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Shillong — the capital of Meghalaya ("Abode of Clouds") at 1,496m — is the gateway to one of India's most extraordinary natural landscapes. Meghalaya holds the record for the world's highest rainfall (Cherrapunji and Mawsynram regularly contest this title), producing a landscape of extraordinary waterfalls, canyons, sacred forests, and the remarkable living root bridges of the Khasi hills.
Living Root Bridges — An Engineering Marvel
The Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya have developed a unique tradition of training the aerial roots of the rubber tree (Ficus elastica) across streams to form bridges — a process taking 15-20 years to complete and producing structures that strengthen over centuries (unlike wooden bridges that rot). The most famous: the Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat village (1.5-2 hour steep trek from Tyrna village, 53km from Shillong). This 30-metre double-layer living bridge is one of India's most extraordinary natural-cultural monuments. The trek down is steep — 3,000+ steps — and requires good fitness.
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge — Nongriat village, 53km from Shillong
- Single root bridges — scattered throughout Khasi Hills
- Trek to Nongriat: 3,000+ steps, 2+ hours each way
- Allow full day for Nongriat — swimming in the emerald pools
Waterfalls and the Living Root Country
Meghalaya's extraordinary rainfall creates hundreds of waterfalls. Nohkalikai Falls (Cherrapunji) — at 340m, India's highest plunge waterfall — falls into a turquoise pool surrounded by jungle. Elephant Falls (3km from Shillong) — a three-tier waterfall accessible by road. Nohsngithiang (Seven Sisters Falls) near Mawsynram — visible from the Cherrapunji-Mawsynram plateau rim. The entire Cherrapunji plateau edge is a series of canyon views and waterfalls — the most spectacular landscape in Northeast India.
Shillong and Khasi Culture
Meghalaya is one of the few places in India with matrilineal inheritance — property and clan names pass through the mother's line. This Khasi tradition is alive in daily life: women have significant economic independence and social authority in ways unusual elsewhere in India. Shillong's Police Bazaar is the commercial centre; Ward's Lake and Lady Hydari Park provide green respite. The Khasi cuisine — smoked pork, Jadoh (rice with meat), and Tungrymbai (fermented soybean) — is distinctive and excellent.
Best Time and Getting There
November-April is the best time — clear weather, waterfalls still active from monsoon storage, and cool temperatures (8-20°C). Monsoon (June-September) is spectacular (waterfalls are at their most dramatic) but roads are dangerous and basic services may be disrupted. Nearest airport: Guwahati (102km from Shillong, 3-4 hours by road). Guwahati is connected to all major Indian cities. Shillong has no railway station — cab from Guwahati is the standard approach.
Conclusion
Meghalaya rewards slow, curious travel — the living root bridges alone justify a visit, and the landscape of mist, waterfalls, and sacred forests is unlike anywhere else in India. It is among the subcontinent's most unique natural and cultural landscapes.