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Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunji: Entry Fee, Timings, Best Time to Visit and Tips
Introduction
If you visit Cherrapunji (Sohra) you will inevitably hear about a Mawsmai cave tour as an alternative to the waterfalls. While Mawsmai cave in Cherrapunji might seem like a straightforward adventure from the outside, the twisting passages, low ceilings and intriguing limestone formations can provide a more involved experience than many are expecting.
In this guide we will share what to expect inside the Mawsmai cave, the approximate entry fee and timings, the best time to visit and a few other tips to help you prepare for your own Mawsmai cave tour.
About Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai cave is a naturally formed limestone cave located near Mawsmai village in the Cherrapunji area of East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya.
Unlike many caves, the Mawsmai cave visitor trail is partially illuminated and requires no special equipment or training to explore. Just note that while the Mawsmai cave is partly open to the public, many of the other passages are not accessible to unaccompanied tourists.
What Is It Like Inside the Cave?
The Mawsmai cave trail is not a simple exploration like walking on a hiking trail.
While the entrance is fairly spacious, there are several tight passages that require extra care to navigate.
Here are some of the notable aspects of the Mawsmai cave visitor trail:
- The entrance is fairly wide and spacious
- The trail narrows significantly in some spots
- At certain points you might have to bend slightly to get through
- The floor can be slippery and uneven, especially after recent rain
If you have a history of claustrophobia or simply do not enjoy the feeling of being enclosed, be prepared to take your time and think carefully before squeezing through narrow passages.
What Can You See Inside Mawsmai Cave?
The main attraction inside Mawsmai cave are the limestone formations that have been shaped by the slow drip of the underground water over thousands of years.
Among the various formations you might encounter on your Mawsmai cave tour, the most common are:
- Stalactites: mineral deposits that form on the ceiling of the cave
- Stalagmites: mineral deposits that form on the floor of the cave
- Rock pillars: stalactites and stalagmites that grow towards each other and meet
- Water droplets: wet spots and dripping water can be found in many caves
Inside Mawsmai cave most of these limestone formations are well illuminated thanks to the added lighting.
We recommend visiting Mawsmai cave if you are interested in geology and speleology, or simply want to see something unusual in Cherrapunji.
Mawsmai Cave Entry Fee and Timings
Mawsmai cave is a paid attraction, although the entry fee can vary depending on the season and the administration. It is best to double-check the most up-to-date information before your planned visit.
Here are some general observations based on the experiences of other tourists:
- Entry fee: older reports suggest a fee of approximately ₹ 20 per person, but this information might not be current
- Camera fee: additional charges might apply for photographic equipment
- Timings: caves are generally open during daylight hours, possibly from around 9 a.m. until 5 p.m
- Time needed: budget around 30-45 minutes for the entire Mawsmai cave tour, depending on the time of year and the number of visitors
Note that the timings and entry requirements for Mawsmai cave are subject to change without notice.
How Crowded Does Mawsmai Cave Get?
The level of crowds at Mawsmai cave can vary depending on the season, the day of the week and even the time of the day.
Here are some general recommendations:
- Regular days: the Mawsmai cave trail is generally most suitable for exploring on a weekday when visitor numbers are low
- Holiday periods: school and public holidays can see a significant increase in visitor numbers, which makes the narrow parts of the cave uncomfortable to navigate
- Early mornings: if you are concerned about crowds, consider arriving early in the morning when the caves are generally less busy, although this might not always be the case
If you are averse to crowds and narrow passages, it is best to avoid the busiest times of the year and visit Mawsmai cave on a weekday morning.
Best Time to Visit Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai cave can be visited year-round, although the wet season can make the ground inside the cave more slippery. In addition, visiting Mawsmai cave during the holiday season can be more crowded than other times of the year.
A few general recommendations for the best time to visit Mawsmai cave include:
- December-February: a popular time to visit Meghalaya, although Mawsmai cave can get crowded during school and public holidays
- March-May: a great period for exploring Cherrapunji and the surrounding areas, including Mawsmai cave
- Monsoon season: while Mawsmai cave is open year-round, slippery ground conditions are not ideal for exploring caves
- Morning visits: if you are planning to see other attractions in the area, consider visiting Mawsmai cave first thing in the morning
Important Tips Before Entering the Cave
- Shoes: make sure to wear comfortable shoes with a good grip, as the ground inside Mawsmai cave can be slippery
- Claustrophobia: if you have a history of claustrophobia, carefully consider whether Mawsmai cave is suitable for you
- Pace: be mindful of other visitors and only proceed through narrow passages when it is safe to do so
- Age and mobility: uneven surfaces and narrow passages can be a challenge for elderly visitors and people with mobility issues
- Children: young children should be kept within sight at all times and never allowed to wander off alone
- Rules: follow the rules of the attraction and only use torches in designated areas. Avoid touching or damaging the fragile rock formations.
A Simple Cherrapunji Sightseeing Plan
Mawsmai cave can be seen as part of a larger Cherrapunji sightseeing tour.
Here is a sample itinerary that you can use for inspiration:
- Morning: visit Mawsmai cave as the first major activity of the day
- Late morning: explore Seven Sisters Falls if the weather is clear and visibility is not an issue
- Afternoon: see the Nohkalikai Falls or other local sights of your interest
- Evening: visit another local attraction or head back towards Shillong, depending on your accommodation and personal preferences
As an alternative attraction in the area, make sure to read out to our guide the double-decker living root bridge – although the walk to this bridge is significantly more strenuous and time-consuming than a cave tour.
Other Places to Visit Nearby
It you are planning to see multiple attractions in and around Cherrapunji, consider building your itinerary around some of the most popular sights:
- Nohkalikai Falls: one of the highest waterfalls in the region, offering great photo opportunities
- Seven Sisters Falls: another spectacular waterfall experience, although weather conditions can affect visibility
- Other sights: if the road conditions are suitable, you might also want to see the local parks and viewpoints
Before finalising your travel plans make sure to research local conditions and road closures, which can occur with little warning.
The Meghalaya Government website is one stop-point for general information about the state.
Who Should Visit Mawsmai Cave?
Mawsmai cave is a great activity for:
- Travelers with a keen interest in geology and rock formations
- People looking for a short adventure that is different from sightseeing
- Photographers, assuming the rules of the attraction permit the use of photographic equipment
- Families with older children that are comfortable with narrow spaces
- People exploring other Cherrapunji attractions and looking for another activity
A you are not comfortable with enclosed spaces or navigating narrow passages, Mawsmai cave tour might not be suitable for you.
Advantages and Disadvantages
What Makes It Worth Visiting
- Intriguing rock formations that cannot be found elsewhere
- A partially illuminated tourist trail that requires no special equipment
- An short and easy-to-navigate cave trail that can be included in a wider sightseeing itinerary
- different experience compared to the waterfalls and viewpoints in the region
Things to Keep in Mind
- Some of the narrowest passages might be uncomfortable for some visitors
- The floor can be slippery and uneven, especially after rainy periods
- Peak hours can bring significantly more visitors than on regular weekdays
- Entry fees and other requirements can change without notice, so it is important to double-check the information before your visit
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Mawsmai Cave safe to visit?
The Mawsmai cave trail is generally safe, as it was created specifically for the purposes of tourism. That being said, visitors should still exercise caution around narrow parts and slippery patches of the trail. Always follow the rules and regulations provided by the authorities.
2. What is the entry fee for Mawsmai Cave?
The entry fee for Mawsmai cave is generally around ₹ 20 per person, although this might have changed by the time of your intended visit. Double-check the most up-to-date information before proceeding with your plans.
3. How much time should I spend at Mawsmai Cave?
Plan to spend around 30-45 minutes at Mawsmai cave, although this can vary depending on the season and the overall number of visitors.
4. When is the best time to visit?
While Mawsmai cave is open year-round, the best time to visit will depend on your personal preferences. The wet season can make the trail slippery, while peak seasons and holiday periods can bring significantly more visitors than usual.
5. Can children and older visitors enter Mawsmai Cave?
While children of all ages can enter Mawsmai cave, young children should be kept within sight at all times. As for older visitors, comfort and mobility must be taken into account before entering narrow passages.
6. Do I need special equipment to explore the cave?
No special equipment is necessary to explore the Mawsmai cave trail, as the tourist trail is partially illuminated.
However, visitors should still wear comfortable shoes with a good grip on the floor.
Conclusion
Mawsmai cave provides a unique and memorable experience for those that are willing to explore its narrow corridors and intriguing rock formations. While the Mawsmai cave tour is fairly short, it offers a surprising change from the usual programme of waterfall and viewpoint tours in Cherrapunji. Always wear appropriate shoes, double-check the entry requirements and arrive early enough to enjoy the experience without rushing.
