Drive up to
Sohra (Cherrapunji)
The rain capital’s cliff country of falls and caves.
- From Shillong
- About 54km
- Falls
- Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters, Dainthlen, Wei Sawdong
- Caves
- Mawsmai and Arwah nearby
- Season
- Jun-Sep for volume, Nov-Feb for access
Sohra (officially the same place as Cherrapunji) hangs on the plateau edge above the Bangladesh plains, one of the wettest inhabited places on earth. The cliff country packs in the big falls: Nohkalikai, Nohsngithiang (Seven Sisters), Dainthlen, and Wei Sawdong down the steps.
Official tourism highlights the monsoon for falls at full force, and warns river activities carry restrictions in heavy rain; the dry months trade volume for access and clear views.
Quick answers
Sohra (Cherrapunji) at a glance
Is Sohra the same as Cherrapunji?
Yes, the local name is Sohra and the colonial-era name Cherrapunji is still used interchangeably.
When should I see the waterfalls?
For volume, the monsoon (Jun-Sep); for trails, views and stairs down to pools, the dry months.
Practicals
Permits & season
No entry permit for Indian nationals; foreign nationals register at checkposts.
October to May works; the monsoon is the point in Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, and the fiercest anywhere in India.
When to go
Plan around these months
Nearby
Close enough to combine
Things to do
What you're here for
Nohkalikai overlook
India’s tallest plunge waterfall (about 340m) off one edge.
Seven Sisters
The seven-segmented falls on the cliff wall.
Wei Sawdong
The tiered turquoise pools at the bamboo stairs.
Journal
Read before you go
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Explore Sohra (Cherrapunji)
- Where to stay in Sohra (Cherrapunji)Homestays ₹1,000-2,500; cliff resorts ₹4,000-12,000.
- Things to do in Shillong
- Things to do in Umiam Lake
- Things to do in Sohra (Cherrapunji)
- Things to do in Nongriat
- Flying into Umroi Airport, Shillong: flights, cabs and onward connections
- Meghalaya permits: the complete guide
Facts checked against the official Meghalaya tourism portal · Last verified 2026-09-26