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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… read more
Meghalaya is heaven on earth with its lush valleys, pristine waterfalls and otherworldly views in the monsoon. Be it the comfortably warm days in the summer or the beautiful cherry blossom trees in their full prime in autumn, the decision as to when to head to this state is yours.
The weather plays an extremely important role in deciding when to visit your chosen holiday destination. We, at Thomas Cook, will help you reach an informed decision by telling you what each season has in store for you. The ideal time to travel can only be decided once you weigh all the pros and cons of each season. We have also listed down the precautionary measures that you must take before you head out; be it summer, monsoon, autumn or winter.
Take a look!
Peak Season – Temperatures range from 16°C and 31°C in the peak season. This is between the months of April and June. The agreeable weather allows you to head outdoors and explore the hamlet. Summer in Meghalaya lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. Be it relaxing with your family indoors or heading out on an adventure.
Shoulder Season – November to March
Low Season – July to October
|
Travel Seasons |
Min/Max Temperature |
Season |
|
April to June |
15-25 °C |
Pleasantly warm |
|
July to September |
24-33°C |
Moderate to heavy rainfall |
|
October to November |
22 to -29 C |
Cool and humid |
|
December to February |
4 – 16 C |
Winter - Cold winds and misty mornings |
| Meghalaya Tour Packages | No. of Nigts / Days | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Wonders Of Assam And Meghalaya | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Rs. 30 800 |
Temperature - The air temperature during summer fluctuates between 16°C and 31°C.
Weather – The sun kisses this showery state, making this time of the year perfect for explorers. The comfortably warm weather lets you satisfy your curiosity as you venture outdoors and explore the region. This makes the summer season the best time to visit Meghalaya in. With the area being rainy, the skies are constantly cloudy and overcast throughout the day, making it an excellent time to engage in some adventure activities and best time to visit Meghalaya. The afternoons can get a little muggy and hence you could retire indoors and relax during that time.
Significant events – This time of the year is not only best suited for the adventure seekers and explorers, but also those who want to learn about the culture of this hamlet. Summer is the time when most festivals and events are celebrated, bringing locals and tourists from all walks of life closer together. The highlight of this season is the three-day festival of Shad Suk Mynsiem held in April. This festival celebrates the spirit of the Khasi tribe and is better known as the Dance of Contentment. It is an annual thanksgiving dance by the Khasi tribe performed in hopes of the Bumper harvest. Clad in traditional fineries, the locals dance to the beats of drums and pipes called tangmuri which is known to be the queen of musical instruments
Why you should visit now – There will never be a dull moment in Meghalaya at this time of the year. Bustling with people and activity, most festivals are celebrated in the summer. The pleasant weather also makes it the best time to engage in some sightseeing and adventure activities. You could head to the Living Root Bridges found deep in the dense tropical forests. The bridge, Meghalaya’s most famous attraction, is tucked away and hidden by the rains and clouds for a major part of the year. These bridges have been trained by the Khasi tribe to grow from the roots of old rubber trees from the northeast region. You could also go trekking and camping or just set up a quiet picnic with your family.
Things to know before the visit –With it being a rainy region, be mindful of the roads while travelling, as the hilly terrain could get wet and slippery. At the same time, since it is the summer season, try not to expose your skin to the sun for a long time.
Tips – Be wary of the crowd during the peak season and book your tickets well in advance. Plan your activities and itinerary according to the weather. While you pack, make sure you include both warm and cool clothes as well as sunscreen and sunglasses.
Temperature - The air temperature during the season of monsoon ranges between 24°C and 33°C.
Weather – The state is drenched in showers of rain at this time of the year. Meghalaya also boasts of two of the rainiest cities in the world - Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram. This makes monsoons the ideal time to stay put in the hills and enjoy a hot beverage as you snuggle into a blanket with your family. Going out and exploring the area is not recommended at this time of the year. However, the region makes up for the fact with misty mornings, dewy and lush meadows and waterfalls that beat down ever so relentlessly on the rocks.
Significant events – The rains at this time of the year layer the hamlet with an aura of mystique and another worldly charm. Hence, the highlight of this season is Behdienkhlam, which is widely celebrated in the north-eastern state of Meghalaya. Translated as chasing away the demon of cholera, Behdienkhlam marks the victory of good over evil. As the hamlet awaits the rains, locals gather to cook and relish delicious food, participate in dances, music and sports every July.
Why you should visit now – If you are looking to kick back, relax and revel in the beauty of this rainy state with your family, this is the best time of the year to visit. Translated to ‘the abode of clouds,’ Meghalaya’s lush, green valleys and tranquil villages stand testament to the same. Listen to the water gushing ever so harmoniously at the Elephant Falls as it slips down the rocks. With the tourist season being rather lean, you can enjoy the drizzly beauty of Meghalaya away from the crowd.
Things to know before the visit – Do check the weather reports before booking your tickets and accommodation. Plan your itineraries and things to take accordingly. With it being the offseason, do watch out for some discounts on tickets. You may not be able to visit quite a few spots because of the rain, hence plan your trip accordingly.
Tips – Carry waterproof clothes, mosquito repellents and sports shoes. Wear a raincoat or carry an umbrella when you venture out. Be mindful of the roads while traveling and stay alert.
Temperature - The air temperature during autumn fluctuates between 22°C and 29°C.
Weather – The relentless showers leave the weather of Meghalaya in autumn cold, wet and humid. The wet state is dotted with cherry blossom trees that are in full bloom at this time of the year. The temperatures start to dip with the winter season being just around the corner.
Significant events – Quite a few festivals are lined up at this time of the year to attract tourists from all over the country. One of the main festivals to highlight and celebrate the onset of this season is the Autumn festival that takes place in the capital of Meghalaya, Shillong. Held in October, this event showcases the spirit and rich culture of the region. Tourists will get to participate in a various event such as the food and wine festival, musical performances and flower shows.
Why you should visit now – This is the perfect time to witness the beauty of the state in its prime. Autumn also brings with it, mesmerising cherry trees in full bloom. Adorned with pink and white flowers in this season, you will almost feel like you are in a Japanese garden.
Things to know before the visit – With the tourist season slowly increasing, make sure you book your tickets well in advance.
Tips – Carry light woollens at all times to keep yourself warm since the winters are just around the corner.
Temperature - The air temperature during winter ranges between 4°C and 16°C.
Weather – The weather of winter in Meghalaya is comfortably cold. As the days go by, temperatures dip further. However, the days are quite warm because of the sun and the night-time brings with it some cold winds. The month of December is not as cold as compared to January and February. The weather, however, remains clear.
Significant events – The winters mark the beginning of Christmas and New Year festivities. However, the events that take place in Meghalaya do not just end with a countdown to the new year. The Strawberry Festival takes place every year to celebrate and promote farmers and food produced from the fruit. Meghalaya has a conducive climate allowing the growth of the fruit. The hamlet’s language of love is not expressed with roses, but lush and sweet strawberries on Valentine’s Day.
Why you should visit now – If you want to wake up to foggy mornings and spend the day exploring the hamlet, you must visit at this time of the year. Playing indoor games with your family or spending the day outside, this cosy weather is suitable for both. This weather also allows you to go on trekking expeditions and explore neighbouring places such as Shillong, Tura and Guwahati. You can also visit attractions like Balpakram National Park and the Living Route Bridge.
Things to know before the visit – Book your tickets well in advance and try to visit in December since January to March tend to be a lot colder.
Tips – Do carry woollen clothes, jackets, shawls and mufflers to keep yourself warm.
Want to pack your bags right away to rush to this rainy heaven? Visit our website and go through the Meghalaya packages that we offer. Contact us right now to book your Meghalaya Tour Packagesand accommodation!
The state of Meghalaya is in the northeastern region of India, and it shares its borders with Bangladesh and Assam. The Sanskrit meaning of the state’s name translates to “Abode of Cloud”, which it gets from the enormous amount of annual rainfall that occurs in the region. Meghalaya’s unparalleled natural beauty makes it a highly sought-after holiday destination in India. However, the major tourist attractions in Meghalaya go far beyond its national parks, natural landforms, waterfalls, towering peaks, caves, and so on. The region has been a prominent centre of history and culture in the country since ancient times. Meghalaya has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, making it a prime spot of interest for archaeological activities. It was also a subject of the British colonial rule of India, where they replaced the local tribal kingdoms of Jaintia, Khasi and Garo with their own administration. The British called Meghalaya the “Scotland of the East” due to their identical landscapes.
Thus Meghalaya’s rich past covers a vital sector of India’s history, which draws many casual tourists and history buffs to the region. With such a rich past, it is only natural for the state to house several historical monuments dating back to the forgone era. From historical buildings and archaeological sites to statues and stone memorials, there are a lot of things to uncover on a Meghalaya trip. Some major monuments in Meghalaya include David Scott Memorial Stone, Nartiang Monoliths, Kiang Nongbah Monument, Manipur Memorial, etc.
From incredible stone memorials in honour of the erstwhile rulers of the region to archaeological sites uncovering the earliest signs of human civilisation, history is embedded in every part of Meghalaya. Besides being popular tourist attractions, these marvellous sites also help individuals learn more about the region’s local culture and vast history. Here are some of the most well-known Meghalaya monuments that you can check out:
The Nartiang Monoliths in Jaintia Hills are one of the largest collections of Megalithic stones found within a single area. The site helps to preserve a crucial fragment of the region’s royal history and enables visitors to learn more about it. This garden of monoliths features several upright stones (Menhirs) and horizontal stones (Dolmens). These monoliths were erected as monuments of the previous rulers of the region and also to mark their achievements. Among this massive collection, the tallest monolith is locally known as Moo Long Syiem. It is about 26 feet tall and was erected by U Mar Phalyngki to commemorate a military victory. The rest were erected by several clans of the Nartiang Village between the period of 1500 to 1835 A.D.
The David Scott Monument in Cherrapunji is one of the most important and famous historical monuments of Meghalaya. It commemorates a British official named David Scott who was employed by the East India Company during the colonial era. He was widely known as a sincere and dedicated worker, and his demise on 20th August 1831 left a huge impact on the Governor-General’s office. Hence, an obelisk-shaped monument made of ashlar stone was erected in his honour. The tribute written on the memorial pillar by the British Raj is also a noteworthy aspect of the site. A path leading to the monument, called “David Scott Memorial Trail,” has become quite famous among tourists for hiking.
One of Meghalaya’s most common tourist attractions is its numerous megalithic bridges spread across the region. The Megalithic Bridge on the Um-Nyankanah River is a popular site that attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year. It is a bridge made of massive stone slabs resting upon four giant stone pillars. It is believed that this monolithic bridge was built under the reign of the Jaintia Kings of Jaintiapur in the mediaeval era. Its primary purpose was to promote trade, communication and transport between the ruling regions. The bridge is now a prime attraction for casual tourists and history buffs and is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Locally called Thul-Um-Wi, it is another remarkable megalithic bridge found in the district of Jaintia Hills. It resembles a similar structural composition, featuring large stone slabs and support pillars. Local legends indicate that it was also built under the reign of the Jaintia rulers with the purpose of maintaining trade and commerce with other ruling regions. This simple yet beautiful bridge is an important historical monument and one of the well-known Meghalaya tourist places. One of the stone slabs of this bridge broke down when an elephant tried to cross it several years after its construction. The broken section is still a part of the structure and makes for a beautiful backdrop for photographs.
This stone bridge is one of the most beautiful historical monuments of Meghalaya. It was built by laying massive stone slabs over the Um-Kumbeh River, supported by giant stone pillars at the bottom. According to local legends, this stone bridge was built by U Luh Lyngskor and Mar Phalangki under the orders of the then-Jaintia King. It is also believed that the bridge’s construction took place following the shift of the capital from Sutnga to Nartiang. This megalithic bridge assisted in maintaining trade and communication between the Jaintia Kingdom’s old and new capitals. The stones used to make the bridge date back to the 18th century AD.
The Manipur Memorial is one of the most significant historical monuments in Meghalaya. Located just 2.2 kilometres from Shillong’s city centre, it is a massive tourist attraction in the region. The memorial is a tall, octagonal-shaped structure made of ashlar stone, standing on a gradually receding platform. It was erected to commemorate Mr Quinton and several other British Military officials who lost their lives in Manipur in the year 1891. There are also inscriptions engraved into the memorial that briefly describe the cause of their demise.
Located in Nartiang, the Stone Memorial of U-Maw Thodur-Briew is one of the most popular Meghalaya monuments. The memorial is built by and dedicated to the people of U-Maw Thodur-Briew, a local tribe in the region. The megalithic stones in the memorial are generally classified into three categories, called Dolmens, Menhirs and Cairns. Menhirs are more common than the other two types, with the tallest being around 9 metres tall. These menhirs are raised in groups, ranging between three to seven at a time, with the middle one towering over others. A capstone, representing a hat or the shape of a head, is often provided over these menhirs.
The famous Kiang Nongbah Monument is one of the most iconic historical monuments of Meghalaya. Located on a massive field called “Madiah Kmai Blai” by the banks of the Myntdu River, the monument commemorates U Kiang Nongbah. He was a Jaintia patriot who fought for the freedom of his region during British colonial rule. He died as a martyr for his cause by public hanging on 30th December 1862. People from all over India as well as the world, visit the Kiang Nongbah Monument to pay their respects and learn more about the region’s historical heritage.
Following their traditions and beliefs, the Khasi tribes erected several monoliths throughout the ages to honour their tribe and heroes. Such monoliths can be found within Meghalaya’s Bhoi Area, believed to have been constructed by the people of Khasi communities. This massive monolithic stone memorial is locally known as U-Mawthoh-Dur, and is among the most well-known historical landmarks in the region. Both casual tourists and history buffs like to visit this stone memorial in Meghalaya.
The earliest signs of civilization in Meghalaya date back to the Neolithic period. Hence it has been a major site of interest for archaeological activities. One of the most famous archaeological sites discovered in the state is Bhaitbari. Lying close to the Assam-Meghalaya border, the site was involved in a short excavation between 1991-92, which resulted in several crucial historical findings. The findings include the discovery of a 5 kilometres long burnt brick-mud fortification, a planned brick-built temple with 28 terracotta tiles, an Octagonal Temple with multiple Shiva Lingas, and a stupa (structure related to Buddhism). The ruins of this ancient kingdom date back to the 4th-8th century AD. These ancient monuments have piqued the interest of several history buffs and tourists in recent years.
The state of Meghalaya is in the northeastern region of India, and it shares its borders with Bangladesh and Assam. The Sanskrit meaning of the state’s name translates to “Abode of Cloud”, which it gets from the enormous amount of annual rainfall that occurs in the region. Meghalaya’s unparalleled natural beauty makes it a highly sought-after holiday destination in India. However, the major tourist attractions in Meghalaya go far beyond its national parks, natural landforms, waterfalls, towering peaks, caves, and so on. The region has been a prominent centre of history and culture in the country since ancient times. Meghalaya has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, making it a prime spot of interest for archaeological activities. It was also a subject of the British colonial rule of India, where they replaced the local tribal kingdoms of Jaintia, Khasi and Garo with their own administration. The British called Meghalaya the “Scotland of the East” due to their identical landscapes.
Thus Meghalaya’s rich past covers a vital sector of India’s history, which draws many casual tourists and history buffs to the region. With such a rich past, it is only natural for the state to house several historical monuments dating back to the forgone era. From historical buildings and archaeological sites to statues and stone memorials, there are a lot of things to uncover on a Meghalaya trip. Some major monuments in Meghalaya include David Scott Memorial Stone, Nartiang Monoliths, Kiang Nongbah Monument, Manipur Memorial, etc.
From incredible stone memorials in honour of the erstwhile rulers of the region to archaeological sites uncovering the earliest signs of human civilisation, history is embedded in every part of Meghalaya. Besides being popular tourist attractions, these marvellous sites also help individuals learn more about the region’s local culture and vast history. Here are some of the most well-known Meghalaya monuments that you can check out:
The Nartiang Monoliths in Jaintia Hills are one of the largest collections of Megalithic stones found within a single area. The site helps to preserve a crucial fragment of the region’s royal history and enables visitors to learn more about it. This garden of monoliths features several upright stones (Menhirs) and horizontal stones (Dolmens). These monoliths were erected as monuments of the previous rulers of the region and also to mark their achievements. Among this massive collection, the tallest monolith is locally known as Moo Long Syiem. It is about 26 feet tall and was erected by U Mar Phalyngki to commemorate a military victory. The rest were erected by several clans of the Nartiang Village between the period of 1500 to 1835 A.D.
The David Scott Monument in Cherrapunji is one of the most important and famous historical monuments of Meghalaya. It commemorates a British official named David Scott who was employed by the East India Company during the colonial era. He was widely known as a sincere and dedicated worker, and his demise on 20th August 1831 left a huge impact on the Governor-General’s office. Hence, an obelisk-shaped monument made of ashlar stone was erected in his honour. The tribute written on the memorial pillar by the British Raj is also a noteworthy aspect of the site. A path leading to the monument, called “David Scott Memorial Trail,” has become quite famous among tourists for hiking.
One of Meghalaya’s most common tourist attractions is its numerous megalithic bridges spread across the region. The Megalithic Bridge on the Um-Nyankanah River is a popular site that attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year. It is a bridge made of massive stone slabs resting upon four giant stone pillars. It is believed that this monolithic bridge was built under the reign of the Jaintia Kings of Jaintiapur in the mediaeval era. Its primary purpose was to promote trade, communication and transport between the ruling regions. The bridge is now a prime attraction for casual tourists and history buffs and is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Locally called Thul-Um-Wi, it is another remarkable megalithic bridge found in the district of Jaintia Hills. It resembles a similar structural composition, featuring large stone slabs and support pillars. Local legends indicate that it was also built under the reign of the Jaintia rulers with the purpose of maintaining trade and commerce with other ruling regions. This simple yet beautiful bridge is an important historical monument and one of the well-known Meghalaya tourist places. One of the stone slabs of this bridge broke down when an elephant tried to cross it several years after its construction. The broken section is still a part of the structure and makes for a beautiful backdrop for photographs.
This stone bridge is one of the most beautiful historical monuments of Meghalaya. It was built by laying massive stone slabs over the Um-Kumbeh River, supported by giant stone pillars at the bottom. According to local legends, this stone bridge was built by U Luh Lyngskor and Mar Phalangki under the orders of the then-Jaintia King. It is also believed that the bridge’s construction took place following the shift of the capital from Sutnga to Nartiang. This megalithic bridge assisted in maintaining trade and communication between the Jaintia Kingdom’s old and new capitals. The stones used to make the bridge date back to the 18th century AD.
The Manipur Memorial is one of the most significant historical monuments in Meghalaya. Located just 2.2 kilometres from Shillong’s city centre, it is a massive tourist attraction in the region. The memorial is a tall, octagonal-shaped structure made of ashlar stone, standing on a gradually receding platform. It was erected to commemorate Mr Quinton and several other British Military officials who lost their lives in Manipur in the year 1891. There are also inscriptions engraved into the memorial that briefly describe the cause of their demise.
Located in Nartiang, the Stone Memorial of U-Maw Thodur-Briew is one of the most popular Meghalaya monuments. The memorial is built by and dedicated to the people of U-Maw Thodur-Briew, a local tribe in the region. The megalithic stones in the memorial are generally classified into three categories, called Dolmens, Menhirs and Cairns. Menhirs are more common than the other two types, with the tallest being around 9 metres tall. These menhirs are raised in groups, ranging between three to seven at a time, with the middle one towering over others. A capstone, representing a hat or the shape of a head, is often provided over these menhirs.
The famous Kiang Nongbah Monument is one of the most iconic historical monuments of Meghalaya. Located on a massive field called “Madiah Kmai Blai” by the banks of the Myntdu River, the monument commemorates U Kiang Nongbah. He was a Jaintia patriot who fought for the freedom of his region during British colonial rule. He died as a martyr for his cause by public hanging on 30th December 1862. People from all over India as well as the world, visit the Kiang Nongbah Monument to pay their respects and learn more about the region’s historical heritage.
Following their traditions and beliefs, the Khasi tribes erected several monoliths throughout the ages to honour their tribe and heroes. Such monoliths can be found within Meghalaya’s Bhoi Area, believed to have been constructed by the people of Khasi communities. This massive monolithic stone memorial is locally known as U-Mawthoh-Dur, and is among the most well-known historical landmarks in the region. Both casual tourists and history buffs like to visit this stone memorial in Meghalaya.
The earliest signs of civilization in Meghalaya date back to the Neolithic period. Hence it has been a major site of interest for archaeological activities. One of the most famous archaeological sites discovered in the state is Bhaitbari. Lying close to the Assam-Meghalaya border, the site was involved in a short excavation between 1991-92, which resulted in several crucial historical findings. The findings include the discovery of a 5 kilometres long burnt brick-mud fortification, a planned brick-built temple with 28 terracotta tiles, an Octagonal Temple with multiple Shiva Lingas, and a stupa (structure related to Buddhism). The ruins of this ancient kingdom date back to the 4th-8th century AD. These ancient monuments have piqued the interest of several history buffs and tourists in recent years.
The state of Meghalaya is in the northeastern region of India, and it shares its borders with Bangladesh and Assam. The Sanskrit meaning of the state’s name translates to “Abode of Cloud”, which it gets from the enormous amount of annual rainfall that occurs in the region. Meghalaya’s unparalleled natural beauty makes it a highly sought-after holiday destination in India. However, the major tourist attractions in Meghalaya go far beyond its national parks, natural landforms, waterfalls, towering peaks, caves, and so on. The region has been a prominent centre of history and culture in the country since ancient times. Meghalaya has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, making it a prime spot of interest for archaeological activities. It was also a subject of the British colonial rule of India, where they replaced the local tribal kingdoms of Jaintia, Khasi and Garo with their own administration. The British called Meghalaya the “Scotland of the East” due to their identical landscapes.
Thus Meghalaya’s rich past covers a vital sector of India’s history, which draws many casual tourists and history buffs to the region. With such a rich past, it is only natural for the state to house several historical monuments dating back to the forgone era. From historical buildings and archaeological sites to statues and stone memorials, there are a lot of things to uncover on a Meghalaya trip. Some major monuments in Meghalaya include David Scott Memorial Stone, Nartiang Monoliths, Kiang Nongbah Monument, Manipur Memorial, etc.
From incredible stone memorials in honour of the erstwhile rulers of the region to archaeological sites uncovering the earliest signs of human civilisation, history is embedded in every part of Meghalaya. Besides being popular tourist attractions, these marvellous sites also help individuals learn more about the region’s local culture and vast history. Here are some of the most well-known Meghalaya monuments that you can check out:
The Nartiang Monoliths in Jaintia Hills are one of the largest collections of Megalithic stones found within a single area. The site helps to preserve a crucial fragment of the region’s royal history and enables visitors to learn more about it. This garden of monoliths features several upright stones (Menhirs) and horizontal stones (Dolmens). These monoliths were erected as monuments of the previous rulers of the region and also to mark their achievements. Among this massive collection, the tallest monolith is locally known as Moo Long Syiem. It is about 26 feet tall and was erected by U Mar Phalyngki to commemorate a military victory. The rest were erected by several clans of the Nartiang Village between the period of 1500 to 1835 A.D.
The David Scott Monument in Cherrapunji is one of the most important and famous historical monuments of Meghalaya. It commemorates a British official named David Scott who was employed by the East India Company during the colonial era. He was widely known as a sincere and dedicated worker, and his demise on 20th August 1831 left a huge impact on the Governor-General’s office. Hence, an obelisk-shaped monument made of ashlar stone was erected in his honour. The tribute written on the memorial pillar by the British Raj is also a noteworthy aspect of the site. A path leading to the monument, called “David Scott Memorial Trail,” has become quite famous among tourists for hiking.
One of Meghalaya’s most common tourist attractions is its numerous megalithic bridges spread across the region. The Megalithic Bridge on the Um-Nyankanah River is a popular site that attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year. It is a bridge made of massive stone slabs resting upon four giant stone pillars. It is believed that this monolithic bridge was built under the reign of the Jaintia Kings of Jaintiapur in the mediaeval era. Its primary purpose was to promote trade, communication and transport between the ruling regions. The bridge is now a prime attraction for casual tourists and history buffs and is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Locally called Thul-Um-Wi, it is another remarkable megalithic bridge found in the district of Jaintia Hills. It resembles a similar structural composition, featuring large stone slabs and support pillars. Local legends indicate that it was also built under the reign of the Jaintia rulers with the purpose of maintaining trade and commerce with other ruling regions. This simple yet beautiful bridge is an important historical monument and one of the well-known Meghalaya tourist places. One of the stone slabs of this bridge broke down when an elephant tried to cross it several years after its construction. The broken section is still a part of the structure and makes for a beautiful backdrop for photographs.
This stone bridge is one of the most beautiful historical monuments of Meghalaya. It was built by laying massive stone slabs over the Um-Kumbeh River, supported by giant stone pillars at the bottom. According to local legends, this stone bridge was built by U Luh Lyngskor and Mar Phalangki under the orders of the then-Jaintia King. It is also believed that the bridge’s construction took place following the shift of the capital from Sutnga to Nartiang. This megalithic bridge assisted in maintaining trade and communication between the Jaintia Kingdom’s old and new capitals. The stones used to make the bridge date back to the 18th century AD.
The Manipur Memorial is one of the most significant historical monuments in Meghalaya. Located just 2.2 kilometres from Shillong’s city centre, it is a massive tourist attraction in the region. The memorial is a tall, octagonal-shaped structure made of ashlar stone, standing on a gradually receding platform. It was erected to commemorate Mr Quinton and several other British Military officials who lost their lives in Manipur in the year 1891. There are also inscriptions engraved into the memorial that briefly describe the cause of their demise.
Located in Nartiang, the Stone Memorial of U-Maw Thodur-Briew is one of the most popular Meghalaya monuments. The memorial is built by and dedicated to the people of U-Maw Thodur-Briew, a local tribe in the region. The megalithic stones in the memorial are generally classified into three categories, called Dolmens, Menhirs and Cairns. Menhirs are more common than the other two types, with the tallest being around 9 metres tall. These menhirs are raised in groups, ranging between three to seven at a time, with the middle one towering over others. A capstone, representing a hat or the shape of a head, is often provided over these menhirs.
The famous Kiang Nongbah Monument is one of the most iconic historical monuments of Meghalaya. Located on a massive field called “Madiah Kmai Blai” by the banks of the Myntdu River, the monument commemorates U Kiang Nongbah. He was a Jaintia patriot who fought for the freedom of his region during British colonial rule. He died as a martyr for his cause by public hanging on 30th December 1862. People from all over India as well as the world, visit the Kiang Nongbah Monument to pay their respects and learn more about the region’s historical heritage.
Following their traditions and beliefs, the Khasi tribes erected several monoliths throughout the ages to honour their tribe and heroes. Such monoliths can be found within Meghalaya’s Bhoi Area, believed to have been constructed by the people of Khasi communities. This massive monolithic stone memorial is locally known as U-Mawthoh-Dur, and is among the most well-known historical landmarks in the region. Both casual tourists and history buffs like to visit this stone memorial in Meghalaya.
The earliest signs of civilization in Meghalaya date back to the Neolithic period. Hence it has been a major site of interest for archaeological activities. One of the most famous archaeological sites discovered in the state is Bhaitbari. Lying close to the Assam-Meghalaya border, the site was involved in a short excavation between 1991-92, which resulted in several crucial historical findings. The findings include the discovery of a 5 kilometres long burnt brick-mud fortification, a planned brick-built temple with 28 terracotta tiles, an Octagonal Temple with multiple Shiva Lingas, and a stupa (structure related to Buddhism). The ruins of this ancient kingdom date back to the 4th-8th century AD. These ancient monuments have piqued the interest of several history buffs and tourists in recent years.
Meghalaya is slowly opening up to the rest of the country and people are also just now discovering its riches and beauty. For this reason, the state is not yet as developed as its other sister states. Nevertheless, it is high on the list of many Indian as well as international tourists who want to come here to see the rugged beauty of the state for themselves. Meghalaya’s only airport is in Umroi which is around 35km from Shillong.
Many visitors often make plans to arrive at this airport and then move forward to other destinations. There are taxis and buses that can take you to wherever you need to visit in Meghalaya. This airport is not very well-connected to other cities in India and you will typically find only Air India operating flights here.
Due to its poor connectivity, the other airport that people use to travel to Meghalaya is the Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati which is 128kms from Shillong. From this airport, lots of people choose to take shared cabs to their destination. There’s also a helicopter service which is used to travel to Meghalaya and as it’s affordable, some people use this way to reach the state. It takes only 20 minutes to reach Shillong from Guwahati by helicopter and it’s quite convenient as well. The service does not work on Sundays.
There’s no train station in Meghalaya and subsequently, no railways lines as well. The closest one is in Guwahati. It’s roughly 100kms away from Shillong and can be used to arrive at the capital of Meghalaya. The Guwahati station is well connected with all the other cities in India and is often used as a conduit into the state of Meghalaya too.
Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) is well connected to several cities within the state as well as neighbouring states. The highway that connects Guwahati to Shillong is NH40 and it is well-maintained and easy to navigate. If you want to go sightseeing, then you can book a cab to take you around. Travelling by road in Meghalaya during the monsoons however can prove to be a bit challenging because of slick roads, but otherwise, this is a good way to reach the state.
You can also drive down to Meghalaya if you have your own vehicle. If you are planning to come here from Guwahati, you’ll have to begin in Guwahati’s Bara Bazaar from where you will reach NH37. Following this, you will come across Kamrup District and then NH40. Another 65kms from here, you will enter Meghalaya through Nongpoh.
The drive to Meghalaya is stunning and most enjoyable and if you like the idea of going on an adventurous road trip, this is certainly the best way to reach the state.
Many people opt to travel by buses as they are convenient and economical, although not always comfortable. There are several tourist buses, both deluxe and regular which you can choose based on your convenience. However, these also tend to be slow and thus, many people prefer to hire cabs or taxis to take them to their desired location in Meghalaya.
