Are you tired of visiting Seven Sisters Falls again and again? What about exploring some of the unexplored destinations in Sohra? Why not delve into the offbeat attractions in Cherrapunji, uncovering some hidden gems? In this post, I am going to share 5 offbeat attractions in Cherrapunji which need to be explored.
Cherrapunji: A treat to adventurers
Cherrapunji is a beautiful town in the Indian state of Meghalaya, also known as the Abode of Clouds. Located almost 50km from the capital city of Shillong, Cherrapunji is one of the most visited places in Meghalaya. Popularly renowned as the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji is dressed with roaring waterfalls, living root bridges, natural caves, giant rocks and much more. Cherrapunji is also not very far from the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynong.
Adventure is the key to Cherrapunji and even its name is a part of it. As we all know its original name was Sohra but the British as they always do, pronounced it Cherra. Afterwards, Cherra became Cherrapunji meaning the land of oranges. But don’t worry, it has been renamed again to its original name so you can call it Sohra.
The Khasi Tribes of Cherrapunji
Well, while talking about the offbeat attractions, we can’t miss out on mentioning the aboriginal inhabitants of Sohra, who are the Khasi Tribes. I am not fully aware of their civilization in detail but looking at this beautiful land, I can certainly confirm their graciousness. I mean, it takes a lot of imagination to build a double-decker living root bridge, that too so brilliantly that it attracts visitors across the whole world. The way they have shown their bonding with nature while saying yes to modernity is amazing.
5 Most Amazing Offbeat Attractions in Cherrapunji
I can’t keep you waiting any longer to explore these offbeat locations that I recently discovered and believe me these are in no sense less than the popular tourist attractions in Cherrapunji. So, let’s begin.
1. Dainthlen Falls
Suppose you had no idea about the Bhangarh Fort and you thought it was just a cool place to explore which once was a great fort. It is only after you are back, you get to know its story of being haunted. How would you feel? Terrible right? Now why am I even mentioning this situation to you? Because Dainthlen Falls has got a story too but very few visitors even know about it and consider it just another waterfall.
The Legend of U Thlen
There was a time when the people of Sohra village were living peacefully until a Snake demon named U Thlen attacked them. The bravest of their people fought with the demon for a long time and eventually became victorious. This place is more than a waterfall to the locals as their ancestors ended greed and evil along with that giant Snake. Marks of the clash between them can still be seen on the huge inner rocks of the waterfall in the form of carvings.
Watching water flowing down from a height of 90m, especially in the months of monsoon is splendid and mesmerizing. If you have always imagined where the water comes from in a waterfall then this is the place you must explore. Here you can witness the source of water and watch it flow down to the fall from its top.
Practical Information:
- Entry Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fees: None, ₹20 for parking
- Distance From Cherrapunji: Approximately 3.5km from the Bus Stand
- Waterfall Height: Around 90m
- Exploring Time: 1hr
Safety Note:
There is a barricade at the edge of the waterfall and you must not cross it by any chance as it is very very dangerous. However, it is adventurous to walk on the sides of the waterfall holding the barricades looking 90m down where the water encounters the base of the fall. After exploring this historic waterfall, let’s continue to another offbeat attraction in Cherrapunji.
2. Myor Living Root Bridge
You might have already walked over the double-decker root bridge in Cherrapunji so you need not visit Myor Living Root Bridge as well. Is that what you are assuming? Don’t even think about it. Here is the reason.
Myor living root bridge is one of the highest living root bridges in Meghalaya. One of the highest because its height is still unmeasured. Forget walking, you can only dare to crawl on this root bridge. Located several feet above the Myor River main canal, this bridge is one of its kind because it has been weaved using the tiny yet strong and flexible roots of the Fig trees. Their natural rubber-like properties make this bridge more stretchable and flexible.
Along with this bridge, the crystal clear waters of Myor River will summon you to take a dip in it and you won’t be able to resist it. For me, it was more like an achievement to find such an incredible location where I didn’t expect to be.
Practical Information:
- Entry Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fees: None
- Distance From Cherrapunji: Approximately 45km
- Exploring Time: 1hr
Safety Note:
Although, there is no harm in bathing in this river, make sure you recheck it by first washing your hands and feet in the water so that you know you are not allergic to it by any chance. Try to inspect the nearby area before bathing.
After exploring this fabulous spot, let’s move to the next offbeat attraction in Cherrapunji.
3. The Arwah Caves
Have you ever seen a fossil in its natural form? I am not talking about any museum showcasing some old stuff caged in a glass shield. The body of some ancient living thing whose whole body has vanished leaving just the skeleton as fossils. Now imagine witnessing that fossil in a dark and eery cave where you need to crawl to move forward. Isn’t it adventurous?
Yes, that is Arwah Caves. Located in the Khliehshnong area of Sohra, the Arwah Caves is one of the best offbeat attractions in Cherrapunji. Its adventurous passages, challenging narrow tunnels and spiked corners make it the most challenging attraction in the area. Its lush green surroundings make it even more splendid and suitable for adventure seekers.
Practical Information:
- Entry Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Entry Fees: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children; ₹50 for cameras, ₹100 for guide (recommended)
- Distance From Cherrapunji: Approximately 3.5km from the Bus Stand
- Trek Length: 300m
- Trek Time: 20-30 minutes (varies based on individual pace)
Safety Note:
Although it’s high on adventure there are a few things you need to remember while trekking inside the Arwah cave. It is only suitable for physically fit people. However, the cave welcomes kids and elders, it is better to avoid bringing kids in there and elders should abstain from going as it might be dangerous.
After crawling through a cave let’s trek to another offbeat attraction in Cherrapunji which is a mesmerizing waterfall.
4. Rainbow Falls
What do you think of the double-decker root bridges of Meghalaya? Where does it lead towards? Ain’t you curious to know what on the other side of that bridge is?
Once you cross that bridge, you get to see lush green hills, dense forest and an amazingly beautiful waterfall. The reason it is known as Rainbow Falls is that when the water falls from the cliff, millions of tiny water droplets disperse in the air. So, when the sun’s rays cross these droplets, it creates a rainbow effect enhancing the charm of the fall.
It takes around 1 hour to reach the waterfall not from the main road but from the double-decker root bridge. Before the bridge, the view is amazing and splendid. Trekking to the root bridge is fun and I was filled with joy because of the surroundings. But, when you cross that bridge this joyful trek turns into an adventurous one and this shift is breathtaking.
Practical Information:
- Entry Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM
- Entry Fees: ₹20 for adults, ₹200 for guide (recommended)
- Distance From Cherrapunji: Approximately 8km
- Trek Length: 3km
- Trek Time: 2-3hrs(one side) may vary on your pace
Safety Note:
Trekking to the waterfall is not only adventurous but also tiring. It takes at least 1 hour to reach the waterfall from the root bridge making the whole trek 5-6 hours. So, bringing snacks and drinks with you is a must that you must not forget. Anyone and I would say everyone should trek to the double-decker root bridge but after that, you should only continue if you are physically fit because this trek comes with many challenges.
Once you are done watching this picturesque location let’s move to our next offbeat attraction in Cherrapunji.
5. Giant Conical rock
Have you heard of giants, some mythical creatures of a height of several meters which can lift a house by their hand? Can you imagine where would they live or what kind of stuff would they use? Is it possible that their stuff would have been giant as well?
The giant conical rock is said to be the fossils of a basket of a giant evil spirit. The legend says that once there was an evil giant residing in that area. When the villagers fade up with the deeds of that giant, one day they invite him for dinner and mix nails and iron cuttings in his food. That was his last meal and on the way back died and left his giant basket behind which turned into a huge rock.
Legends aside, the views of this location are mesmerizing and captivating. One can’t stop looking at the engaging views of water flowing beside the giant rocks. Rocks, because there are two smaller rocks residing side by side of the giant one, though they all have a similar shape. It has got many names inspired by various stories like Ka Khoh Ramhah, The Giant Basket, The Pillar Rock or Motrop.
Practical Information:
- Entry Timings: 24hrs, though the best time to visit is Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fees: None
- Distance From Cherrapunji: Approximately 10km
- Exploring Time: 30mins
Safety Note:
One should be very careful especially while trying to capture the whole rock in a frame. There is a barricading around the viewpoint located near the rock. You should never cross it and keep the kids away from it.
Conclusion:
From Dainthlen Falls to the Giant Conical Caves, each of these offbeat attractions in Cherrapunji has its own story. They are not only full of adventure and thrill but also share legends with you. This article contains everything that you need to know to commence your trip to Sohra.
Countless posts and articles can lead you to the top tourist attractions in Cherrapunji. In the sea of blog posts and articles, this blog stands out by providing the best offbeat attractions in Cherrapunji. Through this post, we have unveiled the real adventure of Cherrapunji. When I found the roaring waterfall of Dainthlen, I was amazed but the real joy came when I saw the carvings on the inner walls of the waterfall. Crawling through the hollow canals of the Arwah Caves was breathtaking. A few times it felt like a haunted house. Climbing the old Myor Living Root Bridge or watching the VIBGYOR effect at Rainbow Falls was splendid. Finally visiting the giant rocks was mesmerizing and the water stream passing nearby was soothing.
Now, are you ready to conquer the best of Cherrapunji? Are you excited to explore the unexplored locations in the ancient village of Sohra? The off-roads of Sohra are just waiting for you to embark on an exciting journey to the wettest place on the planet. If excitement courses through your veins, share your enthusiasm with fellow travellers and invite them to join this journey. Remember to tread carefully and travel safely, as you journey through the hidden wonders of Cherrapunji. Your adventure begins now!
