Mawsmai Cave is one of the most alluring tourist destinations situated at a distance of 6 kilometres from Cherrapunji in the northeast Indian state of Meghalaya. The limestone cave has spellbinding beauty and owns the credit of being the only cave in the state which is beautifully and naturally illuminated to let the tourists cherish the beautiful natural formations. The cave is quite big, however the tourists can visit it up to a distance of 150 metres only. Other sections of the cave are off the limits of the tourists.
Interior of the Mawsmai Cave
The interior of the cave has numerous rocks called stalactites and stalagmites which exhibit different sizes and shapes. Such beautiful interior encourages the wild imagination of the viewers. Mawsmai Cave is a natural wonder and is the handiwork of years of nature"s abrasion and underground water. It is located over the Khasi Hills which is a mountain formation on Shillong Plateau. Khasi hill is composed of limestone. The Mawsmai Cave was formed owing to the torrential rainfall in the region. Exploring the complex formations inside the cave creates a thrilling experience for the visitors.
Features of the Mawsmai Cave
6 kilometres from the Sohra market to the south, lies the village of Mawsmai, in the state of Meghalaya. At the village crossing, there are grasslands surrounded by for¬ests. To enter the caves, one needs to pass through the grasslands. A concrete pathway through the forests leads up to the main cave entrance. Mawsmai Cave has a large entrance and the passage gradually narrows down on proceeding with several bends and turns. The interiors have been lit with halogen lamps by the Meghalaya Tourism. The cave is one of the most beautiful caves having rich natural embellishments. Dampness and trickling water are also common phenomena inside it. Some of the rocks inside are smooth, however others have sharp edges. At certain places, the path is very narrow permitting only one person to pass through it. The floor of the cave is extremely cold. The ceilings of the cave are quite high with rocks pointing downwards. Deposit of calcite crystals over the rocks makes them sparkle beautifully in the artificial light. The dripping water from the walls of the cave makes the formations inside the cave spectacular. The Mawsmai cave can be divided into two parts: the old and the new part. The new cave is yet to be lighted. The new part of the cave has formations of large passages and chambers.
Flora and Fauna in Mawsmai Cave
Several life forms can be spotted surviving inside the Mawsmai Cave. It is the home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna including insects and bats. At the entrance of the cave, boards have been put up by the Meghalaya Tourism which helps the tourist to develop an understanding about the varied plants, insects and moss species dwelling over there.
Visiting Information
Mawsmai Cave can be conveniently reached through roadways from Shillong by private cabs or buses. From all parts of India, Shillong is connected via rail and air. Entry fee must be paid before entering the cave.
