Top Used Currencies
Other Currencies
Have Queries?
Documents,
process, price, etc.
More Contacts
Asia
Call:
+91 7528904589
Australia
Call:
+61 7528904589
Europe
Call:
+44 7528904589
India
Call:
+917528904589
United States
Call:
+1 7528904589
Best Waterfalls Near Shillong for a Day Trip
Search for Self Drive Rental Cars
Best Waterfalls Near Shillong for a Day Trip — Complete Guide
Shillong is one of those cities where stunning natural beauty is never more than a short drive away. Surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the East Khasi Hills and sitting at the gateway to Cherrapunji — one of the wettest places on earth — Shillong is perfectly positioned for waterfall day trips that genuinely rival anything you'll find in India.
Whether you have a single day or a full weekend — these are the best waterfalls near Shillong for a memorable day trip. And the best way to explore all of them? A self drive car rental Shillong from Car4Hires gives you complete freedom to discover these natural wonders at your own pace.
1. Elephant Falls — 12 km from Shillong
The closest and most accessible waterfall near Shillong — Elephant Falls drops in three beautiful tiers through lush subtropical forest just 12 km from the city center. Each tier has its own character and viewpoint making this a very complete waterfall experience for such a short drive from Shillong.
Named after an elephant shaped rock destroyed in the 1897 earthquake — Elephant Falls is the perfect warm up waterfall before heading further into Meghalaya's more remote landscapes.
How to reach: Shillong city center → Upper Shillong → Elephant Falls. Approximately 30 minutes drive.
Entry: Small entry fee applicable.
Best time: June to October for full monsoon flow.
2. Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji — 55 km from Shillong
India's tallest plunge waterfall and Meghalaya's most spectacular natural sight — Nohkalikai Falls drops 340 meters in a single dramatic cascade into a stunning turquoise green pool surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs. During monsoon the volume and power of water is genuinely awe inspiring.
The drive from Shillong to Cherrapunji is itself one of Northeast India's most scenic road experiences — dramatic plateau views, sudden cloud cover, and the landscape changing completely as you descend towards the falls.
How to reach: Shillong → Cherrapunji (Sohra) → Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint. Approximately 1.5 hours drive on a smooth road.
Best time: June to October for most powerful monsoon flow. November to January for clear views.
3. Seven Sisters Falls, Cherrapunji — 60 km from Shillong
Seven separate streams cascading simultaneously off a massive limestone cliff — Seven Sisters Falls is one of the most unique and visually extraordinary waterfall experiences in India. Almost entirely a monsoon phenomenon — during dry season the streams reduce significantly. But between June and October this is one of the most spectacular natural sights in Northeast India.
How to reach: Shillong → Cherrapunji → Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint. Approximately 1.5 hours drive. Combine with Nohkalikai Falls in one Cherrapunji day trip.
Best time: June to October — monsoon only.
4. Bishop Falls, Cherrapunji — 55 km from Shillong
A powerful cascade dropping into a deep forested gorge perfectly framed from a dramatic viewpoint above. Bishop Falls is particularly photogenic during monsoon when clouds and mist add an ethereal quality to the already stunning view. Very easy to combine with Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters Falls in a single Cherrapunji day trip from Shillong.
How to reach: Shillong → Cherrapunji → Bishop Falls. Approximately 1.5 hours drive.
Best time: June to October.
5. Dainthlen Falls, Cherrapunji — 57 km from Shillong
One of Cherrapunji's most fascinating waterfalls — both for its natural beauty and the legendary story of a giant serpent called Thlen reportedly killed at this very spot. Beautiful wide cascade over ancient rocks combined with rich Khasi mythology makes Dainthlen a very unique waterfall experience near Shillong.
How to reach: Shillong → Cherrapunji → Dainthlen Falls. Approximately 1.5 hours drive.
Best time: June to November.
6. Mawsmai Falls, Cherrapunji — 56 km from Shillong
Located right near the famous Mawsmai Caves — Mawsmai Falls is the easiest waterfall to combine with a cave visit in Cherrapunji. Beautiful single cascade surrounded by lush vegetation and the cool spray provides welcome relief during Cherrapunji's humid monsoon months. Perfect addition to any Cherrapunji day trip from Shillong.
How to reach: Shillong → Cherrapunji → Mawsmai Falls. Right near Mawsmai Caves — combine both easily.
Best time: June to November.
Best Day Trip Combinations from Shillong
Quick Half Day — Stay Near Shillong
Elephant Falls only — 12 km, back in the city by lunch. Perfect if you have limited time.
Full Day — Cherrapunji Circuit
Shillong → Nohkalikai Falls → Seven Sisters Falls → Bishop Falls → Dainthlen Falls → Mawsmai Falls → back to Shillong. Cover all five Cherrapunji waterfalls in one spectacular day trip.
Weekend — Add Krang Suri Falls
Add Krang Suri Falls in Jaintia Hills (95 km from Shillong) on Day 2 — the most beautiful turquoise swimming waterfall in Meghalaya. Perfect two day waterfall weekend from Shillong.
Best Time to Visit Waterfalls Near Shillong
June to October — Peak monsoon is when all waterfalls near Shillong are at their absolute most powerful and dramatic. Cherrapunji receives some of the world's heaviest rainfall creating extraordinary waterfall experiences. Seven Sisters Falls only exists during this period.
November to January — Post monsoon sweet spot. Falls still have excellent flow, skies are clear, and the drive from Shillong to Cherrapunji is particularly scenic. Best overall time for comfortable day trips.
February to May — Water levels reduce but Elephant Falls and Nohkalikai are still worth visiting.
Tips for Waterfall Day Trips from Shillong
- Start early — leave Shillong by 7 AM for Cherrapunji day trips to beat clouds and afternoon rain
- Carry rain gear — Meghalaya receives unexpected rain even outside monsoon season
- Wear waterproof footwear — all waterfall areas are wet and extremely slippery
- Carry cash — many waterfall entry points don't accept UPI or cards
- Combine multiple waterfalls — Cherrapunji's waterfalls are close together, always combine at least 3-4 in one day trip
Book Your Self Drive Car Rental Shillong with Car4Hires
Most of these waterfalls near Shillong are on routes that public transport doesn't cover effectively — especially for combining multiple waterfalls in a single day trip. A self drive car rental Shillong from Car4Hires gives you the complete freedom to create your own waterfall day trip circuit — leaving when you want, stopping where you like, and discovering Meghalaya's most stunning natural wonders at your own pace.
Arriving at Shillong Airport?
Car4Hires also offers convenient self drive car rental Shillong Airport — pick up your car right after landing and start your Meghalaya waterfall adventure immediately.
Clean well maintained vehicles, transparent pricing, zero hidden charges, and flexible rental plans — Car4Hires has the perfect self drive car for your Shillong waterfall day trips.
We are searching for your perfect car....
