Are you planning a vacation and are wondering what is the best time to visit Meghalaya? This beautiful place in the northern part of India is quite underrated among tourists. Meghalaya which literally translates to “The city of clouds”, does quite justice to its name.
There is a lot to discover and do in Meghalaya. This differs according to what time and month you decide to go. So in this article, I will tell you about the worst and best times to visit Meghalaya. We will also explore some of the famous things to do when visiting to get the full experience.
The Overall Worst and Best Time To Visit Meghalaya
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Meghalaya is usually from the months of October to April. The temperature ranges from 26°C to 30°C with clear skies. The weather is extremely pleasant making it easy to explore all the tourist attractions.
It is known as the wettest place on earth which means that the whole state is filled with lush greens all over. You can witness cherry blossoms blooming on the streets during November.
As the winter approaches during the later months of the year, it is the perfect time for picnics and long hikes across the hills. Participate in the local festivals Wangala and Shad Suk Mynsiem and relish the local delicacies prepared during the festival.
It is also the holiday season which makes securing a hotel room and flight tickets at affordable rates a bit difficult. Therefore, it is advised to research and pre-book the tickets and make reservations beforehand.
Worst Time to Visit
In reality, there is no worse time to visit this place. However, the months of May to September face extreme downpours. The whole state receives the heaviest rainfall during this season. You must have read about a place called “Mawsynram” in Meghalaya, it is considered the wettest city in the whole world.
It is advisable to avoid Meghalaya during this season. This is because of heavy rains which might create a hindrance in your way of exploring. Moreover, tourism activities are limited. Many outdoor activities are closed and trekking trails are unsafe as well.
However, visiting during this time is a great option for those who are on a tight budget. There are only locals and few visitors during this time. Moreover, you can also avail of discounted hotel prices and airfare tickets making it a very viable option.
Things to do in Meghalaya
Take a Trek to Living Root Bridges
Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya is a scenic place with breathtaking beauty. It is situated in Cherrapunji. During the trek to this double-decker bridge, you will witness picturesque views.
This trek is one of the many things to do in Cherrapunji. The roots that come together to form the bridge are thick and strong enough to hold people’s weight. For those who are amateurs and are attempting a trek for the first time, it is recommended to stay at the homestays that are located nearby.
Once you complete the trek, you will witness a blue lagoon and rainbow waterfalls. You must add this place to your itinerary if you are a nature lover.
Set Up a Camp at Umian Lake
Umiam Lake is another name on the list of wonders in Meghalaya. It is popular for adventure sports and is a preferred picnic spot for families. One can set up a camp on the island of Umiam Lake and take in the beautiful surroundings. If you reserve a spot, you can even set up a home in a houseboat on the lake for a few days.
If you are someone who likes to be a little adventurous in life, there are tons of activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, zip-lining, and many more available.
The place is very well preserved by the authorities. You can find many trees that are centuries old here. This place is perfect during the autumn season with its peaceful surroundings and the sounds of rare birds.
How can we forget about water sports? The Umiam Lake is spread over 10 km and is also known as Barapani. You can indulge yourself in water scooting, kayaking, water sailing, and many other sports.
Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai Cave located in Meghalaya is very popular among tourists. Navigating around these caves can be a bit difficult as they run quite deep and are very narrow. There are some places inside the caves where you will need to squeeze and crawl.
However, the route is very safe so you do not need to worry about anything. You do not want to miss out on this wonderful opportunity. I would not recommend going to this place if you are claustrophobic though.
The cave is also famous for its fossils. If you are lucky, you can spot them if you have a good eye and spend some time focusing on the walls. There is a lush forest surrounding the caves where you can sit and relax after visiting the cave.
Take a Trip to Mawphanlur Village
You must add this place to your itinerary as Mawphanlur village is full of natural beauty. This place seems like something straight out of a movie. You will find the people here to be very hospitable.
Take a stroll at Lum Symper, Mawten, Lum Kyllang, Lum Nohkrek, Rambrai, and Mawdoh and cherish the serene and divine scenery. If you are looking for an escape from the usual monotonous life, then this is the place for you!
Must visit the local markets and shop the local art and handicrafts. Take some souvenirs along for memories. Grab a picnic basket and an old bedsheet, and soak in the sun during April as it is the best time to visit Meghalaya.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that there is no worst or best time to visit Meghalaya. It all just depends on your travel preferences and budget. You can travel to Meghalaya during the dry season and have access to all the major activities around town. Though, you may have to pre-book the tickets.
But if you are looking for a change of environment, then visiting during the off-season will be a great choice. You will even get a discount on flight tickets and hotel rooms.
All in all, Meghalaya is a great destination to spend your vacation. Now, that we are talking about vacation places, Trivandrum in Kerela is a good choice as well. There are many great places to visit in Trivandrum. So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and visit this dream destination with your loved ones!
