Cherrapunjee

Trek to the Living Root Bridge, Umunoi - The valleys around Sohra are home to quite a few living root bridges, each one as marvellous as the next. Deep inside the forest, near the village of Nongkroh, is one of the oldest bridges that exist today, the Ummunoi Bridge. Primarily built upon one immense root that stretches over the river, it is about 50 feet long and incredibly strong. MORE

Trek to Double Decker Root Bridge - The Umshiang Root Bridge will take your breath away, and the trek to Nongriat village is just as exhilarating. Starting from Tyrna village, the first leg of the trek is a steep set of 3000 concrete steps, carved into the hillside. Along the way, gorgeous views of the valley and many different bird species can be checked off the list. MORE

Drive to Umkar Root Bridge, Siej - Just a short 15 kilometres away from Sohra is the tiny village of Siej, the site of a new Living Bridge being grown. An easy 10-minute trek from the village will bring you to the immature Umkar Root Bridge. The decade-old bridge was washed away in a massive flood and is now being lovingly grown back by the villagers, providing visitors with a once in a lifetime chance to see how the roots are carefully guided into place, and the ingenious techniques employed using bamboo and betel trunks. MORE

Trek to 'Splashing Park' - A gentle 6-kilometre trek through the landscape is an excellent way to wind down after the exciting experiences of Sohra and its surroundings. Carry along binoculars to birdwatch in the forests of Laitkynsew, you might meet some of the local villagers busy in their vegetable patches, and also take in the grand vista of the sweeping valley below, overlooking Umwai Falls, Mawshamok, Umwai, Mawlong villages and the limestone mines of Ichhamati. MORE

Trek to Mawshamok by Lovers Road - A gentle, sloping 3-kilometre road, flanked by a valley full of lush forests with several waterfall plumes visible in the distance. Quiet and remote, this is an ideal road to share an afternoon with your soulmate, no wonder it has quite the reputation of a lovers road. MORE

Trek to the Warm Swimming Pool and Angling Spot - As the river recedes in the winter, smaller pools are formed at one side of the river that is warmed quickly by the sun and rocks, very pleasant spots to relax and dip your feet in after a strenuous hike to a fishing spot. The rivers around Sohra are replete with some of the best Himalayan game fish, and angling is a favourite pastime both for visitors and the locals. MORE

Village walk-in Nongwar village - The old and tiny village of Nongwar is nestled up on the hillside and has a spectacular view of the valley leading to the Bangladesh plains. As you trek up the easy slope, many waterfalls are visible on a clear day - Nohkalikai, Dainthlen and Laipateng Khohsiew being especially majestic during the rains. Nongwar village is home to the Khasi people and was one of the first villages to receive an education. MORE

Swimming in Natural Pools - Meghalaya is truly a land overflowing with water. The incredible monsoons create a surge of torrents, streams, rivers and pools. Each one with different hues of blue and green water, crystal clear and pure. One of the greatest pleasures Meghalaya has to offer is swimming in these wild waters. MORE

Bird watching - Birdwatching in Cherrapunjee is an exciting and rewarding activity. The landscape around Sohra is diverse, with deep valleys full of lush forests, villages surrounded by cultivations and bamboo groves that are adjacent to forests, mossy streams and waterfalls. The endemic Tawny-breasted Wren-babbler is found nowhere else in India and is frequently sighted in this region. MORE

Caving - The only place in India where one can experience the truest form of cave exploration is Meghalaya. The state is covered in ancient layers of limestone that have been carved and shaped by millions of years of monsoon rains into some of the most breath-taking cave systems in the world. MORE