Khasi Hills
Mountains Forest-covered hills in Meghalaya, home to living root bridges
In Meghalaya, the Khasi Hills encompass Shillong, waterfalls and forested ridges; visitors come for treks, local Khasi markets, waterfalls such as Nohkalikai and homestays in hill villages.
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The Khasi Hills are an upland range in the Indian state of Meghalaya in northeastern India, forming part of the broader Shillong Plateau and highlands. The area is characterised by steep slopes, deep river valleys and high rainfall, with a mix of tropical montane forests and agricultural terraces.
Important population centres and visitor bases in the hills include Shillong, the state capital, and the well-known high-rainfall town of Cherrapunji (Sohra). The landscape is noted for waterfalls, viewpoints and traditional Khasi communities who maintain distinctive cultural practices such as living root bridges crafted from tree roots.
The hills rise steeply from surrounding lowlands and contain elevated forests and grasslands that influence local climate and hydrology; many popular viewpoints and waterfalls are accessed by road from Shillong and nearby towns.
- Climate and ecology: The region includes some of the wettest places on Earth and supports tropical montane forests and biodiverse grasslands at higher elevations.
- When to visit: Best travel seasons are the drier months outside the monsoon when hill roads and viewpoints are most accessible.
What to See #
- Shillong: Shillong, the state capital, located on the Shillong Plateau within the Khasi Hills and serving as the main urban and transport hub for the region.
- Cherrapunji and living root bridges: Cherrapunji (Sohra) and neighbouring areas known for exceptionally high annual rainfall and for traditional living root bridges engineered in local villages.
How to Get to Khasi Hills #
The Khasi Hills are the highland area around Shillong in Meghalaya. The usual approach is by road from Guwahati (Assam) to Shillong-approximately 100 km and commonly a 3‑hour drive by intercity bus or shared taxi; from Shillong you can reach viewpoints and hill villages by local taxis or hired vehicles. Much travel in the hills is by road; allow extra time for narrow, winding mountain roads.
Tips for Visiting Khasi Hills #
- Avoid the monsoon season (roughly June-September) when roads are frequently landslide-prone and many viewpoints can be clouded out; the main visiting season is October-May for clearer skies.
- Hire a local driver or guide familiar with narrow mountain routes and timing between villages-public transport is limited and local knowledge will save time and reduce risk on wet or foggy days.
- Start early for major viewpoints (for example near Cherrapunji/Sohra) and for treks to living root bridges such as Nongriat: those trails are best done before mid-day when footfall and humidity rise.
Best Time to Visit Khasi Hills #
The best time is the post-monsoon and winter months (October-March) for clear views and reliable travel; avoid the monsoon if you need dry, safe trekking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Khasi Hills #
Khasi Hills's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 23°C. Heavy rainfall (4128 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. The driest month with just 15 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Heavy rain (271 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Heavy rain (471 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (781 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (1064 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (592 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (473 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Heavy rain (273 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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