Located just a short drive from Cherrapunji (Sohra) town, these limestone caves are known for their impressive size, fossil formations, and the feeling of stepping into a world that hasn’t changed in millions of years.

Unlike the more commercial Mawsmai Caves, Arwah is bigger, quieter, and more immersive. Inside, you’ll find fossilized shells, ancient marine life impressions, and long limestone corridors shaped by water and time.

How to Get There

Arwah Caves are about 3.5 km from Sohra town, and you can easily reach the site by taxi or private vehicle. The caves are located inside the Khasi Hills Eco Park area, with a scenic road leading up to a small parking lot.

From there, it’s a 10–15 minute walk on a well-laid forest trail to reach the cave entrance. The path winds through pine forests and opens up to wide views of nearby hills and valleys. It’s an easy, peaceful walk suitable for all ages.

What to Expect

The caves stretch about 300 meters into the hillside (a portion is open for tourists), with clearly marked paths, railings, and some lighting. Inside, you'll see:

• Fossils embedded in the limestone walls, remnants of marine creatures

• Large chambers and narrow passages with dramatic rock formations

• Flowstones, stalactites, and natural sculpture-like structures

A local guide is usually available at the entrance and is recommended, they can point out fossil locations and explain how the cave system formed.

For the Curious

Arwah is particularly interesting for geology and history lovers. The fossils here are believed to date back over 50 million years, offering a glimpse into Meghalaya’s ancient past when this region was under the sea.

Good to Know

• 🚗 Distance from Sohra: 3.5 km (~10 minutes by car)

• 🚶‍♀️ Trail: Easy 15-minute walk through forest

• 🎫 Entry Fee: ₹20–₹50 per person, guide fee extra (₹100–₹150)

• 🔦 Lighting: Basic lighting inside, but a flashlight or phone torch helps

• 🌿 Best Time to Visit: All year, especially Oct–March for dry trails

• 📸 Photography: Allowed, but flash may not work well in humid areas

• 🍃 Facilities: Small rest area and washroom near the parking lot

• 📶 Network: Weak to no signal, inform someone in advance if you're going solo