Discover Meghalaya: Root Bridges, Nature and Khasi Culture

Meghalaya reveals itself through living root bridges and Khasi traditions, as well as waterfalls, caves and protected areas. Its varied highlights offer practical inspiration for planning your trip: from culture and architecture to water activities and birdwatching.

Living Root Bridges and Khasi Culture

The cultural landscapes of the living root bridges, “Jingkieng jri,” are on India’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage status; the entry was submitted on 17 February 2022. In Nongriat, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a distinctive example: it has two levels and is made entirely from the intertwined roots of rubber fig trees. The route to Nongriat leads from Tyrna down approximately 3,000 stone steps—a specific distance to take into account when planning your trip.

In Mawphlang, the Sacred Grove is an ancient forest protected by the Khasi community for generations. The Mawphlang Heritage Museum displays traditional Khasi huts and tools. Mawphlang is also the starting point for the David Scott Trail, a trekking route dating from the colonial era. At this one named location, forest conservation, cultural exhibits and a historic trekking route offer different kinds of travel experiences.

The festivals also offer insights into regional traditions. The Nongkrem Dance Festival lasts five days, takes place in the village of Smit and offers insights into Khasi traditions. The Durga Puja festival is held every year at Nartiang Durga Temple. The Wangala Festival is a Garo harvest festival featuring rhythmic dances and lively celebrations.

Water, Caves and Climbing Options

Nohkalikai Falls is India’s highest plunge waterfall. Other attractions offer opportunities for water activities: the rapids of the Umngot River near Dawki are suitable for rafting and kayaking, while Umiam Lake offers water sports and relaxing boat trips. If you enjoy climbing, Laitlum Canyon offers climbing opportunities. These places therefore represent different ways to experience Meghalaya’s landscape actively.

Underground, Mawsmai Caves and Siju Cave differ considerably in the features described. In Mawsmai Caves, you’ll find limestone formations such as stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the ground. Mawsmai Caves are lit for easy exploration and extend about 150 metres underground. Siju Cave, also known as Dobakkol or Bat Cave, is one of India’s longest limestone caves and extends for more than 4.7 kilometres. The different lengths provide a clear comparison of the two caves without suggesting that they offer the same visitor experience.

Protected Areas and Birdlife

Nokrek National Park is known for the rare and endangered red panda, hoolock gibbon and clouded leopard. More than 200 bird species are found in Siju Bird Sanctuary; it is also Meghalaya’s oldest wildlife sanctuary. Balpakram National Park offers opportunities for birdwatching, while Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse wildlife. For planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between them: Siju and Balpakram are specifically associated with birdwatching or bird species, while Nokrek and Nongkhyllem are known for their wildlife.

Shillong: Markets, Jadoh and Trip Planning

Shillong’s two markets each have a different focus. Police Bazaar features local handicrafts, handwoven textiles, bamboo products and organic produce. Bara Bazaar offers local handicrafts and traditional ethnic clothing. If you’d like to sample the local cuisine, you can eat at a Jadoh stall; Jadoh is a combination of rice and curry.

Regular taxis, shared taxis and buses run from Guwahati to major destinations in Meghalaya. If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip, first decide which experiences you want to shape your stay—for example, Khasi culture and root bridges, caves, water activities or birdwatching. The places that matter to you can then serve as reference points when choosing a hotel; the transport options listed are for journeys from Guwahati to major destinations in Meghalaya.

Explore subregions: East Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills, Ri-Bhoi.

Discover more destinations: Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Puducherry, Kerala, Tamil Nadu.

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