Travel to Meghalaya

In the tiny state of Meghalaya, it is an unending affair between the tall pines and the clouds. Hence comes the name "Meghalaya" - the abode of clouds. The British fell in love with the place and dubbed it as the "Scotland of the East'.

Three hills - Khasi, Jaintia and Garo dominate the landscape of Meghalaya. Meghalaya became a full-fledged state of Indian Union only in 1972. In that respect, Meghalaya is one of the youngest states in India.

As Meghalaya still lies away from the limelight, the land exudes a virgin charm around it. If you are dying for an idyllic escape away from the urban madness, travel to Meghalaya.

                               

In Meghalaya you can breathe in the fresh mountain air, let your soul loose in gentle whisper of the tall pines. When did you last hear the babbles of a stream? Come travel to Meghalaya, the state has it all. Travel to Meghalaya to see the dazzling waterfalls plunging down the height of hills and to explore the labyrinth of undiscovered caves or to find the wettest land on earth, Cherapunjee, where it rains the most.

The quaint hamlets peep from the rugged terrains. Travel to Meghalaya to befriend the unassuming tribal folks leading an exotic life untouched by the modernities. As a striking contrast to the rest of India, the tribal society here is a matrilineal one. Visit Meghalaya during a tribal festival to take a peek into how myths and legends interplay with history and religion and see the simple folks revel in colorful festivities.

How to Reach Meghalaya

The hilly state of Meghalaya is tucked away in the hills of eastern sub-Himalayas. Meghalaya has one of the most beautiful landscapes in India where the nature has poured in abundance the gifts of rain and sunshine. The unending affair between smoky hills and clouds and vast stretches of lush green forest would unfailingly capture your imagination. Ever-hospitable colorful tribes lend it with a mystic charm.

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 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.

By Rail

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

Places to See in Meghalaya

Mawsmai

The main attraction of Mawsmai is the Mawsmai Cave. The other name for this attraction of Mawsmai at Meghalaya is Krem Phyllut. It is located close to the Nohsngithiang Falls. The entry point of Mawsmai Cave is located in the village of Mawsmai, which is situated near Cherrapunjee. The entry of Mawsmai Cave is located very close to the Mawsmai village.The vertical entry is very narrow.  

One can visit this cave in Mawsmai of Meghalaya with an affordable entrance fee. The cave remains open for public viewing from 9 am to 4:30 pm.

The interior of the cave at Mawsmai in Meghalaya consists of big halls. Each of these halls looks like an amphitheater. The cave is embedded in darkness. A torchlight or any other kind of light works wonders on the hidden beauties of this place: the interiors of the cave become illuminated and the stalagmites, stalactites and walls appear to reflect innumerable crystal colors.

The only distinguishing point in all these halls is their varying shapes and sizes. Stalactite and stalagmite myriads lay scattered in the cave. The interior of the cave is quite spacious, which allows one to conveniently move about within the cave.  

Jaintia Hills
Jaintia Hills at Meghalaya is the home of the Jaintia tribes. The district of Jaintia Hills was formed in the year 1972. Jaintia Hills is one of the most exuberant and beautiful locations in Meghalaya. The place which is surrounded by nature from every side is a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

The surrounding meadows, forests, water lakes, rivers, plateaus, etc. are the main charm of Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya. The place has been a home to many wildlife species and floral variety. Jowai which is the headquarter of Jaintia Hills is only 64 kilometers away from Shillong.

The nearest airport would be the Guwahati airport and the nearest railway station would be the Guwahati railway station. From there you can catch any bus for Shillong and from there you can pick up any local transport to reach Jaintia Hills.

The must visit places at Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya are listed below :

• Syntu Ksiar : This is one of the best picnic spots as you can enjoy amidst the cool breeze of river Myntdu which flows across it. The river circles the whole Jowai town and the land appears to be glowing like a Golden flower. 

• Thadlaskein Lake : It is situated 8 kilometers away from Jowai and is believed to have been dug up with the tip of the bow by the followers of one of the very famous leaders of Jaintia Hills, Sajar Nangli. The lake falls in between the route of Shillong from Jowai. 

• Syndai : Situated in the Jowai-Dawki road, it is an important village which comprises a large number of caves and caverns scattered all across the village. These caves and caverns all together are known as Syndai caves.
• Nartiang : The place is a must visit for it offers a wonderful view of standing rocks. One of the rocks is believed to be the walking stick of Jaintia legend Mar Phalyngki. Some of the clusters of rocks are tallest in the world. The place is just 24 kilometers away from Jowai.

                                  

Garo Hills 

The magniloquent Garo Hills are exquisitely positioned across the the state of Meghalaya in India. They constitute a fraction of the Garo-Khasi hills which serves to be one of the chief attractions of the state of Meghalaya.The Garo hills procure a dwelling place for the individuals belonging to the various tribes in Meghalaya.

The Garo Hills in Meghalaya cherish the reputation of being one of those destinations on earth that receives humongous proportions of rainfall owing to the subtropical climate that predominates here. The damp ambiance has also facilitated in the growth luscious green forests of the sub-tropical nature.

The functional capital of the state of Meghalaya, Shillong, is in fact cradled in the heart of Garo Hills. Three conspicuous districts constitute the Meghalaya Garo Hills.

The second largest urban settlement is however Tura that houses a staggering 70,000 residents. The Garo hills of Meghalaya remains under a humid blanket of clouds virtually all throughout the year. It is cribbed on the foothills of the mammoth Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The Garo hills are also dowered with gorgeous flora as well as ample fauna.

There are a huge number of tourist destinations that will beyond a shadow of a doubt wow you. They include the following:-

• Tura Peak that stands at a height of 872 meters. There are a number of bungalows that provide comfortable accommodation.
• Bhaitbari comprise of a petite rural settlement on the fringe of the rivulet called Jinjiram.
• Kata Beel is a sprawling pond.
• Darga of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba or the Pirsthan.
• Nokrek is a stupendous knoll that stands at an astonishing 1412 meters.

Other attractions include Mir Jumila's Tomb, Arbella Peak, Rongbang dare and many more. 

Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji is a city in the state of Meghalaya, India that experiences monsoon season throughout the year. It is recorded to be amongst the world's wettest regions. It is often referred to as the 'Land of Oranges'. It is a popular tourist destination because of its pristine and natural beauty.

Even though Cherrapunji is known to receive the highest rainfall in the country, it has an amazing phenomenon where rainfall mostly occurs at night, adding to the beauty of the valley without disrupting day to day activities. This fact helps tourists to enjoy the pristine beauty of this region with its perpetual clouds and mist that transcends them into a dreamy peaceful world.

Shopping in Meghalaya

Entire northeastern region in India has a truly rich tradition of handicrafts and Meghalaya is no exception. We can better say, in the lives of the tribes of Meghalaya weaving - be it cane or cloth - is an inseparable part. These exquisite handicrafts make for good shopping in Meghalaya.

Since Meghalaya has a huge forest area and abundant wood material therein since long past, the tribes of Meghalaya have developed a heritage of woodcarving and cane and bamboo work.

The woven cane mats and baskets of Meghalaya are famous for their durability while the fabrics have aesthetic floral designs. The artifacts may leave you spoilt for choice.

You can't find up market commercial plazas in Meghalaya, but the local bazaars would offer you a delightful shopping in Meghalaya. The Government Emporia have fairly good presence all over the state.

Tourist Map Of Meghalaya