Meghalaya looks like a fairytale in the rain!
But should you visit during monsoon?
Imagine waking up to thick clouds brushing past your window, only to slide away and reveal rolling green mountains for a moment, before covering them again in seconds. Add the sound of a river murmuring somewhere near or a waterfall crashing at a distance. That’s Meghalaya - literally meaning ‘Abode of the Clouds’, a name given by the local communities when the state was formed in 1972.
I do not have an exact recollection of my first time in Meghalaya but I have been visiting this place a lot since childhood, and I’ve never ever been bored of it.
I also did my first trek here to the double-decker root bridges during monsoons.
The roads were tricky and my clothes got damp but it was like I was in the middle of a mystical fairytale.
Having said this, let’s admit that adventure is not everyone’s middle name and everybody might not love getting drenched or their feet muddy.
As you may know, I love matchmaking travellers with locations! So, here I am sharing if you should listen to the influencer in your feed who is telling you to “Must-visit Meghalaya in monsoon”.
Well, you don’t have to. Meghalaya is gorgeous at all times and monsoon is not the best time for everyone.
What Happens in Meghalaya During the Monsoon?
Waterfalls come alive all across the state! Some famous and others small and unexpected, tumbling down mossy rocks that can be either checked out from a viewpoint (if the moody clouds let you get a glimpse) or some hidden deep inside the forest (the ones people promote as hidden gems).
A personal request: If you are visiting a “hidden gem”, please avoid geo-tagging or revealing them publicly, especially if you are a travel influencer.
Treks and forest trails become a favourite amongst adventure-seekers, like the one to Nongriat’s living root bridges. Walking through rain-fed greenery, the sound of water and the smell of earth is honestly an enchanting experience.
Everything turns a deeper green - wet, dense, moody - that makes you want to sit still and stare expecting it to magically make all your stress and worries vanish. Sometimes, the mist gets so thick you can’t see what’s in front of you - and then suddenly, it lifts revealing a valley, a river or a lone tree.
Every day seems cinematic, as you’re just sipping hot tea under a tin roof while it pours outside, while reading an Elif Shafak book.
Meghalaya in Autumn. But Who Might Want to Wait for a Different Season?
If you love postcard-perfect clear views from every viewpoint, without clouds & mist playing hide-and-seek.
If you prefer road trips with sunshine and long, uninterrupted drives.
If you’re not a fan of wet clothes, foggy glasses, or the occasional leech and would rather avoid mud.
If you’re hoping to see the (IG-famous) crystal-clear waters of Dawki or want to visit caves (people often make the mistake of expecting these but end up visiting in the wrong season)
Concluding thoughts:
The truth is that Meghalaya has something to offer in every season. Locals usually call autumn and winter the best seasons for tourists. But having visited the state all year round, I can vouch that it is amazing at all times with different highlights to enjoy.
My family loves road trips, so we have usually travelled to Meghalaya during autumn-winter and also in spring. With my friends, I experienced the rain. I’m adding a solo trip to my never-ending travel wishlist!
So, would you like to travel to Meghalaya in the monsoon or the drier seasons? Whenever you are travelling, I recommend that you pack a light jacket at all times.
P.S. Do not litter, travel responsibly, respect the locals and enjoy the region for its authenticity.
I am Namrata Gohain, a designer-turned-storyteller, writer and content producer. I document stories on responsible travel, crafts, cuisine, slow living and my creative journey.
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I've been wanting to visit Meghalaya for a while now, and this has convinced me to see it during the monsoon. And yes, Meghalaya in monsoons may not be for everyone, but its beauty holds something unique in every season. Thank you for sharing it so candidly here.
Love your travel pieces. And I enjoyed this one more because you shared such good points which I've been advocating for a long time now - 'A personal request: If you are visiting a “hidden gem”, please avoid geo-tagging or revealing them publicly, especially if you are a travel influencer.'
I hope such places remain untouched by the masses so that the beauty of such places can be preserved. :)