Cheerapunji (also spelled as Cherrapunjee and Charrapunji or called by its historical name, Sohra), 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 original name for this town was Sohra, from the days when it was the capital of a local chieftainship. The town's name was pronounced "Churra" by the British before morphing into Cherrapunji. There is a monument to David Scott (British Administrator in NE India, 1802–31) in Cherrapunji Cemetery.
Although Cherrapunji still receives a lot of rainfall, locals nevertheless have to walk for several kilometres for potable water and also face agricultural difficulties associated with topsoil erosion.
Cherrapunji is in a dramatic location, on a plateau 600 metres above the surrounding valleys which, given the amount of rainfall, are naturally lush and full of diverse vegetation.
Cherrapunji receives both the Southwest and Northeast Monsoons, which combine to form a single monsoon season locally. The months with the highest rainfall are June and July, followed by August, September and May, but effectively, April through October can be considered the monsoon season. November through February constitutes the dry season, with March a transitional month of moderate rainfall. The dry season is also the cooler season, with average low temperatures at approximately 5°C (41°F) during January, the coldest month.
- Living Root Bridges. 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.
- Mawlynnong Village - Asia's cleanest village. Must see for the amicable relationship between humans and nature and for the clean environs that's offered.
Living Root Bridges. 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.
Mawlynnong Village - Asia's cleanest village. Must see for the amicable relationship between humans and nature and for the clean environs that's offered.
- River Canyoning
- Swimming
- Trekking, Multiple treks exist in and around Cherrapunji. One of the most popular one is to the "Double Decker Living Root" bridge in Nongriat village starting from Tyrna. Stairs are constructed from the beginning of the trek to Nongriat village, and the trek takes about 2 hours each way.
- Mawsmai Cave. 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.
River Canyoning
Swimming
Trekking, Multiple treks exist in and around Cherrapunji. One of the most popular one is to the "Double Decker Living Root" bridge in Nongriat village starting from Tyrna. Stairs are constructed from the beginning of the trek to Nongriat village, and the trek takes about 2 hours each way.
Mawsmai Cave. 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.
- Avron Restaurant, Sohra-Shella Rd (Opposite Metrological Office, +91 87947 13223. Good vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Diverse range of India, Chinese and international.
Avron Restaurant, Sohra-Shella Rd (Opposite Metrological Office, +91 87947 13223. Good vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Diverse range of India, Chinese and international.
Bars are available in some of Cherrapunji's hotels.
- Mawlynnong