What Are Natural Pools?
Natural Swimming Pools in Meghalaya
Natural swimming pools in Meghalaya are basically water bodies that are formed by natural processes such as river erosion, rock formations, and sediment deposition.
In Meghalaya, these pools are often found in remote and hard-to-reach areas, tucked away in deep valleys or nestled along the banks of rivers and waterfalls. Their appeal lies in their unspoiled nature, offering a perfect blend of tranquillity and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Meghalaya, which means “abode of clouds,” is a land of ethereal beauty renowned for its lush landscapes, abundant rainfall, and unique topography.
Among the many attractions of Shillong, natural swimming pools are also famous. Thses natural pools are so majestic that you must consider checking them out. They offer serene spots for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
These natural pools, formed through centuries of geological activity, provide a fascinating glimpse into Meghalaya’s hidden world.
Quick Summary
Natural swimming pools in Meghalaya are among the state’s most scenic attractions, featuring crystal-clear freshwater pools created by rivers, waterfalls, and natural rock formations. From the turquoise waters near Nohkalikai Falls to peaceful pools like Od-rngai, Janailar, and Pung Lyer Falls, these destinations offer a mix of relaxation, photography, trekking, and nature experiences. The ideal time to visit is October to April for clear water, while the monsoon (June–September) showcases dramatic waterfalls but can make swimming unsafe due to strong currents. Visitors should always follow local safety guidelines, respect the environment, and avoid restricted areas.
Key Facts About Natural Swimming Pools in Meghalaya
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Across East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, and nearby Shillong region |
| Best Time to Visit | October to April for clear water; monsoon for waterfall views only |
| Top Attractions | Umiam Lake, Od-rngai Pool, Janailar Natural Swimming Pool, Pung Lyer Falls Pool, Nohkalikai Falls Pool |
| Popular Activities | Swimming (where permitted), photography, trekking, nature walks, sightseeing |
| Water Type | Freshwater formed naturally by rivers, waterfalls, and rock formations |
| Suitable For | Families, couples, solo travellers, photographers, adventure lovers |
| Safety Tip | Avoid swimming during heavy rainfall and always follow local advisories |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most beautiful natural swimming pool in Meghalaya?
Many travellers consider the Nohkalikai Falls Pool and Od-rngai Pool among the most beautiful because of their striking blue-green water, dramatic surroundings, and peaceful atmosphere.
Is it safe to swim in Meghalaya’s natural pools?
Swimming is generally safe only in designated areas and during favourable weather conditions. During the monsoon, water levels and currents can change rapidly, so visitors should follow local guidance before entering the water.
What is the best season to visit natural pools in Meghalaya?
For swimming and photography, the best months are October to April, when the water is usually clearer. The monsoon season offers spectacular waterfalls but is better suited for sightseeing than swimming.
Are these natural pools suitable for families?
Yes. Several natural pools are family-friendly when weather conditions are safe and access is easy. However, children should always remain under adult supervision, and visitors should avoid deep or fast-flowing sections.
Do I need to trek to reach these swimming pools?
It depends on the destination. Some pools are accessible by road with a short walk, while others require moderate trekking through forest trails and rocky terrain.
Last Updated
Last Updated: July 30, 2026
About the Author
Chand Kumar is a travel and informational content writer at TeerToday.in, covering Meghalaya tourism, Northeast India destinations, travel guides, and local attractions. Articles are researched using official tourism information and reliable travel resources to provide practical, reader-focused guidance.
Related Guides
Explore more helpful guides on TeerToday:
Popular Natural Pools of Meghalaya
If you talk about natural pools then Meghalaya has loads.
Here are some of the most stunning ones:
Umiam Lake
Though not a natural pool in the strictest sense, Umiam Lake near Shillong is one of the most visited natural bodies of water in Meghalaya. Formed by the damming of the Umiam River.
With time this lake spanned over 220 square km. It is now adopted by Mother Nature, surrounded by the lush greenery rolling hills and if you do a little trek then you can reach the Umiam Lake viewpoint.
From Umiam Lake viewpoint you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the majestic Lake. The most recommended time to visit is monsoon when the surrounding hills shrouded in mist.
Od-rngai Pool
The Od-rngai Falls, located in the East Khasi Hills near Mawphlang, is a breathtaking, lesser-known attraction in Meghalaya. This stunning waterfall forms a serene natural pool at its base, creating an ideal spot for visitors to relax and soak in the beauty of nature. Surrounded by lush greenery and dense forests, the pool is perfect for swimming or enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
The falls are particularly enchanting during the monsoon season when the water flow is abundant. For nature lovers and those seeking solitude, Od-rngai Falls and its natural pool offer a tranquil escape.
Janailar Natural Swimming Pool
The Janailar Natural Swimming Pool, located in the picturesque West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, is a serene and pristine spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Tucked away in a remote area, this natural pool formed by crystal-clear waters that flow down from nearby hills, creating a tranquil setting perfect for swimming and relaxation.
The Janailar pool surrounded by lush greenery, and the water is clear, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. The serene ambiance, coupled with the sound of the cascading falls, offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This is an ideal place for nature lovers who enjoy discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Pung Lyer Falls Pool
Pung Lyer Falls, located in the East Khasi Hills region. The falls themselves are awe-inspiring, with water flowing from a great height, creating a breathtaking spectacle. At the bottom of the falls lies the natural pool, which surrounded by smooth rocks and rich vegetation.
The clear, cool water is inviting, and the tranquil environment is perfect for relaxation. What makes this natural pool even more special is its remote location, making it a hidden gem that fewer tourists have discovered.
Nohkalikai Waterfall Pool
Nohkalikai Waterfall Pool is one of the highest waterfalls in India. It’s located near Cherrapunji, in the South Khasi Hills. At the base of the waterfall, there is a nice clear teal-tinted pool. It formed because the water of the waterfall plunges from a height of 1,100 feet, which remains very clean and clear throughout the year.
The location bit difficult to access. I would say, the views from the viewing points feels unreal and will offer you a bird’s-eye view of the waterfall and the pool below.
Importance of Natural Pools in Meghalaya
Natural pools in Meghalaya are not beautiful features of the landscape they tell the story. The story of how Nature created this land of beauty the ‘Scotland of the East’.
Biodiversity Hotspots: Many of these pools are home to unique aquatic life and contribute to the local biodiversity. In regions like Cherrapunji, known for its rich plant and animal life, the pools support a wide variety of species, both aquatic and terrestrial.
Tourism and Economic Impact: As ecotourism continue to grow in Meghalaya, natural pools offer a more sustainable alternative to mass tourism. They allow visitors to experience the state’s natural beauty in its purest form while helping to support the local economy.
Conservation Efforts: Many natural pools, especially those near waterfalls or caves, located in protected areas of the state. These areas are under the jurisdiction of conservation programs aimed at preserving Meghalaya’s unique flora and fauna.
Visiting Natural Pools in Meghalaya
If you plan to visit the natural pools in Meghalaya it’s going to be the best experience of your life whether you are a solo traveler or traveling with your close ones. But one thing I always mention is that as a traveler or visitor, you should always be respectful towards nature and our environment. Ensure that you carry back any waste you generate, refrain from swimming in areas where it’s prohibited, and avoid disturbing the local wildlife.
Also Check Out: The Role of Meghalaya in India’s Independence
Also Check Out: Most Beautiful Villages in Meghalaya
Aesthetic video editor with transition effects: extract music audio from any video. Pro video editing app with sound effect. In contrast, the CapCut App unlocks creative genius and acts as an ultimate solution for crafting stunning videos that can stand out. Its best free video editing app offers a plethora of trending templates to kickstart your creativity. Add text, photos, stickers, and audio tracks effortlessly. Customize visuals with retouch features and AI captions. Adjust duration, and speed, and add endless transitions, effects, and filters to make your videos pop. Best part? It’s all free! No subscriptions, no limits – just pure creative freedom to make your videos shine! The editor is known for its easy-to-navigate UI that allows users with different skill levels to quickly find the tools they need to use. It allows creatives to perform a variety of tasks, from applying text and effects to tweaking colors and performing speed adjustments.
https://full-led.cl/?p=8913
Turn your ideas into stunning videos with these proven prompting techniques. Learn how to craft effective prompts that deliver professional results every time. Download your AI animation video in various ratios and definitions or share it online with the world. Renderforest offers a variety of news video templates that you can customize using the breaking news video maker online free of charge. With all the template designs to choose from, you don’t need to worry about finding one that suits your needs. Plus, the news video maker is easy to use, so you can have your video ready in minutes. You can also make animation clips for a creative weather forecast using the free online animation maker. No, there are no copyright issues! You own the videos generated with VideoGPT. This means you have full rights to use, edit, and monetize your content as you see fit, without worrying about copyright claims. Enjoy creating freely!
Import Package Since there is yet a standalone version of Alight Motion for PC, the workaround way is the use Alight Motion via Android emulator. BlueStacks is a widely used Android emulator for PC. After installing it, the BlueStacks app will emulate the environment of Android phones, so that you can run Android apps inside BlueStacks. Open the Emulator software you just installed and look for the search bar. When you’ve discovered it, type Alight Motion into the search field and hit Enter. Activate the Alight Motion application by clicking on the icon. Alight Motion’s Play Store or App Store window will open, and the Store will appear in your emulation program. Now, press the Install button, and your program will begin downloading, just like it would on an iPhone or Android device. We’re all done now.
http://pasarinko.zeroweb.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=notice&wr_id=10435435
Instagram has just launched a free video editing app. It's called Edits, and it is, frankly, a CapCut copycat. It includes an in-app camera, along with a full suite of creative tools, including captions. You can share drafts of your videos with friends via DM and track your engagement, similar to Instagram insights. The CapCut video editor is an intuitive and universally recognized media editor renowned for its editing power, extensive media library, and ease of use. It delivers professional results and is a popular choice among beginners and experienced editors alike. CapCut is available for mobile phones and desktops and as a browser-based app. This allows superb flexibility, enabling you to edit from anywhere, whether at home or on the go. Thus, whether you are a TikToker, YouTuber, marketer, student, etc, the CapCut video editor is for you.
Download VITA – Video Editor & Maker on PC FollowSee All by Adi Robertson Vita Case Study : Case Study Are you looking for the quickest way to edit your videos and export them as full HD quality? VITA provides a video editor to easily download on your mobile devices to pre-process any videos you want. But the question is, is it the best video editor to use? To answer that specific question, you can read the evaluation we did here to determine if it will fit your needs. EPIK – AI Photo & Video Editor Uptodown is a multi-platform app store specialized in Android. Our goal is to provide free and open access to a large catalog of apps without restrictions, while providing a legal distribution platform accessible from any browser, and also through its official native app. The Vita app will be displayed in the search and tap the Get iCloud download button next to app name to start downloading.What if my Serene Smart product cannot connect to the Wifi network?Make sure you have entered the correct Wifi password during the WiFi setup. Check whether there are any internet connection issues. If the WiFi signal is too weak, reset your WiFi router and try again.
https://expathealthseoul.com/profile/charles-mahendran/
Create realistic videos, films, and short videos with stunning Al features, including an anime AI video generator, cinematic effects, realistic voiceovers, and much more. Drag and drop images, shapes, SVG and SWF to enrich video Build stunning 3D-animated titles and motion graphics seamlessly in your video editing workflow. I tried several editing apps but Inshot is the best. It is super easy to edit and the video gets saved much quicker. The new PIP option, animation and the detail option is outstanding. Thanks Inshot for making it so much helpful for YouTube video editors like me. Our prebuilt animations are designed to give you a lot of options. Whether you have a single image or need to create a long slideshow, DP Animation Maker has the rich set of tools you need to put all the pieces together.
Stop Motion Maker is a free online tool that allows users to create stop-motion animations. It features an easy-to-use interface and is perfect for creating fun, creative animations. Stop Motion Maker is suitable for beginners and experienced animators alike. Plus, with its library of sound effects and music, it’s a great way to bring any project to life. “I believe that in the e-learning space video is very important. People love the short tutorials of 1-2 minutes as it is a good way to learn. With Powtoon Capture the learner can see both the video animation and the trainer. This detail makes the difference as the learner doesn’t feel alone! “ iStopMotion is a powerful stop motion animation software for Mac and iPad. It helps creators bring their stories to life with its intuitive user interface and powerful editing tools. It’s also easy to use and allows users to capture, edit, and even share their animations.
https://hedgedoc.eclair.ec-lyon.fr/s/khdA9M1Wr
Whether you’re a budding creator or an experienced filmmaker, Lightworks allows you to breathe life into your video projects and create something truly special. Start your video journey today and see where it takes you! All the power of a desktop video editor—in the palm of your hand. When professional content creators and influencers need their videos to stand out on social media, they rely on Splice. Pretty cool now @RiversidedotFM can do TikTok Shorts style videos on the fly using AI. AI literally automating video editing now! $ CapCut is an exceptional free video editing tool that balances user-friendly features with professional capabilities. Its extensive options, from basic adjustments to advanced AI functions, empower users to create high-quality short videos easily. While it has limitations, such as a 15-minute video cap and upload restrictions for free users, its accessibility and robust features make CapCut a top choice for social media enthusiasts aiming to enhance their content.