best time | Oct–Nov for falls + clear views; Jun–Sep for the biggest falls (and fog) |
On the way in from Shillong
The Shillong–Sohra road climbs through Upper Shillong and the Mawkdok valley. Two stops are worth making before you reach Sohra town.
- Mawkdok Dympep viewpoint: the valley view and a zipline, 25–30 km from Shillong. The viewpoint itself is free.
- Garden of Caves (Laitmawsiang): waterfalls, caves and springs on a short walking trail, about ₹100 per adult.
- Dainthlen Falls: a waterfall tied to the Khasi legend of U Thlen, on a side road just before Sohra.
Waterfalls
Sohra's waterfalls are at their fullest from June to September, but fog can hide them for hours. October and November usually give both water and a clear view.
- Nohkalikai Falls: India's tallest plunge waterfall, over 340 m into a turquoise pool. ₹10–20 entry.
- Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang): seven streams side by side, about 315 m, near Mawsmai.
- Wei Sawdong Falls: three tiers down a short, steep path; ₹50 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners.
- Kynrem Falls: a three-tier fall of about 305 m, seen from Thangkharang Park beyond Sohra.
Caves
Sohra's caves are a good plan in any weather. Wear shoes with grip: the floors are wet even in winter.
- Mawsmai Cave: a lit 150 m walk-through limestone cave, 6 km from Sohra market, about ₹20–50 entry.
- Arwah Cave: quieter, with fossils in the walls and a paved path with valley views, 3.5 km from town.
Living root bridges and treks
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is at Nongriat, about 3,500 steps below Tyrna village. Allow 4–6 hours return, start by 8 AM, and do not attempt it on the same day as the drive from Guwahati. Rainbow Falls is a further 1–1.5 hours beyond the bridge.
A one-day Cherrapunji plan from Shillong
Leave Shillong by 8 AM. Stop at Mawkdok on the way, then Nohkalikai Falls first, while the morning is clearest. Next, Mawsmai Cave and the Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint (they are close together), then Arwah Cave or Wei Sawdong. Head back by about 3:30 PM in winter, when it gets dark around 4:30–5 PM.
A one-way Shillong–Sohra cab costs from ₹2,800; keeping the car for the full day costs from ₹4,560, fuel and driver included.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is one day enough for Cherrapunji?
One day covers the main waterfalls and caves. You need a second day, or a night in Sohra, for the Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek.
How far is Cherrapunji from Shillong?
About 54 km, 1.5–2 hours by road through Upper Shillong and the Mawkdok valley.
What is the best time to visit Cherrapunji?
October and November give full waterfalls and clear views. June to September has the biggest falls but frequent fog and rain. December to April is dry and clear, but the falls are thin.
Is Cherrapunji the same as Sohra?
Yes. Sohra is the local name, and you will see both on signboards and maps.
Which is better, Nohkalikai or Seven Sisters Falls?
Nohkalikai is the taller single drop with a turquoise pool. Seven Sisters is wider, with seven streams, and looks best right after rain. They are close enough to see both in one morning.
Up nextDouble Decker Living Root Bridge Trek: A Practical GuideDouble decker living root bridge trek: ~3,000–3,500 steps each way from Tyrna, 4–6 hrs round trip, moderate. Best season, tips & cab from Shillong.Read next (6 min) Keep reading
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Plan & book your trip
Tour Meghalaya runs private cabs and tour packages across Meghalaya. Book directly with a local operator.