Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji (also called Sohra) is a town in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills, located at 1,430 meters above sea level and known as one of the wettest places on Earth, receiving about 11,777 mm of annual rainfall. It once held the world record for the highest single-year rainfall, recording 26,461 mm in 1860–61. The landscape here is shaped by heavy rainfall, with countless waterfalls cascading from the southern edge of the plateau into the Bangladesh plains nearly 1,000 meters below. This dramatic geography is one of the main reasons people visit Cherrapunji. One of the most unique attractions is the living root bridges, formed over decades by the War-Khasi community using the roots of Ficus elastica trees. These natural structures are a must-see in any Cherrapunji travel guide. Major natural attractions include Nohkalikai Falls, India’s tallest single-drop waterfall at 340 meters, along with Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai Cave, and Dainthlen Falls. These are some of the top attractions in Cherrapunji. Culturally, the region reflects Khasi matrilineal society, with landmarks like the Sohra Presbyterian Church (1846) and local markets adding to the experience. The best time to visit Cherrapunji is winter for clear views, while the monsoon season is ideal for witnessing waterfalls at their most powerful.