History

A beautiful sub divisional town lying in the laps of East Khasi hills in Meghalaya is Cherrapunji. Cherapunji is known as the second wettest place on earth. It receives the world’s second maximum rainfall in a calendar month and in a year. The highest rainfall received in Cherapunji was 9,300 mm (366 in) in July 1861 and 26,461 mm (1,041.75 in) between 1 August 1860 and 31 July 1861.Cherapunji is the capital of a Hima- Khasi tribal chieftainship constituting a petty state known as Sohra.Originally Sohra was pronounced by the British as Chura.Eventually this came to be known as Cherrapunji- meaning the land of oranges. Despite heavy rainfall throughout the year, the city faces acute water shortage problem and the occupants have to walk a long mile to search for proper drinking water. Cherrapunji is the beautiful town with heavy rainfall. It is covered by huge mountains with natural waterfalls to add to the scenic beauty.

Due to excessive rain in Cherrapunji, the top soil is washed away. The Meghalaya govt has again renamed Cherrapunji back to its original name, Sohra. The history of the Khasis – the inhabitants of Cherrapunjee – may be traced from the early part of the 16th century. The Khasi hills came under British authority from the year 1833 with the submission of the last of the important stymies, Tirot Singh.

The khasi state rests on the matriarchal system.

How To Reach

Bus

Tourists can travel by bus which is reasonably cheap. The bus service for Cherapunji leaves from the Sohra bus stand in the Bura Bazaar area of Shillong.

Train

The nearest rail station from Cherrapunji is the Guwahati Station. It is at a distance of 181 kms Tourists can either take bus or hire a taxi from the paltan bazaar stand in Guwahati.

Air

The nearest major airport for tourists traveling by air next to Cherrapunji is Guwahati airport. It is located 181 kms away from the city. Taxis can be hired from Paltan Bazaar stand in Guwahati or prepaid taxis and buses are also available.

Places To Visit

Nohkalikai Waterfalls

The Nohkalikai Waterfalls is a very beautiful waterfall viewed only during the monsoon season. It initiates as a bubbling stream and turns into a huge waterfall which runs down the rocky precipitate into a gorge. Its serene and virgin beauty attracts many tourists during the monsoon season.

Dainthlen Waterfalls

On the way to Cherrapunji falls the Dainthlen Waterfalls. The way to the waterfall is surrounded by greenery and a dense forest which is very refreshing to the eyes. It has vast stretches of greenery and rocks.

Double Decker Root Bridge

The Double Decker Root Bridge is a two tier living root bridge which can carry 50 or more people at a time and it is 100 feet long. The bridge gets stronger everyday as it is made up of live roots. These bridges usually take 15 to 20 years to get functional.

Weather And Best Time To Visit

The monsoon season is the only season in Cherapunji. It continuously rains and the land is wet throughout the year. The best time to visit Cherrapunji is during the late months after monsoon i.e. September, October. Summer is also a good time to visit though it is a little humid. The weather is very cold in winter because of the hills which receive heavy rainfall and during monsoon there is heavy rain.

The town is well connected with various transportation means that makes tourists to move from one place to another. Weather should always be taken into consideration as it the place with heavy rainfall and there are several natural waterfalls that makes the town more beautiful to draw more visitors.

Language And Culture

The official language of Cherrapunji is Khasi which is the local language. Hindi is also spoken widely.

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Accommodation

Tourists can choose from several hotels in Cherrapunji. These range from various executive to luxury class. With prior permission from the government and administration, tourists can also book a place in the circuit house or the dark bungalow with minimum affordable rates.

Festivals And Activities

Trekking

If tourists are a little adventurous; the trekking of the Double Decker living root bridge in Nongriat village provides great pleasure. The trekking starts from Tyrna, However tourists should keep in mind that a guide should be accompanying them for the bridge trek. The guide is very reasonable and it is wise to avail their services.

River Canyoning

Swimming

Hotels

Tourist can choose from a number of hotels in Cherrapunji. The rooms are very affordable within Rs 1000 and provide comfortable accommodation. Deluxe rooms come at a price of 2500 Rs and offer excellent hospitality. The luxury rooms range from 3000-5000. They offer royal treatment and come with all the services. Air conditioner is not necessary as it is always comfortable.

Some of the well known hotels are:

Cherrapunjee Hotel Resort

Village Laitkynsew, Cherrapunjee 793108, India

Coniferous Resort

Lower Cherrapunjee, East Khasi Hills District, Cherrapunjee 793108, India

Get Around

If you want to roam around and explore Cherrapunji, bus services are available. Regular bus services are operative by the Meghalaya tourism between Shillong and Cherrapunji. Shared taxis are also available if one wants to commute between the two towns.

Get Out

Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong, located in Meghalaya is also referred to as Gods own garden. It has been given the title of being the cleanest village in Asia in the years 2003, and 2005.The village is located at a distance of 90 kms from shillong and there lot of tourists who visit the village for its cleanliness.

Tyrna

Tyrna, a village located in the East Khasi hills district of Meghalaya, is connected by a succession of stone steps with the neighboring village of Nongriat, just below Cherrapunji-Laitkynsew bridle path. Tourists can visit the village as its scenic beauty prevails in the minds of all.

Shopping

Cherra Bazaar in Cherrapunji is famous for its colorful variety of good which also includes various kinds of handmade tribal jewellery and orange flavored honey. Tourists can also visit shoos for cane, bamboo and wooden handicraft items, shawls and handicrafts, and fabrics in Shillong.

Location Map

Photo Gallary