MEGHALAYA the “Abode of the Clouds”, truly bears the name with a dramatic location on a horseshoe of the rocky cliff above the Bengal Plains. Called by the British as ‘Scotland of the East’ with her undulating rivers, waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, emerald green lakes , gorges and the panoramic view the destination play a soothing effect on the minds of weary travelers. To give the name of the state a proper standing, Clouds are always found during the monsoon season nestling in the tropical forest valleys of Garo Hills or in the temperate pine forests of the Khasi and Jaintia hills.
Situated in the North Eastern corner of India, Meghalaya is bounded by Assam in the north and east, and the plains of Bangladesh in the south and west.
Home to the Khasi, Garo, Jaintia and some other lesser known tribes, Meghalaya boasts of a unique matrilineal lineage system practiced by all the three major tribes with some degree of variation. Property is inherited by the women, and the youngest daughter is the heiress of the ancestral property in the Khasi/Jaintia tradition. The Garos have a slight variation, if the youngest daughter is found not worthy; the property may be given to any of the other daughters.
The higher ranges of the Khasi/Jaintia hills enjoy a cool, bracing, temperate climate while the winters can be cold. The Garo hills on the other hand, is at a lower altitude, and has tropical vegetation. The summer months in Tura, the administrative capital of Garo hills, are warm and humid whereas winters are pleasant with a slight chill.
Capital city of this tiny North Eastern state is Shillong.
SHILLONG
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is one of the most popular tourist destinations. It was the capital of the erstwhile British provincial state of Assam, and remained so even after independence. When Meghalaya attained Statehood, Shillong remained the capital. Situated at an altitude of 1,496 meters above sea level, Shillong is perhaps the only hill station with motorable roads leading to every corner. Shillong derives its name from the peak of the same name and there are many legends surrounding this name. One says that it came from a handsome youth called ‘Shyllong’, who was born in mysterious circumstances to a virgin human mother in Bisi, a village near Shillong. It is believed that he was the Shillong deity and the phrase, “Kot Shillong”, which means “To bring peace in time of catastrophe, danger or personal misfortune” originated in the legend.
CHERAPUNJEE
Cherrapunjee, locally and officially known as Sohra, is 56 kms from Shillong, and a “must see” destination for all tourists. Apart from being the record holder for the heaviest rainfall, it was the headquarters of the Khasi/Jaintia province during British rule which was however shifted to Shillong in 1864, due to the inconvenience caused by excessive rain during the monsoon months.
The average rainfall is 12,000 mm a year and the record for a single day was 2455 mm recorded in 1974 confirming it as the “Wettest place on Earth”.
JOWAIJowai, headquarters of the Jaintia Hills district is situated 64 kms away from Shillong, along the Shillong-Silchar national highway. A picturesque town circled by the majestic Myntdu river.
MAWPHLANG SACRED FOREST
One of the most remarkable features of the Khasi Hills are the sacred forests, which have been preserved by traditional religious sanction, since the ancient days. One such most famous sacred forests is the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, about 25 kilometres from Shillong. The sacred grove has an amazing life form of plants, flowering trees, orchids and butterflies. An ideal destination for nature lovers.
NONGKHNUM ISLAND
The Nong khnum river island, said to be one of the biggest river island in Asia, covering a geographical area of five square kilometers, is twelve kilometers from Nongstoin, the district headquarters of West Khasi Hills.
MAWSYNRAM
Very popular among Hindu devotees, at a distance of 55 kms from Shillong, is the Mawjymbuin Cave. The place is known for the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites formation inside the cave. It has a unique attraction to offer to tourists on the pilgrimage trail, in the form of a natural Shiva Linga which receives steady drops of water from a stone shaped like a breast situated directly overhead.
THADLASKEIN
56 kms from Shillong, was according to legend, dug with the ends of bows by members of 290 clans of U Sajjar Niangli, a rebel general of Jaintia Raja, to commemorate the great exodus of the clans, now mainly settled, in the Ri Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts.
NARTLANG
65 kms from Shillong, was the summer capital of the Jaintia Kings, of Sutnga State. Huge monoliths form the striking landmark of the village, said to be erected by Mar Phalyngki, a goliath ot yore. The Nartiang menhir measure 27 feet in height above the ground, 6 feet in breadth and 2 feet 6 inches in thickness. The monoliths represent the megalithic culture of the Hynniewtrep people. A 500 Years old temple of Durga is another attraction at Nartiang.
SYNDAIVillage is dotted with a number of caves and caverns, used as hide-outs during war times between Jaintia kings and foreign intruders.
TURA
Tura has a picturesque landscape of hills against a backdrop of low-lying plains, with the mighty river Brahmaputra making sweeping curves as it flows towards Bangladesh. A sunset view can be best seen from Tura Peak at 1,400 meter and its summit can be reached by a five kilometers trek, partly by hiking and also by rock climbing.
BALPAKRAM
A National Wildlife Park, is about 167 kms from Tura, also known as the abode of perpetual winds. It is believed that here, the spirits of the dead dwell temporarily before embarking on the final journey.
NAPHAK
Located at a distance of 112 kms from Tura, ideal for fishing and bird watching with the river Simsang flowing nearby.
SIJU
The famous limestone caves of Siju are located near Naphak Lake and the Simsang Game Reserve. The formation of stalagmites and stalactites in these caves resemble those of the Blue Grotto in the Isle of Capri.
RONGRENGIRI
Islocated at a distance of about 79 kms from Tura. A historical place where the Garos fought their final battle against the British.
WILLIAMNAGAR
308 kms from Shillong via Guwahati. Headquarters of the East Garo Hills District, it is situated on the banks of the Simsang river.
Average Raifall: 2818 mm
Average Temperature: 18-20° C
Population of State: 2,318,822
Best Time to Visit: Oct. to Mar
Raihead: Guwahati
Nearest Airport: Guwahati
Tourist Circuit:
Shillong, Cherapunji, Jowai
Tura, Siju, Balpakram |
