Cherrapunji

Natural Beauty

Meghalaya

19°C / Clouds

History
Places to visit
How to reach

Sometimes also referred to as Sohra, Cherrapunji aka Cherrapunjee brims with the glistening beauty of nature. In the past, Cherrapunji was popular as the wettest place on Earth due to the copious amounts of rainfall that it received on an annual basis.

However, as per the recent data of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) it has been replaced by Mahabaleshwar which is in Mawsynram. But still, due to the presence of a great variety of flora and fauna, Cherrapunji has successfully remained on the travel bucket list of the wanderers.

It is a great place to explore the local culture and have a taste of nature’s beauty in the form of valleys, breathtaking waterfalls and so many other things which allure your heart with a certain sense of happiness.

Best Time to Visit Cherrapunji

The best time to visit Cherrapunji is from September to May. However, it is not advised to visit here from July to August due to the heavy rainfall it records during this time.

History of Cherrapunji

Initially, Cherrapunji was known by the name of Sohra. However, the Britishers couldn’t pronounce it correctly, thus, with the passage of time, it became Churra and eventually Cherrapunji.

Historically, the origin of this town can be traced back to the 16th and 18th centuries when it was ruled by the Syiems (Rajas) of Khasi Hills. But soon, these hills came under the British governance in 1883 as the last of the syiems, Tirot Singh became compliant to the Britishers.

Major Attractions in and Around Cherrapunji

1. Eco Park

If you are looking for some casual fun then Eco Park is one of the best places to visit in Cherrapunji. This park has been designed by the local authorities for tourists to enjoy the waterfalls around it. It is a great place to find happiness in the lap of nature.

2. Rainbow Falls

These are one of the most popular waterfalls in Meghalaya. And as the name suggests, one can see a beautiful rainbow near these waterfalls which is mainly because of the sun's rays. If you are planning on traveling with your family, then, don’t give this place a miss at all.

3. Khasi Monoliths

These monoliths are intriguing structures from history and offer a unique perspective to the tourists who come to see them. It is believed that these monoliths are associated with the Khasi tribe and were made in remembrance of their ancestors.

4. Wakaba Falls

Falling from 170 m, the splendid beauty of these waterfalls is amazing to capture on the camera. Surrounded by lush greenery, this tourist attraction in Meghalaya is simply a paradise for photography lovers.

How to Reach Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is a very popular tourist destination in India, especially due to its rainfalls. If you plan on visiting this place soon, then you should know that it is situated at a distance of 2,049, 2,895, 1,150, 3,096 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can travel to Cherrapunji.

By Air

Shillong Airport (SHL) and Guwahati Airport are the nearest airports to Cherrapunji at an approximate distance of 80 km and 200 km respectively. Both have good flight connectivity with other Indian cities with regular and connecting major airlines. Once you deboard at the airports, consider taking some means of local transportation.

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Cherrapunji

By Train

The nearest train station is the Guwahati railway station (GHY) situated at 150 km. Once you deboard at the station, consider taking some means of public transportation to reach here. It would be a relief for you to know that the bus terminal of Assam State Transport is located in close proximity to the station, thus, it won’t be much of a hassle for you to take a bus to Cherrapunji.

By Road

You can also consider traveling to Cherrapunji by road depending upon your location. From the nearby cities, there are regular buses and cabs readily available. Otherwise, you can also consider taking your own vehicle to reach here.

From Jowai - 103 km via NH6 or Nh206
From Shillong - 54 km via SH5
From Guwahati - 150 km via NH6

Frequently Asked Questions about Cherrapunji

Q. What are some popular attractions in Cherrapunji?
A. Some popular attractions in Cherrapunji include the Nohkalikai Falls, the Mawsmai Caves, the Seven Sisters Falls, and the Double Decker Living Root Bridge.

You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here