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Town in Meghalaya, India
Photo: PP Yoonus, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Cherrapunji (also spelled as Cherrapunjee and Charrapunji, but almost always called Sohra by locals), is a town in East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. The town receives of rain per year, but that is less than half as much rain as in the days a few decades ago when it was still known as the wettest place on Earth. The winter (non-monsoon) season can be quite dry.
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The Living Root Bridges created by people of Khasi tribe is one of the most amazing examples of bio engineering. Created over years by carefully guiding the roots of Ficus benghalensis these bridges can last up to 500 years. The most famous Living Root Bridges are in the village of Nongriat and Mawlynnong.
An exciting and beautiful for adventure seekers. Most tourists explores the caves bare foot as the floor is damp. Some passageways are narrow and steep so a minimum level of fitness is required to view the cave in its entirety.
Good vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Diverse range of India, Chinese and international.
The guesthouse is very basic but reasonably priced. Recommended for people who can tolerate little discomfort to enjoy pleasures like taking bath in natural swimming pool and spot beautiful butterflies.
Saimika Park is a 65-acre plot of land with a restaurant, 7 guest rooms, two of which are made in traditional design using locally available construction material, a dormitory is available for backpackers. A conference hall is also available. Some of the amenities include a plunging pool, a basketball court, tennis court, fishing pond and trekking guides to take you to visit community forests. There are also indoor board games available.
Great place for backpackers. Both rooms and shared bathroom (hot water) are well maintained and clean. The owner is very knowledgeable local who knows the area well. Do not bother trying to make reservation, just show up and he will find you a spot. As of March 2023 they no longer have hostel dorms, but there are probably a couple of rooms to rent.
Rooms with elegant decor and a magnificent view of Nohsngithiang Falls. A jacuzzi and spacious balcony facilities are also provided. On-site, there is an open-air grill restaurant, the Sky Grill, and a multi-cuisine restaurant called Sohra House Bar and Bistro
By car
As of March 2023, shared Sumos are available from the upper floor of the parking structure at the bottom of the hill in Barabazar in Shillong, for ₹150 per seat.
Cherrapunji is actually a collection of various villages more than a town, with the hilltop northern areas known as Upper Cherrapunjee (Upper Sohra) and the lower-elevation southern areas known as Lower Cherrapunjee…
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