DESTINATIONS

Adventures & Trekking

Meghalaya is a paradise for adventure lovers, offering trekking, caving, river activities, and extreme sports. Here’s a list of the best adventure destinations in the state:
Double Decker Living Root Bridge & Rainbow Falls

(Nongriat)

  • Adventure: Trekking, Natural Pools, Offbeat Jungle Trails
  • A 3,500-step trek through lush forests in Cherrapunji.
  • Witness the iconic Double Decker Root Bridge, built by Khasi tribes.
  • Continue trekking to Rainbow Falls, a hidden waterfall with blue pools.

 

Best Time: October to April (Avoid monsoon due to slippery trails)

01

Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek

(Wahkhen Village)

Adventure: Cliffside Bamboo Trail, Suspension Bridges, Thrilling Heights
 
  • Walk on bamboo bridges suspended over deep gorges.
  • Trek through rocky cliffs and streams with breathtaking views.
  • The trek leads to U Mawryngkhang Rock, also known as the “King of Stones.”
     
    Best Time: November to April

02

David Scott Trail

(Shillong to Mawphlang)

Adventure: Historical Trek, River Crossings, Khasi Villages
 
  • A 16 km trek along the old British trade route.
  • Cross rivers, stone bridges, forests, and rolling hills.
  • Explore Mawphlang Sacred Forest, rich in Khasi heritage and biodiversity.
 
Best Time: October to March

03

Krem Liat Prah & Siju Caves

(Meghalaya’s Longest & Oldest Caves)

Adventure: Caving, Underground Exploration, Rock Formations
 
  • Krem Liat Prah is India’s longest cave (~34 km), with underground rivers and tunnels.
  • Siju Cave (Garo Hills) is a bat cave with limestone formations and secret chambers.
  • Other caves: Mawsmai Cave, Arwah Cave, Krem Mawmluh.
 
Best Time: November to April (Avoid monsoon due to flooding)

04

Shnongpdeng

(Adventure Hub on the Umngot River)

Adventure: Kayaking, Cliff Jumping, Scuba Diving, Camping
 
  • Crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River make it a top water adventure spot.
  • Activities: Boating, swimming, zip-lining, camping by the riverside.
  • Cliff jumping from heights of 10-30 feet into the river.
 
Best Time: October to March

05

Laitlum Canyon

(Shillong’s Grand Canyon)

Adventure: Offbeat Trekking, Sunset Views, Deep Valleys
 
  • A stunning canyon with deep gorges and panoramic views.
  • Short treks to Rai Syntiew Village, an isolated settlement at the base.
  • Great for sunset photography and drone shots.
 
Best Time: Year-round, but best in winter and post-monsoon.

06

Nongkhnum River Island

(India’s Second Largest River Island)

Adventure: Off-Roading, River Activities, Waterfalls
 
  • A remote river island in the West Khasi Hills, perfect for adventure seekers.
  • Weinia Falls & Thum Falls nearby for swimming and nature walks.
  • Off-road trails for bike and 4x4 jeep rides.
 
Best Time: October to March

07

Balpakram National Park

(Land of Spirits in Garo Hills)

Adventure: Wildlife Safari, Hiking, Mythical Landscapes
 
  • Known as the “Grand Canyon of Meghalaya” with deep gorges and cliffs.
  • Home to rare wildlife: Red pandas, Asian elephants, barking deer, and clouded leopards.
  • Local legends say it’s the land of spirits where departed souls pass.
 
Best Time: November to April

08

Ranikor

(Hidden Paradise for Anglers & Adventure Seekers)

Adventure: Angling, Kayaking, Boating
 
  • A lesser-known adventure spot near the Bangladesh border.
  • Known for fishing (Golden Mahseer) and kayaking on the Jadukata River.
  • Serene camping sites along the riverbanks.
 
Best Time: October to February

09

Mawphanlur

(Meghalaya’s Mini Scotland)

Adventure: Trekking, Kayaking, Camping
 
  • A high-altitude village with rolling hills and crystal-clear lakes.
  • Great for kayaking, hiking, and overnight camping under the stars.
  • Perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
 
Best Time: Year-round, but most beautiful from October to April.

10

Kynrem Falls & Thangkharang Park

(Dramatic Cliffside Views)

Adventure: Waterfall Trek, Cliff Walks, Sunset Views
 
  • Kynrem Falls is one of Meghalaya’s tallest waterfalls (305m).
  • Thangkharang Park offers stunning cliff-edge views of Bangladesh’s plains.
 
Best Time: Monsoon & post-monsoon (July to November)

11

Umiam Lake

(Adventure & Water Sports Hub)

Adventure: Kayaking, Jet Skiing, Boating, Zip-lining
 
  • Meghalaya’s largest lake, surrounded by pine-covered hills.
  • Activities: Speed boating, kayaking, yachting, houseboat stays.
  • Great for family trips and group adventures.
 
Best Time: October to March

12

Bonus: Offbeat Adventure Spots in Meghalaya

✔Tisang Falls & Thum Falls (West Khasi Hills): Hidden waterfalls accessible via off-road biking and trekking.
✔ Rongbang Falls (Garo Hills): A lesser-known waterfall with breathtaking trekking trails.
✔ Imilchang Dare Waterfall (South Garo Hills): A secluded waterfall with natural pools for swimming.
 
 
Best Time for Adventure in Meghalaya
 
  • Post-Monsoon (October–December): Best for trekking, caving, and river activities.
  • Winter (January–March): Perfect for camping, kayaking, and wildlife safaris.
  • Monsoon (June–September): Ideal for waterfalls but risky for trekking and caving