Meghalaya- The Abode of Clouds

The longest natural subterranean cave networks, the monolith gardens, the living root bridges, the wettest places on Earth, the panoramic landscapes, the cascading waterfalls, rivers with crystal clear water, cleanest villages along with rainy hills – WOW!!!, so many thrilling and tranquil experiences in a single state, yes, it is all offered by the state Meghalaya, itself means “The abode of the clouds” also called “The Scotland of the East” with its mixed local ethnic people culture along with western culture.

Geography: –

Meghalaya was formed by carving out two districts from Assam – (a) The Khasi hills and Jaintia Hills, and (b) The Garo hills on 21^st January 1972. With an area of approximately 22,430 sq.Km, the state is bounded by Bangladesh in the south and west, and by Assam in the north and east. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong. It is the wettest state in India with an annual average of 12000mm of rain per year. Meghalaya is mainly mountainous consisting of Archean rock formations which is divided into three main hill regions – Eastern region is the Jaintia hills, the central part is the Khasi hills and the western part is known as the Garo hills. The elevation of these hills ranges between 490 feet to 6400 feet. There are 11 districts in Meghalaya.

Culture: – Meghalaya’s population is mainly comprises of tribal people, Khasis being the largest group followed by Garo and Jaintia. Majority of these tribes are Christian by religion. Each of these groups have their own ethnic culture, language, festivals and food habits, etc. The bamboo and wood carving and artistic weaving are famous crafts in Meghalaya.

Biodiversity: – About 70% of the state is covered by forest which is primarily subtropical in nature. These forests support a vast varieties of flora and fauna. The Nokrek Biosphere reserve in the west Garo hills and the Balphakram National park in the South Garo hills are the two most important biosphere reserves in the state. There are three more wildlife sanctuaries namely Nongkhyllem wildlife sanctuary, Siju sanctuary and the Baghmara sanctuary.

How to reach: – Meghalaya is well connected with the other part of India through Roadways and Airways. There is one domestic airport at Umroi, 30 Km from Shillong. The other major airport is at Borjhar, Guwahati which is an international airport and is at a distance of 103Km from Shillong. The nearest major railhead is at Guwahati. There are frequent bus and taxi services from Guwahati to Shillong.

M ajor Destinations of Meghalaya

1. Shillong

Once one of the major hill stations in India during British era, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and is also called as the “Scotland of the East” because of its picturesque sights and the soothing climate. The whole city is encircled by pine trees, numerous waterfalls, mountain peaks, lakes golf course, museum, zoo and off course the western and traditional mix musical events make the place very lively.

Best time to visit : – October to April.
Major attractions: – Shillong peak, Elephant falls, Police bazar, Shillong Heritage walk, Wards lake, Don-Bosco museum, Golf course, Speed boat riding at Umium lake(Barapani), etc.
Ideal duration of visit: – 2Days/2Nights.
Famous for: – Pleasant climate.
Distance from: – Guwahati – 103 Km; Shillong Airport(Umroi) – 30 Km; Silchar – 206 Km.
Places to stay: – All categories of Hotels and Resorts available.
Nearest places of interest: – Cherrapunji.

2. Cherrapunji

Originally known as Sohra, Cherrapunji was the wettest place on earth till few years back when nearest Mawsynram took the title. It is the most visited tourist place in Meghalaya because of its stunning wonders like Living Root Bridges, Cave formations, Waterfalls, etc. Cherrapunji is inhabited by the major Khasi tribe and is located at an average elevation of about 4800 feet above sea level.

Best time to Visit: – October to April.
Major attractions: – Hike to the Double Decker Root bridge & Rainbow Waterfall, Nohkalikai waterfall, Mawsmai cave, Krem Phyllut cave, The Eco park, Dainthlen waterfall, Noh Sngithiang falls, Arwah cave, etc.
Ideal duration of Visit: – 2Days/1Night. If Trekking is opted, then more than 10 days is required to cover the most important trekking routes.
Famous for: Living root bridge & Caves.
Distance from: – Shillong – 54 Km; Guwahati – 157Km; Mawlynong – 80 Km; Dawki – 84 Km.
Places to stay: – Homestays available.
Nearest places to Visit: – Mawphlang Sacred grove(43Km). One can complete the David Scott Trail in a reverse way from Lad-Mawphlang to Mawphlang while returning from Cherrapunji.

3. Mawphlang Sacred Forest

Mawphlang Sacred forest, the most celebrated ancient sacred groves of Meghalaya is the soul of Khasi culture. Home of many rare medicinal plants, mushroom and trees, this forest is a site for coronation and sacrificial rituals in the ancient times. There is a Khasi heritage village where one can see the different architectural designs of Khasi tribal huts. The picturesque David Scott Trail starts from Mawphlang to Lad-Mawphlang.

Best time to visit: – October to April.
Major attractions: – Trekking at David Scott Trail, Sacred grove.
Ideal duration of visit: – 1Day.
Famous for: – David Scott trail.
Distance from: – Shillong – 27Km; Cherrapunji – 47Km; Laitlum Canyon – 34Km; Dawki – 75 Km.
Places to Stay: – One can enjoy camping if hiking is opted for otherwise no need to stay.
Nearest places to visit: – Laitlum canyon.

4. Laitlum Canyons

The grand canyon of Meghalaya, Laitlum canyon is the most picturesque tourist, trekking and cycling destinations in the state. A combined trip of Mawphlang, David Scott Trail and trek to Laitlum canyon will offer the best adventure and panoramic views of the majestic hills and valleys. The views from the canyon are worth viewing during Sunrise or Sunset.

Best time to visit: – October to April.
Major Attraction: – Stunning views of the hills, trekking, mountain cycling, visit to Rosang village.
Ideal duration of visit: – Depends on the activities taken.
Famous for: – Landscape.
Distance from: Shillong – 24 Km; Cherrapunji – 44 Km; Dawki – 67 Km.
Places to stay: – No need to stay.
Nearest Places to visit: – Dawki, Mawlynnong.

5. Mawlynnong

The “Cleanest village in Asia”, Mawlynnong is a live example of community based ecotourism where the entire community made collective efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of the village and boasts itself as one of the most visited tourist spots in Meghalaya. There is one easily accessible living root bridge also. The sky view platform, nearly 80feet high, constructed by the villagers from bamboo and cane, offers panoramic views of the villages and the Bangladesh border.

Best time to visit: – October to April.
Major attraction: – Eco-tourism and living root bridge, Bophill falls.
Ideal duration of visit: – 3 or 5 hours.
Famous for: – Cleanest village in Asia.
Distance from: – Shillong: – 78Km; Cherrapunji: – 80Km; Dawki: – 34Km.
Places to Stay: – No need to stay.
Nearest places to Visit: – Dawki.

6. Dawki

With the crystal clear water of the Umngot (Dawki) river, the lush green landscape and the river beaches, Dawki is a border town between India and Bangladesh border portion of Radcliffe Line. The Umngot river is called the cleanest river on earth. Dawki is also a transborder commercial hub between India and Bangladesh.

Best time to Visit: – October to April.
Major attraction: – Boat riding at Umngot river, Camping, Swimming, Fishing at Shnongpdeng village, Ziplining, etc are the main attractions.
Ideal duration of Visit: – Depends on activities, ideally 2 hours to 1Day.
Famous for: – Crystal clear water of Umngot river.
Distance from: – Shillong: – 82Km; Jowai – 56Km.
Places to stay: – Stay is not necessary, but if someone wants then camping at Shnongpdeng village is a brilliant idea.

Nearest places to visit: – Jowai.