5 times Meghalaya felt like a foreign destination you didn’t expect

In terms of natural landscapes, Meghalaya ranks among the most unexpected places that can be visited in India because they resemble completely different regions. Crystal streams, misty canyons, rain forest walks, cave expeditions – all these activities are provided in Meghalaya thanks to its particular geology and the extremely rainy climate. In order to make these parallels relevant and true to life, one needs to consider common features of such regions as similar rock layers, rainfalls, and rich flora and fauna.
Here are 5 places and experiences that will make travellers feel like they are in foreign destinations.

The water of the Umngot River is renowned for its remarkable clarity, especially during the winter season, creating an effect that can make you feel as if the boats are hovering in thin air. This is caused by the presence of fewer sediments in the river along with a rocky bottom, which is common in alpine rivers in Switzerland and Austria. Different from typical beach destinations in a tropical setting, the Umngot River flows in a valley surrounded by hilly areas covered with forests.

The sweeping views of Laitlum Canyons evoke the dramatic beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Deep gorges slice through undulating hills, while clouds and mist drift constantly across the landscape, creating a scene that feels ever-changing. The terrain is defined less by dense forests and more by steep drops and vast open expanses. With its cloudy skies and brisk winds, the region carries a distinctly highland-like character, making it stand apart from typical Indian hill stations.

Among the dense jungles of Nongriat village, one can find the world-famous living root bridges that provide a similar sensation as trekking in the Amazon rainforest. It requires going down several thousand steps to reach this place in the humid, lush valley. The similarity between the two places comes from the fact that both are rich ecosystems where there is heavy forest cover, multiple layers of tree canopies, moisture, streams, and waterfalls. However, what sets Nongriat apart from other rainforests is its human touch.

The azure waters of Krang Suri Falls have similarities with the waterfalls of some areas in Thailand and Laos. This is mainly attributed to the presence of limestone in the area, which affects water transparency and coloration. The falls drop down into a pool that is both swimmable and transparent. Surrounding trees form a thick cover that gives the falls the look and feel of a tropical area.

Some of the biggest cave complexes in India can be found in Meghalaya, specifically in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. One can have an experience as great as one had in the caves in Vietnam at sites such as Krem Liat Prah and Mawsmai Cave. The two cave locations share similar geological make-up, which includes a long process of millions of years of creating large underground caves, caverns, and other cave-related features. In the caves, one can find stalactites, stalagmites, passageways, and underground rivers – all the components of a dramatic cave system.