A favourite day-trip destination for locals and tourists alike – the beauty of Cherrapunjee cannot be absorbed in just half a day. Polo Orchid Resort came up with a luxurious stay option that maximises the experience of this destination like no other.

Book one of the cozy cottages that sit on the literal edge of a cliff and overlook the most magnificent cascading waterfalls. During monsoon months, when the Seven Sister Waterfall is at its full glory, there is magic in the air. Mist swirls all around, and the sound of gurgling water can put anyone out of their deepest troubles – even if for a few days.

The five-star resort lies amid tranquility and seclusion, but it still offers all the comfort and splendour of any upscale property you can name. Nothing can beat the calmness of taking a dip in their rooftop infinity pool while looking over at the verdant green valley below. What’s more - Polo Orchid Resort is its own little hamlet offering up a wide selection of accommodation options for travellers – from cottages and log huts to villas and suites.

Rooms

Dew Drop Cottage

These modern and stylish cottages have en-suite bathrooms fitted with bathtubs, and an adjoining balcony that boasts of awe-inspiring views of Cherrapunjee. One night here will have you feeling like you are in the lap of luxury, even as pristine and natural wonders surround you. 

Price: Starts from INR 12,480/- per night

Rainforest Suite

The standard Rainforest Suites are fitted with all basic amenities such as air-conditioning, heater, television, minibar, and more. Sit back and relax in the jacuzzi, whilst watching the calm serenity that is right outside your window.

Price: Starts from INR 12,800/- per night

Misty Mountain Villa

The spacious Villa is undoubtedly named after the clouds of mist that envelopes the entire property. You will feel right at home in this luxe setting – if only home were as close to dreamy hills and waterfalls! Wake up to breathtaking views right from your comfy bed. If not for the beautiful sights that await, you would not want to leave these homely rooms that are full of kitschy yet modern furniture.

Price: Starts from INR 16,800/- per night

Log Hut with Plunge Pool

The search for the ultimate experience ends here. Polo Orchid Resort’s Log Hut has the rustic charm and coziness of a log hut in the middle of a mystical fairyland. Made of real wood, these rooms are elegant and welcoming, sophisticated and guileless, all at once. A private plunge pool allows guests to sit back and enjoy a warm dip as nobody but the scenic mountains watch.  

Price: Starts from INR 16,960/- per night

Dining

Sohra House, named after the local name for Cherrapunjee, takes a page out of Sohra’s colonial past – it attempts to emanate the feeling of the British-era bungalows that were once commonplace in this erstwhile capital of Assam. A courtyard and cliffside dining space allow guests to listen to the pitter-patter of frequent rains and the gushing of waterfalls as piping hot meals come through the kitchen doors. The chefs are adept at preparing meals of the intercontinental and oriental fare. Since authenticity and oneness with the North-East is the theme, you may choose to try dishes off the local menu that consist of hearty curries starring fish and pork.

For an intimate evening of fine wine and an eclectic choice of snacks, head on to the Sky Grill – an open-air restaurant that lets you dine under the stars. An impressive menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages aside, you can order the perfect accompaniments of the oriental or tandoor-ed kind.

Experience

Cherrapunjee’s waterfalls steal the limelight even with the plethora of natural wonders that surround the area. Thousand-year-old caves and the living root bridge are must-sees in these parts. Most of the best sights can only be accessed at the end of challenging treks and winding paths, so it is best to inquire at the front desk for relevant resources.

Places to see

Seven Sisters Falls: The property overlooks this stunning Nohsngithiang Falls (also known as the Seven Sisters Waterfalls or Mawsmai Falls). It is a seven-segmented waterfall and is one of the tallest waterfalls in India. Water gushing down from a height of 1,033 ft over the Khasi Hills, is indeed a sight to behold.

Mawsmai Cave: Mawsmai Cave is 1.5 km from the property. A series of underground caves composed of stalactites and stalagmites make for an interesting view. There is a short hike through the forest to reach the main entrance of the cave. This hike takes you through some stunning views of the valley that is full of waterfalls during monsoons, and an occasional café playing local Khasi music.

Nohkalikai: The strategic location of the property comes handy as it overlooks the Nohkalikai Falls. This is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Below the falls is a plunge pool with unusual green-colored water often luring enough for travellers to dive in and dip themselves.

Dainthlen Falls: Dainthlen is one of the most powerful sights you will come across in Cherapunjee. Gushing waterfall that cuts through the hard rocks and the high plateau of Sohra before it cascades down into lush forests. It is also a culturally significant place for the Khasi tribe. The Dainthlen Falls is a straight drop of around 80 metres. The viewpoint is on either side of the falls so you can see its natural splendour from up close behind the safety of a railing.

Living Root Bridge: A living root bridge is formed by guiding the pliable roots of the Ficus elastica tree across a stream or river, and then allowing the roots to grow and strengthen over time until they can hold the weight of a human being. Walk on it and feel a sense of achievement if you have come all the way here.

Arwah Cave: The caves are made of fossils largely formed by the Molluscs. The formation is said to be over 56 million years old and is a part of the evolution. The entrance to Arwah Cave is straight out of the Arabian Nights, a large sunken chamber that leads to a complex set of caverns. Arwah cave is of Meghalaya’s most famous caves and is pretty accessible to regular visitors. It is famous for its fossils which you can observe in the lit-up interiors, especially towards the end of the cave. You will find crustacean shells and fish bones fossilized in the limestone walls of the cave.

Getting there

This resort in Cherrapunjee is 83 km away from Shillong Airport. It is about 4 hours and 40 minutes away from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati. The nearest railway station, Guwahati Railway Station, is about 4 hours and 20 minutes away from the property.