So, most people head to Meghalaya for the waterfalls, greenery, and those epic living root bridges. But what if you’re into a little spooky thrill too? You’re not alone! Go on, add a haunted twist to your Meghalaya trip!
The haunted places in Meghalaya aren’t just spooky—they’re really beautiful too. From creepy forests and quiet abandoned villages to caves that feel too silent, this land of clouds has a spooky side that’s also amazing to see. Like Mawphlang Sacred Forest, where people say spirits protect the trees, or NohKaLikai Falls, which has a sad story behind its stunning waterfall. There’s more to these places than meets the eye!
So, if you’re the kind of person who likes a little “Bhoot Bangla” vibe with your breathtaking views, Meghalaya’s haunted spots are calling—probably literally. Pack your courage and get ready for ghost stories with a view!
1. Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Ever been to a forest where you’re told not to touch a single leaf? Welcome to Mawphlang Sacred Forest! It’s not just another green patch—it’s protected by local beliefs and a powerful guardian spirit named Labasa.
The Khasi tribe says if you take anything out, even a twig or stone, bad luck follows. People say strange things happen if you break the rules—so most visitors just admire the beauty and quietly move along. Spooky? A little. Fascinating? Totally!
Nohkalikai Falls isn’t just the tallest plunge waterfall in India—it’s also soaked in one of the saddest legends you’ll hear. It’s named after a woman, Likai, who jumped off the cliff after discovering her second husband had done something truly horrific—he cooked her baby. Yep, as dark as it gets.
The story gives the falls a haunting vibe, and many people say they feel a chill in the air that’s not just from the mist. It’s one of those places tied to mysterious stories about places in Meghalaya that make you curious—and a little uneasy.
3. Balpakram National Park
Balpakram is one of those places that feels like another world. The Garo people call it the “land of spirits,” and honestly, it lives up to the name. Locals believe it’s where souls of the dead rest before moving on.
There are odd rock formations, mysterious tree markings, and a kind of silence that makes you look over your shoulder. It’s beautiful, sure—but also feels like someone or something is watching. Creepy, right? No wonder it’s listed among the top haunted places in Meghalaya.
Sweet Falls, also known as Kshaid Weitden, is a 96-meter-high waterfall nestled near Happy Valley in Shillong. Despite its serene beauty, the falls have a reputation for being one of the most dangerous in the region due to numerous accidents and fatalities over the years.
Local folklore adds a chilling dimension: it's believed that if visitors arrive in odd-numbered groups, they might not all return, as the falls are said to be haunted by spirits of those who met untimely ends there.
5. Laitumkhrah Catholic Cemetery
Established in the 1890s, the Laitumkhrah Catholic Cemetery in Shillong is one of the oldest cemeteries in the region. As night falls, the cemetery is enveloped in an eerie silence, with flickering lights adding to its mysterious aura.
Locals have reported sightings of unexplained lights and shadows, leading to its reputation as one of the most scary places of Meghalaya in Northeast India.
The Nartiang Monoliths are a collection of ancient stone structures erected between 1500 and 1835 AD by the Jaintia kings to commemorate significant events and honor ancestors. These towering stones, some reaching up to 8 meters, stand as silent sentinels of a bygone era.
While primarily historical, the monoliths exude a mystical ambiance, with local legends hinting at rituals and ceremonies that once took place here, adding an element of intrigue to their presence.
Dawki is renowned for its crystal-clear Umngot River, which offers picturesque views and serene boat rides. While not traditionally associated with hauntings, the area's tranquility and the river's glass-like surface have inspired tales of spirits and mysterious happenings, especially during misty mornings or quiet evenings. Such stories, though less documented, contribute to the enigmatic charm of Dawki.
Umiam Lake, also known as Bara Pani, is a man-made reservoir created in the 1960s. Beyond its scenic beauty, the lake is steeped in Khasi folklore. One tale speaks of two sisters from the heavens who descended to Meghalaya.
Tragically, one lost her way and never arrived, leading the other to weep incessantly. Her tears are believed to have formed Umiam Lake, with "Umiam" translating to "Water of Tears" in the Khasi language. With such a sorrowful legend, it’s no surprise this lake often finds its place among the scary places of Meghalaya.
So, if you thought Meghalaya was all misty hills and Instagram-worthy waterfalls — you’re right but there’s a shadowy twist to it too. From haunted forests and tragic waterfalls to cemeteries with goosebump-inducing silence, the state has its fair share of eerie legends and spooky vibes. These top haunted places in Meghalaya are not just about chills, they carry deep-rooted folklore that locals still whisper about.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, exploring these spots adds a thrilling layer to your trip. After all, what’s a little adventure without a dash of the mysterious? Who knows, maybe you’ll end up with your own entry in the ever-growing book of mysterious stories about places in Meghalaya.
