Here’s why your trip to Cherrapunji can never be worthless

Cherrapunji in Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on the planet and the only place in India to receive rain throughout the year.

The town of Cherrapunji is nestled in the East Khasi Hills about 50 km southwest of the state’s capital, Shillong. Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra or Churra, means ‘the land of oranges’. The cliffs of Cherrapunji also offer stunning views of the plains of Bangladesh.

A view of Bangladeshi plains

Laid out along razor like ridges of a high mountain wall, Cherrapunji sits on the edge of the Himalayas. The road from Shillong to this tiny village passes through pretty scenery that becomes dramatic at the Dympep viewpoint, where a photogenic V-shape valley slits deeply into the plateau.

Cherrapunji is famous for its living root bridges, a result of bio-engineering practiced by the locals. The bridges can bear 50 people at a time and are spectacular to watch (though the one-of-its-kind double-decker root bridge requires at least a few hours of trekking).

Cherrapunji in general is a good place for trekking. The most popular trekking route is the one that leads to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village. It is advisable to hire a guide for your treks. Other activities you can do in Cherrapunji are river canyons from Nongthymmai to Mynteng steel rope bridge, rock climbing and camping.

Best time to visit Cherrapunji – From January to May and then from August to December.

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About Shreya Chaudhury

First of all, if you are going to use incorrect grammar, steer clear of Shreya Chaudhury. A proper grammar Nazi, a hardcore music enthusiast (never seen without her headphones), a professional baarat dancer and a die hard Jeffrey Archer fan, you will probably find this 17 year old with a novel in hand, day dreaming about all these places she wants to travel in the future. If only time machines worked..