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Mawsmai Cave: A Wondrous Landmark in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Mawsmai Cave: A Wondrous Landmark in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Tucked away in the heart of the picturesque Cherrapunji region in Meghalaya, Mawsmai Cave is one of the greatest natural attractions and one of the most visited throughout the region. It is known for its limestone formations, intricate pathways, and magical beauty. A visit to Mawsmai Cave is a must for anyone interested in visiting the striking landscape of Northeastern India.

Cherrapunji is a town known for being one of the wettest places on Earth. There are many caves in this town, each with its own charm. Among them, Mawsmai Cave is one that stands out because of its accessibility, the mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites, and its importance in the region's natural heritage.

In this article, we will try to explore the cave in detail, from its features, how to get there, and the best time to visit. Other attractions nearby are also explored.

What is Mawsmai Cave?

Mawsmai Cave is one of the natural limestone caves located in the district of East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, near the town of Cherrapunji. The cave is part of the region's massive network of limestone formations, shaped by water erosion over millions of years. Mawsmai Cave is particularly famous for its incredible stalactites and stalagmites formed when dripping water leaves behind mineral deposits on its ceiling.

The cave has an inviting entrance that allows visitors to move about within its boundaries without the use of special equipment or expertise. The place is quite safe with clean tracks and street lighting provided by the authorities to assist tourists in negotiating their way through the dark narrow alleys.

Though not the biggest cave in that area, it is one of the most famous, given its relatively easy access and attractive features. This is for people who are looking to have the best experience on Cherrapunji caves without venturing deeper into more complicated offbeat caves of that region.

Beauty and Features of Mawsmai Cave

What makes Mawsmai Cave a real wonder is the unique geologic formations found in the cave. Some of the key features are described below.

Limestone Formations: In the interior part of the cave, there exist marvelous limestone formations of stalactites (dangling from the roof) and stalagmites (rising from the floor). They have been forming for thousands of years and continue to grow, hence, a truly enthralling experience for the eyes.

Cavernous pathways: Upon entering the cave, you are welcomed by narrow passages that twist and turn, carrying you through dark alleys. The cave is naturally mysterious and cool and damp air inside makes it a great experience to discover.

Mawsmai Cave stands differently from other caves, which have been left with no light in them. Its interior is properly lit with artificial lighting, thereby making it possible and safe to visit the region. The spectacular formations are really lighted up, thereby making the visit to the cave even more wonderful.

The best part is that the entrance of Mawsmai Cave is pretty easy to get to, considering other caves that need one to walk long treks or in some cases need equipment. It lies very close to the road with a proper maintained pathway that can lead anyone comfortably up to it. Anyone from the young generation can enjoy the visit there.

Unique Atmosphere: The inside of the cave has nothing else like it. The cooler air in combination with the eerie dripping water sounds and the various rock formations bring about a completely different kind of experience in life. For geology enthusiasts, the cave is a wonderful delight to view the Earth's natural history.

How to Reach Mawsmai Cave

Mawsmai Cave is accessible from Cherrapunji. Hence, it has become an important stop for those who travel to the region. Here's how you can reach the cave:

By Road: Cherrapunji is well connected by road to the major cities of Meghalaya, including Shillong (the capital of Meghalaya) and Guwahati (in Assam). From Shillong, you can drive or take a taxi to Cherrapunji, which is about 56 kilometers away (about a 2-hour drive). Once in Cherrapunji, the Mawsmai Cave is only about 6 kilometers away, and it's easy to reach by car, taxi, or even on foot, depending on your preference.

By Taxi: Taxis are available from Shillong and other nearby towns to Cherrapunji, from where you can hire a local taxi to take you directly to the cave. The region's taxis are familiar with tourist routes, and hence they can take you to the cave without a hassle.

By Local Bus: The local buses and shared cabs are available from Shillong to Cherrapunji and frequently stop by all the major tourist destinations. Mawsmai Cave is one of them.

Best Time to Visit Mawsmai Cave

The best time to visit Mawsmai Cave is during the winter months, October to March. During this time, the climate in Cherrapunji is cool and pleasant, making it comfortable for cave exploration. Winter's cooler temperatures are ideal for walking through the cave's narrow pathways. The interior of the cave gets quite damp, and the cooler temperatures make it easy to walk through.

The monsoon period, from June to September, should be avoided because heavy rainfall makes the pathways of the caves slippery and unsafe. In the monsoon periods, the rain is high in the region; hence, sometimes it floods parts of the place, and hence, accessing those caves becomes difficult.

Entry Fees and Timings

Entry Fee: The entry fee for Mawsmai Cave is around INR 20-50 per person for Indian tourists. Foreigners may have to pay more, approximately around INR 100 or above.

Opening Hours: The cave is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. It is recommended to visit in daylight hours, as the inside of the cave, though well-lit, is better viewed with natural daylight before it becomes too dark in the evening.

Other Attractions Near Mawsmai Cave

Though Mawsmai Cave is an experience itself, there are several other attractions within and around Cherrapunji that you could visit:

Nohkalikai Falls: This is one of the tallest waterfalls in India, located near Cherrapunji. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers. The waterfall cascades from a height of over 1,000 feet and creates a stunning view.

Mawsmai Viewpoint: This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the lush green valleys and hills surrounding Cherrapunji. It's a great place to relax and take in the scenic beauty of the area.

Living Root Bridges: Made of tree roots, these are nature and engineering marvels. One such well-known bridge in Nongriat is the Double Decker Root Bridge that must be seen on treks.

Dainthlen Falls: A scenic waterfall close to Cherrapunji, this falls has the name after a mythical serpent which adds an essence of myth behind the area's beauty.

Thangkharang Park: Situated near the village of Mawmluh, this park provides a breathtaking view of the plains of Bangladesh and the surrounding landscapes.

Conclusion

Mawsmai Cave in Cherrapunji is an awe-inspiring natural wonder that provides visitors with a unique experience of exploring underground limestone formations. With its accessible location, well-maintained pathways, and incredible natural beauty, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Meghalaya.

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