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Offbeat Places
Mawsynram, Meghalaya

Northeast India is a dream destination due to its lush green surrounding and unbeatable beauty in each and every corner. The Seven Sister states comprise Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur and Assam. These states are beautiful in their rights, diverse and without the hustle-bustle of the crowd and fewer honks than the rest of India.

Out of all the states, the beauty and serenity of Meghalaya is worth-mentioning. Apart from the beauty, people can also visit this area to inhale some fresh, pollution-free air and rejuvenate their souls. If you want to detach from your regular life routine and job by cutting off all ties with the hustle of the city for a short time to gasp some freshness and feed lots of gaiety and felicity, then Meghalaya can be an ideal holiday destination for you. While in Meghalaya, the first destination that you need to cover is the Mawsynram.

About Mawsynram - An Overview

This place is situated in the East Khasi Hill district of Meghalaya. Mawsynram is known to be the wettest place on earth. During monsoon, this place is known to receive a heavy amount of rainfall that compels the locals to use grass to soften the sound of the rain on their roofs. Meghalaya is also called “Scotland of the east” for its resemblance with Scotland due to the presence of highlands, fog, and scenery. Moreover, this state houses some of the thickest primary forests in the country and thus, has formed one of the most significant ecotourism circuits of the nation.

There is also a wide range of adventurous activities offered by this state in the form of mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, hiking as well as caving (spelunking) and water sports. Cherrapunji is a popular tourist destination in Meghalaya which has occupied the south of the capital city Shillong. There is a living root bridge located near Cherrapunji that draws the attention of thousands of tourists who visit this region every year. Besides, there are many other root bridges in the villages of Nongthymmai, Mynteng, and Tynrong.

The most popular waterfalls present in the state include the Elephant Falls, Shadthum Falls, Weinia Falls, Bishop Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Langshiang Falls, and Sweet Falls. There are hot springs in a region named Jakrem near Mawsynram which are believed to have curative as well as medicinal properties. Here is a list of places that tourists can visit during their trip to Mawsynram:

Mawsmai Cave

Mawsynram is home to some of the amazing and mysterious cave systems and Mawsmai cave is known to be one of them. This cave is situated just at a distance of approximately 6 km away from the heart of Cherrapunji. The well-lit caves are a delight to watch when the glistering light tends to meet with the limestone to create countless hues and patterns of light.

The presence of a wide range of flora and fauna adds up to the beauty of this cave and is appealing enough to catch visitor’s attention. Though the length of the cave is just 150 meters, it surely provides one a glimpse of life in the underground. Since Mawsynram remains drenched with rainfall throughout the year, one can easily visit this place almost any time of the year.

Sacred groves

Mawsynram is also popular for the presence of its “sacred groves”. They are small or large areas that remain covered with forests or natural vegetation and are dedicated to local folk deities or tree spirits or some religious symbolism over many generations. The dark canopy above and soft humus under the feet will transport the visitors into a primaeval age- a contrast from the green meadows and sprightly pines that shadow the surrounding hills.

This forest also houses rare plants, mushrooms and trees. In this place, the Khasi Kings as well as ceremonial leaders (Ki Lyngdoh) had their meetings and new chiefs were anointed here. The sites are marked with monoliths that still remind of the glorious past as forest creeps around them. The Sacred groves have gained an unmatchable popularity due to the conservation message and the greenery.

Nohkalikai Falls

Nohkalikai waterfalls have secured their position among the fourth-highest waterfalls in the World. These falls cascade from a cliff and create a majestic view that can be an excellent treat to the eyes of tourists. Tucked in between the evergreen rainforest of the Khasi Hill and flowing with all its majesty and might, the falls plunge into a lagoon that is as blue as the afternoon sky. However, there is a tragic story attached to these falls. The story revolves around a woman named Ka Likai who accidentally consumed the meat of her own daughter cooked by her husband (who killed her daughter). When she came to know the truth, she couldn’t bear the pain and plunged to death from the waterfall which was then renamed “Noh Ka Likai”.

Nohkalikai Falls is considered to be one of the most popular as well as significant places to visit in Mawsynram. Tourists can try out some of the fun activities here such as angling, trekking, landscape photography, bird watching, and swimming.

Mawlyngbna

The scenic village of Mawlyngbna is located on a hilltop. It is a village near Mawsynram which has gained popularity for its interesting folklore. Besides, this village is also famous for its rich fossils of animals dating back 200 million years. Within the village, there is a wide range of natural springs that tend to supply clear and fresh water throughout the year. There is also a large broadleaf present by the side of this village which is famous for the endangered predaceous pitcher plant. The hilltop is the perfect location to witness the dramatic sequence of the rolling Khasi Hills merging into the Bangladeshi plains.

The presence of fresh, breathable air along with lush green forests makes it an ideal offbeat location. Also, there are many notable picturesque waterfalls among which the most famous ones are Um Diengkain and Ar Phalat waterfalls. There is also an adventure park run by the village community which offers adventure sports like swimming, zip-lining, fishing, kayaking, and boating. The locals are very protective but proud of their culture and tradition and thus, hold local dances, and display their handicrafts like handlooms, baskets, and implements at the village museum.

Mawsmai Falls

It is one of the most popular falls in Mawsynram which is situated at a distance of approximately 2 km to the south of the David Scott Monument at Sohra. Mawsmai Falls occupy the Khasi Hills that start at a height of 1035 ft from the ground. The mist-covered hillocks in the gorge below the falls and the distant sparkling expanses of water over the plains of Bangladesh provide a view of unparalleled beauty. The locals also call it Nohsngithiang falls.

Khreng khreng Viewpoint

This viewpoint is just at a distance of 4 km from Mawsynram Bus Station and is one of the most popular viewpoints in Meghalaya. The word “Khreng Khreng” means cracked rock in the local Khasi language. Visitors can get an enchanting view of Syntein, the five villages' expertise in bamboo handicrafts. Their product has gained not only national but also international recognition as well. From this point, other breathtaking landscapes can also be witnessed such as Lum lawpaw, Umngi river, and Rit Syntein. Moreover, this place also offers the best view of the setting sun.

Mawjymbuin cave

An offbeat place of Meghalaya that has garnered the attention of tourists by late and has emerged as a religious tourist destination amongst pilgrims is the Mawjymbuin caves. This beautiful location is situated at a distance of approximately 60 km from the state capital Shillong. This cave has specially attained popularity for the naturally formed “Shivalinga” which is made of stalagmite. The structure of Shivalinga formed here quite resembles that of the “Shivalinga” of Amarnath cave. Over the years, this cave has turned this region into a sacred and divine shrine for people who follow Hinduism. Thus, it is a must-visit place for tourists traveling to Meghalaya.

Best time to visit Mawsynram

Since Mawsynram witnesses rainfall throughout the year, visitors can visit this place any time of the year according to their convenience.