Meghalaya: one of the most affordable places to visit in India in the rain
I genuinely feel that it is a magical experience to visit Meghalaya when it is raining. There are many famous hill stations in India. However, during my first visit to Meghalaya in the monsoon, I witnessed the highest enchanting form of nature. Rain combined with the emerald green hills of Meghalaya created a heavenly feeling for me. The rolling clouds, lush greenery and thundering waterfalls took me to a surrealistic world, I had never experienced.
This blog is about guiding people who are planning to visit North-East India, especially Meghalaya, during the rainy season based on my personal experiences.
I visited Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, on the very first day of our trip. Shillong, known as the “Scotland of the East”, can be considered one of the best affordable places to visit in India in the rain. The lazy floating clouds, green pine forests and the rhythm of rain make Shillong more celestial for me during my visit in mid-July. I spent the morning at Ward’s Lake, which took away all my tiredness from the journey I had the previous night. The rain ripples were spreading across the water, the swans were dancing on the lake, and then I understood why this is one of the major hill stations in India. I was enjoying this panoramic view while sipping hot coffee. I also must mention the mystical charm of the Elephant Falls and Sweet Falls, which I visited later on that day.
The second day was all about visiting Cherrapunji, one of the most famous hill stations in India. In my opinion, trips in Meghalaya in the rain remain incomplete without visiting Cherrapunji, known as the wettest place in the world. During the afternoon, my room was surrounded by heavy clouds, causing low visibility, and then suddenly it all vanished, and vast green valleys were in front of us. I have visited the mesmerising beauty of the Nohkalikai Falls, India’s tallest plunge waterfall. This rain-fed waterfall became spectacular during this season. The turquoise blue natural pool, exactly below the waterfall, made it more dramatic.
Another important waterfall is the Seven Sisters Falls, which I consider one of the most affordable places to visit in India in the monsoon, standing with a paradisiacal beauty. You can travel by local transport from Cherrapunji, and if you want to spend a night, you can also have cost-effective homestays available nearby. The roaring sound and plunging water of the waterfalls created an unforgettable memory for me. I also visited Mawsynram, which was just a short distance away from Cherrapunji. People who enjoy rain must visit Mawsynram, one of the most popular hill stations in India, and officially known as the wettest place on earth. I never felt the constant drizzle troublesome; instead, I felt it more spiritual. Moreover, I went to the Mawjymbuin Cave and enjoyed the rhythmic drops of rainwater echoing in the silence. If you want to spend some time in a quiet place, Mawsynram can be one of the best affordable places to visit in India. Unlike Shillong, this place was less busy, full of fresh air and solitude, where I could soak myself in the raw beauty of nature.
Here, I also want to mention the beauty of the living-root bridges, for which I think Meghalaya is one of the best hill stations in India to visit in the rain. I was truly fascinated by the structure of the “double-decker” bridge, the biggest attraction of the third day of my trip. It was a dream-come-true moment for me while I was walking on the living-root bridges, the bioengineering wonders of nature. I came to know that these bridges are crafted by generations of the Khasi tribe. I felt that the monsoon and constant water flow made it more attractive. The local homestays near the double-decker bridge are the biggest reason for including this place in the list of the most affordable places to visit in India in the rain.
I must also mention the Rainbow Falls, which made me spellbound with its natural beauty. Trekking to these falls seemed a little difficult because of the constant rain, but the result was truly rewarding. If you are a mountain lover at heart and looking to visit the most surprising hill stations in India, you should never miss this chance. On the fourth day, I trekked down and reached Dwaki. What a beauty!! This has become one of my most favourite hill stations in India. I heard about Dawki because of the crystal clear Umngot River, but I think that the monsoon allowed me to experience a completely different charm of this place. It is true that the water was not very transparent due to the rains, but I would always cherish the memory of the lush green forests and surrounding hills I saw near Dawki.
Basically, I took local transport, and I felt that this place was quite affordable. It must be listed as one of the most affordable places to visit in India. While I was crossing the suspension bridge over Dawki, I saw the drifting clouds across the valley. It was magical, soothing and peaceful to experience such hill stations in India during the rain. Lastly, I went to Jowai, which is not so popular among people visiting Meghalaya. I felt that Jowai was a hidden gem in the rain. Jowai was surrounded by rolling paddy fields, clear lakes and rich tribal culture. I was amazed by the enchanting view of the Krang Sui falls. The turquoise water around the lake and rain-washed lush greenery made me spellbound. I also think that the unparalleled experience of boating on the Thadlaskein Lake made it one of the most favorite hill stations in India.
You can also watch the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Travel tips
- The best time to visit Meghalaya, one of the top hill stations in India, is June to September, which is considered the peak rainy season.
- People must carry waterproof jackets, quick-dry clothes, trekking shoes, waterproof gear, raincoats and extra power banks.
- Be aware of the landslides during heavy showers and plan your route accordingly. Easy availability of local transport makes Meghalaya one of the most affordable places to visit in India during the monsoon. Always consider hiring local cabs with experienced drivers.
- Stay in boutique hotels or local homestays to experience local hospitality and enjoy the view of rain-drenched hills.
- Be careful with the slippery hills and roads if you are travelling with kids and elderly people.
If you are also looking for the best places to visit in India you can visit this blog.
Bottom line
In my opinion, Meghalaya in the monsoon is more like a wholesome experience rather than just a destination. From misty hills to rain-drenched green valleys, Meghalaya is covered with natural beauty and solitude, making it one of the best hill stations in India to visit in the rain. The blissful atmosphere of Mawsynram and the hidden charm of Jowai, along with the cloudy surroundings of Dwaki, have created a long-lasting impact on my mind. I would like to cherish the memory of every corner of this state. Visiting Meghalaya during the rain was one of the best travel decision I have taken since ever, I feel. In short, I personally feel that Meghalaya becomes alive when it rains.