East Khasi Hills: Waterfalls, Caves and Khasi Culture

East Khasi Hills combines natural attractions with places where Khasi culture and history take centre stage. Sights include waterfalls and limestone caves, as well as museums, a protected forest and a historic hiking trail. When searching for a hotel in East Khasi Hills, your planned visits can be a good starting point: first consider whether you’re most interested in waterfalls and caves, culture or hiking.

Waterfalls and caves in East Khasi Hills

Nohkalikai Falls plunge 340 metres into an emerald-green pool. They are about 7.5 kilometres from Sohra. Nohsngithiang, also known as Seven Sisters Falls, cascades in seven segments from a height of more than 300 metres; the nearest town, Sohra, is 3.7 kilometres away. The two waterfalls therefore differ both in their form and in their stated distance from Sohra. June to September is considered a particularly good time to visit Nohsngithiang.

The caves offer different experiences, too. Mawsmai Cave is illuminated, extends about 150 metres underground and is considered safe and easy to navigate, even for beginners. Access and conditions on site may change due to the weather or local administration, so check before your visit. The limestone walls of Arwah Cave contain fossilised crustacean shells and fish bones. The cave also forms a maze of numerous twists and corners for visitors to explore.

Khasi culture and museums

In Mawlai, Shillong, the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures offers insight into the diverse ways of life of Indigenous communities in Northeast India. The exhibition comprises 19 galleries with cultural objects and paintings, including a skywalk gallery. The Ever Living Museum displays traditional weapons, musical instruments, bamboo handicrafts and rare coins from the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities. You can reach the museum from Laitumkhrah or Bara Bazaar by local buses or shared taxis; check the connection before setting out.

The five-day Nongkrem Dance Festival takes place every November in Smit. The cultural celebration is deeply rooted in Khasi tradition and includes sacred rituals as well as the community spirit of the festival. If you’d like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific dates for your plans.

At the Twahlongwar Open-Air Museum, archaeological investigations uncovered remains of an ancient settlement, a former marketplace, burial sites and megalithic monuments. Before the 30- to 45-minute climb, visitors receive information and tickets at the information centre; they then explore the site with a guide. Before travelling, check whether tickets are being sold and guided access is available.

Hiking trails, forest and canyons

The David Scott Trail stretches for around 16 kilometres between Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang and was once part of a colonial trade route. October to April is considered the best time to explore it. Weather and local trail conditions can affect this seasonal guidance, so check conditions before setting out. The Sacred Grove in the heart of Mawphlang is an ancient forest that has been protected by the Khasi community for generations.

For a different landscape, Laitlum Canyon offers panoramic views of deep valleys and green, forested hills. Mawkdok-Dympep Valley lies on the road between Shillong and Cherrapunji. It offers views of a river-carved gorge, as well as zipline rides across the gorge. Check whether the zipline is operating before your trip. In Laitiam, a living root bridge connects the area with Shella Bolagunj. It once served as a route for villagers.

Plan your visits to suit your interests

Seasonal recommendations vary by destination: October to April is considered the best time for the David Scott Trail, while a visit to Nohsngithiang is particularly recommended between June and September. Comparing these recommendations can help you set priorities when planning. If you’re interested in architecture and urban history, you could also consider a guided tour with Shillong Heritage Walks: the 2.5-hour tour takes you through the historic European Ward. Confirm the tour offering in advance.

Discover more destinations: Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mylliem, Ri-Bhoi, West Garo Hills.

Go to the main travel overview: Meghalaya.