Mawprem or Mawprom is another popular tourist spot in Cherrapunji and can be reached by a strenuous trek of about one and a half-hour from the Nohwet Village Bazaar. It is located near Umpling Lake and offers scenic views of the valley, Umkhrah River and other waterfalls.
Situated around 35 kilometres away from Shillong, the beautiful Mawprem Falls flows into the Kynrem River which soon meets Umiew or Nyneihiong River at Ri Bhoi District; it runs for about 8 kilometres. There are several other waterfalls nearby too like Laitlyngkot and Nongjri waterfalls that can be visited by tourists during their stay at Meghalaya.
Mawprem Falls is also called 'Banana Falls' as it resembles a banana plant when in full flow; the waterfall is also famous for its beauty and tranquillity. There are several hotels and resorts around Shillong/Meghalaya that provides rooms and cottages where tourists can stay during their visit. Some of these resorts even provide adventurous activities like river crossing, rock climbing and trekking which make your trip to Meghalaya truly memorable as you explore more about nature at its best.
There is also a beautiful legend behind the formation of this fall, according to which it was said that long ago the waterfall was formed by the mischievous child of 'Mawjymbuin' (the forest fairies). The Fairy wanted his son to grow up as a brave and strong boy who can protect his mother Nature. However, on one occasion when he was asleep under the shade of a tree during summer, an old woman appeared before him and offered him some water; on drinking it he realised that it was extremely bitter in taste. Curious about how bad it tasted, she mixed some more ingredients with the water and gave it back to him. That day onwards due to the effects of poison in that water, he grew up to be a coward, weak and unfit. The waterfall was formed after the boy fell from the cliff when he tried to please his mother by bringing flowers for her.
The ideal time to visit this waterfall is during the monsoon period towards winter. However, tourists can enjoy a stunning view of the fall throughout the year as it gets covered with snow during winters.