Are you looking for a thrilling and unique experience in the land of clouds? Do you want to explore the hidden wonders of nature and witness the marvels of geology? If yes, then you should not miss the opportunity to visit Mawsmai Cave, one of the most popular and accessible caves in Meghalaya. Mawsmai Cave is a limestone cave that offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of subterranean formations and features.
It is also a great place to enjoy some adventure and fun as you squeeze, crawl, and climb through the narrow passages and chambers of the cave. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Mawsmai Cave, including how to reach it, what to expect from it, and what else to see around it.
Location and Accessibility
Mawsmai Cave is located near Sohra (another name for Cherrapunji) in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. It is about 56 km from Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, and can be reached by road in about 2 hours. The road condition is good and scenic, as you pass through lush green hills, waterfalls, and valleys.
You can either hire a taxi or a private vehicle from Shillong or take a shared taxi or bus from Bara Bazar or Police Bazar. The cave is situated about 6 km from Sohra town and can be easily spotted by the signboards along the road. There is ample parking space available near the cave entrance.
Timings and Entry Fee
Mawsmai Cave is open for visitors from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm every day, except on Sundays. The entry fee is Rs. 20 per person for adults and Rs. 10 per person for children. There is also a camera fee of Rs. 20 per camera. You can also hire a guide for Rs. 300 per group, who can explain the features and history of the cave and help you navigate through it. The best time to visit Mawsmai Cave is during the winter months (November to February), when the weather is pleasant and dry. During the monsoon season (June to September), the cave can get flooded and slippery, making it difficult and dangerous to explore.
Cave Exploration
Mawsmai Cave is one of the most spectacular and well-lit caves in Meghalaya. It has a length of about 150 meters and a height of about 10 meters. The cave has two entrances, one at the lower level and one at the upper level. You can enter from either side and exit from the other. The cave has several chambers and passages that are connected by narrow openings and crevices. Some of these openings are so small that you have to bend down or crawl through them. This adds to the excitement and challenge of exploring the cave.
As you enter the cave, you will be amazed by the variety and beauty of the formations that adorn the walls, ceiling, and floor of the cave. You will see stalactites (formations that hang from the ceiling), stalagmites (formations that rise from the floor), pillars (formations that join stalactites and stalagmites), curtains (formations that look like drapes), pools (formations that contain water), fossils (remains of ancient animals or plants), etc.
Each formation has its own shape, size, color, and texture, creating a stunning visual effect. You will also hear the sound of water dripping from the formations or flowing through the cave.
The cave exploration takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and interest. You will need a torch or a flashlight to see some of the darker parts of the cave. You will also need comfortable shoes and clothes that can get wet or dirty. You should also carry some water and snacks with you, as there are no shops or facilities inside or near the cave.
You may also like to check out: Wandering through Mawsmai Caves in Cherrapunji
Nearby Attractions
Mawsmai Cave is not the only attraction in this area. There are many other places that you can visit along with Mawsmai Cave to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Some of these places are:
Arwah Cave:
Another limestone cave that is located about 4 km from Mawsmai Cave. It is larger and deeper than Mawsmai Cave, but less developed and lit. It has more fossils and formations than Mawsmai Cave, but also more bats and insects.
Noh Sngithiang Falls:
Also known as Seven Sister Waterfalls or Mawsmai Falls, this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Meghalaya. It is located about 5 km from Mawsmai Cave. It consists of seven streams of water that fall from a height of about 315 meters over a cliff into a valley. The waterfall is best seen during the monsoon season, when it is at its full glory.
Nongriat Root Bridges:
A cluster of living root bridges that are located about 15 km from Mawsmai Cave. These are bridges that are made by the roots of rubber trees that grow on either side of a stream or a river. The roots are intertwined and interlocked to form a strong and natural bridge that can support the weight of humans. There are several root bridges in this area, but the most famous ones are the Double Decker Root Bridge and the Rainbow Falls Root Bridge.
Places to Eat Near Mawsmai Cave
Here are some places to eat near Mawsmai Cave that you can try:
Jiva Grill sohra:
This is a 3-star resort that has a restaurant that serves delicious Indian and Asian dishes. You can enjoy the food while admiring the view of the Seven Sister Waterfalls from the resort. The restaurant is open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm every day, except on Sundays. The price range is Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 10,000 per night for the resort and Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 per person for the food.
Orange Roots:
This is a vegetarian restaurant that offers a variety of dishes made from fresh and organic ingredients. You can also find some local delicacies such as jadoh (rice cooked with meat or vegetables) and tungrymbai (fermented soybean). The restaurant is open from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm every day, except on Sundays. The price range is Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 per person.
Nalgre Restaurant:
This is a budget hotel that has a restaurant that serves Indian and vegetarian food. You can also try some of the local snacks such as pukhlein (rice flour cake) and putharo (steamed rice cake). The restaurant is open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm every day. The price range is Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,500 per night for the hotel and Rs. 50 to Rs. 200 per person for the food
Also check out: 10 Incredible Hotels In Shillong For Couples
Mawsmai Cave is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and culture. It is a place where you can witness the wonders of geology, enjoy the thrill of caving, and learn about the history and culture of Meghalaya. It is also a place where you can discover some of the other attractions that Meghalaya has to offer, such as waterfalls, root bridges, and sacred groves.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Mawsmai Cave today and experience the magic of Meghalaya.