About Arwah-Lumshynna Cave Viewpoint
Arwah Cave, also known as Lumshynna Cave or Krem Lawshynna, is a limestone cave on the side of Lawshynna Hill, a short drive from Sohra (Cherrapunji) town. It opened to visitors as a show cave around 2014, with concrete paths, railings and electric lighting along the section that visitors walk through. The main reason to come is the fossils. Towards the back of the cave, the limestone walls hold fossilised crustacean shells and fish bones, a reminder that this rock formed under the sea. The cave also has speleothems along the way. The full cave system is reported to be around 3 km long, but the visitor section is only a few hundred metres. The approach is as good as the cave itself. A paved trail runs along the escarpment with seating spots that look down the cliff face into the valley, towards a waterfall in the monsoon and across to Lawshynna Hill. It fits easily into a Sohra day trip alongside Nohkalikai, Mawsmai Cave and the Seven Sisters viewpoint.
What to expect at Arwah-Lumshynna Cave Viewpoint
Walk: A paved trail of roughly 400 m runs from the parking area to the cave mouth, cut through thick vegetation along the hillside. Viewpoint: Benches and open spots along the trail look down the escarpment into the valley; in the monsoon a waterfall shows on the opposite cliffs. Inside the cave: Lit concrete walkways with railings through narrow passages; look for marine fossils on the walls in the rear section. Footwear: Floors can be wet and slippery, and some passages are low, so wear shoes with grip. Facilities: Parking at the trailhead; food options are limited, so eat in Sohra.
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
October to May
October to May is the most comfortable period, with dry trails and clearer views from the escarpment. Post-monsoon months (October–November) combine clear skies with green valleys. Winter (December–February) is cool and dry, and spring (March–May) is pleasant before the rains. In the monsoon (June–September) the cliffs come alive with waterfalls, but fog can hide the viewpoint and the path and cave floor get slippery. Visit in daylight, ideally late morning, when the mist has usually lifted.
Getting There
Arwah Cave is about 58 km from Shillong on the Shillong–Sohra road, a drive of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and weather.
Arwah Cave is about 58 km from Shillong on the Shillong–Sohra road, a drive of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and weather. It is about 3.5 km from the Sohra (Cherrapunji) bus stand, so most visitors combine it with other Sohra sights the same day. From the parking area, it is a walk of about 400 m along a paved path to the cave entrance. Public transport to Sohra is limited to shared sumos, so a private cab is easier; one can be booked from Shillong with Tour Meghalaya.
Entry & Duration
Entry Fee: Approximately Rs 50 for adults and Rs 10 for children (2023 reports)
Plan about 1 to 1.5 hours for the trail, viewpoint stops and the walk through the cave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Arwah Cave from Shillong?
Arwah Cave is about 58 km from Shillong, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road via Sohra. It is about 3.5 km from the Sohra bus stand.
What is the entry fee for Arwah Cave?
Reports from 2023 put it at about Rs 50 for adults and Rs 10 for children. Fees can change, so carry cash and confirm at the counter.
Are there fossils in Arwah Cave?
Yes. The limestone walls in the rear part of the cave hold fossilised crustacean shells and fish bones, which are visible under the cave lighting.
Is Arwah Cave the same as Lumshynna Cave?
Yes. Arwah Cave is also called Lumshynna Cave or Krem Lawshynna, after Lawshynna Hill on whose side it lies.
Best time to visit Arwah Cave?
October to May is best for dry paths and clear views. The monsoon brings waterfalls but also fog and slippery floors.
How long is the walk to Arwah Cave?
About 400 m on a paved trail from the parking area, with benches and viewpoints along the way.
