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Meghalaya

Meghalaya is nestled in the hills of the eastern sub-Himalaya in northeastern India. Nature has blessed Meghalaya with abundant rainfall, sunshine, virgin forests, high plateaus, tumbling waterfalls, crystal clear rivers, meandering streamlets and above all with sturdy, intelligent and hospitable people.

The State of Meghalaya touches the State of Assam in the north and east and Bangladesh in the south and west. Meghalaya is spread over an area of 22,429 sq km and has a population of 1,774,778.

The state is the homeland mainly of the Khasis, Jaintias and Garos. The Garos inhabit western Meghalaya, the Khasis live in the central part and the Jaintias are found in the eastern part of the state. The Khasi, Jaintia, Bhoi and War, collectively known as the Hynniewtrep people, belong to the Proto-Austroloid Monkhmer race. They are known to be one of the earliest ethnic groups in the Indian subcontinent. The Garo Hills is predominantly inhabited by the Garos. They belong to the Bodo family of the Tibeto-Burman race, and are said to have migrated from Tibet. The Garos prefer to call themselves Achiks and the land they inhabit Achikland. Weaving is an ancient craft of the tribals of Meghalaya - be it weaving of cane or cloth.

SHILLONG

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is located at an altitude of 1,496 m above sea level. It became Assam's capital in 1874 and remained so till 1972 when Meghalaya was formed. The capital city derives its name from the manifestation of the creator called Shyllong.

AROUND MEGHALAYA

Tourist Places in the Khasi Hills

Shillong Peak (10 km from Shillong) is an ideal picnic spot at an elevation of 1,965 m and offers a panoramic view of the countryside. Sohpetbneng Peak (20 km from Shillong) is regarded sacred by the Hynniewtrep people.

Ward's Lake is a century-old picturesque lake located in the heart of Shillong. The Botanical Garden is located just below Ward's Lake. It also houses a mini-aviary with rare and colorful species of birds.

Umiam Water Sports Complex (16 km from Shillong) offers a wide choice of exciting water sports activities with rowboats, paddleboats, cruise boats, sailing boats, water scooters and speedboats.

Shillong Golf Course, an 18-hole course, provides a scenic view. State Museum is located in the state central library premises and has a good collection of artifacts of northeastern India and Meghalaya. Shillong Cathedral: As if to justify the desire of Shillong's British founding fathers to make it a little England, churches and cathedrals, large and small, have been built everywhere in the city.

Elephant Falls (12 km from Shillong) descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern-covered rocks. Spread Eagle Falls on the outskirts of Shillong is a sparkling waterfall which looks like an eagle with its wings spread. Sweet Falls (8 km from Shillong) drops vertically over a distance exceeding two hundred feet. Crinoline Falls in the heart of Shillong cascades through a jungle path. Kyllang Rock, located about 11 km off Mairang, is a steep dome of red granite.

Cherrapunjee (Sohra) (56 km from Shillong) is renowned as the rainiest place on the planet. Mawsynram (56 km from Shillong) is known for the giant stalagmite formation in the shape of a "Shivalinga". Jakrem (64 km from Shillong) offers gushing hot springs.

Ranikor (140 km from Shillong) is one of Meghalaya's most popular spots for angling, with an abundance of carp and other freshwater fish. Nongkhnum Island (14 km from Nongstoin) is the biggest river island in Meghalaya and the second biggest island in Asia.

Tourist Places in the Jaintia Hills

Jowai, the headquarters of Jaintia Hills District, 64 km from Shillong, is a picturesque town encircled by the majestic Myntdu River.

Thadlaskein Lake (8 km from Jowai) is a historical lake and a beautiful spot for outing, boating and picnicking. Nartiang (65 km from Shillong) was the summer capital of the Jaintia kings. Huge monoliths form the striking landmark of the village. It is literally the Stonehenge of northeast India. Syndai is famous for limestone caves and caverns.

Syntu Ksiar, meaning Flower of Gold, is a vast pool of calm water where the Myntdu River, which almost encircles Jowai, appears to come to a sudden halt.

Tourist Places in the Garo Hills

Tura, the district headquarters and the largest town in the region, is 323 km via Guwahati. Tura Peak (height 872 m) offers a magnificent view of the lower Brahmaputra Valley and the golden yellow plains of Bangladesh.

Nokrek Peak (1,412 m) is the highest point in the Garo Hills region. A virgin canopy of thick, tall and lush green forests cover Nokrek and its environs. Abundant wildlife, including herds of wild elephants, rare varieties of birds and rare orchids abound in the sanctuary.

Balpakram (167 km from Tura) is a national wildlife park that is home to the rare lesser panda, the Indian bison and the staglike serow. Naphak Lake (112 km from Tura) is ideal for fishing and bird watching with the Simsang River flowing nearby. The famous limestone caves of Siju are located nearby.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

By Air: Umroi Airport is 35 km from the city center where six flights operate from Kolkata every week. But for those taking a flight from Delhi, they must land at Guwahati Assam), 128 km away. Tourists can travel by coach or taxi between the two airports and Shillong. Helicopter services are also available between Guwahati, Shillong and Tura. By Road: Shillong is connected with Guwahati by National Highway 40. It takes three hours to cover the 103-km distance. The bus stand at Guwahati is near the railway station, while in Shillong, it is near Center Point. By Rail: The nearest railhead is Guwahati, from where taxis and buses are available to Shillong.

Shopping: If you are looking for ethnic food, hand-woven shawls, honey, oranges, mounted butterflies and black mushroom, go to Bara Bazaar. The other popular outlets are India Emporium, Megh Emporium, Meghalaya Handlooms & Handicrafts, Purbashree Emporium and Khadi Gram Udyog.

GENERAL INFO

Season: The climate varies with altitude. The climate of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills is uniquely pleasant and bracing. It is neither too warm in the summer nor too cold in the winter. But over the plains of the Garo Hills, the climate is warm and humid, except in the winter. Meghalaya has an average temperature of 18-20 degrees Celsius. In summer, the temperature ranges between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, and in winter it can go down to 4 degrees Celsius.

The Meghalaya sky seldom remains free of clouds. The average annual rainfall is about 2,600 mm in western Meghalaya, between 2,500 to 3,000 mm in the north and about 4,000 mm in the southeast. At Sohra (Cherrapunjee), the wettest place on earth, the average annual rainfall is 10,000 mm. Shillong receives an annual rainfall of about 2,200 mm. Meghalaya is an all-season tourist destination, however, late May to September is ideal.

What to wear: Casuals and cottons in the summer, and a sweater or jacket in case of damp weather as it can get quite cold. Warm woolens during the winter.

Adventure: Trekking, caving and angling.
Accommodation: There are modern hotels and restaurants in Shillong.
Tourist circuits:
Kaziranga-Guwahati-Shillong-Cherrapunjee-Shillong
Shillong-Mawphlang-Weiloi-Mawsynram-Shillong
Shillong-Simit-Nartiang-Thadlaskein-Jowai-Thlu-Umwi-Shillong
Guwahati-Dudanai-Bajaengdoba-Angore-Tura-Burengapara-Baghmara-Siju-Balpakram-Shillong
For more information: Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation, Polo Road, Shillong 793 001, Meghalaya, India; Tel: (0364) 2222731, 2222129; Fax: (0364) 2224176
E-mail: managingdirector@meghalayatourism.com
info@meghalayatourism.com
Website: www.meghalayatourism.com