Many believe that Cherrapunji holds the title of the wettest place on Earth. But what if that’s not entirely true? Just 16 kilometers to the east of Cherrapunji lies a small town called Mawsynram where rain falls like a breeze. Nestled in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, a northeastern state of India, Mawsynram is around 34 miles from Shillong and is known for receiving rainfall as gently and frequently as a breeze.
For rain lovers, Mawsynram is prefect destination and a paradise. The town receives a staggering 467 inches of rain annually, which has earned it a spot in the Guinness World Records. In 2022, it recorded 1003 millimeters of rain in just a single day.
Geography and Rainfall
The village is perched at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level surrounded by the Khasi Hills. The warm and humid air from the Bay of Bengal also contributes to the region’s subtropical monsoon climate, making it a hotspot for heavy rainfall. The village’s proximity to the equator means that it is in the path of the southwest monsoon winds, which causes the region to receive more rainfall. In 1861, Mawsynram recorded its highest rainfall, with 26,000 millimetres (1,024 inches) of rain in a single year. On average, Mawsynram receives around 467.4 inches (11,871 millimeters) of rainfall each year, with a significant portion of it occurring during the monsoon season, which typically runs from June to September. This staggering amount of precipitation is a result of several meteorological factors.
Orographic Lift: Mawsynram’s proximity to the Bay of Bengal exposes it to moisture-laden air masses. As these moist air masses move inland, they are forced to ascend the steep slopes of the Khasi Hills. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, leading to heavy rainfall.
Monsoon Winds: The southwest monsoon winds carry moisture from the warm waters of the Bay of Bengal towards the Indian subcontinent. This moisture-laden air is funneled into the Meghalaya region, contributing to the high rainfall.
Geographic Factors: The geography of the region, with deep valleys and steep terrain, further enhances the orographic lift effect, causing the air to rise and release moisture as rain.
The landscape of Mawsynram is as beautiful as the rain. Lush forests, rugged cliffs, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, and meandering rivers create a scenic beauty that can flutter anyone’s heartbeat. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including rare species of flora such as various orchids and Rhododendron, and fauna like the Red-headed Vulture and Bengal slow lorises.
Mawsynram is not just a place with a remarkable meteorological distinction; it is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents. While the incessant rainfall brings its share of challenges, it has also shaped a unique way of life and culture in this remote corner of India. The village stands as a testament to the power of nature and the human spirit to thrive in even the most extreme conditions. Mawsynram will continue to captivate the world with its awe-inspiring rainfall and the indomitable spirit of its people.
A common question that arises for everyone is: How did Mawsynram surpass Cherrapunji? Mawsynram’s status as the rainiest place in the world is a fascinating story. For a long time, Cherrapunji was believed to hold this title. According to a NASA study conducted between 1970 and 2010 revealed that Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall. In 1985, Mawsynram was officially recognized as the wettest place on Earth by the Guinness World Records. In recent years, Mawsynram has gained popularity as a center for adventure tourism.
