Cherrapunjee is a small hamlet, situated at an altitude of about 4823 feet (1484 m). Locally known as ‘SOHRA’. Cherrapunjee is located in the southern most point of Khasi hill sharing the border of Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Cherrapunji offers a panoramic view of the hilly terrains, deep gorges and valleys with its spectacular waterfalls. It was once having the record of being the wettest place on earth, with an average rainfall of about 1150ms. However, this record has been overtaken by a nearby place Mawsynram.
Places of attraction:
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- Nohkalikai Waterfalls
Nohkalikai falls: This waterfall is located 4 kms away from Cherrapunjee and is somewhere between 1500 and 2000 feet tall. Known to be the fourth longest fall in the world it carries a pathetic legend behind its name. A woman named Ka Likai had an illegitimate child. After marriage the husband became jealous of her love for her daughter. One day Ka Likai was out for work and her husband killed the daughter, cooked her flesh into a meal. When the woman enquired about her daughter, her husband showed the sign of ignorance. Before she went to look for her daughter, she thought of eating something and had the meal that her husband prepared for her. After having the meal she found both the wrist of her daughter in the betel-nut basket. Then she realized what had happened, killed her husband with a dagger and threw herself off this cliff over the falls. This is how the falls got its name which means “Fall of Ka Likai.”
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- Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai Cave: This 250m long cave is a major attraction for the tourists in Cherrapunjee. This cave is located 6 kms away from Cherrapunjee near to Mawsmai village. This natural limestone cave is wide enough for a person to walk comfortably, and one can see the myriads of stalagmites and stalactites all over the caves and all of which are growing gradually. The caves are dark inside and electric torches are installed for the convenient of the tourists.
Thangkharang Park: Thangkharang Park is situated 12 km from Cherrapunjee. The park is the home of various orchids and birds. One can see the 180 degree view of the plains of Bangladesh on a clear day.
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- Seven Sisters Waterfalls
Nohsngithiang Falls (Seven Sister Falls): It is a seven-segmented waterfall, which plunges over the top of limestone cliffs of the Khasi Hills. The falls only flow during the rainy season. In full spate, the segments stretch most of the way along the cliff. The water falls from a height of 315 metres (1,033 ft) and has an average width of 70 metres (230 ft).The waterfalls get illuminated by the sun from dawn to sunset. The vibrant colours of the setting sun on the waterfalls make it beautiful to behold
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- Dainthlen waterfalls
Dainthlen waterfall: Dainthlen waterfall, located at a distance of 5 km from Cherrapunjee, is one of the most popular waterfalls. This waterfall has a legend attached to it, according to which it is said that people killed a huge snake living in the cave here to get rid of his terror. Tourists visiting the waterfall can explore the natural rock carvings of the snake, which represent the symbol of evil, greed and corruption.
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- Double Decker Living Root Bridge
The Living Root Bridges: These exclusive bridges are found only in Cherrapunjee. Some of these bio engineering wonders are 53 feet, some 70 feet, some 100 feet long. The ‘Double Decker’ Root Brides have two levels and can carry many people at a time. These bridges are not reachable by road and one has to walk in order to reach these living wonders.
