Every monsoon, dark clouds gather with purpose, their intricate layers rolling over hills of northeast India like a cascade of silken drapes, cloaking the landscape in mist. As the rains drape its hills, they breathe life into every leaf and stream, crafting a living tapestry that captivates both locals and visitors.

This enchanting region, particularly the state of Meghalaya, is cradled by nature’s monsoonal bounty. Nestled in the East Khasi Hills, Mawsynram proudly holds the Guinness World Record for the highest annual rainfall, typically receiving an astonishing average of 11,872 milimetres of rain each year. The region has one of the longest monsoon seasons, from June to October.

The beauty of this region is not solely defined by its statistics. Visitors to Mawsynram often find themselves entranced by the symphony of rain, each drop singing a lullaby to the vibrant greens that carpet the earth. It is a place where the rain doesn’t merely fall; it sings, dances, and transforms the landscape into a paradise abundant with biodiversity.

Ever wondered why northeast India receives such heavy rainfall?

We sat down with Professor Upma Chaturvedi, head of the Department of Geography, Avadh Girls’ Degree College, Lucknow, to learn the science behind it.

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