Are you looking for a destination that offers a blend of scenic beauty and adventure? Cherrapunjee, a picturesque hill station in India, is a place that should be on your bucket list. Known for being the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunjee offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys, waterfalls, and gorges. This article will guide you through the different aspects of a Cherrapunjee hill station tour, including the best time to visit, top attractions, and adventure activities. 

Introduction to Cherrapunjee 

Nestled in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, Cherrapunjee is a small town with a population of around 10,000 people. The town was previously known as Sohra and is located at an altitude of 1,484 meters above sea level. The name "Cherrapunjee" is derived from the Khasi language, which means "land of oranges." 

Best Time to Visit Cherrapunjee 

Cherrapunjee experiences a moderate climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C. The monsoon season, from June to September, is the best time to visit as the town transforms into a lush green paradise with mist-covered valleys and gushing waterfalls. The winter season, from November to February, is also a good time to visit as the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy clear views of the surrounding landscapes. 

Top Attractions in Cherrapunjee 

Cherrapunjee is home to several natural wonders that are a must-visit on your hill station tour. Here are some of the top attractions: 

a. Nohkalikai Falls 

Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India, with a height of 1115 feet. The waterfall cascades down into a blue-green pool and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding valleys. The best time to visit Nohkalikai Falls is during the monsoon season when the waterfall is in full force. 

b. Double Decker Living Root Bridge 

The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a unique natural wonder and one of the top attractions in Cherrapunjee. The bridge is made entirely of the roots of the Ficus elastica tree and is over 150 years old. It is a testament to the traditional knowledge and craftsmanship of the Khasi people who have been cultivating these bridges for generations. 

c. Mawsmai Cave 

Mawsmai Cave is a limestone cave that is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts. The cave is well-lit and has a well-defined path, making it easy to explore. The cave is home to several unique rock formations and fossils and is an excellent place to learn about the geology of the region. 

d. Thangkharang Park 

Thangkharang Park is a beautiful park located on a plateau overlooking the Bangladesh plains. The park is home to several rare orchids and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and waterfalls. 

Adventure Activities in Cherrapunjee 

Cherrapunjee is not just about scenic beauty; it also offers several adventure activities for adrenaline junkies. Here are some of the top adventure activities to try: 

a. Trekking 

Cherrapunjee offers several trekking trails that take you through lush green forests, waterfalls, and valleys. The most popular trekking trail is the David Scott Trail, which takes you through the beautiful countryside and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. 

b. Caving 

Caving is a popular activity in Cherrapunjee, given the numerous limestone caves in the area. The Mawsmai Cave mentioned earlier is one of the most popular caves to explore, but there are other caves like Krem Mawmluh and Krem Phyllut that offer more challenging experiences. 

c. River Canyoning 

River Canyoning involves hiking, swimming, and rappelling down waterfalls in the canyons of the Khasi Hills. This is a thrilling activity that allows you to explore the scenic beauty of the area up close. 

Accommodations and Dining 

Cherrapunjee offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets, from guesthouses and homestays to luxury resorts. You can choose to stay in the town itself or opt for a more secluded experience in the surrounding villages. As for dining, the town has several restaurants that serve local Khasi cuisine, as well as other Indian and international dishes. 

How to reach Cherrapunjee hill stations by train and nearest railway station? 

The nearest railway station to Cherrapunjee is Guwahati Railway Station, which is located approximately 160 kilometers away. Guwahati Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Cherrapunjee. The journey from Guwahati to Cherrapunjee takes approximately 4-5 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions. 

However, it's important to note that Cherrapunjee doesn't have its own railway station. The nearest railway stations to Cherrapunjee are in Guwahati and Shillong. Shillong is another popular hill station in Meghalaya that is located approximately 54 kilometers away from Cherrapunjee. The Shillong Railway Station is well-connected to Guwahati and other major cities in India. From Shillong, you can take a taxi or bus to Cherrapunjee. 

How to reach Cherrapunjee hill stations by road and nearest bus stand? 

Cherrapunjee can be easily reached by road from nearby cities and towns. The nearest bus stand to Cherrapunjee is in Shillong, which is approximately 54 kilometers away. Shillong is well-connected to Guwahati and other major cities in India by bus. 

From Shillong, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to Cherrapunjee. The journey from Shillong to Cherrapunjee takes approximately 2-3 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions. There are also shared taxis available from Shillong to Cherrapunjee, which are a more affordable option. 

If you're traveling from Guwahati, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to Cherrapunjee. The journey from Guwahati to Cherrapunjee takes approximately 4-5 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions. 

FAQs 

What is the best time to visit Cherrapunjee? 

The best time to visit Cherrapunjee is during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the town is at its greenest and the waterfalls are in full force. 

What are some of the top attractions in Cherrapunjee? 

Some of the top attractions in Cherrapunjee include Nohkalikai Falls, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Mawsmai Cave, and Thangkharang Park. 

What adventure activities can I do in Cherrapunjee? 

Cherrapunjee offers several adventure activities, including trekking, caving, and river canyoning. 

What accommodations are available in Cherrapunjee? 

Cherrapunjee offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets, from guesthouses and homestays to luxury resorts. 

What kind of food can I expect to find in Cherrapunjee? 

Cherrapunjee has several restaurants that serve local Khasi cuisine, as well as other Indian and international dishes.