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Meghalaya Tourism
From a sea of gentle white clouds, proud hills rise - dappled in every shade of green, with waterfalls spilling down their lengths. Yes, this is Meghalaya - the state known as the “abode of clouds”. Move a little closer and you will notice a whole world captured in the embrace of emerald green forests where small streams twist and turn. You will catch the glimmer of serene lakes, where shades of blue and green seep into each other. Turn your gaze to East Khasi hills of Meghalaya and there lies Shillong – the capital of Meghalaya, which was affectionately referred to as the “Scotland of the East” by the Britishers. If heaven is a place on earth, then that place is Meghalaya.
| Meghalaya: A Quick View of the state | |
| Capital | Shillong |
| Official Language | Khasi, English and Garo |
| Dial Code | Shillong (0364) |
| Population | 3.536 Million (as of 2018) |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time Zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
| Area | 22,720 square km |
Take a deep breath before you enter the city, because Shillong is breath-taking. Graceful colonial styled homes are spread throughout this gorgeous city, shaded by trees and surrounded by green lawns. The pulse of the city is calm and serene. This is a nature lover’s paradise with tourist hotspots like the beautiful Umiam Lake, the silvery cascade of the Elephant falls, the mirror-like surface of Ward’s lake, Mawjymbuin caves, the steep green fall of the Laitlum canyons and more.
The Meghalayan people can be largely split into the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia tribes, and yet there are elements that bind them together. All three tribes believe strongly in music and dance as an important element of life. Weaving and carving are skills that are treasured and revered here. Both the Garo and Khasi communities each boast of skilled weavers who can make Tileng - a cane mat that can last for 20-30 years due to the quality of weaving. The Khasi tribe also specialises in extracting iron ore and crafting domestic tools from them. Smit village, a mere 11 km from Shillong, is home to the famous Nongkrem Festival, which features goat sacrifices and traditional dances by men and women in front of a thatched bamboo “palace” of the local ruler.
If there was ever a land to feel nature’s kiss, then Meghalaya is that land. Meghalaya is a wonderland for wildlife. The state is gifted with species like the red panda, gorillas and elephants, gibbons and more. Crack open this treasure chest of flora, fauna and wildlife by visiting parks like Nokrek National Park, Balpakram National Park (where you’ll find the rare red panda), Siju Bird Sanctuary and more.
Meghalaya is inhabited by a dominant Christian population. However, people of all faiths worship their gods, side by side. The Cathedrals of Meghalaya are important, not just for religious significance in the community, but also for their wonderful architecture. Wonder at the high arches and stained-glass windows of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, or marvel at the 700-year-old Dargah of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba. If temples are what you seek, then look no further than the 500-year-old Nartiang Durga temple.
When it rains, it really pours… or so one would say about Cherrapunji, which is considered to be the wettest place on earth (receiving an annual rainfall of 11,777 mm). The little town also has much to offer any traveller who is starved for a little beauty and wonder. Here is where you will find the fascinating double decker root bridge, crafted from nature’s best materials. You can gaze upon the plains of Bangladesh from Cherrapunji. Absorb the roar and rush of the fourth largest set of waterfalls in India - the Seven Sisters - as they cascade down the cliffs. There’s so much to see, you will wish you planned a longer trip.
Meghalaya’s cuisine is influenced by the three predominant tribal communities who live there. Rice, meat rank at the top of the list. The food is hearty, soothing and flavourful. Try popular dishes like Jadoh (red rice cooked with generous amounts of pork, chicken or fish), Doh Khlieh (a salad made from pork, onions and chillies) Nakhmam Bitchi (a thick fish soup) Pumaloi (steamed rice powder cakes) and more.
Meghalaya can be found high in the hills, amongst the dreamy clouds that cover the Northeast. On a more practical note, the state shares its borders with the Bangladeshi divisions of Mymensingh and Sylhet in the South. The western border makes neighbours out of Meghalaya and the Bangladeshi division of Rangpur. And finally, Meghalaya’s north and east borders are shared with one of the 7 sister states of the Northeast – Assam.
Click here to view Meghalaya on Google Map
Meghalaya is caressed by the clouds for most of the year, leading to pleasant weather for the most part. Temperatures rarely go beyond 30 degrees Celsius, which makes it the perfect summer retreat. The best time to visit Meghalaya is between October – June, where you can experience the winter wonderland that it is and avoid the scorching summers in other parts of the country. However, since this state receives the highest rainfall in the world, it is advised not to visit during the peak monsoon season of May to September. Tourists often choose the beginning and end of the monsoon to experience the lovely drizzle and avoid the deluge of rain seen in peak season.
By Road - Meghalaya is well connected to major cities in India, via the roads. You can reach Shillong by taking the NH37 from Guwahati (also known as Assam Trunk Road), followed by the GS road, then toward NH40 until you enter Meghalaya via Nongpoh. You can drive yourself or choose private and government-operated buses.
By Rail - The Guwahati railway station is the closest to Shillong. You’ll need to take a taxi from the station to reach Shillong, which is 100 kms away. Luckily, the Guwahati railway station is well connected to many major cities in India.
By Air - If you’re looking to approach Meghalaya from the sky, you’ll need to fly to the Umroi Airport in Barapani – which is 25 to 30 kilometers away from Shillong. This airport has limited connection to most cities. The closest major airport is the Guwahati airport, which is 125 kilometres away. Outside the Guwahati airport, taxis are waiting to whisk you to Shillong.
Meghalaya’s illustrious history dates all the way back to the Neolithic era – with sites from this era found in the Khasi hills, the Garo hills and other neighboring states. Some Neolithic farming practices are still carried out today.
When the British arrived in India and imposed colonial rule, they put an end to the separate kingdoms of the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia people. After that, the British incorporated Meghalaya into Assam in 1835. Meghalaya’s history was often as temperamental as the clouds that surround it. It became a part of Assam and Eastern Bengal after the partition of Bengal. After the Bengal partition was reversed Meghalaya became a part of Assam entirely. After India gained independence, Meghalaya enjoyed limited autonomy in the state of Assam. Finally, the movement of a separate state began in 1960, and culminated with the autonomous state of Meghalaya in 1969. In 1972, Meghalaya was granted full statehood and autonomy.
There may be state lines drawn firmly and securely around Meghalaya, but the culture, beauty and peace that the state has to offer can barely be contained.
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