SHILLONG, July 9: Meghalaya’s Mawsynram, the wettest place on Earth, will soon host the world’s first rain museum. Receiving an annual average rainfall of nearly 12,000 mm, Mawsynram has long fascinated meteorologists and travellers alike. The new museum aims to harness this global curiosity and transform the village into a unique destination of learning and immersive experience.
Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh confirmed that tenders for the ambitious Rs 35-crore project have been floated, and construction is expected to begin after the ongoing monsoon season. The rain museum will feature realistic rain simulations, interactive exhibits, and educational experiences focusing on weather patterns, cloud formation, and climate change.
In addition to being a major tourist attraction, the museum will serve as a centre for scientific learning and research. It will include a state-of-the-art facility equipped with rain gauges and modern monitoring systems, with scope for collaboration with premier institutions like the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The initiative will also showcase Khasi cultural heritage, blending local traditions with scientific engagement.
This one-of-a-kind project is part of a larger eco-tourism strategy by the Meghalaya government, which includes the development of new roads, eco-resorts near Mawmluh, additional homestays, and skill development programs for the local community. The rain museum is expected to redefine Mawsynram’s identity — from a quiet, rain-soaked village to a global hub of experiential tourism and climate education.
