Cherrapunji: Rain Songs

Tucked against the backdrop of the hazy valleys and foaming rivers, hidden in the rolling clouds and perched on an headland of the Khasi hills of Meghalaya (abode of clouds) at an altitude of 1300 metres above sea level, Cherrapunjee (locally known as Sohra) is one of the rainiest belts and the wettest places on earth where rainfall is not measured in millimeters but in feet. A two hour drive from Shillong to Cherrapunjee through smooth wide winding road to witness majestic view of water falls leaping into deep gorges, picturesque view of deep valleys  from the top of the hills, is a memorable pleasure.

Dotted with waterfalls cascading over deep gorges, Cherrapunjee is interwoven by numerous rippling mountain streams transforming into the gigantic waterfalls and charms its visitors with its natural beauty.  Cherrapunjee, the pristine land with ever-lasting beauty comes in full colors during the rainy months with  floating clouds enveloping the valley playing hide and seek and waterfalls coming alive with gurgling sound bringing forth the fascinating views.

Mawsynram, just 10 miles west of Cherrapunjee, has recently earned the title as the world's wettest spot with an average annual rainfall of 467 inches and is popularly said. Moving through Cherrapunjee is like a journey in the clouds for the entire time you spend there with a view of infinite waterfalls, shiny green ravines, gorges and mysterious limestone caves that nature has decorated with a series of stalactites and stalagmites.

This little town in the rich, green Khasi Hills, offers a splendid view of the plains of Bangladesh. On a sunny, clear day from the Meghalaya hill tops- the rich green alluvial plains of Bangladesh, criss-crossed with its wide rivers on the final leg of its journey to the sea, are clearly visible. As you cruise along, a spectacular view of the vast, gently undulating plateau unfolds. Innumerable springs and waterfalls dance around as we drive by a winding road amidst ferns and conifers, with butterflies punctuating the green.

It’s a pleasant drive to see roaring waterfalls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang or Noh-ka-likai Falls. The thundering Nohsngithiang falls are impressive. But catching a glimpse of Cherrapunjee's famed waterfalls calls for a lot of luck and benevolent clouds.

It may sometimes test your patience with endless hours of wait and when the heavens conspires to cover its beautiful creation with a thick myst of clouds, suddenly to your disbelief, the curtains are rolled and in front of you lies the biggest show on earth, which you'll want to go on and on, but the best things stay in life is like a mirage. Just when you thought you'll treasure the moment forever to showcase it to your loved ones, suddenly the curtains are closed and once again its just hours and hours of endless wait.



Another waterfall of much importance in these parts- the Kshaid Dain Thlen Falls has special significance for the Khasis. Legend has it that a monster was annhilated around here by the villagers. Thlen is the Khasi name for a monster (python), which was believed to be as evil as the devil. Axe marks, visible near the falls, resemble the massacre of Thlen.

Other places of interest in and around Cherra include the Eco Park a sprawling vast expanse of undulating greens providing view of the gorging Seven-sister falls. The trek of 1.5 km in the Mawsmai cave creeping through narrow rock openings is another experience by itself with stalacities hanging all aroundThe main Cherra bazaar is famous for its colourful variety of goods including unusual tribal jewellery, orange-flavoured honey.

Cherrapunjee has a rich historical heritage and was the first British outpost in this part of the country. In 1833 the British established a colonial seat of government in this town. In 1864 they were forced to move away. Missionary accounts say the soldiers' morale plummeted in the rain and humid conditions. Perhaps they got out just in time. In 1876 Cherrapunjee suffered the highest day's rainfall ever recorded - 104 cm (41 inches) in just 24 hours.

For trekking lovers you can have a bonus view of one of natures magnificent wonders, the Living root bridge which is a bio engineering marvel and takes around 3 to 4 hours while the Double decker root bridge takes a whole day. The rubber trees are planted on both the banks, as their roots grow, they are entwined around betel nut trunks which are sliced down from the middle and hollowed out.to shape them up like a bridge.

A visit to Cherrapunjee is truly a walk in the clouds, a wisp of the imagination, and a very real raindrop on your cheek where clouds and rain play in their own time wrap.

Travellers Info:

To visit Cherrapunji, you have to fist come to Shillong through Guwahati in Assam which is connected by rail, road or air from all major cities in India. Shillong is around 100 kms and a 3-4 hours drive from Guwahati and you can get shared as well as individual Taxi, Cabs and Jeeps directly from the Guwahati airport or railway station to Shillong.

Bus services are also available from ISBT Guwahati to Shillong everyday. 

Cherrapunji is 60 kms from Shillong. Buses, Jeeps and shared as well as individual taxis are available from Shillong at regular intervals for Cherrapunji.

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