Best time to visit Meghalaya
Known as one of the wettest places in India, the monsoon in Meghalaya is one of the lesser-known times to visit the mist-kissed haven. Meghalaya’s rainfall season starts from June and continues till September. During this period, temperatures drop and occasionally drizzle throughout the day. With the lesser crowd, this is the perfect time to enjoy the lush mountains and towering waterfalls. Another reason to explore Meghalaya during the rainy season is the indigenous Khasi umbrellas. As you carry them on your back, walking in the drizzle, it is an experience you will always cherish.
During monsoon, the water levels rise dramatically, and the waterfalls roar down the mountainscape. The most famous one, Elephant Falls is a must-see during the rainy season. Elephant Falls owes its name to the elephant-like stone at its foot. Located just next to Shillong, the falls is an untouched paradise. The local people also refer to the place as "Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew" — meaning "three-step waterfall." The falls consist of three layers of water streaming down the towering mountain. If you are here, dip your toes in the cold water and sip on the boiling chai from the neighbouring food stalls.
Monsoon in Meghalaya is incomplete without Shillong
Monsoon in Shillong is an exhilarating experience. Also known as one of the wettest places in India, monsoon temperatures in Shillong can drop to almost 4-degree Celcius. The rainy season is the perfect time for romantic escapes amid the mountains. You can either go boating on Umiam Lake or step into the sacred Mawphlang Forest. Or if you feel adventurous, trek at Laitlum Canyons, which is also called the Grand Canyon of India. While it drizzles, you can stroll along the stone-paved path and soak in the panoramic view of the entire valley. Whatever you choose to experience, you should not miss the monsoon in Shillong! And when you do come to visit, make sure to stay at one of the best boutique lodges, Woodstock Resort, a rock-n-roll inspired bed and breakfast that lets you ensconce amid the rain-kissed hills.
Monsoon is the time for you to explore the bat caves
Meghalaya is home to the unique bat caves that are home to hundreds of them. As you walk into the cave, you will be greeted with a row of teeming rivulets. During monsoon, most of the caves here are filled with water. As you step into the cave, the sound of pouring water and the limestone deposits will take you back in time. If you are lucky, you might as well spot some exotic butterflies on the way!
Walk on the root bridges
The moss and lichen which cover the trees turn the living bridges lush green. Around 30 meters long and 2400 feet high, the double-decker root bridge in Cherrapunji is a sight to behold in monsoon. As you take a step on the bridge and look down, a stream of water flowing below will hypnotise you. And during the monsoon, the entire place turns sapphire green. If you are an adventure-seeker, buckle your boots and start trekking! Pack your water bottle, carry a flask of hot tea and find your way into the wilderness.
