For millions of years, Meghalaya has been and continues to be one of the greatest abodes of caves and waterfalls of India. With uncountable waterfalls, thousands of caves and root bridges, Meghalaya has proven to be one of the best natural amusement parks in the world.
Meghalaya is a state in the North-east of with one of the richest biodiversity in the world. It is also the abode of several tribes and communities with unique languages and cultures.
The state is famous for its outstanding monsoons, dense forests, rich traditional festivals, and dramatic terrain. Meghalaya borders Assam in the north and Bangladesh in the south.
The hill station is a natural beauty and home to a celestial sky with wandering clouds. Its uniqueness and awe-inspiring experiences make it a year-round destination for tourists and adventure tourism in Meghalaya
Continue reading as Unify Holidays dive deeper into the caves and waterfalls that make Meghalaya tourism one of the most popular in India.
The Caves to Explore in Meghalaya
Meghalaya caves are millions of years old and are located in the Jaintia, Khasi Hills, and Garo Hills districts. They are adorned with natural sculptures like stalactites and stalagmites and contain rock formations, unique insects, and blind fish.
The caves of Meghalaya are formed as water meets limestone and sandstone. This creates mystical formations and ecosystems where species and fossils have lived for millions of years. Tall, and deep caves, Meghalaya has many caves, including some of the longest and deepest in the world, increasing the popularity of Meghalaya tourism.
Siju Cave
Siju Cave, also known as the Bat Cave, is a magical underground paradise in Garo Hills. It is one of the most popular caves in Meghalaya near the Napak Lake and Simsang River game reserve. The cave has a huge chamber, stunning limestone formations, and mysterious underground rivers.
Siju Cave is one of the longest caves in the Indian subcontinent with a length of four kilometers. It is renowned for its stalagmites and stalactites formations, and tunnels of labyrinthine web. It is home to species of bats, reptiles, and fauna, the cave also has a constant temperature of 21–26.4 °C.
Many crystal-clear streams run through the cave interior when you go deep, and it is perfect to explore by everyone. Walk through these clear waters to uncover the magic of Siju Cave.
Krem Puri Cave
Krem Puri is the best and the longest sandstone cave in the world at 25,042 metres. This sandstone cave is a natural beauty and home to differs dinosaur fossils, and giant reptiles.
Krem Puri is close to the village of Laitsohum in the Mawsynram (one of the wettest places on earth) area of East Khasi Hills district. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the village receives a record-breaking annual average rainfall of 11,872 millimetres. At an elevation of 1,227 m above sea level, Krem Puri has its opening at the base of a cliff.
The cave is a treasure trove for geologists, marine biologists and palaeontologists with a breathtaking structure of stalactites and stalagmites, The cave entrance has a series of tight, steep slopes and stunning chambers.
With Unify Holidays tour packages, you can also camp inside the cave overnight for an exceptional experience. These allow you to be immersed in the mysterious beauty of the cave. However, exploring Meghalaya, the Krem Puri cave requires outstanding caving skills.
Krem Mawmluh Cave
Mawmluh Cave is an old cave located near Mawmluh, a small settlement in Meghalaya. It is renowned for its grand chambers and complex limestone formations, making it one of the most popular destinations for experienced climbers.
Krem Mawmluh is the fourth longest cave in the Indian subcontinent with a total length of over 7 km of cave passages. The cave is at an altitude of 4,503 m (about 2.8 mi) with an entry of 10 feet above sea level. It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk across mountains and rocky ridges to get to the cave entrance.
The cave has a pool formed due to five different rivers discovering their way inside it. Streams flow inside the cave and some areas are completely submerged underwater during monsoons.
Mawmluh Cave is known for its stalagmites and other rock formations. The cave also contains calcite formations of various kinds, massive caverns, waist-deep pools, belly crawl and a few climbs.
One-fourth of the cave receives sunlight, and the rest are covered in darkness. Due to its geographical formation, the cave atmosphere often makes people feel dizzy. Therefore, people suffering from acute respiratory disorders should avoid visiting Krem Mawmluh Cave. Guides are available at Mawmluh Cherra Cement factory to provide suits, boots and helmets before trekking to the cave.
The Waterfalls of Meghalaya
Elephant Falls
Called the Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khoh Siew by the local people, the Elephant waterfall is a three-tier spectacular waterfall. Located in Shillong, one of India's winter destinations, Elephant Waterfall is one of the most prestigious waterfalls in the state.
The Elephant waterfall got its name from an incident experienced by the locals many centuries ago when a herd of elephants came to bathe and play in the crystal-clear waters. Witnessing these amazing moments, the locals were in awe of these magnificent creatures. These made them name the waterfall after the Elephants, paying homage to their grace and strength.
As one of the popular waterfalls in Meghalaya, it is nestled between the lush green dense forests. Water dropping downwards from the rocks and falling into the beautiful river is a breathtaking and eye-catching scene. The waterfall looks ravishing during the monsoon seasons from October to December.
Tourists can trek at the waterfall or enjoy shopping for beautiful antiques and other items at the main gate of the waterfall.
Kynrem Falls
Located inside Thangkarang Park, Kynrem Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Meghalaya and the 7th highest waterfall in India. The water falls from a height of about 1003 feet (about 305 meters).
Nestled amid lush green forests of Khasi Hills, Kynrem Falls shows its enchanting beauty in the post-monsoon and winter seasons. One of its major attractions is the Khoh Ramhah or Mothorp, a gigantic rock located beside the falls offering an amazing view of the falls.
Seven Sisters Falls
The seven sisters fall in Meghalaya is a marvelous sight to behold. Popularly known as the Mawsmai Falls, it is a seven-step waterfall with one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Meghalaya.
According to history, the "Seven Sisters" were all unmarried, and the waterfall on the other side of the fjord has been called "The Suitor" after several unsuccessful attempts to court the sisters.
Seven Sisters Falls cascades down over the limestone cliffs of Khasi Hills, from 1033 feet (about 314.86 m), making it one of the tallest waterfalls in India. It is also surrounded by lush green forests with its beauty dropping in seven streams. The falls are among the most photographed waterfalls in Geirangerfjord.
The waterfall has an average fall of around 250 meters (about 820.21 ft) and is an impressive sight when the water levels are high. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the waterfall between July and September to witness its full voluminous flow of the brooks.
Weinia Falls
Located on the Nongkhnum road, Weinia Falls is a captivating waterfall with an unparalleled beauty of nature in Meghalaya. The falls provide a peaceful environment to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is also a great option for immersing in the soothing sounds of waterfalls.
The falls showcase the sight of vapours rising and forming a fascinating rainbow when you go closer, giving the place a touch of enchantment. The interaction of sunlight and mist also creates a magical ambience, making the waterfall a beauty to behold.
The Weinia Falls is surrounded by a lush green forest that makes the journey a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. It's quiet atmosphere and the stunning sight of beautiful birds gracefully give the waterfall its calm environment.
The Weinia Falls is not very popular and has fewer visitors compared to other waterfalls. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and offbeat experience.
The best time to visit the Weinia Falls is during the monsoon season (between October and February) when the water flow is at its peak. This particular season often adds to the splenduor of the fall's environment.
You can also explore other places such as Nongkhnum Island, the second-largest river island in Asia, while visiting the Weinia Falls. This island has a serene setting perfect for family picnics and strolling or evening walks. You can also enjoy boating, fishing, and camping, during your stay on the island.
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is nestled in the greenery and lush landscapes near Nongriat village in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. Also known as the Seven Colors Falls, this mesmerizing waterfall offers a stunning sight that cannot be compared to any other.
It is a hidden gem that enchants visitors with its ethereal beauty and cascading water that creates a vivid spectrum of colors that resembles a majestic rainbow. The Rainbow Falls has crystal-clear blue waters that enhance its allure, making it a photographer’s paradise.
The best way to experience the natural wonder and captivating sight of the Rainbow Falls is by embarking on a trek to the village of Nongriat. The hike takes you through stunning paths adorned with lush greenery and panoramic views.
The waterfall’s enchanting display of colors is best witnessed during the monsoon season (between June and September) when the water flow is at its peak. The vibrant sunlight shining over the fall creates a fascinating play of colors, immersing visitors in a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Unify Holidays ensure you visit the best caves and waterfall in Meghalaya while having an experience of a lifetime. We make your traveling and accommodation bookings hassle-free. All you need to do is board your flight and start having fun.