Meghalaya Road Trip: Living Root Bridges, Waterfalls & Crystal Rivers

Meghalaya — literally "Abode of Clouds" — is India's most dramatically atmospheric state. It receives up to 12,000mm of rain annually at Mawsynram (world's wettest place), which has carved out some of Earth's most spectacular waterfalls, caves, and the legendary living root bridges that have grown over centuries.

The Living Root Bridges — Meghalaya's Greatest Wonder

The living root bridges of Meghalaya are perhaps India's most extraordinary engineering achievement — and they were built without any tools. The War-Khasi people of southern Meghalaya guide the roots of fig trees (Ficus elastica) across streams using hollowed betel nut trunks as channels. Over 15-20 years, the roots take hold on the other bank.

The most famous is the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village — two bridges stacked one above the other, the lower one over 30 metres long. To reach it: trek 3,500 steps down from Tyrna village (~3km), cross the bridge, swim in the natural pool, trek back up. 4-5 hours round trip.

Cherrapunji: Land of Waterfalls

Cherrapunji (Sohra) held the record as the world's wettest place for decades before neighbouring Mawsynram took the title. It doesn't matter — both receive insane amounts of rain and produce spectacular waterfalls:

• Nohkalikai Falls (1,115m drop) — India's tallest plunge waterfall. Named after a woman who fell into it.
• Seven Sisters Falls — seven streams falling side by side during monsoon
• Kynrem Falls — 305m, one of India's highest
• Mawsmai Cave — 150m of illuminated limestone cave accessible to all

Dawki: The Transparent River

Dawki on the Indo-Bangladesh border has become famous worldwide for the Umngot River — so crystal clear that boats appear to float in mid-air. Best visited October to April (before monsoon muddies the water). Boat rides cost ₹300-500 per boat.

Mawlynnong: Asia's Cleanest Village

Declared Asia's cleanest village by Discover India in 2003, Mawlynnong in East Khasi Hills is immaculate — not a leaf out of place. Every home has a bamboo dustbin. Plastic-free since 2000. The village also has a bamboo tree house from which you can see Bangladesh on a clear day.

Best Time to Visit Meghalaya

October–March: Post-monsoon, rivers are clear (Dawki), waterfalls full, root bridges accessible. Best time.

June–September (Monsoon): Waterfalls are at maximum volume — spectacular but roads can be slippery. Living root bridge trek is slippery in rain.

Shillong has a pleasant year-round climate (15-23°C) — never too hot or too cold.

How to Reach Meghalaya

By Air: Fly to Guwahati (Assam). Then cab to Shillong (100km, 3 hrs). Shillong also has Umroi Airport (30km) with limited flights from Kolkata.

By Train: No direct rail to Meghalaya. Nearest: Guwahati railway station (well-connected from major cities).

By Road: From Guwahati, regular shared cabs and buses to Shillong throughout the day.