Summertime Magic: 7 Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya

Welcome to Meghalaya, a hidden gem of India that promises to take your breath away with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. This small state in the northeastern part of India is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike. Meghalaya, which means "abode of clouds," is aptly named as it receives the highest amount of rainfall in India, giving it a lush green cover and numerous waterfalls.

Meghalaya is also home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that offer a glimpse of its rich biodiversity. The Nokrek National Park, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, including the elusive Asiatic wild buffalo. The Balpakram National Park, located in the South Garo Hills, is another must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts as it is home to several species of deer, wild boar, and primates.

Apart from its natural beauty, Meghalaya also boasts a unique culture that is a blend of its indigenous tribes and modern influences. The Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes are the predominant ones in the state and have their distinct customs, traditions, and festivals. The Wangala Festival of the Garo tribe, the Nongkrem Dance Festival of the Khasi tribe, and the Behdienkhlam Festival of the Jaintia tribe are some of the most popular festivals in Meghalaya adding to the reasons to explore Meghalaya's tourist places.

Looking for the best places to visit in Meghalaya in June? With a plethora of picturesque destinations perfect for tourists in this state, we have curated a list of the top 7 that are unmissable as you explore Meghalaya in June.

7 best places to visit in Meghalaya in June

1. Mawlynnong village

Labelled as 'Asia's cleanest village' is one of Meghalaya's famous places: Mawlynnong Village, known for its lush green surroundings, picturesque landscapes, and tranquil ambience. The village is home to the Khasi tribe and offers a glimpse into their unique culture and traditions.

Mawlynnong is perfect for leisurely walks through the village and exploring the quaint houses and traditional architecture. The village is also surrounded by scenic hills and valleys, making it a perfect spot for hiking and trekking. Mawlynnong is also known for its unique living root bridges, which are formed by the roots of rubber trees woven together over many years. These bridges are a marvel of natural engineering and are a must-visit attraction in the village, an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience the beauty and tranquillity of rural Meghalaya.

Best time to visit: Between October and May when the weather is pleasant and dry, as rains can get very extreme in the region leading to landslides and thunderstorms.

2. Dawki

Dawki is a small town located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India; on the banks of the Umngot River, which is famous for its crystal clear waters. Dawki is at the border between India and Bangladesh, and the Umngot river flows between the two countries.

The town is surrounded by hills and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The weather in Dawki is pleasant throughout the year, making it a popular tourist destination.

The main attraction of Dawki is the Umngot river, which is famous for its crystal-clear waters. The river is so clear that the boats floating on it appear to be floating in mid-air. Tourists can take a boat ride on the river and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape. The boat rides are available from early morning to late afternoon, and it is recommended to take the ride early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Dawki is also famous for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes. Tourists can take a walk around the town and explore the local markets, which offer a range of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. The nearby hills offer great trekking opportunities and are home to several waterfalls and caves, which are worth exploring.

Dawki is one of Meghalaya's famous places for adventure sports enthusiasts. Tourists can indulge in activities such as kayaking, rappelling, and zip-lining, also great for camping and picnics.

Best time to visit: From October to May, the weather is mild and pleasant.

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3. Wari Chora

Wari Chora is a small village located in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, a northeastern state of India; is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, lush forests, and traditional Garo tribal lifestyle.

Wari Chora offers an offbeat destination for travellers who want to explore the less-visited areas of Meghalaya. The village is home to several waterfalls and streams that offer scenic views and a chance to cool off in the refreshing water.

The Garo tribe is the main ethnic group that lives in Wari Chora. Visitors can interact with the locals and learn about their traditional lifestyle and customs. The villagers are known for their hospitality and are happy to share their way of life with visitors.

Best time to visit: During the monsoon season, between June to September, when the forests are lush, and the waterfalls are in full flow. However, it is recommended to check weather conditions before planning a trip as heavy rainfall can sometimes cause travel disruptions.

4. Nongriat

Nongriat is a small village located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, a northeastern state of India. It is famous for its living root bridges, and unique natural wonders created by weaving the roots of Ficus Elastica trees across streams and rivers to form sturdy bridges.
The most famous living root bridge in Nongriat is the Double Decker Root Bridge, a hundred years old. Visitors can reach the Double Decker Root Bridge by trekking for approximately 2-3 hours through dense forests and across several streams.

Nongriat also offers scenic views of lush green hills, waterfalls, and natural swimming pools. Visitors can dip in the natural pools and relax amidst the serene surroundings. The village also offers homestay options for tourists who wish to experience the local lifestyle and culture.

Best time to visit: Between October and May to avoid the brutal rains. The monsoon season, from June to September, can make the trekking trails slippery.

5. Krem Chympe

Krem Chympe is a cave system located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, a northeastern state in India. The cave system is known for its unique formations and is a popular destination among adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.

The cave system is approximately 1.5 kilometres long and requires visitors to navigate through narrow passages, crawl through small spaces, and wade through streams. The cave is home to several unique rock formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and cave pearls, formed over thousands of years due to the slow drip of the mineral-rich water.

The cave system also has several underground streams and waterfalls, which add to its beauty and allure. Visitors can explore the cave system with the help of local guides who are well-versed in the area and can provide insights into the cave's history and geology.

Best time to visit: Between October and May it is dry and pleasant. During the monsoon season, from June to September, the cave system can become inaccessible due to heavy rainfall.

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6. Mawlyngbna

Mawlyngbna is a small village located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, a northeastern state of India, celebrated for its scenic beauty, peaceful surroundings, and a wide range of adventure activities.

The village is situated on the banks of the Umngot river, known for its crystal-clear waters and is a popular destination for boating and kayaking. Visitors can also go swimming in the river's natural pools or take a leisurely walk along the riverbank to enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills and forests.

Mawlyngbna also offers several opportunities for adventure sports like trekking, camping, and rock climbing. The village has several trekking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and waterfalls, including the Byrdaw Falls and Khreng Khreng Falls. Visitors can also camp in the village and experience the local lifestyle and culture.

Apart from adventure sports, Mawlyngbna is also known for its unique biodiversity and offers a chance to explore the flora and fauna of the region. The village has several nature trails that lead through dense forests and offer a wide range of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

Best time to visit: Between October and May when it is dry and pleasant. The monsoon season, from June to September, can make it difficult to explore the village due to heavy rainfall and landslides.

7. Shillong 

Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya and is known as the "Scotland of the East." Topping the charts of Meghalaya's places to visit, Shillong offers a blend of colonial and modern architecture. The city is surrounded by hills and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Wondering what to do in Meghalaya? Shillong has several tourist attractions that make it a popular destination among travellers. Some of the best places to visit in Shillong include:
Ward's Lake: A scenic artificial lake surrounded by lush gardens and walking trails.
Shillong Peak: The highest point in Shillong offers panoramic views.
Elephant Falls: A popular waterfall located on the outskirts of Shillong.
Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures: A museum showcasing the diverse cultures and traditions of the indigenous people of Northeast India.
Laitlum Canyons: A scenic viewpoint located on the outskirts of Shillong offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
Cherrapunjee: Famous for its heavy rainfall and breathtaking scenery, Cherrapunjee is home to numerous waterfalls, including Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India. 
Umiam Lake: A man-made lake surrounded by hills and lush greenery, making it a popular spot for picnics, boating, and other water activities.

Shillong also offers several opportunities for adventure sports like trekking, camping, and rock climbing. The city is also famous for its music scene and is the "Rock Capital of India." The local markets in Shillong offer a chance to shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Cafes in Shillong are worth experiencing as the city has a very unique cafe culture.

Best time to visit: Between October and May when the weather is pleasant and dry. The monsoon season, from June to September, can make it difficult to explore the city due to heavy rainfall and landslides.