Letâ€™s Explore The Wettest Place on The Earth

mishmi nandi 01-Jun-2016 Image Source

Heard of Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on Earth?

Well, Cherrapunjee is a small town located on the southern edge of Khasi Hills in the State of Meghalaya, about 50 Km from Shillong, its capital city. The nearest airport is Guwahati.

Cherrapunjee’s original name is Shorapunjee. ‘Poonjee’ refers to the head village where the seat of power of the chieftain is. The English who ruled over this place from 1830-1947 could not pronounce the name correctly and as was typical of them, named it ‘Cherrapunjee’. Local inhabitants are known as ‘Khasis’ so is there language.

Cherrapunjee still holds two Guinness world records for receiving the maximum amount of rainfall in a single year, 26,471 mm (1042.2 inches) of rainfall between August 1860 and July 1861 and for maximum rainfall in a single month, 9300 mm (370 inches) in July 1861. Valleys around it are covered with lush and very diverse vegetation containing numerous endemic species of plants

Cherrapunjee has a mild subtropical highland climate with monsoonal influence. Temperature averages 11.5 degrees Celsius in January and 20.6 degrees Celsius in August. With utmost delight one can experience swimming. The flowing water is so crystal clear and transparent that it’s almost impossible to resist the temptation. Bathing in waterfalls, mountain streams and springs, during the monsoon months, is absolutely thrilling experience. Dance in the rain is the most romantic way of welcoming the monsoon that bring magic and romance to the heart of the young and old. Angling is another enjoyable experience in some spots. Bird watching brings a sense discovering wonder and thrill even as the surrounding hills watch you with their majestic beauty.

1. Opportunities to Explore:

Trek to the living Root Bridge, Ummunoi : 4 Km down and up 1000 feet approximately. 3-4 hours walking. Trek open throughout the year.Trek to the Double Decker Root Bridge & Natural Swimming Pools: Duration 9 hours involving 7 hours walking, downhill 2500 feet and up. The total distance is approx. 25 Km. Trek to Mawsiekhriah/ Khlieh mawlong: Duration 2 hours. Distance 6 Km approx. Open throughout the year. Trek to Mawshamok by Lovers Road: Duration 2 hours. Distance 8 Km. Open throughout the year. Short Village walks through Laitkynsew and Nongwar villages: Duration 2 hours. Distance 8 Km. Open throughout the year. David Scot Pony Trail Trek- Ladmawphlang to Mawphlang: Duration 6 hours. Distance approx.. 18-20 Km. Best time of the year â€“ November to March. Trek to the Warm Swimming Pool and Angling Spot: Duration 8-10 hours. Distance 14 Km approx. Best time of the year -November to March. Trek to Shella- the ancient trading route to the plains: Duration 7-9 hours. Distance 26 Km approx. Open throughout the year. Best time is from November to March. Trek through Village Siej to Ladumrin: Duration 6-7 hours. Distance 20 Km. Best time is from November to March.