What Is Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunji, Famous For? Know The History, Location, Timings, Entry Fee, Distance, And More
Meghalaya has started a “Symphony in the Mist” initiative to promote Cherrapunji or Sohra as a global landmark and a major eco-tourism destination.
The investment of ₹233 crore in the Sohra tourism circuit development, as announced by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, will complement this move.
These ventures will make Sohra or Cherrapunji a multi-day tourist destination, promote sustainable practices, boost the local economy, and improve the livelihood of the local people in the long run.
The foundation stone of the Integrated Development of the Sohra (Cherrapunji) Tourism Circuit was laid on 1st November 2025, and the project is funded by the PM’s Development Initiative for the Northeast Region (PM-DevINE).
The Mawsmai Cave Precinct has been chosen as one of the key areas of development under this project. The fund allocated for the development of this area is ₹9.64 crore.
Now, Mawsmai Caves, sculpting the history and evolution of the Earth below the mysterious hills of Meghalaya, have always been important for the tourism landscape of Cherrapunji and Meghalaya. It is a major attraction on the way from Shillong to Cherrapunji.
In this article, I will talk about Mawsmai Cave, its location, history, significance, timing, features, and more.
Where Is Mawsmai Cave Located? What Is The Mawsmai Cave Distance From Shillong?
One of the best places to visit in Cherrapunji, Mawsmai Cave, is beneath the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. It is located at a distance of just 6 km from the main Cherrapunji Town.
Lush greenery graces the path leading to the cave, and as you walk toward the cave, it’s a pure symphony of nature with the sound of insects and chirping of birds.
This century-old cavern is located at a distance of 58 km from Shillong. However, the distance between the Shillong Airport and the Mawsmai Cave is 83 Km.
The Guwahati Airport is another airport near the Mawsmai Cave, and the distance is 171 km.
How To Reach Mawsmai Cave?
From Cherrapunji Town, I had to take a short ride in a shared taxi to reach the Mawsmai Cave. You can also travel this distance of 6 km in a shared auto.
So, Mawsmai Cave is easily accessible from Cherraouni Town. However, it is difficult to explore the Mawsmai Cave without a local guide who knows the route and local customs.
What Are The Entry Fees And Opening Hours For Mawsmai Cave?
The Mawsmai Cave remains open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The entry fee to the cave depends on the number of visitors and the accessories you are carrying with you.
| Visitors and Accessories | Entry Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Adults | INR 20/Person |
| Children below 10 Years | 5 |
| A Group of 2 People | 60 |
| Video Camera | 50 |
| Still Camera | 20 |
| Film Camera | 500 |
What Is The Mawsmai Cave History?
The Mawsmai Cave is one of the finest examples of Earth’s geological evolution. Heavy rainfall in the region caused water to erode the limestone structure. The name of the cave, “Krem Mawsmai” in the Khashi language, means the “Oath Stone Cave.”
My local guide, Kynpham, told me that the cave was named the “Oath Stone” because there were many monolithic monuments here.
According to folklore, local hunters discovered this cave. Each stalactite and stalagmite formation inside the cave is so unique that you have to bow down before the magic of nature.
The forces of nature, such as the swapping of tectonic plates, earthquakes, underground water, and land erosion, formed this cave and the distinct formations inside for millions of years.
Furthermore, historically, Mawsmai Cave and other caves in the region offered shelter to the local Khashi tribe. So, it is a place with great historical and cultural importance for the Khashi Tribe and Meghalaya.
In addition, the cave is considered a sacred place, as it has been a popular location where Khasi tribes perform prayers and make offerings. The kind of spirituality associated with this cave is quite abstract, as there are no specific heroes or deities associated with the cave.
What Are The Best Features Of The Mawsmai Cave?
Mawsmai Cave has the most unique geological formation. Furthermore, there is a unique ecosystem inside the cave.
Overall, Mawsmai Cave is like a living museum with its unique ecology and structural features. Here are the details.
1. The Formation Of The Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai Cave is actually a network of underground caves beneath rolling hills. Torrential rainfall, eroding its limestone formation, has sculpted these surreal stalagmite and stalactite structures.
The cave opens with a wide mouth and then continues through a narrow path and again opens up in a wider area. Some parts of the cave even feel like an amphitheater.
Also, the oldest part of the cave has adequate illumination, and the Mughal Room is surely a highlight in the cave. My guide told me that it was 75 meters long. Furthermore, the cave was 25 meters in width and 25 meters in height.
Furthermore, the “new” part of the Mawsmai Cave is almost pitch black, and there is a window-like setup. You can open it upward and enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding jungle.
In addition, as you walk through the cave, you will find that the continuous dripping of the water from the cave’s roof has formed unique pillar-like structures. Some of these pillars even look like popular deities, adding to the spiritual significance of the place.
2. The Unique Ecosystem
Mawsmai Cave does not have any artificial lighting setup. So, as you enter the cave, it feels like the quintessential abode of vampires and spirits. Indeed, the dark and moist atmosphere inside the cave makes it the ideal habitat for vampires.
Furthermore, many other species of flora and fauna call the Mawsmai Cave their home.
Inside The Mawsmai Cave: As I Have Seen It
My guide told me a fascinating story. He said, “These caves were once home to monsters. They used to guard the treasure inside.” Really?
Once I entered the cave, I found out why there are all these stories about beasts and monsters. This is how my journey continued inside the cave. Remember that only the 150-meter area of the 250-meter cave is accessible to the public.
Also, the cave streams here are connected with little bridges, and there are even sections with low ceilings and narrow crevices through which I had to pass. So, it is not for the faint of heart.
1. The Clamps I Saw As I Entered
The Mawsmai Cave has real bats. However, the eerie clamps near the entrance of the cave look like owls and bats, the quintessential nocturnal creatures associated with ghost stories and vampire accounts. I wish that Bram Stoker had visited this place.
From the outside, it looked like the wrinkled face of an old man. The saplings popping up through the cracks and crevices looked like the streaks of beard of that old man.
2. The Epiglottis Sculpture
After a short walk inside the cave, I came across a formation that resembled the epiglottis, and from that place onward, the structures were so eerie, and those reminded me of the diagram of the human digestive system as I had seen in the biology book of my school.
Literally, I had to squeeze through this area to reach a wider space, which I would call the belly of the monster.
3. The Large And Small Intestines
The stalagmite and stalactite formations in the cave form a spiral, and these natural formations here resemble the large and small intestines.
Then again, it is like squeezing through the guts and reaching an area with small water pools. As I walked through the small pools, I reached a large pool of water.
4. Finally, Some Slits Of Sunlight
Finally, my underworld quest ended, and I could see the streaks of Sunlight reaching in. Once I was out of the cave, I explored the unique rock formations around.
Overall, it was an artistic and wholesome experience.
Why Is Mawsmai Cave Significant?
We have to explore three aspects of Mawsmai Cave if we want to know about its significance. These three areas are cultural, geological, and tourism.
1. Cultural Significance
Straight out of the pages of horror stories, the Mawsmai Cave celebrates the connection of the Khashi Tribe with nature and the land of clouds, Meghalaya.
So, as the environmental protection of the cave is essential for the ecosystem inside and around, its cultural preservation is crucial to safeguard the sentiment and heritage of the local Khashi Tribe.
2. Geological Significance
Mawsmai Cave is a natural heritage with the natural forces showing their power and the formation of stalactites and stalagmites for millions of years.
Furthermore, being home to bats and other flora and fauna, the base of the local ecosystem, it demands environmental monitoring on a regular basis.
3. Importance In Tourism
As a cultural heritage and identity of the Khashi Tribe, the Mawsmai Cave is an important landmark for tourism in Meghalaya.
Furthermore, with amenities such as connecting bridges, toilets, and nearby parking facilities, it offers an accessible and fairly safe ground for adventures.
What Are The Challenges In Preserving The Mawsmai Cave?
The main challenges in preserving the Mawsmai Cave are:
- Overtourism
- Physical Damage
- Disturbance in the Ecosystem
- Waste Management
Human activities and litter here are the main problems for the degradation of the ecosystem inside the cave. Groundwater pollution and illegal mining are other major threats to the physical structure and geological formations of the cave.
In addition, being surrounded by lush jungles, it is vulnerable to the attack of rats and other invasive species. It is a risk for the bats and other animals inside the cave.
Also, infrastructure development for tourism boost and commercial reasons, including road construction, can harm the subterranean ecosystems.
How Can We Be Responsible While Visiting The Mawsmai Cave?
Being a little mindful helps protect the Mawsmai Cave. The simplest thing we can do is not touch the stalactite and stalagmite formations. These formations can get ruined by the oil excretion from our skin or the dirt we have in our hands.
Furthermore, avoid littering and only follow the marked route for a walk inside the cave. Otherwise, you can disturb the ecosystem inside the cave and raise safety concerns for yourself.
Which Is Better? Mawsmai Or Arwah Cave?
Mawsmai is a beginner-friendly cave in Meghalaya, while the Arwah Cave is more ideal for adventure seekers. Furthermore, here is a brief comparison between Mawsmai and Arwah Caves based on various parameters.
| Differentiating Features | Mawsmai Cave | Arwah Cave |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Walking through the Cave and Exit | Same Exit and Entry Route |
| Ideal for | • Beginners • Families • People Seeking Less Intensive Experience | • Adventure Seekers |
| Main Attractions | • Unique Limestone Formations | • Unique Rock Art • Underground Streams • Fossils of Fish and ShellsLimestone Formations |
Overall, the experience in Arwah Cave is more raw, while Mawsmai Cave is more artistic and slow-paced for an immersive experience.
Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunji: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunji.
Krem Liat Prah is the longest cave in Meghalaya, India, and in the entire South Asia. It is 34 kilometers long, and inside the cave, the magnificent “Aircraft Hangar” or the trunk passage is the main attraction.
It is located in the district of East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.
It took me around 40 minutes to complete the exploration of the Mawsmai Cave. The accessible 150 km area of the cave seems short.
However, squeezing through the narrow passages and walking on the slippery surface due to the continuous dripping of water through the cave roof may take some more time.
Also, the time for completing the walk through the cave will depend on the crowd inside.
The left thigh of Goddess Sati fell in Meghalaya. The exact location is Nartiang in the Jaintia Hills. The place now has the Nartiang Durga Temple or the Jayanti Shaktipeeth.
It is dedicated to Maa Durga, who is the most prominent deity in the state of Meghalaya.
October to May is the perfect time to visit the Mawsmai Cave. Pleasant weather conditions and no to moderate rainfall make these months ideal for exploring the cave.
