Travel in Meghalaya (India)

Meghalaya

Carved from the erstwhile State of Assam, Meghalaya became a full fledged State on January 21,1972. Bounded on the North and East by Assam and on the South and West by Bangladesh, Meghalaya is spread over an area of 22, 429 square kilometres, and lies between 20.1° N and 26.5° N latitude and 85.49 °E and 92.52 °E longitude. Meghalaya, of Scottish scenery and Indian charm is a beautiful state nestled amid Assam and Bangladesh. Meghalaya, literally meaning "Abode of the Clouds" takes distinction of being among the wettest places on earth. The Cherrapunji belt receives the highest rainfall in the world. Home to an extraordinary diversity of peoples, the Khasi, Jantia and Garo tribes, Meghalaya is one of the most picturesque states of India, which serves as an ideal gateway for people in search of beauty and tranquility. The panoramic landscapes, foggy hills, cascading waterfalls, serpentine rivers, and terraced slopes soothe the minds of weary travellers. Meghalaya is blessed with rich wildlife. The dense forests of Meghalaya are inhabited by many rare species of birds and animal including elephants, Tigers, Golden Cats, Binturongs, Slow Loris, Monkeys and birds like Hornbills, Partridges, Teals, Snipes and Quails. Meghalaya is dotted with numerous tourist spots. Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya has many beautiful sites such as Lady Hydari Park, Elephant falls, Ward's lake, Shillong peak, and the golf course, one of the best in the country. Meghalaya (Abode of the Clouds), a state in northeasternIndia, is situated in the sub-Himalayan hills. It has common borders with the Indian state of Assam to its north and east, and with Bangladesh to its south and west. Geographically Meghalaya is divided into three hilly regions: Garo hills in the west, Khasi hills in the centre and Jaintia hills in the east, with elevations ranging between 150m to 1961m. The people of these regions are respectively called Garos, Khasis and Jaintias. While Garos migrated from Tibet, the Khasis and Jaintias are among the earliest ethnic groups in the Indian subcontinent. Khasis are known for being one of the few matriarchal societies surviving in the world today.

1. Attraction:

• Shillong:

Shillong

Shillong, the capital city, is famous for its spectacular beauty. Popularly known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ as it resembles the Scottish lands, Shillong’s landscape has to be seen to be believed. It is the only hill station in India that has accessible routes from all sides. Here are the leading attractions in Shillong. The Capital of Meghalaya, is a hill resort with incomparable climate. Often likened to Scotland, but isn’t really bagpipes echoing among the rolling hills, heather-covered slopes. The atmosphere is intensely musical all around with wind whistling through scented pines, babbling of torrential streams, cascading milky whit falls, the gently lapping waves at Umiam water resort frequented mostly by Anglers and Tourists, wild orchids that sent sweet fragrance to the air, lovely silver cloud hanging in the sky welcomes fellow Indian visitors and abroad as well. Shillong has a magical charm that makes tourists to revisit. Shillong often call the Land of Sevenhut is a land of honey and bee.

• Umiam-Lake:

umiam-lake

Umiam Lake is a beautiful artificial water reservoir that serves as a popular tourist attraction of Shillong. This lake came into existence in 1965, after the Umiam Umtru Hydro Electric Power Project (the first hydroelectricity venture in the northeast) was started. Covering a vast area of 10 sq. km, this large lake has rightly been termed as Barapani (big water) by locals. The lake is encompassed by sprawling meadows and undulating hills that are carpeted with lush greenery. Water complex offers a vast range of activities, which include row boats, paddle boats, cruise boats, sailing boats, water scooters and speed boats. Apart from these, visitors can also avail rides of river bus, speed boat and cruising boat.

• Ward Lake:

Ward Lake

2 minute walks from Police Bazar Tourist stand. A beautiful little placid lake, with a striking arched bridge, well landscaped and set in a botanical garden. This lake has beautiful flowers beds and offer boating facility. Many Bollywood films has been shot here. The exquisite historical man made lake got another bonus when a musical fountain was installed by the Assam Rifles who wanted to dedicate this as a sign of goodwill and friendship towards the peace loving people of the State. Assam Rifles Director General, Lt. H.S. Konwar handed over the Melody fountain to the C.M. of the State as a gesture of friendliness and cooperation in building great understanding between the paramilitary force and the civilians. The installation of this new fountain will help to enhance and attract more visitors is worth visiting.

• Elephant Falls:

Elephant-Falls

Elephant Falls is an enchanting waterfall that forms an integral part of the tourism circuit in Shillong. This waterfall was originally named Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew, which means a three-step waterfall in local parlance. Due to its difficult pronunciation, the British named the cascade as the Elephant Falls. The new name was derived from a huge rock at the site that resembled an elephant in appearance. Although this rock was destroyed in an earthquake that occurred towards the end of the 19th century, the name stayed.

• Mawlynnong waterfall:

Mawlynnong-Waterfall

Settled in one among the most cleanest and pristine villages of Asia Mawlynnong is the picturesque Mawlynnong Waterfall. Although, Mawlynnong village boasts of numerous breathtaking attractions, one of the most popular is Mawlynnong waterfalls. The water gushes down from a certain height. Soothing your mind and soul, these falls create a thrilling and magical ambience.Renowned as the ‘God’s own garden’ Mawlynnong village in Shillong (approximately 72km away) is revered as the cleanest village in year 2003 and 2005. Mawlynnong is a like a wonderland for nature lovers and photo fanatics; the fascinating and striking root bridges might leave you awestruck. The root bridges are like a pathway across a stream.

• Cherrapunji:

Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji boasts of being the second wettest place on earth. It may have lost its first place to Mawsynram, which is 16 km away from Cherrapunji, but it has won the hearts of tourists thanks to its picturesque landscapes. With Mother Nature being lavish in her offerings to this land, you are sure to find Cherrapunji to be a heaven on earth. The land is also the only place in the country to receive rainfall round the year. Here are the leading attractions in Cherrapunji.

2. Accomodation:

Hotel Alpine Continental

Hotel Pegasus-Crown

Royal Heritage

1. Hotel Alpine Continental
2. Hotel Pegasus Crown
3. Hotel Centre Point
4. Cherrapunjee Holiday 
5. Orchid Lake Resort
6. Royal Heritage and many more.

3. Shopping: 

Shillong, the capital city, is famous for its spectacular beauty. Popularly known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ as it resembles the Scottish lands, Shillong’s landscape has to be seen to be believed. It is the only hill station in India that has accessible routes from all sides. Here are the leading attractions in Shillong. The Capital of Meghalaya, is a hill resort with incomparable climate. Often likened to Scotland, but isn’t really bagpipes echoing among the rolling hills, heather-covered slopes. The atmosphere is intensely musical all around with wind whistling through scented pines, babbling of torrential streams, cascading milky whit falls, the gently lapping waves at Umiam water resort frequented mostly by Anglers and Tourists, wild orchids that sent sweet fragrance to the air, lovely silver cloud hanging in the sky welcomes fellow Indian visitors and abroad as well. Shillong has a magical charm that makes tourists to revisit. Shillong often call the Land of Sevenhut is a land of honey and bee.

4. Transport:

• By Air:

Meghalaya does not have any airport. The nearest airport is at Guwahati, which is only 128kms from Shillong the capital city of Meghalaya. A helicopter service operates betweenGuwahati, Shillong (30 min) and Tura (60 min), which is convenient and economical. Some helicopters land at upper Shillong and others at Umroi Helipad in the downtown.

• By Rail:

Meghalaya does not have any train service. The nearest and railway station is inGuwahati. TMeghalaya has very convenient road connection with Guwahati throughout the year.

• By Road:

Road Network in the state is quite efficient and covers the state conveniently. National Highway 40 is an all-weather road running through the state. The road connects Shillong with Guwahati, which in turn is connected to other major cities in rest of the country.