Mawsmai Nongthymmai Eco Park

Mawsmai Nongthymmai Eco Park (commonly known as Cherrapunji Eco Park or Sohra Eco Park) is a cliff-edge botanical garden located in Mawsmai village, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, at 1,350 meters above sea level. Established in 2004 by the Government of Meghalaya, this 10-hectare plateau park protects the natural headwater streams of the Seven Sisters Falls and offers panoramic views of the Bangladesh plains.

Sensory of Sohra's Southern Edge

Standing on the southern boundary of the park, the Sohra plateau simply drops away, revealing a steep vertical gorge that descends into the plains below. The wind here is constant and cool, carrying the scent of damp moss, wet sandstone, and wild grasses. On clear days, the mist rises to showcase the flat, emerald-and-blue labyrinth of rivers and water-logged paddies of Sylhet in Bangladesh, shimmering under the sun.

The Headwaters of Seven Sisters Falls

Unlike many botanical gardens designed on flat plains, Sohra Eco Park is located directly on a watershed plateau. The park acts as a natural sponge, absorbing Cherrapunji's legendary rainfall. A network of crystal-clear mountain streams snakes across the landscape, eventually channeling toward a central stream. Visitors cross this stream via a green-painted steel footbridge, watching the water ripple over smooth river stones just yards before it plunges over the sheer 315-meter limestone cliff of the Sohra escarpment to form the multi-segmented Seven Sisters Falls.

Botanical Preservation and Orchid House

A primary conservation feature of the park is its greenhouse, constructed to display and preserve the rare, indigenous orchids of Meghalaya. Supported by the Shillong Agri-Horticultural Society, the Orchid House showcases species like the rare Blue Vanda (Vanda coerulea), various epiphytic Dendrobium species, and insectivorous pitcher plants (Nepenthes khasiana), which are endemic to these high-rainfall hills. The surrounding park terrain features manicured lawns bordered by native dwarf shrubs, ferns, and wild azaleas that thrive in the shallow, acidic soils of the plateau.

What NOT to Expect

Do not expect a wild, untouched forest or a highly manicured European garden. The park is a combination of open grasslands, concrete pathways, and simple picnic areas, which can feel quite touristy and commercialized, especially on weekend afternoons when school groups and family picnics crowd the play area. Additionally, because the park sits on an open, exposed ridge, it is subject to sudden, thick fog roll-ins. During the peak monsoon (June to September), visibility can drop to under five meters within minutes, rendering the famous Bangladesh viewpoints entirely invisible.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Eco Park?

The best time to visit for clear views of the Bangladesh plains is from October to February, when the monsoon rains have ceased, leaving the air crisp and visibility high. During these winter months, daytime temperatures are a pleasant 12°C to 18°C, though strong winds can make it feel much cooler. If you wish to see the streams flowing with full force, the early monsoon transition months of May and October are excellent. During the height of the monsoon (June to September), the park is exceptionally lush and green, but you will likely experience heavy rain and dense mist that hides the valley.

Getting There & Viewpoints

Eco Park is located directly on the Mawsmai Nongthymmai Road, approximately 4 kilometers south of Sohra (Cherrapunji) town center and 54 kilometers south of Shillong. A drive from Shillong takes about 1.5 hours along the scenic SH-5 highway. The park is situated just 1.5 kilometers north of Mawsmai Cave and 2 kilometers north of Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint, making it a natural stop on any southern Sohra itinerary. The park's entrance fees are ₹20 per person, and the paths are relatively flat, paved with concrete, and suitable for visitors of all age groups.

Plan your visit with our Meghalaya Waterfalls & Living Roots Journey or the comprehensive Magical Meghalaya Complete Tour.