JournalA Road Trip Through Meghalaya: Waterfalls, Hills and Living Root Bridges
In short: Meghalaya is among the wettest places on Earth, with Cherrapunji (Sohra) and nearby Mawsynram holding rainfall records. Its living root bridges, grown from Ficus elastica roots by the Khasi and Jaintia peoples, cluster around Cherrapunji, Pynursla and the Jaintia Hills. Plan around heavy rain.
Quick facts
| Starting point | Guwahati or Shillong |
|---|---|
| Capital | Shillong, on the Shillong Plateau |
| Bridges | Living root bridges of Ficus elastica |
| Famous bridge | Double-decker at Nongriat, about 200 years old |
| Longest known | Rangthylliang, over 50 m, near Pynursla |
| Dawki | About 96 km from Shillong, Bangladesh border |
| Caves | An estimated 500 |
A wet, green state
Meghalaya has the Khasi Hills at the centre, the Jaintia Hills to the east and the flatter Garo Hills to the west, with about 70% forest cover. The southern Khasi Hills can average around 12,000 mm of rain a year. Shillong's maximum temperature rarely exceeds 28 C.
Living root bridges
Living root bridges are common on the southern Shillong Plateau, grown by the Khasi and Jaintia peoples from rubber fig roots. Near Cherrapunji you will find Nongriat and its double-decker bridge; near Pynursla, the village of Rangthylliang has a bridge over 50 m long. Some lie in West Jaintia Hills villages such as Shnongpdeng and Nongbareh. Reaching the best-known ones involves steep stairs and walking, so check the effort with judging trail difficulty.
Caves, Dawki and culture
- Meghalaya has roughly 500 caves; Krem Liat Prah is the longest and Synrang Pamiang the deepest, both in the Jaintia Hills.
- Dawki, about 96 km from Shillong, is a border town on the Umngot River.
- Many communities are matrilineal and Christians are about 75% of the population; dress and behave respectfully, and ask before photographing people.
Drive and safety
Roads can be slippery and slides are common in heavy rain. Use forecast guidance, check vehicle readiness and tie a trip into the multi-state plan in India's Northeast by road. The source does not state a best season; confirm with local operators. Rules, permits, closures and fees change. Confirm locally before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the root bridges grow?
Villagers guide the aerial roots of the rubber fig (Ficus elastica) over streams until they strengthen into bridges.
Where is the longest known bridge?
The Rangthylliang bridge near Pynursla, reported as over 50 m.
Do Indian visitors need a permit?
Rules differ across the Northeast; confirm current requirements before you travel.
How wet is Meghalaya?
Among the wettest places on Earth, with parts averaging around 12,000 mm a year.
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Read nextRules, closures, fees and conditions change. Confirm with the relevant authority before you travel, and treat this guide as planning help, not a substitute for local advice.