What Is The Shillong To Cherrapunji Distance By Road? What Is The Best Way To Travel From Shillong To Cherrapunji?
Despite a 50% drop in rainfall in 2025 and Surlabbi Station in Karnataka replacing it as the wettest spot in India, Cherrapunji remains the rain capital of the country.
Also, this report from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) does not impact the serene appeal of Cherrapunji with live root bridges, caves, and beautiful waterfalls.
One of such wonders is the Mawmluh Cave or the Mawsmai Cave, a line-karst formation in the Khasi Hills.
However, once you enter the cave, you will notice how rainfall and the mineral reactions have formed a layer of metal sheet on the floor. It is an astonishing secret that has persisted for over 4200 years now.
In addition, Cherrapunji can be the next big destination for connoisseurs and liquor tourism as the Cherrapunji Gin, made of harvested rainwater, is now an important addition to the extensive beverage offering of India.
It has won a double gold medal at the Spirit International Prestige (SIP) 2025 Awards.
“This award is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the people who enjoy spirits in real life. To have our gin — rooted in Meghalaya’s rain and local identity — resonate with everyday drinkers in California is a reminder that authenticity and craft can connect across cultures.”
Mayukh Hazarika, Founder Of Raincheck Earth Co., The Owner Of Cherrapunji Gin.
Now, this development definitely calls for a Cherrapunji trip, and the best thing is that it is well-connected to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.
Do you want to know how to travel from Shillong to Cherrapunji? In this Dream and Travel article, I will talk about the Shillong to Cherrapunji distance, the modes of transport, and everything else you need to know.
What Is The Shillong To Cherrapunji Distance?
The exact distance between Shillong and Cherrapunji is 53.7 kms. The travel time by road is around 1 hour and 40 minutes. However, the travel time will differ based on the mode of transport you choose.
| Modes of Travel | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| By Bus | Around 2 Hours and 30 Minutes |
| By Car | Around 1 Hour and 40 Minutes |
How To Travel From Shillong To Cherrapunji? Know The Best Modes Of Traveling
I opted for the state package for the Shillong to Cherrapunji tour. However, there are other ways you can travel to Cherrapunji from Shillong.
However, this bus service has been promoted recently. The most trusted mode of transport is taking a private car, taxi, or bike.
1. Shillong To Cherrapunji By Bus
The Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Limited (MTDC Ltd.) has started a daily bus tour from Shillong to Cherrapunjee. There is also a tour for sightseeing around Shillong.
You can call 8787526245/0364-2226220 for the trip booking. The Cherrapunjee tour costs INR 600 per head, and the Shillong sightseeing costs INR 500 per head.
On the route, the bus stopped at the Dympep Valley View Point. When I reached the viewpoint, it was very misty and with the hilly air touching my cheeks, cliché it may sound, a moment felt like an eternity.
2. Shillong To Cherrapunji By Car And Bike
A one-way journey from Shillong to Cherrapunji in a car will cost around INR 2500. However, a round trip for the same will be around INR 5500.
However, if you are traveling solo, you can take a bike rental for the Shillong to Cherrapunji trip and explore the nearby attractions. Bike rental costs around INR 500 for 10 hours.
Bike rentals and car rentals are easily available near the Police Bazaar of Shillong.
What Are The Best Things To See In Cherrapunji?
From Mawsynram, long revered as the “wettest place in the world,” until the recent rain scarcity in Cherrapunji, to the mighty waterfalls, the attractions in Cherrapunji are plentiful.
Cherrapunji is originally called Sohra in the local language. Also, its name means “The Land of Oranges.” And ironically, the first restaurant I came across on the way to Cherrapunji from Shillong was Orange Roots. It was special because only girls served the food there.
Once you are done with a sumptuous breakfast, you can explore the following places to visit in Cherrapunji.
- Mawsmai Cave, with its unique “stalactites and stalagmites formations
- Nohkalikai Falls
- Wei Swadong Falls
- Garden of Caves, a Miniature of Meghalaya in an Area of 2.5 Hectares
- Thangkharang Park
- Seven Sister Falls
- The Double Decker Root Bridge
- Mawsynram
- Arwah Caves
- Wakaba Falls
If you want to further explore the river tourism scenario of Meghalaya and take part in some serious adventure activities, you can travel to Shnongpdeng from Cherrapunji. See the beautiful Umngot River, functioning as a natural border between India and Bangladesh, and enjoy boating there.
Also, don’t forget to try the famous foods of Meghalaya, such as Jadoh and Pumaloi.
What Are The Best Places To Visit Between Shillong And Cherrapunji?
If you are traveling the Shillong to Cherrapunji distance by car or bike, you must make a point to stop by the following places.
1. Elephant Falls (Distance From Shillong: 12 Km)
If you are ready for a longer detour, the Elephant Falls will be one of the main attractions on the way from Shillong to Cherrapunji.
You have to climb a few steps to reach the base of the waterfall and enjoy its three-tiered views.
2. Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint (Distance From Shillong: 25 Km)
Covered in mist and clouds, the Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint offers the most dramatic view of the deep valleys. For an adrenaline rush, you can try ziplining here.
3. Laitlum Canyons (Distance From Shillong: 30 Km)
Laitlum Canyons are the hidden treasures of Meghalaya. It literally means the “end of hills.” It is perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
4. Nohkalikai Falls (Close To Cherrapunji)
Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. It has a height of 340 meters and with the landscape of verdant cliffs in the background, it symbolizes the power of nature.
5. Mawsmai Cave (Distance From Cherrapunji: 6 Km)
Mawsmai Cave is a geological wonder of Meghalaya. The unique stalactite and stagamite formations inside the cave show how rainfall and metal accumulation can do wonders.
What Are The Best Places To Stay In Cherrapunji?
Megha Tourism has many budget-friendly and convenient accommodations in Cherrapunji.
- Ker Da Mame Guest House at Lad Sohbar (Ruiong) in Lower Sohra is one such accommodation. It is located on the way to the Kynrem Falls. You can contact the guesthouse at 8118927233.
- Another government guesthouse is the La Haven Guesthouse, which is located on the Cherrapunji-Dawki Road. You can contact them at 7085276843.
- You can also stay at The Bethel Guesthouse Punshadkhuri. The contact number is 7005433802.
Where To Eat In Cherrapunji? Know The Best Restaurants And Cafes
I have already mentioned Orange Roots. It is a pure veg restaurant and even serves Jain food. You can contact them at 082570 60234 before traveling from Shillong to Cherrapunji if you need some additional customizations. The Poha here is really good.
However, if you want to really elevate your food experience on the Shillong to Cherrapunji journey, Cafe Cherrapunjee will be your go-to place. Here, you will have your food inside a 150-year-old Dak bungalow, and it is surrounded by old pine trees. It is also associated with the stories of UFO sightings.
You can contact Cafe Cherrapunjee at 087309 45471. I don’t know whether it is the chill in the air or the historic setup and the presence of ancient trees, but I was having some serious goosebump moments.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Cherrapunji From Shillong?
October to May is the ideal time to visit Cherrapunji. However, the experience in the first half of this timeframe (October to February) is different from the second half (March to May).
1. October To February
This is the period with the least rainfall in Cherrapunji. However, the weather is misty and cool. With an average temperature of around 15-20 degrees Celsius, these months are ideal for exploring the lush landscape.
2. March To May
The temperature in Cherrapunji remains around 25 degrees Celsius in these months. Occasional rainfalls are there. However, you can enjoy the outdoors.
Shillong To Cherrapunji Distance: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Shillong To Cherrapunji distance.
You have to travel around 84 km to reach Dwaki from Cherrapunji. The travel time is three hours, and it is located near Mawlynnong, another trending tourist destination in Meghalaya.
The distance from Guwahati to Cherrapunji is 146 km, and traveling by road takes more than 4 hours. The cab price for this journey will be close to INR 4000.
The distance between Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in the world, is around 81 km. The travel time by road is around 3 hours. Also, the cab price will be close to INR 4200.
