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Meghalaya

Northeast is famous across the World for its beauty and serenity. Moreover, the soothing environment of the northeast is capable enough to refresh your mind and give your soul the kind of peace you want. One of the hill stations of the northeast that has been able to attract tourists almost throughout the year to witness its heavenly views is Meghalaya. Needless to say, every part of this state is worth watching and enjoying. Though a state can't hold beauty in each corner, Meghalaya has made it possible. It can only be believed when someone actually ends up travelling to that part of the globe.

Be it a family vacation or honeymoon, anyone can visit Meghalaya because its views are equally enjoyable for everyone, irrespective of age. However, if people on the right side of sixty want to visit this region, it is heavily advised to carry some extra winter clothes because the temperature remains minimum most of the time. Thus, before contacting your travel agent, let us gather some information about the heavenly abode of northeast- Meghalaya.

About Meghalaya - An Overview

The word “Meghalaya” has been derived from a Sanskrit word that means “abode of clouds”. This state was established by carving out two districts from Assam (the United Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills and the Garo Hills) in the year 1972. It shares its borders with the Bangladeshi divisions of Mymensingh and Sylhet in the south, and with Assam in the north and east side. The official language here is English. One interesting fact about Meghalaya is that it follows a matrilineal system where the inheritance is passed through women.

The weather in Meghalaya is pleasant because about 70% of the state is covered with forests. However, its mountain forests are distinct from the lowland tropical forests that cover the north and south portions of the state. There is a notable richness in biodiversity with a wide range of mammals, birds, and plants.

Spirituality of Meghalaya

Mawsynram, which occupies the southernmost portion of Meghalaya, there is a holy cave called Mawjymbuin cave where a massive stalagmite has taken the shape of a Shivalinga naturally. According to popular beliefs, this Shivalinga has been in existence in this region since the 13th century under the reign of Ranee Singa.

Living Root Bridges

The living root bridge found in Meghalaya is functional, and living and the architecture has been created by tactfully manipulating the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica tree. There are many such man-made living structures that exist in the mountain terrain along the southern border of the Shillong Plateau.

Tourism in Meghalaya

Foreign tourists required special permits to enter the areas of Meghalaya earlier. But, in the year 1955, these restrictions have been removed. People often compare this state with Scotland for its highlands, fog as well as scenery. It has also received the name “Scotland of the East”.

There are various adventure tourism opportunities for adventure-freak tourists such as mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, hiking, and caving as well as water sports. In addition, there are numerous trekking routes, which may help explore various rare animals. The Umiam Lake is famous for extending facilities such as rowboats, paddleboats, sailing boats, cruise boats, water scooters as well as speedboats.

Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is another famous tourist destination of Meghalaya that occupies the southernmost portion of the capital city Shillong. It is also known to be the traditional capital of the Khasi tribal Kingdom (Ka hima Sohra). This small city holds the record of being the wettest place on Earth but now Mawsynram is giving tough competition to break the same.

Cherrapunji has mainly attained recognition for its living bridges. People of this region have spent more than hundreds of years developing techniques for growing roots to trees into large living bridges. The process generally takes 10 to 15 years. However, the oldest one is now over 500 years old.

Nohkalikai Falls

Known to be the tallest plunge waterfall in the country, this waterfall is located at the heart of Meghalaya near Cherrapunji and is considered to be one of the wettest places on Earth. According to traditional beliefs, there was a widow who remarried for the sake of her daughter’s well-being, and cannibalized her own daughter unknowingly because of a jealous husband who killed his stepdaughter and prepared a meal out of the flesh of the deceased child. The woman couldn’t bear the fact that she consumed her own daughter in the form of that cooked meal and leaped from this waterfall.

Dawki

Occupying the Indo-Bangladesh border, Dawki is a small town situated at the heart of the Jaintia Hills. The primary attraction of this place is the Dawki Bridge which has helped in flourishing the tourism of Meghalaya to a great extent. Some of the top places to visit and explore in Dawki are as follows:

  • Dawki River
  • Dawki Boating Point
  • Dawki Bridge
  • Indo Bangla Check Post
  • Tamabila
  • Dawki Tamabil Border Crossing
  • Jaflong Dawki Border
Mawlynnong- The cleanest village in Asia

Mawlynnong is considered to be the cleanest village in Asia and is also known as God’s own garden. This small town holds the record of receiving the award of the cleanest village in Asia from Discover India. Besides this title, Mawlynnong is also famous for its 100% literacy rate and for setting a true example of women empowerment which is still a dream for many parts of the World.

The weather of Mawlynnong remains pleasant throughout the year. Thus, tourists can plan their trip to this place according to their own convenience. Particularly, during the rainy season, this place develops some extra heavenly beauty with its lush green surrounding that turns the place into a complete picturesque. Tourists can also plan their trip during the festival time such as Behdienkhlam (July), Wangala (from September to December), and Nongkrem Dance Festival (from October to November).

Elephant Falls

A two-tier waterfall in Shillong that descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern-covered rocks, the Elephant Falls is one of the topmost tourist attractions of Meghalaya. Out of the two falls, the first fall is very broad and remains hidden among trees most of the time. On the other hand, the second fall is considered to be quite domesticated. The third fall is the tallest one with the most spectacular view, having crystal clear water falling over sharp rocks.

Umiam Lake

This Lake occupies the northern portion of Shillong that was created by damming the Umiam River in the early 1960s. This place is mainly famous for various water sports and adventure activities such as kayaking, water cycling, scooting as well as boating.

Shillong Peak

Situated at a height of approximately 6449 ft, Shillong Peak is known to be the highest peak of the capital city of Shillong. Tourists visit this location to witness the panoramic views of the entire city which are breathtaking and jaw-dropping. Moreover, the tourists can also utilize the telescope available here to take a bird’s eye view of the city. Though this location is highly recommended for its amazing views, it remains covered by heavy fog most of the time. While visiting Shillong Peak, tourists need to carry valid ID proof that is required at the check-gate. Also, it is advisable to visit this peak after sunset to have the best views.

The cuisine of Meghalaya

Since this state is home to three tribes, it has a unique cuisine, different from the other states of northeast India. The staple food is rice with spicy meat as well as fish. The locals also consume the meat of goat, pig, fowl, duck and cow. The dishes of Khasis and Jaintia are Jadoh, Ki Kpu, tung rymbai and pickled bamboo shoots.

Best time to visit Meghalaya

The best time to visit Meghalaya is between October and June. Besides, it is also a favourite during the months of March and June which is the summer season in the country.