Mawsynram – Wettest Place on Earth

Mawsynram is a village and a popular tourist destination located at a distance of 65 km from Shillong (capital city) in the east Khasi Hills district of North eastern Indian state of Meghalaya. It holds the prestige of being coroneted as the wettest place on earth with annual rainfall of 11, 872 mm of rainfall after beating Cherrapunji which receives 11, 777 mm of rainfall yearly.

Perched at a height of 1400 meters above the sea level, it is really a nature lover’s paradise surrounded by eternal beauty and crowned by miraculous mountains on all sides. According to Guinness World Record, Mawsynram received a rainfall of 26, 000 mm in 1985 which is far more than the present one.

Things to Do:

Mawsynram Cave: Located at a distance of 1 km from the village, it is the most popular attraction of Mawsynram which draws large number of tourists. The cave is locally known as Mawjymbuin and is famed for the mammoth formation of stalagmite which symbolizes the shape of Shiva Linga. The formation can be seen inside the cave.

The peak of the trek requires an upward trek from the base to reach the site of the formation which is really a majestic sight but it requires an experience trekking to do so. One can get a captivating view of the surrounding environment, speedy rivers of Bangladesh and the plains which are all visible from the top of the rock.

Other Activities: Apart from the cave the waterfalls and the dense forests are deal for spending a couple of days in this place. Trekking is an activity which can be enjoyed in a great bit as abundant of places for trekking are located in this place. Spotting various floras and fauns are the other things that you can relish while in Mawsynram.

Strolling along the village can also be a good alternative for you to know about the Khasi culture. People of this place cope with the extreme weather by collecting as much to eat as they can’t get out even of their houses in rainfall periods.  

    

Travel Tips:

Ø  Eating in Mawsynram is limited, so make sure to also visit Cherrapunji (16 km) for delicious Khasi cuisines.

Ø  Carry woollen clothes with you while visiting in any time of the year especially during rainy and winter season as the climatic conditions can turn a little harsh for the city hookers with chilly breeze blowing day and night.

Ø  Do make sure of carrying first aid kit box while venturing to different parts of Mawsynram especially to the cave.

Ø  Carry a backpack including of snacks, energy food, and water while visiting the varied places in and around the village.

Ø  Don’t even think of venturing in night. 

     

Best time to Visit: September to November is ideal for visiting this place, avoid the heavy monsoon periods if you want to be saved from the furious rains. 

How to Reach:

By Air: The nearest airport to this place is located in Guwahati at a distance of 128 km from Shillong. Domestic flights from several places operate their flights to this airport.

By Train: The nearest train station is also located in Guwahati. It is one of the major railway station and various trains form several parts of India halt to this station.

By Road: From Guwahati one can easily get a bus/taxi or any other vehicle to reach Shillong and from Shillong you have to get on or lease a vehicle to reach Mawsynram.