Mawsynram is most famous for being the wettest region in the world. Located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, Mawsynram receives the highest amount of annual rainfall in not just India, but probably the entire world. In the Khasi language, the word ‘Maw’ translates to ‘stone’, which refers to some of the megaliths that can be found in this hilly region. The village of Mawsynram is situated at a height of 1400 metres and is packed with picturesque waterfalls and lush green valleys and landscapes. Blessed with incredible flora and fauna, Mawsynram is a flourishing spot for eco-tourism and enchants all those who decide to pay this place a visit. Here is a brief travel guide to help you plan your trip to Mawsynram. 

By Air:

The Umroi Airport in Shillong is the nearest airspace from Mawsynram and is situated around 86 km from the town. Private taxis and buses are available for Mawsynram from the airport with a picturesque road trip that will keep you enthralled for the 3-hour journey. Travellers may also fly into Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati, Assam, instead of Shillong for more options with direct flights across the country, which is located 170 km – around 5 hours – away.

By Rail:

The Guwahati Railway Station is the closest railway line from Mawsynram and is situated about 150 km away. Travellers can get buses and cars from the railway station to cover the 4-hour journey to Mawsynram.

By Road:

Mawsynram is well-connected to Guwahati, Shillong and Cherrapunji via road networks. Guwahati is 150 km away with easy access to buses, jeeps and private cars; the same applies to Shillong that is located just over 2 hours away at a distance of 60 km. Travellers from Cherrapunji will need to take a detour at Mawngap en route to Shillong; the distance is about 80 km and it takes just under 3 hours to reach Mawsynram.

Summer (April - June):

The best weather in Mawsynram can be enjoyed during the summer season. With temperatures in the range of 14-20⁰C, the weather remains pleasantly warm and perfect for exploring all of Mawsynram’s chief attractions. Hiking through the vast and lovely terrain of the village is also a popular activity during these months. Even though rain can be expected at any moment in this part of the state, summers are predominantly the driest time of the year.

Monsoon (July - October):

Rain lovers might find the monsoon season of Mawsyram truly inviting, but with almost 10,000 mm of rainfall received annually in this part of the state, tourists are often advised against travelling to Mawsynram during these months. Those who do decide to brave the rain are welcomed with inviting views of the lush vibrant landscapes that come alive during the monsoons each year. While the temperatures range between 17-20⁰C, the humidity levels are quite high and with the heavy rainfall, any outdoor activities might seem unlikely.

Winter (November - March):

Peak winter months in Mawsynram are November, December and January. The rest of the winter season is pleasant enough to enjoy local attractions like the Mawsmai Caves and Mawsmai waterfall. Daytime temperatures hover around 15⁰C while night time is considerably colder with temperatures ranging around 6-7⁰C. A surprise visit from winter showers at any time during the season is not totally unexpected; it may range from light drizzles to occasional chilly downpours. Wintertime in Mawsynram is good for a visit only for those who don’t mind staying bundled up in quilts.

Explore Mawjymbuin Caves:

More than 200 metres in height, the Mawjymbuin cave is made entirely in calcareous sandstones and consists of numerous stalagmites that have been formed through years of deposition and weathering of calcium carbonate and mineral-enriched liquid. A giant pillar formation here is naturally shaped as the Shiva Linga structure, which is the key attraction of the cave. The Symper Rock is another structure of interest here, which consists of a dome-shaped rock with a flat top, and from where tourists can enjoy amazing views of the surrounding valleys and hills.

Enjoy the Views from Khreng Khreng Viewpoint:

Often touted as one of the best places to experience Mawsynram’s beauty, the Khreng Khreng viewpoint offers visitors fantastic views of Syntein village, the Lum Lawpaw hill, the Umngi River and other neighbouring villages. Dusk and dawn mark some of the best times to admire the beauty of these landscapes from this vantage point.

Adventure Sports at Mawlyngbna:

Located on a hilltop, the adventure park run by the Mawlyngbna village community offers a number of adventure sports activities like zip-lining and kayaking for the thrill-seekers; for those who prefer to take it slow, there are also options for swimming, fishing and boating.

Eating choices in Mawsynram may seem limited, but it shouldn’t hinder you from trying out the local Khasi cuisine that is native to this part of the state. The two main restaurants here are Trattoria’s, known for its pork dishes, and the Ginger Restaurant, which caters to more contemporary taste buds with dishes like pasta, crepes and stroganoff served here. Food shops here serve a dish known as Sohra Pulao, cooked with rice, oil and vegetables but no spices – a must-try. Pork rice is one of the region’s most popular foods and should be tried by those not averse to the meat.