Rainiest Place on the Planet - Cherrapunjee (Sohra)

Cherrapunjee is locally known as Sohra and most visited tourist place in the North Eastern India. This rainiest place on the earth is only 56 km from Shillong and situated at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. A drive from Shillong to Cherrapunjee through smooth wide winding road to witness majestic view of water falls leaping into deep gorges is really memorable pleasure in life.

Cherrrapunjee takes a different appearance in the months of monsoon, clouds are playing hide and seek on the Khasi hills, floating clouds covers the vast Khasi hills and many waterfalls comes alive with gurgling sound. Drive from Shillong to Cherrapunjee along winding smooth road by enjoying picturesque view of deep valleys from the top of the hills is really a adventurous feeling. Visitors can stop anywhere to taste the panoramic view of valleys in his drive. Suddenly you may feel clouds cover whole the area and nothing is visible as one himself is inside clouds. But in the next moment , fogs are cleared, floating milk white clouds far on the valley, beautiful falls – everything are visible again. Clouds and rain are playing here in their own time.

In winter the place is more suitable for trekking, though the living root bridge and double Decker root bridge trekking is open throughout the year. The Living root bridge trekking is trekking for 3 or 4 hours while double Decker root bridge trekking is unique trekking in the world takes a whole day.

Some interesting visiting places in Cherrapunjee :-

Scotland of the East - SHILLONG

Shillong is an important tourist destination in North East India. This beautiful small city derives its name SHILLONG from the word “Leishyllong” means almighty God reside on Shillong peak and overlooking the city.

Before 1864, Shillong was a small village and remained summer capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam for many years. From 1874, Shillong was the capital of newly created province of Assam. Subsequently, in 1972 when Meghalaya was separated as new state from Assam , Shillong became the first capital of Meghalaya.

Shillong is often called “Scotland of the East” because of its resemblances with Scottish lands. Shillong’s undulating landscape is a constant source of attraction to the tourists.

How to access the beautiful city Shillong ?

By Rail : There is no rail line in Meghalaya, recently proposal of construction new railway line to Brynihat(Meghalaya) from Azara (Assam) is going on. The nearest railhead is Guwahati railway station in Assam, which is 104 km from Shillong and well connected with all major cities in India.

By Air : The nearest airport is Umroi (Meghalaya) which is located at a distance of 40 km from Shillong. Only alliance Air Flights (Indian Airlines) on certain days of week are in service. The main nearest airport is Gopinath Bordoloi Airport at Borjhar, Guwahati Assam, located at a distance of 110 km from Shillong. Borjhar airport is connected with rest of India with regular service. Taxi, Tata Sumos are available outside airport or from Paltan bazaar(Guwahati town) to Shillong.

By Road: The main ISBT is located in Guwahati (Assam). The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and Meghalaya State Transport Corporation (MTC) buses run from Guwahati to Shillong in every half an hour. Many private own buses also runs from Paltan bazaar area, Guwahati to Shillong, which fare is around Rs. 70/-. Better option is avail shared Tata Sumo & Mahindra Bollero service from Paltan bazaar, Guwahati to Shillong, these vehicle takes around 3 hours while buses takes around 4 hours to reach Shillong. Shared Tata Sumos generally charged Rs. 120/- per passenger and drops off at Police bazaar, Shillong from where one can easily goes anywhere in Shillong.

Buses and Tata Sumos are generally break journey at "Nongpoh" for refreshment, Shillong is about 56 km from here.

Some important facts about the City.

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• Best Time to Visit : October-November & March-April
  
• Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Khasi, Garo & Assamese
  
• Main Religion: Christianity
  
• Altitude: 4,990 Feet (
  
• Population: 1,31,719
  
• Area: 10.36 Sq. Km.
  
• Meghalaya Tourism Office Phone 0364-226220, Jail Rd. Police Bazar, Shillong.
• Govt. of India Tourist office Phone: 0364-225632, G.S. Rd. Police Bazar, Shillong.
• Market: Iewduh (Bada Bazar), is the largest open street market in north-eastern India

Some view of rainy day and wet roads , really enjoyable.

Where to stay in Shillong ?

Being capital city of Meghalaya, good accommodation facilities are available. Many Hotels, Holiday Homes, Tourist Resorts are available in and around this small city. All popular hotels are located in PoliceBazar, G.S. Road, Jail Road and Laitumkhrah. Tourists generally interested to stay at the center point at Police Bazar area. But those like seclusion may avoid Police Bazar.

Some of the cheap and budget Hotels in and around Police Bazar are –

• Ashutosh Inn, G.S.Road, Shillong Phone No. 0364-2221276/94361-65135, www.ashutoshinn.com

• Hotel Monsoon, Police Bazar,Phone No. 0364-2500084

• Hotel Bluepine & Rainview Police Bazar Phone No. 0364-2225910

• Hotel Broadway, Police Bazar, Phone No. 0364-2226996

• Hotel Center Point, Police Bazar,Phone No. 0364-

• Hotel Swastik, Jail Road, Phone No. 0364-2501027

• Hotel Magnum, Phone No. 0364-2227797

• Hotel Embassy Phone No. 0364-2223164

• Pine Borough, Near Biju Cenema, Police Bazar, Ph. No. 0364-2220698

• Baba Tourist Lodge, G.S. Road, Phone No. 0364- 2211285

• Hotel Payal, Police Bazar, Phone No. 0364-2227161

• Hotel Yalana, Laitumkhrah, Phone No. 0364-2211240

• Hotel Godwin, G.S. Road, Phone No. 0364-2227027

Most of the above Hotel (double-bedded) room's tariff is less than Rs. 1000/- for one day and check out time is 12 noon.

Some places of Tourist attraction in Shillong:-

1. Shillong Peak

This is the highest point in the state of Meghalaya, located at a distance of 10 km to the south from Shillong. As the peak is at an altitude of 1965 meters, often remain cloudy. But in a clear day , tourists get breathtaking panoramic view of Shillong and around. The peak is not steep, gradual ascending in a circular road through a protected area of Indian Air Force reaches the view point. It is an ideal picnic spot . It is also host radar station of Indian Air Force, so using camera everywhere is restricted. In every Spring time, the religious priest of Mylliem State pays obeisance to U Shulong at the sanctum sanctorum at the peak’s summit. Night view from the peak looks marvelous, when thousands of lights in the city and around reflected at the foot of the peak. One can see zoom cultivation on the slope of hills, specially vegetables while accessing the peak via upper Shillong or Jowai road. Vegetables are grown in abundance in Shillong and accomplish some need of neighboring states.

Some views from and at Shillong Peak, ShillongView From Shillong Peak


Vegetables Cultivation in Shillong


View of Shillong City and around when clouds were clearing.


View of approach road to view-point, Shillong Peak


View of Shillong Peak in Foggy weather.


View at Shillong Peak

Vegetables grown in abundance, towards Shillong Peak

2. Elephant Falls:

These mountain falls are situated at a distance of 12 km from the city. Two successive falls, first one known as First Fall and the other is Main Falls set in dells of rocks. A well paved stair footpath and bridge allowed the tourists to access all the successive falls here. One have to descended down through well paved stairs to see the Main Elephant Falls.

3. Spread Eagle Falls:

It is located on the outskirts of the city, amidst calmness of nature. The falls looks like an eagle with spreading wings. Locally known as Urkahar or the falls into which Ka Liar slipped.

4. Sweet Falls:

It is situated near Happy Valley, about 8 kms from Shillong. This falls looks like large water pipe, falling at 90 degree angle over a distance about 200 feets. It is also suitable for picnic.

5. Crinoline Falls:

Located in the heart of the city just near Lady Hydari Park is one popular visiting spot. At the foot of the falls there is a swimming pool which attract tourists of all ages. Regular evening programmes are held for tourists.

Some view of Elephant Falls, Shillong

View of Elephant Falls from Bridge

First Falls in Elephant Falls, Shillong


Main Falls in Elephant Falls, Shillong