Shillong to Cherrapunjee Road Trip – A Virtual Photo Journey

Driving across the Himalayan highland with clear blue sky above and cloud rolling up from the green valleys below is something that you can only experience on your trip to East Khasi Hills. On your way to Charrapunjee from Shillong, you will come across many such places where these kinds of contrasting surroundings will literally amaze you. Though it will not be a long one, the natural beauty along your entire journey will make your Shillong to Cherrapunjee road trip one of the most memorable road trips ever.

Road trips are not measured by mile markers, but by moments.

Shillong to Cherrapunjee

The distance from Shillong to Cherrapunjee is 54 km. Therefore, it will take one and a half hours to drive this distance non-stop.

But that will not happen when every twist and turn on your way reveal a new canvas portraying the surreal unspoiled beauty of Khasi Hills.

Walking through the dense layer of mist, getting drenched in the cold, persistent drizzle, enjoying gorgeous vistas of green valleys and beholding the sight of mesmerising waterfalls plunging deep into the gorge will surely slow you again and again, and you wish this journey never ends.

The Drive from Shillong to Cherrapunjee

The drive from the capital of Meghalaya to the 2nd wettest place on earth is nothing less than a dream. Our journey started from Police Bazar in Shillong, where we hired our car. Once we got out of the hustle and bustle of the market area, we drove through the calm and quiet Cantonment Area in Shillong. The rows of tall pine trees along the roadside made the landscape more picturesque.

At times we felt lost in the layers of dense fog. The white curtain of mist was so thick that there was hardly any visibility. The world seemed to end 10 metres away from us. Our car was dead slow, but we were living the best moments of our life.

And then suddenly, we got out of that white-out zone and welcomed with a flat pitch-black road running across a green meadow beneath a bright blue sky. The never-ending road over the flat highland of East Khasi Hills was an amazing place to drive on.

We crossed a few Khasi villages on our way. The shy and warm smile of the Khasi people compliments the beauty of Khasi Hills.

Suddenly we saw a board beside a roadside bus stop saying “Khublei Sohra”, which means “Welcome to Sohra”. So finally, we reached Cherrapunjee after 3 hours of journey.

But at that moment, with a deep sigh of sadness, all I was praying that our journey from Shillong to Cherrapunjee could last a little longer.

Places to visit en-route

Shillong Peak

Located at a distance of 10 km, Shillong peak is the highest point of Shillong. It will be your first stop in your Shillong to Cherrapunji road trip.

Situated 1965 metres above sea level, it has a viewpoint at the top, which offers a panoramic view of Shillong city, green misty valleys and the distant Bangladesh plains.

This peak has a sacred site dedicated to U Shulong, the legendary youth born out of the conception of virgin maiden Li U Shillong. Each spring, special rituals are organised here to honour the spirit of U Shullong, and the pastor of Mylliem comes here to offer prayers.

According to the Khasi mythology, the local deity Leishyllong who protects the city, has her abode on this peak.

A radar station of the Indian Air force is also placed here.

Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls is 12 km from Shillong city. So you need to make a little detour from Shillong-Cherapunjee road to reach there.

It is a 3-tier waterfall. A descending flight of steps from the ticket counter goes to the First Falls, which is most widespread and seems hidden behind trees.

The second tier is the smallest of the three and does not look so prominent if you go there in winter. Finally, a bridge across the water stream followed by more stairs take you to the third tier. This part is the most beautiful, with crystal clear water falling over myriad shaped rocks.

The name Elephant Falls comes from a rock at the base of the waterfalls that look like an elephant. Unfortunately, this rock was destroyed by an earthquake in 1987.

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Mawkdok Bridge

Mawkdok Bridge will be midway in your Shillong to Cherrapunjee road trip. Approximately 30 km from Shillong city, this bridge connects two parallel ridges of the mountain ranges.

Locals call it Duwan Singh Syiem Bridge, which is the entrance to the Sohra circuit. From here, the landscape changes abruptly with picturesque deep gorges beside the road.

Read more: 14 Places to Visit in Cherrapunjee That You Should Add To Your List.

Dympep Valley View Point

The forest department of Meghalaya constructed a viewpoint right beside Mawdok Bridge to enjoy a gorgeous view of Dympep Valley. It is also known as Duwan Singh Syiem View Point.

You can get a stunning view of the entire valley till Sohra town if the sky is clear.

Stairs go down from this point to get a more close view of the valley and ultimately ends at the foot of a waterfall. You may be lucky enough to enjoy this waterfall all alone as this is not visited frequently by tourists.

Wakaba Falls

Wakaba Falls is located 15 km before Cherrapunji. This waterfall plunges into a deep gorge along the straight wall of a canyon.

During the monsoon, this waterfall comes alive in its full glory. A gushing water cascade falling freely from almost 200-metre height in a backdrop of green surroundings and disappearing behind a veil of mist at times make it a stunning place to spend some memorable time in the lap of nature.

Best Time for Shillong to Cherrapunjee Road Trip

The best time to visit Cherrapunjee is winter (October to February), when the days are bright and sunny. During this period, rainfall is minimum, making it an ideal time to visit the caves and living root bridges. But you will miss the waterfalls for sure.

For me, the best time to make a memorable road journey from Shillong to Cherrapunjee is during pre-monsoon (Mid May to 1st week of June) when the falls are alive. The clouds covering the valleys roll up to cover everything around you in a minute, and then after a brief pelting shower, everything gets cleared again.

If you want to visit the wettest place on earth, why not dare to visit there in the rainiest month. It’s true, Cherrapunjee is most wet and humid in monsoons, but she also looks most beautiful during this time.

Mode of Transport from Shillong to Cherrapunjee

The most convenient mode of transport is to hire a cab or a two-wheeler from Police Bazar. Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) also arrange conducted tours to Cherrapunjee, which only stop at Dympep Valley View Point on the way.

Road condition from Shillong to Cherrapunjee is usually in good shape. Despite being at a higher altitude, there is not many steep roads and zigzags. A larger part of the road is over the flat top of Khasi Hills, which make it a smooth drive to enjoy.

Restaurant en route in Shillong to Cherrapunjee road trip

How about dining in a century-old colonial bungalow near Dympep valley? Cafe Cherrapunjee is located on Shillong to Cherrapunji road, where you can make a stop during your road trip. It’s a 125-year-old “Dakbangalow” converted into a restaurant where you can taste the delicious Khasi cuisines. You can also spend a night here in their cosy cottages or luxurious tent glamping under the starry night sky.

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