The book
Secret Spots of Meghalaya
102 offbeat locations revealed for bikers, backpackers and overlanders
By Pulkit Kaushik · @needlessnomad
Waterfalls, water-carved canyons, living root bridges and caves that most travellers never find. Exact coordinates, tourist-friendly directions, trek details, local guides and stays for every spot, gathered over 18 months of living in Meghalaya.
- 102 spots
- 12 regions
- 1 page per spot
The map
Find spots near you
All 102 spots are on the map, marked only by their page number and placed within about 5 km of the real location. See what is near you, plan a trip for your group, then turn to that page for the exact coordinates and everything else.
Photo gallery
See the places
Type a place name from the book to see its photos.
Plan your trip
Meghalaya itinerary: the secret places, route by route
Pulkit researched this book over three years of driving across Meghalaya in his Hilux. Its 102 unknown places fall into six routes. Pick one base per route, then turn to each spot’s page for the trek, the road and whether you need a 4×4.
- Cherrapunji and KongthongKhasi Hills28 spots
- Mawsynram and Nongstoinwestern Khasi Hills14 spots
- Dawki, Khaddum, Kudengrim and Leshkasouth toward the Bangladesh border18 spots
- Jowai, Rangad, Sutnga, Khliehriat and RymbaiJaintia Hills28 spots
- Wari ChoraGaro Hills, far west of the usual circuit8 spots
- Middle of Nowherescattered spots that fit no single route6 spots
Questions about Meghalaya’s unknown places
What are the best unknown places in Meghalaya?
The ones away from the usual Shillong and Cherrapunji loop: waterfalls, water-carved canyons, living root bridges and caves that most travellers never find. Pulkit spent three years driving across Meghalaya in his Hilux to research this book, and it covers 102 of them across 12 regions. The biggest clusters are around Cherrapunji (18 spots), Dawki, Khaddum and Kudengrim (14) and Kongthong (10).
Why are the secret locations on the map not exact?
Each pin sits within about 5 km of the real spot, so these places stay quiet. The exact coordinates, directions, local guides and stays are on that spot’s page in the book.
How many days do I need for a Meghalaya itinerary?
Anywhere from 1 day to 102 days. It depends on which spots you choose from the book: one spot makes a day trip, and all 102 make a journey of more than three months.
How do I plan a Meghalaya itinerary for offbeat places?
Pick one of the routes above and stay at one base. Plan each day by trek time rather than distance, because hill roads are slow and many spots end in a walk. Every page in the book lists the trek, road conditions, whether you need a 4×4, camping, and whether it suits children or seniors.
When is the best time to visit Meghalaya’s hidden places?
October to April brings drier trails and clearer views. The monsoon, June to September, fills the waterfalls but makes treks slippery and roads prone to landslides.