Place To Visit Meghalaya
Meghalaya is a state located in the northeastern region of India. It is bordered by Assam to the north and east, Bangladesh to the south and southwest, and the Indian state of Tripura to the southeast. The name "Meghalaya" means "the abode of clouds" in Sanskrit, and it is aptly named as it receives some of the highest rainfall in the world.
Meghalaya is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, misty mountains, and gushing waterfalls. The state is predominantly hilly, with the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia hills running through it. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong, which is also known as the "Scotland of the East" due to its pleasant weather and colonial-era architecture.
The state is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with dense forests covering much of its area. Meghalaya is also known for its unique root bridges, which are made by weaving the roots of trees together to form a sturdy bridge over streams and rivers. The living root bridges are found primarily in the Khasi hills and are a testament to the ingenuity of the local people.
The people of Meghalaya are predominantly tribal, with the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes forming the majority of the population. The tribal communities have their own distinct cultures and traditions, which are reflected in their clothing, food, and music.
Meghalaya has a rich cultural heritage, with various festivals celebrated throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals include the Nongkrem Dance, Shad Suk Mynsiem, and Behdienkhlam. These festivals are an opportunity for the people to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions.
In terms of economy, Meghalaya is primarily an agricultural state, with rice and other crops being the mainstay of the economy. The state is also known for its limestone reserves, which are used in the cement industry. Tourism is another important sector, with the state attracting visitors from all over the world.
Overall, Meghalaya is a state with a unique cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is a place where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony, and where visitors can experience the best of both worlds.
1. Cherrapunjee
Cherrapunjee, also known as Sohra, is a picturesque town located in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is situated in the East Khasi Hills district and is famous for its heavy rainfall and beautiful waterfalls. In fact, it holds the record for being the wettest place on earth, receiving an average annual rainfall of over 11,000 millimeters.
The town is surrounded by lush green valleys and is nestled amidst the misty clouds, giving it a surreal charm. It is located at an altitude of 1,484 meters above sea level and is home to a vibrant Khasi community that has preserved its traditions and culture.
The main attractions of Cherrapunjee are its breathtaking waterfalls. The Nohkalikai waterfall, which is the tallest plunge waterfall in India, is a must-visit. The Dain-Thlen Falls, Kynrem Falls, and Seven Sisters Falls are some other beautiful waterfalls that attract a large number of tourists. In addition to waterfalls, the town is also famous for its limestone caves, such as the Mawsmai Cave and the Arwah Cave.
The town is also a haven for trekkers and hikers, with several trekking routes offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Living Root Bridges of Cherrapunjee are a unique attraction, where the roots of trees are intertwined to create natural bridges over streams and rivers.
Apart from its natural beauty, Cherrapunjee is also known for its unique cuisine, which is a blend of local Khasi and Bengali flavors. The town's traditional bamboo dance, known as Shad Nongkrem, is a colorful spectacle that is held annually in November and is a must-see.
Overall, Cherrapunjee is a beautiful and serene town that offers a unique experience to visitors. Its lush greenery, magnificent waterfalls, and rich culture make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Northeast India.
2. Shillong
Shillong is the capital city of the Indian state of Meghalaya, located in the Northeastern region of the country. It is known as the “Scotland of the East” due to its rolling hills, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather. Shillong is situated at an altitude of 1,496 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green forests, waterfalls, and picturesque lakes.
The city has a rich cultural heritage and is home to various tribes such as Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo. The Khasi tribe is the dominant tribe and has a significant influence on the city's culture, traditions, and cuisine. The people of Shillong are friendly, hospitable, and proud of their heritage.
Shillong has several places of tourist interest. The Shillong Peak, which is the highest point in the city, offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The Elephant Falls, which is located on the outskirts of the city, is a popular tourist attraction. The Ward’s Lake, which is located in the heart of the city, is a beautiful artificial lake surrounded by lush green gardens and walking paths.
One of the most unique attractions in Shillong is the living root bridges of Cherrapunjee, which are located about an hour's drive from the city. These bridges are made of the roots of the Ficus elastica tree and are considered to be one of the marvels of engineering.
Shillong is also famous for its music scene. The city has produced several famous musicians, and music is an integral part of its culture. The annual Shillong Autumn Festival is a celebration of music, food, and culture, and attracts visitors from all over the country.
The city is also famous for its cuisine, which is a blend of local and international flavors. The Khasi cuisine, in particular, is known for its unique and flavorful dishes, such as jadoh, tungrymbai, and dohneiiong.
Overall, Shillong is a charming and beautiful city that offers a unique experience to visitors. Its natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Meghalaya.
3. Mawsynram
Mawsynram is a small village located in the Indian state of Meghalaya, in the East Khasi Hills district. It is known for being one of the wettest places on earth, receiving an average annual rainfall of over 11,800 millimeters.
The village is located at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green hills, valleys, and streams. The climate in Mawsynram is humid and cool throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.
The main attraction of Mawsynram is its natural beauty. The village is home to several waterfalls, including the Nohsngithiang Falls, which is also known as the Seven Sisters Falls. The falls are named after the seven streams that flow down the cliff and merge into one. The Mawlyngbna Cave is another popular tourist spot, which is famous for its unique limestone formations and underground rivers.
Mawsynram is also famous for its living root bridges, which are a unique engineering marvel. The bridges are made of the roots of the Ficus elastica tree and are created by the Khasi tribe, who have perfected the art of shaping the roots over generations.
The village is home to a small community of Khasi people, who have preserved their traditional lifestyle and culture. Visitors can experience the warm hospitality of the Khasi people by staying in homestays and trying local food such as jadoh, a traditional Khasi rice dish, and tungrymbai, a fermented soybean snack.
The village is also a popular destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts. There are several trekking routes in and around Mawsynram that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Overall, Mawsynram is a hidden gem in Meghalaya, offering a unique experience to visitors who want to explore the natural beauty and rich culture of the region. The village's serene and picturesque surroundings, along with the warm hospitality of the Khasi people, make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Meghalaya.