Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya - Waiting to be Explored

Cherrapunjee seems to be a place quite unknown in our country, other than the fact that it is the wettest place on earth, and is located in the North Eastern state of Meghalaya, India. The city of Cherrapunjee is 1290 meters above sea level and much of the torrential rain runs off the mountains into the valley below. However, it does not rain during the months of winter and becomes completely dry.

Cherrapunjee is 56km in distance from Shillong , the capital of Meghalaya and takes about 90 minutes drive to reach on a clear day.But during monsoon the clouds are thick and the drive is difficult.

The sights to see here are the Khasi monoliths, Mawsmai falls during the daytime, and the Limestone caves can be visited on the way back.

All I can say is that, Cherrapunjee is more beautiful and serene than words can describe. Plan a trip to Cherrapunji when you visit the North-East.

Hi Pubali, Thanks for bringing us so close to Cherrapunji through your words. It is true our knowledge about cherrapunji is limited to our geography text book knowledge that 'Cherrapunji is the wettest place on Earth'.

I believe even our Government is at fault in not promoting this wonderful places in the North-East and not to forget we 'people'...we too are responsible to some extent...We are more eager to explore the Far East spending thousands of dollars while the nearby North East are in waiting - to be explored. I surely will plan my holidays to the North East the next time.

Please give more information as to how to reach Cherrapunji and what to see there and where to stay.

Hi Friends, driving on to Cherrapunjee from Guwahati (170 Kms), the wettest region in the world receiving highest rainfall en-route Borapani Umiam Lake, a majestic placid lake with its surrounding sylvan hills is an unforgettable experience.


There is acave located half a km west of Cherrapunjee adjacent to the small hamlet of Mawmluh. The cave has five-river passage with impressive proportions and is spread over seven Kms. Also, visit the Waterfalls of Cherrapunjee.


Another highlight of Cherrapunji tour is a walk to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. It is an engineering marvel of indigenous Khasi Tribesmen, who weaved the routes of the ereca tree to make bridges across streams. Do not forget to spend a leisure evening experiencing the breathtaking views of the Khasi hills and the plains of Bangladesh.

How majestic the the place looks!! Thank you so much for that beautiful picture and taking us on a virtual trip to Cherrapunjee. One of my closest friend who is an adventure lover narrated us the beauty of the place. I remember him saying, "In Cherrapunjee, rains are measured not in inches but in feet".

Hi Sabina, Your friend is absolutely right in saying that "In Cherrapunjee, rains are measured not in inches but in feet". I'd like to share with you all some facts that makes Cherrapunjee the wettest place on Earth.

• The average annual rainfall at Cherrapunjee from 1973-2008 (36 years) is 11,937.2 mm (i.e. 39.16 feet- i.e. 469.97 inches).
  
• Due to two consecutive years of below average rainfall in 2005 & 2006 the average has been pulled down to under 12,000 mm.
  
• 2007 received little more than the average rainfall at 12,646.8 mm.
  
• In 2008 it rained 11,414.6 mm, a little below average. Perhaps, we may be witnessing the changes in climatic conditions due to global warming that is being experienced and is under investigation by scientists.
  

In 1974 it rained 24,555.3 mm (i.e. 80.56 feet – i.e. 966.74 inches). The rainfall in 1974 at Cherrapunjee was the highest recorded annual rainfall in any one place in any one year in the whole world.

98% of the annual rainfall at Cherrapunjee is received in just eight months from March to October. November, December, January and February get nominal or no rainfall. Rains during these months are mostly caused by cyclonic depressions in the Bay of Bengal.

Thanks a lot for sharing this amazing facts on Cherrapunji. I've travelled to Shillong a few years back...but could not make it to Cherrapunji due to bad weather. But, I look forward to fulfill my adhura sapna.

Anyone heard about the Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunji?

Even I haven't visited Cherrapunjee and really look forward to visiting there sometimes. Your description of the place even makes it alluring. Sumita, What is this Living Root Bridge you are talking about? One more thing I'd like to know is, can Cherrapunji be visited during the monsoons?
I know its a weird idea.
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Deepika

Sounds like a weird idea Deepika, but you are unknowingly true.

Cherrapunji is perhaps the only place in India, which has just one season: the monsoon. The rainfall varies from heavy to medium to light, but there is no month without rain. Another surprising fact about Cherrapunji is that it rains mostly at night. Day-to-day activity is not really disrupted by the rain.

So how about planning a trip to Cherrapunji...