Shillong to Cherrapunji Road Trip - Distance, Sightseeing

Traveling through the hilly loops and curve with clear blue skies above, mist-shrouded valleys bounded all throughout, cool breeze running through your hair, and watching the cheerful hilly bucolic communities are a dream come true for many wanderlusts.

There are many places in India where you can have this heavenly experience. The North-Eastern part of India is one of them.

The amazing experience of traveling via the roadway from Shillong to Cherapunjee of East Khasi Hills will leave you bewildered.

The distance from Shillong to Cherapunji by road is 54 km.

Though the road trip is not too long, the awe-inspiring places which you will pass through your entire journey will make your road trips memorable.

In this article, you will get to know the following points about Shillong to Cherapunji road trip,

Modes of transport
About
Places to visit
Restaurants and Cafes
Best time to experience

Let’s see each of these points in detail…

Modes of transport between Shillong and Cherapunji on road

The easiest way to reach Cherapunji is to get a taxi or a two-wheeler at Police Bazar.

The Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) also organizes trips that go to Cherrapunjee.

But they only make a stop at Dympep Valley View Point en route. So you may not get the chance to halt at every beautiful destination on the way.

A cab may charge you around INR 1500-1800.

However, you can ask the driver to stop at the major attractions if you are traveling by a reserved car.

Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, and Dympep Valley Viewpoints are some of them.

Shillong and Cherapunji: The abodes of breathtaking landscapes

Undoubtedly Shillong and Cherrapunji are the two paradises in Meghalaya.

Shillong is famous for its caverns, giant waterfalls, cafes and markets, and amazing neighborhoods and culture.

Cherapunji on the other hand is known as the wettest place on earth. This place receives plenty amount of rain every day.

It is rich in festivals and culture as well.

Places to visit during Shillong to Cherapunjee Road Trip

The road trip from Shillong to Cherapunjee will take almost 1.5-2 hours.

The various attractions that you will come across are,

1. Ward’s Lake

Ward’s Lake is one of the popular tourist attractions of Shillong and among the must-see place in Meghalaya.

It is also known as Pollock’s Lake (Nan Polok).

This lake cradles in the middle of the city of Shillong. The surreal lake is surrounded by beautiful flower gardens and cobbled pavement.

You can also see a beautiful fountain here.

There is a wooden bridge in the middle of the lake where one can even watch the small water creatures and can even feed the fish in the lake.

The lake offers recreational activities like boating.

There is a cafeteria here where you can get a variety of refreshments and beverages

Best restaurants and cafes near Wards Lake: Pinewood Hotel, Avahah, and Madras Cafe.

2. Shillong Peak

Shillong Peak will reward you with a wonderful view of Shillong’s greenery, the plains of Bangladesh, and the Himalayas.

The peak is located at a height of 1966 meters, and it is mostly wrapped with fog and mist. The mystical appearance of the peak makes it one of the most visited places in Meghalaya.

People can refresh their souls after visiting this alluring destination.

You can also view a sacred site here.

Sri Mahadeva Khoal Dham is an old cave approximately 100 years old. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is said that the lord fulfills all the wishes sought with a pure heart.

Trattoria and Dylan’s Cafe are some of the best restaurants in Shillong near Shillong Peak.

3. Elephant Falls

This is one of the lovely waterfalls that you will encounter on your journey from Shillong to Cherapunji.

The three-tier scenic waterfall is an iconic site to arrange for a picnic.

The spot is surrounded by lush greeneries and the scenic environment is bound to mesmerize you.

Visit Jadoh, Basil, Thyme, and Lil chef restaurants near the falls to savor delicious Khasi Food.

4. Wah Kaba waterfalls, Sohra

Wah Kaba waterfall is another beautiful waterfall that is blessed with scenic landscapes around and is located 15 kilometers before reaching Cheraopunji.

The waterfall cascades down some steep ledges of rock into a deep gorge. The surging water creates a spectacular view and a roaring sound.

During the monsoon, the waterfall looks fuller in the backdrop of green surroundings and allows for the creation of an everlasting memory in the lap of nature.

OrangeRoots and Jiva Grill Sohra are two of the best restaurants near Sohra.

5. Mawkdok Bridge

Mawkdok bridge is almost midway between Cherapunji and Shillong.

It is located 30 kilometers away from Shillong City and connects two parallel ridges of the mountain ranges.

Mawkdok Bridge is also known as Duwan Singh Syiwm Bridge.

The landscapes are picturesque with deep gorges. If you are lucky enough you can have a heavenly view of a mist-covered bridge, particularly at the time of dawn.

Visit Cafe Cherapunji and Inn, Highway Shacks Restaurant if you get down ar Mawkdok Bridge.

6. Dympep Valley View Point

The forest department of Meghalaya constructed a viewpoint beside Duwan Singh Syiwm Bridge to enjoy a breathtaking view of Duwan Singh Syiem View Point.

From this viewpoint, the gorgeous town of Sohra is one of the most beautiful places you can see.

A closer look at the valley at the end of the waterfall is something to cherish for a lifetime.

7. Arwah Caves

This limestone cave in Meghalaya features stalactites and stalagmites and is a hidden treasure amidst the dense foliage. The caves can be reached by demarcated pathways.

You can also see many fossils in this cave.

8. Dainthlen Waterfalls

Another beautiful waterfall that you can visit along the route here is the Dainthalen Falls.

The most iconic feature of this waterfall is that its beauty can be experienced from the plunge of the waterfall.

This waterfall is named after a python named Thlewn who was defeated by locals.

9. NohKaLikai Falls

Nokhilakhai waterfall is located in Cherapunji. You can view the most beautiful yet mysterious Nohkalikai falls when you reach Cherapunji from Shillong.

It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Meghalaya.

The misty mountains surrounding the cascading waterfall symbolize majesty and wild glory.

The waterfalls offer a much more pristine beauty and the pools and sinkholes it plunges into offer a perfect backdrop for photography.

Many of the tourists visit here eager to know the dark history behind the naming of these falls from the locals.

Restaurants and Cafes on the Shillong-Cherapunji route

Delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian food are offered at restaurants along the route.

They offer Tungrymbai (a hearty dish prepared with fermented soybeans, sesame seed, onions, spices, and meat), Nakam Bichi (a soup made with fish that has been first dried and then fried), and Khasi daal (local lentils).

However, you must definitely try authentic and local dishes made with bamboo.

You can stop at Cafe Cherrapunjee on the Shillong to Cherrapunji road while traveling there.

In this 125-year-old “Dakbangalow,” which has been transformed into a restaurant, you can have delectable Khasi cuisine.

You may also stay the night here in one of their cozy cottages or a tent to experience the beauty of the night in this place.

Best time to experience the Shillong-Cherrapunji Road Trip

The winter (October to February) is the ideal time to visit Cherrapunjee because the days are generally long and sunny.

You can experience less rainfall at this time and hence you can view living root bridges and caverns.

The time from mid-May to the first week of June is when the waterfalls are tumbles with valor. It is also a good time to take a wonderful road trip from Shillong to Cherrapunjee.

The clouds that surround the valleys completely engulf everything in their path creating a wonderland for the visitors.

After a short downfall, the sky gets clearer and you can then click amazing photographs of the peaks located far away.

The Shillong – Cherapunji road trip is one of the best road trips you can take in North East India.

The beautiful aura and ambiance of the places and the route will take you to another world.

The peace and tranquility that will surround you will make you fall in love with these places again and again.

So if you visit Meghalaya, experience the magic of the road trip from Shillong to Cherapunji.

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