Most travelers consider Meghalaya a top destination during the rainy season. But is the beauty of Meghalaya limited only to the monsoon period of June to September?

Not really. Without a doubt, Meghalaya in the monsoon is a breathtaking destination. Plus, some of the most beautiful waterfalls around Shillong and Cherrapunji dry up during autumn and winter. But when you venture deeper into the terrain, you’ll find waterfalls cascading down into pools that the season colours with myriad shades of blue. Beyond these pools, there are canyons, caves, culture, and adventures that make Meghalaya the perfect winter destination.

For the modern traveler, the state has evolved beyond a quick weekend getaway from Guwahati. It has become a global benchmark for regenerative tourism. Meghalaya is a destination where the focus has shifted from mere sightseeing to deep, intentional discovery and adventure.

Whether you are a solo traveler seeking the silence of the Jaintia Hills or an international explorer drawn by the recent UNESCO World Heritage nomination of the Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya offers a rare commodity. It’s a landscape that feels truly undiluted. In winter, the forests and plateaus remain a sanctuary for those who value space, pace, and vibrant colours.

I. The Living Root Bridges: The New Frontier of Bio-Engineering

For most travelers, the journey begins and ends at the Double Decker Bridge in Nongriat. While that 3,000-step knee-breaking descent remains a prime attraction, there is a wider network of “Jingkieng Jri” consisting of 75+ documented living root bridges currently under the global spotlight.

If you have already visited the Double-Decker, try the lesser-known two -level bridge in the village of Kudengrim in Jaintia Hills. A 3.5-hour ride from Shillong will take you to the village, and it’s close to the popular tourist destination of Dawki.

Another option is to visit the living root bridge in Riwai village, which is near the popular destination of Mawlynnong. Here, the climb down the stairs to the bridge is shorter, making it a great option for kids and the elderly.

The more adventurous souls can visit the living root bridge in Myor, considered the highest in the state. The area is mostly untouched, and the view of the crystal clear waters of the river from the bridge is fascinating in winter. The roads leading to the village are rough, and the trek to the bridge from the village takes around 2 hours through downhill forest trails. I suggest you take a guide from the village. You can reach Myor from the “whistling village” of Kongthong, and the trip will take almost the entire day. It’s best to spend a night in Kongthong for this trip.

To truly appreciate these wonders, one must understand the biology behind the bridge. The Khasi and Jaintia tribes utilize the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica (Indian Rubber Tree). Through a process known as anastomosis, these roots naturally graft into one another when pressed together.

• The Conduit: Young roots are guided across rivers using hollowed-out Areca catechu (Betel Nut) trunks.
• The Maturation: A bridge takes roughly 15 to 30 years to become functional.
• The Resilience: In a region that receives upwards of 11,000mm of rain annually, these bridges do not rot; they grow stronger. A 500-year-old bridge is effectively a single, living organism capable of supporting dozens of people at once.

2. The Bamboo Trail

The Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trail in Wahkhen village has become a popular destination for adventure lovers in winter. Known as the “scariest Trek in Meghalaya,” this is a masterclass in indigenous Khasi engineering. Unlike the root bridges, which take decades to grow, this trail is a precarious yet sturdy walkway built entirely of bamboo and cane, pinned to the sheer granite faces of the Umrew River gorge. 

The round-trip is between 3.5 and 4 kilometres and takes around 2-3 hours depending on your fitness. It is an adrenaline-fueled lesson in local craftsmanship that predates modern construction. At the end of the trek, there is a blue water pool that is perfect for relaxing your tired muscles. 

The trek starts from the village of Wahkhen, and the entire bamboo trail has been constructed by the villagers, more specifically, the Wahkhen Tourism Promoters Trekking Society. The trail is well-marked, and you don’t need a guide for the bamboo trail trek in Wahkhen.

The folklore behind the final destination, a massive rock called ‘U Mawryngkhang’, or “King of Stones”, is fascinating as well. It speaks of a battle between two rocks,  Mawryngkhang and Mawpator, for a damsel. Mawryngkhang emerged victorious in this battle and decapitated Mawpator. In fact, one can see the rock that is the decapitated head of Mawpator lying below in the valley.

3. Subterranean Worlds: The Secrets of the South Garo Hills

If the Khasi Hills are the soul of Meghalaya, the Garo Hills are its wild, untamed heart. With many unexplored wonders like the  Siju Caves and Krem Puri, this region is an excellent winter travel destination in Meghalaya, especially for those who want to enjoy caving in Meghalaya.

I never knew there was a connection between Meghalaya’s culture and the Ramayana before visiting South Garo Hills. While staying in the Chitwang Chaiwat eco-resort in Rongdong, South Garo Hills, I came to know of the legend of the Chitwang peak. In the words of the resort manager, “Chitwang is a sacred peak in Garo culture. Ancient legends mention that this is the peak from where Lord Hanuman collected the Sanjeevani herbs for Lakshmana, during the battle of Lanka.”

Krem Puri, currently documented as the longest sandstone cave in the world (over 24 km), offers a raw experience that few places on earth can match. This isn’t a lit-up tourist walk; it is an expedition into a world of ancient shark teeth fossils and limestone formations that feel like a subterranean cathedral. In 2018, the entire length of the cave was explored by a team of international explorers for 25 days.

Krem Puri is located on the hills near Mawsynram. It is also famous for the discovery of fossils of a giant aquatic reptile, Mosasaur, discovered from its bowels. That said, Krem Puri is best for experienced cavers as the route is challenging. Taking a guide with you is a must, as the interior labyrinth is like a puzzle. Honestly, you may never get out if you get lost in the maze.

For adventure seekers, South Garo Hills has more to offer. The sheer scale of the Siju Bird Sanctuary, the untouched landscape, and the Siju Cave are among the best destinations in Northeast India. The region is also a great stargazing destination in winter.

The Siju cave, also known as the bat cave due to its large bat population, allows even regular visitors to venture deep into its secrets. The mysterious setting, the narrow passageways, and rock formations- you get everything you seek in a cave exploration journey. Guides are a must, and they are available near the cave and also in the Siju village.

Close to the caves is another geological wonder, the Rongchnag rock formations. The mysterious passages through the formations make you wonder about the natural forces that created them.

4. The Wonders of Wari Chora

The river canyon of Wari Chora on the Rongdik River is a must-visit winter travel destination in Meghalaya. Since Wari Chora is located in the South Garo Hills, this trip can be combined with a trip to Siju. You can raft along the narrow canyon, enjoying the lush, tropical intensity unique to Northeast India.

Reaching Wari Chora is a challenge as the roads leading to the spot are extremely rough. You will need to hire a four-wheel drive vehicle from Siju or from the village of Emangre. From the parking, take the steep downhill trail to the river and board a raft. The canyon isn’t very long, but the experience is unique. 

The real magic starts around 11 am when the sunrays hit the canyon bed. The light from above turns the canyon into a magical land that dazzles the eyes. The water is crystal clear, and there is a pool at one end where you can take a dip. 

Pro tip: Avoid weekends and local holidays as teh place can get crowded during those periods.

5. The Blue Waters of East Jaintia Hills

East Jaintia Hill is an eco-tourism destination in Meghalaya that opens up its wonders during winter. In fact, you will find some of the bluest water bodies you have ever seen in this district. Not many travellers know about the Kupli Dam and the adjoining lake located near the Assam-Meghalaya border. A 1.5-hour drive from the town of Jowai will take you to the Kupli Orchid Resort and the adjoining nature park. The lovely setting of the reservoir makes it an ideal spot for spending a day in the resort.

A relaxed 2-hour ride on a country boat (you can opt for a speed boat if you are on a tight schedule) will take you to a hidden corner of the reservoir. This is where the waters of the lake turn to a combination of Celtic blue and Bleu de France. One never expects to find such lagoon-like shades in Meghalaya, and I was captivated when I first saw it.

From Jowai, you can also visit Labon Falls and Umbyrlein Falls, both accessible from Jowai. The former is located near the Saipung village, and you can hire a guide from the village. The path to the falls is dusty, and it’s best to cover it in a 4×4 vehicle. While the volume of water in teh falls is low in winter, the blue water body below it creates a stunning setting. 

On the other hand, Umberliyen falls in Rangad village wil not disappoint you if you are seeking a gushing water torrent. A steep downhill track leads to the falls, and the water volume is considerable even in winter. It is definitely one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in this region of Meghalaya, and the location amidst the grasslands is equally beautiful.

6. The Magical Krem Chympe

The Krem Chympe is another fantastic winter destination in East Jainita Hills that is attracting visitors and cave lovers across the country. To visit this cave, you can either walk 4-5 kilometres or ride a 4×4 vehicle from the Brishirnot village. The path to the village bifurcates from the NH6 leading to Jorhat. You will find guides and vehicles right from this point on the NH.

The path leads across a river and deep forests. The terrain is tricky, and the cave remains open for visitors only during the dry season. A short walk over some slippery rocks leads to the cave, and the entrance itself is a majestic sight. A river flows out of the cave, and you can ride a bamboo raft and visit the interiors of the cave. 

Another attraction is the Chympe waterfalls, which are a short distance away from the cave. This is a waterfall that is unlike most other waterfalls you have seen in Meghalaya. The white streams of water flow down over a bed of green moss covering a rock face with a bluish-green pool of water. Choose weekdays when there are no crowds, and you can spend some calm moments in this tranquil setting.

Useful Meghalaya Travel Tips

Meghalaya is leading India’s shift toward community-led tourism. As a visitor, your “travel footprint” is closely watched by the local councils (Dorbar Shnong). Here are some

• As of 2026, several villages, including the famous Naongjrong and Mawlynnong, have halted single-day tourism on Sundays to preserve community and family time. In small towns of the state, most shops and restaurants remain closed on Sundays. Plan your itinerary to be at a major hub like Shillong or a secluded eco-resort on Sundays.
• Instead of luxury hotel chains, opt for the Meghalaya Homestay Mission properties. In places like Umden, look for “Ahimsa Silk” (Eri silk produced without killing the silkworm). Buying directly from these weavers ensures your money stays within the village ecosystem.
• The cave systems are highly fragile. Avoid touching stalactites (dirt and oils from human skin can stop their growth) and never leave behind plastic. Many eco-sensitive zones in the Jaintia Hills now mandate that travelers carry out all non-biodegradable waste. Be a responsible tourist, respect the local culture, and don’t litter.
• When entering groves like Mawphlang, remember the local law: “Nothing is to be taken out of the forest.” Not a leaf, not a stone. This is not just a myth; it is the cornerstone of Khasi environmental conservation.
• When you plan your Meghalaya travel itinerary, keep in mind that local transport connecting the various towns and villages is not frequently available. It is best to hire a vehicle from Shillong or Guwahati for your trip.
• For the above trip, my itinerary suggestion for a 7-day Meghalaya trip is to start from East Jaintia Hills. Keep the 3rd and 4th days for the Bamboo trail. Visit Wari Chora and Siju caves on the last two days of your trip. You can return to Guwahati directly from South Garo Hills.
• Generally, Meghalaya is safe to travel, even for solo female travellers. However, check for any political or social disturbances in the state before you plan your trip.

Your Essential Guide for Winter Meghalaya Travel

1. Meghalaya Transportation Guide

The journey usually begins at Guwahati Airport (GAU) or Railway Station. You can reach Shillong by flight and start from there as well.

• Private Reserved Cabs (Sedan/Hatchback):
  • Guwahati to Shillong City: ₹2,200 – ₹2,500
  • Guwahati Airport to Shillong: ₹2,700 – ₹3,000
• Shared Taxis (Tata Sumo/Innova):
  • Shared Sumo (Paltan Bazaar to Shillong): ~ ₹400 per seat
  • Shared Hatchback/Sedan: ₹500 – ₹600 per seat
• Meghalaya Car Rental Contact:
  • NE Tourist taxi: Seyang Koch (+91 83998 90392)
  • Meghalaya Tour Cabs (+91 69098 37671) or Travenjo (+91 97085 88796).

2. Local Guides for Unique Destinations in Meghalaya

Accessing hidden caves and remote villages requires local expertise.

• Labon Falls guide 
  • Alexander Lyungdoh
• South Garo Hills (Caving & Canyons):
  • A’chik Tourism Society: Dipu Marak (+91 98629 12547)
  • Wild Tour Garo Hills: Binny Sangma (+91 70051 08252)
• Wahkhen (Bamboo Trail):
  • Local Contact: Rubansi Wahkhen (+91 69096 08519)
• Umden Silk Village (Eri/Ahimsa Silk):
  • Primary Guide: Mr. Polish Kyndait (+91 87309 25812)
  • Experience: Traditional weaving demonstrations and village walk.
• Krem Chympe Guide:
  • Primary Guide: Vicky (+91 70051 43432)

Meghalaya Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

By Suvajit Banerjee

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