Mawsynram, located next to the Khasi Hills is known for being the most wet place on Earth. It is surrounded by lush greenery and waterfalls, making it a true paradise. This is a place you will never forget. This town offers everything a tourist looking for a memorable trip to Meghalaya, including camping, offbeat treks, and cottages with breathtaking views.
Mawsynram, located in the East Khasi Hills region of Meghalaya is a quiet village that holds the Guinness Record as having the most annual rainfall. Cherrapunji is well-known for its heavy rainfall, but Mawsynram is the most populated place on Earth. Don’t let the rain talk dampen your spirits. It also boasts one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. The region is blessed with unmatched green shades, thanks to the rains that wash away dirt and mud.
Here are some tips to help you plan your visit to this beautiful town.
Location
Mawsynram can be found at an elevation of approximately 4600 feet. It has coordinates 25deg18′ N, 91deg35′ E. It is easily accessible by road from other tourist destinations due to the good road conditions. Cherrapunjee, a neighboring town that is also a tourist hotspot, is easily accessible from the city.
Weather
Did you know that Mawsynram gets heavy rainfall?Â
However, this area is perfect for those who love rain and wish to enjoy the wonders of monsoon in the midst of nature. Summer months are warm and pleasant with temperatures between 14-20 degrees. Winters can be cold, especially after sunset.
History
Mawsynram’s only history is that it was once part of the Khasi kingdom of Meghalaya and was a princely state. It joined the Union of India after independence.
It is very rare nowadays to find a place with unexplored traditions and history. If history is your passion, you should visit this place to share your knowledge with us.
Geography
Imagine unstoppable rain falling from the sky, waterfalls crashing down, and lush valleys. You will be amazed at the beauty of this place. This town sits on the southern slopes the East Khasi Hills. It is surrounded on three sides by the Jaintia and Khasi hills.
Interesting Facts
- Mawsynram is considered the most wet place on Earth. (We didn’t mention that, did we?)
- To protect their homes from the sound of thunder, locals cover their roofs with grass.
- Knups are a local rain gear made of bamboo, reeds and leaves. They help protect them against heavy rains.
Things to Do
Mawsynram promises a memorable experience. It can rain at any hour. When exploring the area, make sure to bring rain gear and clothes that can withstand water. These are the top things you should do in this area.
Unusual things to do in Mawsynram
Although most people only talk about Mawsynram’s places to visit and take pictures, there are other things you can do while you’re here.
- To get a glimpse into the daily life of the village, take a leisurely walk around it
- A football match is being held near the Church.
- Market day is a great opportunity to experience a unique sensory experience.
- You can also try the Khasi snack Pusaw, a steamed rice cake with orange zest and Shasaw – local red wine
Adventuresome things to do in Mawsynram
- Nature camping
- Kayaking
- Zip-lining
- Trekking
- Boating and other activities
Nightlife in Mawsynram
Mawsynram, a small town in the middle of nowhere, has been gaining popularity with tourists recently. The village is a sleepy one, with few commercial establishments. This is a blessing! People tend to close their shops by sunset and go home. You can also enjoy the freshness of the air and spend your nights with loved ones.
Things to Do in Mawsynram on Day
Make the most of the daylight when you visit this peaceful town. Visibility can be difficult at night due to unpredictable rains or cloud cover. You can find many off-beat routes that suit your interests, including waterfalls, forests, caves, and forests.
Places to Visit
These are the top places to visit in :
- Mawjymbuin cave is a limestone cave that’s famous for its stalactite stalagmite formations. It resembles a Shiva Linga. It is now a popular pilgrimage spot.
- Krem Dam Cave is a river cave that has a secret entrance. It’s the fourth-largest cave, measuring seven kilometers in length. This place is a treasure trove of stalagmites and gnarly rock formations.
Places to Visit Around Mawsynram
Mawsynram is a small village so there are not many things to do. There are many places to visit nearby Mawsynram as shown below.
- Mawsmai Falls The fourth-highest waterfall of India, the Mawsmai Falls (also known as Nohsngithiang Falls), plunges 315m before falling into the water below. These falls are located at 16km from Mawsynram. Another popular name is Seven Sister Falls.
- Mawlyngbna is a village located approximately 25 km from Mawsynram. It’s well-known for its archaeology and adventure sports.
- Phlangmawsyrpat The village of Phlangmawsyrpat is located approximately 5 km from Mawsynram and offers an eco-rural-friendly lifestyle
- Phlangwanbroi offers the opportunity to trek deep into jungle with a protected population from the Hoolock Gibbon
Where to Eat in Mawsynram
Mawsynram doesn’t have many large restaurants. You can still try local cuisine at one the smaller restaurants. You can also expect to see a lot of restaurants opening soon as tourism is growing at a rapid rate. Here are a few places you might want to look at:
- For local food, try the Sincera Restaurant
- Rit Mawksir Cafe & Lodge
Planning a trip to Mawsynram
You can reach Mawsynram village from many parts of India. Meghalaya remains relatively unexplored in comparison to other tourist destinations in India. Before you travel, create a customized itinerary that suits your needs and plan your trip.
How do I reach Mawsynram
These are the ways you can reach Mawsynram
Train –
Mawsynram’s nearest railway station is located in Guwahati, approximately 150 km away. Guwahati has good connections to many cities in India. You can reach Guwahati by bus or cab. After reaching the destination, you will be able to traverse the stunning landscape of Meghalaya in about four hours.
By Road –
Mawsynram has good connections to major cities such as Shillong and Guwahati. The northeastern region of India is home to some stunning landscapes, making this drive unforgettable. You can start your journey by heading to Guwahati, Shillong, and then on to Mawsynram. To explore Mawsynram in all its glory, tourists hire cabs from Cherrapunjee.
By Fly –
Mawsynram is closest to the Umroi Airport in Shillong. The drive to the airport takes approximately three hours and is about 86km. You can fly to Guwahati to find a flight to Shillong or take a bus/cab from Guwahati. Airport shuttles can also be taken from Shillong to get you to your destination quickly.
The Best Time to Visit Mawsynram
Mawsynram’s best season is September to November, when there is less rain and the weather is pleasant.