Mawsmai Cave - An Illuminated Limestone Cave in Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji, MeghalayaCAVE

Explore a well-lit limestone cave in Cherrapunji, famous for its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations and accessible walking path.

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Info

CAVE

Info

1 hour

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

No Parking

Photography

No Photography

About the Destination

Overview

Mawsmai Cave is a natural limestone cave located near Cherrapunji, offering a direct look into the underground world of the Khasi Hills. Unlike many wild caves in Meghalaya, this one is fully lit, making it accessible to most visitors without needing special gear. The tourist-friendly section is about 150 meters long and takes you through a series of chambers and passages filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. These formations have been created over thousands of years by water dripping through the limestone rock.

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Location & Address

Mawsmai Village, Shella Bholaganj, East Khasi Hills District, Mawsmai Village, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from October to May, when the weather is dry and pleasant, making the approach to the cave easy. During these months, the interior of the cave remains accessible and safe. While the monsoon season (June to September) showcases Cherrapunji's lush greenery, heavy rains can make the cave floor more slippery and the access roads challenging. The winter months from November to February offer clear skies and cool weather, which is ideal for sightseeing.
Peak Crowd: October to January, especially on weekends and during Durga Puja and Christmas holidays, due to peak tourist season.
Moderate Crowd: February to May, on weekdays, as the tourist flow is steady but not overwhelming.
Low Crowd: June to September, during the heavy monsoon season, which deters many tourists.

How to Reach

Air

The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam, about 165 km away (5-6 hours drive). A smaller airport is in Shillong (SHL), around 80 km away, with limited flights.

Train

Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) is the closest major railway station, approximately 150 km from Cherrapunji. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Shillong and then proceed to Cherrapunji.

Road

Cherrapunji is well-connected by road from Shillong (55 km, ~2 hours). Regular taxis and shared sumos ply this route. The cave is located just a few kilometers off the main road and is easily accessible by car.

Local Transport

The most convenient way to explore Cherrapunji and visit Mawsmai Cave is by hiring a local taxi for the day. These taxis usually offer a fixed-rate package covering all major viewpoints and attractions in the area.