Meghalaya

Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a state of northeastern India. Meghalaya means in the Sanskrit language is the abode of clouds. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong. Its official language is English. British gave a nicknamed it the Scotland of the East. Meghalaya was the part of Assam.  In 1972, the Meghalaya became a new State with the districts of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills. The state has about 70% of the area is forested. The forests are very popular because of their biodiversity of mammals, birds, and plants.

11 Districts of Meghalaya

Jaintia Hills:

West Jaintia Hills (Jowai)

East Jaintia Hills (Khliehriat)

Khasi Hills:

East Khasi Hills (Shillong)

West Khasi Hills (Nongstoin)

South West Khasi Hills (Mawkyrwat)

Ri-Bhoi (Nongpoh)

Garo Hills:

North Garo Hills (Resubelpara)

East Garo Hills (Williamnagar)

South Garo Hills (Baghmara)

West Garo Hills (Tura)

South West Garo Hills (Ampati)

Tourist Places in Meghalaya

Meghalaya is compared to Scotland due to its nature, fog, and scenery. Meghalaya has the thickest forests in the country and so one of the most important ecotourism circuits in India. There are 2 National Parks and 3 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Meghalaya. Meghalaya is also known for adventure tourism such as mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, and hiking, Caving (spelunking) and water sports. There are many trekking routes in the state. Water sports complex are in the Umiam Lake with facilities such as rowboats, paddleboats, sailing boats, cruise-boats, water-scooters, and speedboats.

Shillong

Shillong is an attractive hill station and the capital of Meghalaya. Shillong means The Abode of Clouds. It is also refer as the Scotland of the East. Shillong is a beautiful capital and a major tourist attraction due to numerous waterfalls, parks and rolling hills. The top attractions in Shillong are Umiam Lake, Mawphlang Sacred Forest and Elephant Falls. Shillong gets heavy rainfalls during monsoon.

Living Root Bridges

A living root bridge is made of living plant roots by tree shaping. It is a kind of simple suspension bridge. These are commonly found in the southern part of Meghalaya. These types of bridge are handmade and made from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees. The roots in the bridge are thick and strengthen. They are grown by Khasi and Jaintia tribes. There are a lot of human’s finest bridges around the world. But the natural Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya is amazing and are among the biggest attractions in Meghalaya.

Interesting facts about Living Root Bridges

The Living Root Bridges are created from rubber tree roots (Ficus elastica tree).

Several root bridges are over 100 feet long and can take 10 to 15 years to get the perfect shape.

These roots last for as long as 500 years after once fully grown-up.

The double-decker root bridge in Cherrapunji and the single-decker root bridge in Shillong are the prime attraction in Meghalaya. Both the bridges are the unique bridges in the world.

Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya are a World Heritage Sites.

Double-decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunji

The bridge is located around 3 km away from village Tyrna. Tyrna village is about 20 km from Cherrapunji.  Sharing taxies are available to reach the Double-decker Living Root Bridge.

Living Root Bridge is 30 meters long and stands 2400 feet high. The path to Living root bridge is one of the most challenging treks. It is said that it is 180 years old. It is one of the most picturesque and beautiful places on earth. There are many waterfalls, misty weather and greenery that’s make the most prominent attractions for tourists from all over the world.

Single-decker Living Root Bridge in Shillong

Single decker Root Bridge is located at village Riwai in Shillong. Riwai village is very close to Mawlynnong which is Asia’s Cleanest Village. Mawlynnong is located close to the Bangladesh border and just 3 hour ride from Shillong. Single Decker Root Bridge is natural Living Root Bridges in Shillong. It is a kind of simple suspension bridge. It is handmade and made from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees. It is amazing bridge and is among the biggest attractions in Meghalaya.

Caving

Caving is to study of caves and cave environment.  The primary purpose is to increase of knowledge. Caving is called spelunking in the U.S. and Canada. The difference between caving and spelunking are the purposes for which tourist visit the caves. Spelunking is the touristic visit of caves.

Caving has the challenges such as lack of light beyond the entrance and water risks. All the challenges can be faced in cave which totally depending to the cave which is being visited. Cave diving is a totally different and more risky which is done by a proficient cavers.

Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is located in the East Khasi Hills district away about 50 km from Shillong in Meghalaya. It is also known as Sohra or Churra which means the land of oranges. Cherrapunji is wettest place In India and the only place to get rain, throughout the year. Cherrapunji is mentioned to as Jewel Crest of Meghalaya. This place is one of the rainiest Places in the world. Cherrapunji is also famous for many natural wonders like natural caves and high waterfalls.There is a heavy rainfall throughout the year in Cherrapunji . But the best time to visit Cherrapunji is between October and May. During these months weather remains cool and pleasant.

Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong is Asia’s Cleanest Village which is located in the East Khasi Hills district of the Meghalaya.  Mawlynnong is around 90 km from Shillong and close to the Bangladesh border. Mawlynnong is very famous for its cleanliness. The village is very pretty and different types of flowers add to the beauty of the village.In the Monsoons there is lush greenery all around.

Dustbins are made of bamboo and all the waste is collected in these dustbins. These waste put into a pit and then used as manure. Villagers participate in cleaning up the village. Smoking and polythene is totally banned in the village. The village is the cleanest village in Asia. It has boosted tourism and became the most popular tourist attraction. The village has many small tea shops. Tourist relishes a hot of cup of tea with some snacks in cool environment.

Dawki

Dawki or Dauki is a town which is located at West Jaintia Hills district in Meghalaya. It is 96 km from Shillong and very close to Bangladesh border.  It is so close that we can have a glimpse of Bangladesh. Umngot river is one the cleanest rivers in India. Water is looks like transparent. Dawki Bridge was made in 1932 by the British. It is a suspension bridge on Umngot River.

Dawki is amazing place to visit in Meghalaya. November is the best time to visit Dawki. The crystal clear water of the river and the beauty all around mesmerize tourist. The colorful annual boat race on the Umngot River is an added attraction during spring.

Waterfall and Lake

Waterfalls are very popular in Meghalaya such as the Elephant Falls, Shadthum Falls, Weinia falls, Bishop Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Langshiang Falls and Sweet Falls. It is said the hot springs at Jakrem have medicinal properties.

Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls is located at the outskirts of Shillong in the East Khasi Hills District. It is about 12 km far from the Shillong city center. Elephant Falls are a two-tier waterfall in Shillong. The mountain stream goes downhill through two waterfalls which is set in dells of fern-covered rocks. The original name of falls is Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew. Its meaning is the three - step waterfall. The modern name is originated in the British era because of the giant rock that looked like an elephant near the Waterfall.  Waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery that attracts nature lovers.

Nohkalikai Falls

Nohkalikai Falls is set nearby Cherrapunji. Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest 115 feet waterfall in India. Below the falls there is a pool with unusual green colored water.

Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake is located in the hills away form 15 km of Shillong in Meghalaya. It is a reservoir and also known as Dam Sait. It was made on Umiam River in 1960 by dam. The lake is a famous tourist attraction for among the tourists. It is popular as a tourist destination for water sport and adventure facilities such as kayaking, water cycling, scooting, and boating.

Thadlaskein Lake

Thadlaskein Lake is man-made historical Lake in Meghalaya. Thadlaskein Lake is situated in West Jaintia Hills district Jowai.  It is close of a small Mukhla village. It is around 58 Km from the city of Shillong.

There is a story about the existence of this lake. It is said that a young leader Sajar Nangli and his followers who once gathered at to rest after their long journey. They started digging the same ground and eventually it soon turned into a beautiful lake. It is today one of a huge lake in Meghalaya. The lake is very famous and picnic spot.

How to Reach Meghalaya

By Air: The nearest airport is Guwahati's Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Cabs and rented taxis can be taken easily from outside of the airport to reach the Shillong city. Another airport is Shillong Airport. It is around 40 Km from Shillong city.

By Rail: The Nearest railway station is the Guwahati railway station. It is around 105 km away from Shillong. It has good train connectivity with other major stations such as Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu, Kolkata and Bangalore.

By Road: Shillong has good road connectivity with various part of the country such as Assam. Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) buses are regularly available from Guwahati to Shillong. The State Transport and private Transport both operate AC Sleeper, luxury and Volvo buses are available for shillong in a reasonable price.

Best time to Visit

Meghalaya can be visited any time of the year. The best time is to visit from April to June. Summer season in Meghalaya are enjoyable. Weather remains pleasant during these months. Temperature during summer remains between 16°C and 31°C.  Mostly festivals are celebrated in the summer. The three-day festival of Shad Suk Mynsiem is held in April. This festival celebrates by Khasi tribe.  It is a dance festival to giving thanks by the Khasi tribe performed in hopes of the Good harvest. The pleasant weather makes the best time for vising sightseeing and adventure activities.