Cherapunji: A Bridge Too Far
Best places to visit in Cherapunji, sightseeing & tourist attractions in Cherapunji
Probably every school kid has heard of Cherrapunji, in the north eastern state of Megalaya, which receives the highest rainfall in the world. But few know that it is also home to the amazing Living Root Bridges. Indeed, these remarkable works of bio-engineering are located on the rugged mountain slopes that overlook the flood plains of Bangladesh.
Map of Cherapunji:
Cherrapunji is located the southern tip of the Khasi Hills, facing Bangladesh. This Meghalyan city has an average elevation of 1484 metres.
Whats Famous Here: Tour package of Cherapunji sightseeing spots
Trekking in Cherapunji: a trek down the valleys is a must .The adventure starts in the village of Laitkynsew which is rimmed by hills that seem to wrap around it like a natural amphitheatre. The trekking trail falls sharply down the mountain slopes once you leave the little village which commands a view of the flat Sylhet Plains of Bangladesh. And though the pathway is well marked it is most uneven and steep compelling one to stay focused on where one steps.
Living Root Bridge: This amazing phenomenon is created from the secondary roots of the Indian rubber tree which are trained by local residents over a period of 20 to 25 years to arch over swift rivers and streams. Some of these bio-engineering marvels which have a life span of 600 years are up to 100 ft long and can carry as many as 50 people at a time. there is even a two level Living Root Bridge. Here, when the river swells with the monsoon rains and covers the lower span, the locals use the upper deck to cross the raging waters. This eco-technology which is in sync with nature has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of centuries.
What to See: Places You Should Not Miss in Cherapunji
Forests in Cherapunji: Along the stretches one also gets to look around and appreciate the thick green forest. Here the air is perfumed with the rich aroma of nature; the musty smell of fallen tree trunks mingling with the sweet fragrance of moss and plants in bloom. Around 300 varieties of orchids and wild flowers grow under the canopy of these ancient eco systems splashing the mossy floor with daubs of colour – blues, pinks, purples and whites.
Waterfalls in Cherapunji: Since this is known to be the wettest place in the world, the city major attractions list includes majestic waterfalls. Alive with the song of birds these waterfalls prove to be a memorable spectacle to the for nature enthusiasts..
Travel to Cherapunji:
Local languages of Cherapunji: are Khasi, Garo and English.
Best time to visit: Through-out the year
How to Reach Cherapunji:
AIR: The convenient airports near Cherapunji are Guwahati and Shillong. Major airline operators such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and kingfisher Airlines have flights carrying passengers in and out of Guwahati and Shillong.
RAIL: Tourists can also take trains to Shillong from where they can proceed to Cherapunji by road.
ROAD: Cherapunji is well connected by road to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. From here one drives down to Cherapunji.
Excursions from Cherapunji: Top Tourism Places Cherapunji
Mawsmai: At the Mawsmai one will find the largest and finest stalactite caves in India. The place is rich with flora and fauna .The Sacred Forests of these parts are protected by the local tribes and only medicine men may harvest the bounty of these rich bio diverse hotspots for traditional cures for anything from an upset stomach to compound fractures.
Dainthlen Falls: Is an ideal place where a person may choose to take a cool dip in nature’s own Jacuzzi: the Rock Pools or he may try rappelling. Its an ideal relaxing location where the gentle flow of streams cascading into rocky depressions massage one’s bodies.
Hotels and Resorts in Cherapunji
By way of accommodation the Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort at Laitkynsew village is a charming option. It also serves as an ideal base for trekking down to the Living Root Bridges.
Travel packages to Cherapunji: Customize your travel. Write your requirements we will revert with an quote soon.
Flights to Cherapunji: The convenient airports near Cherapunji are Guwahati and Shillong. Major airline operators such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and kingfisher Airlines have flights carrying passengers in and out of Guwahati and Shillong.
Trains to Cherapunji: Tourists can also take trains to Shillong from where they can proceed to Cherapunji by road.
Buses to Cherapunji: Cherapunji is well connected by road to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. From here various buses drives down to Cherapunji.
Car Hire in Cherapunji: To experience Cherapunji at your own pace you can take a care hire. Hire a cab and get enchanted by the captivating locations of Cherapunji. You can also hire a cab for excursions from Cherapunji