Mawsmai Caves: Unveiling Meghalaya’s Stunning Limestone Formations!

Mawsmai Caves are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Meghalaya, located near the town of Sohra (Cherrapunjee), about 6 kilometers from the main town. These limestone caves are a natural wonder, known for their stunning formations, fascinating history, and easy accessibility, making them a must-visit for anyone traveling to the region.

Entry Point view of Mawsmai Caves

How to Reach Mawsmai Caves

Reaching the Mawsmai Caves in Meghalaya is relatively straightforward, especially if you are traveling from Shillong or Cherrapunjee (Sohra).

1. By Air

  • Nearest Airport: The closest airport to Mawsmai Caves is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam, about 170 kilometers from Shillong.
  • From the Airport to Shillong:
    • You can take a taxi or a shared cab from the airport to Shillong, which is about a 3-hour drive (approximately 120 kilometers).
    • There are also regular helicopter services between Guwahati and Shillong.

2. By Train

  • Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India.
  • From Guwahati to Shillong:
    • From the railway station, you can take a taxi or bus to Shillong, which is about 100 kilometers away and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by road.

3. By Road

  • From Shillong to Cherrapunjee (Sohra):
    • Distance: The Mawsmai Caves are located about 58 kilometers from Shillong, in Cherrapunjee (Sohra).
    • Travel Time: It takes approximately 2 hours to drive from Shillong to Cherrapunjee.
    • Route: The route from Shillong to Cherrapunjee is scenic, passing through lush green hills, waterfalls, and valleys. The most common route is via NH206 (previously known as SH5), which is well-maintained.
    • Transportation Options:
      • Private Taxi: You can hire a taxi from Shillong to Cherrapunjee. This is the most convenient option, allowing you to stop and enjoy the sights along the way.
      • Shared Cabs: Shared cabs are available from the main taxi stand in Shillong. These are more affordable but may take longer depending on the number of stops.
      • Public Buses: Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) runs buses between Shillong and Cherrapunjee. The buses are less frequent but are an economical option.
  • From Cherrapunjee to Mawsmai Caves:
    • Distance: Mawsmai Caves are located about 6 kilometers from the main town of Cherrapunjee.
    • Travel Time: It takes about 15 to 20 minutes by car or taxi.
    • Transportation Options:
      • Private Taxi: You can hire a local taxi in Cherrapunjee to take you to Mawsmai Caves.

4. Local Transport

  • Once you reach Cherrapunjee, local taxis are easily available to take you to Mawsmai Caves and other nearby attractions. It’s common to hire a taxi for the entire day to visit multiple sites in and around Cherrapunjee.

Key Highlights of the Caves

1. Limestone Formations

  • The Mawsmai Caves are renowned for their impressive limestone formations, including stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (rising from the ground). These formations have been created over millions of years due to the slow deposition of minerals from dripping water.
Limestone Formations inside the Cave

2. Natural Beauty

  • The caves are known for their natural beauty, with the interplay of light and shadow creating an otherworldly atmosphere inside. The caves are naturally lit in some sections, allowing visitors to see the intricate details of the rock formations.

3. Accessible Cave System

  • Unlike some other caves in Meghalaya, Mawsmai Caves are easily accessible and well-maintained, making them suitable for visitors of all ages. The caves are about 150 meters long, with a well-defined path that allows for a comfortable exploration.

4. Flora and Fauna

  • The area surrounding the caves is rich in biodiversity, with lush greenery and a variety of plant species. The entrance to the caves is surrounded by dense vegetation, adding to the experience of entering a hidden world beneath the earth.

Exploration and Experience

1. Entering the Caves

  • As you enter the Mawsmai Caves, you’ll immediately notice the cool, damp air and the natural rock formations that line the walls and ceiling. The entrance is relatively wide, but as you progress, the cave narrows, creating a sense of adventure.

2. Navigating the Caves

  • The cave system is relatively short, and the path is well-marked, with natural light filtering in from openings in the ceiling. The caves are spacious in some areas, while in others, you may need to duck or squeeze through narrower passages, adding a bit of excitement to the journey.

3. Admiring the Formations

  • As you move deeper into the cave, take time to admire the stunning limestone formations. The stalactites and stalagmites have taken unique shapes over millennia, with some resembling familiar objects or animals, sparking the imagination of visitors.

4. Photography

  • The Mawsmai Caves offer excellent opportunities for photography, especially where natural light enhances the beauty of the formations. However, the lighting inside the caves can be dim, so a camera with a good low-light performance or a phone with night mode would be ideal for capturing the details.

5. Best Time to Visit

  • The post-monsoon and winter seasons (October to May) are the best times to visit, as the caves are dry and easier to explore. During the monsoon season, the caves can become more challenging to navigate due to increased water levels and slippery conditions.

Nearby Attractions

  • Nohkalikai Falls: The tallest plunge waterfall in India, located near Cherrapunjee, offers breathtaking views and a serene environment.
  • Seven Sisters Falls: Also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, this is a major attraction in the region, especially during the monsoon season when the falls are in full flow.
  • Living Root Bridges: Meghalaya is famous for its living root bridges, particularly in nearby areas like Nongriat, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and traditional Khasi ingenuity.

Conclusion

Mawsmai Caves offer an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those interested in geology. The ease of access combined with the natural beauty inside the caves makes it an ideal destination for a day trip from Shillong or Cherrapunjee. Whether you’re captivated by the unique rock formations or simply enjoying the thrill of exploring a cave, Mawsmai Caves are a highlight of any visit to Meghalaya.

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