Meghalaya
Meghalaya is considered to be the most captivating state of North East India. The two colors which aptly describe the compelling beauty of Meghalaya are white and green. White stands for the clouds and fog which covers every corner of the state and creates a scenically beautiful and serine atmosphere all around. The green covers almost every part of Meghalaya leaves a smoothing effect to the eyes.
Location
Meghalaya is situated in North Eastern region of India at an altitude between 20° 1' N & 26° 5' N and longitude between 85° 49' E & 92° 52' E. The state encompasses an area of approximately 22,429 Sq. Km and covers a total forest area of roughly 8510 sq km. The Shillong Peak is the highest point situated at 1965 meters above the sea level.
The state boundary on the North is linked with three districts of Assam; Kamrup, Nowgong and Goalpara. The state shares its east borders with another two districts of Assam namely North Cachar Hills Districts and Karbi Anglong. Meghalaya shares its international boundary on either sides of West and South by Bangladesh.
Meghalaya is one of those most attractive states of India, which is blessed with green forests, cascading waterfalls, sun rays, lakes and rivers and with plenty of rainfall.
Places to see
Meghalaya is one of the most unpolluted and pristine terrains of India. The state is popular for its greenery and scenic beauty along with which it offers a number of tourist places which are being tapped by visitors throughout the year.
Khasi Hills: The Khasi Hill is located close to Shillong and known for its picturesque beauty and pollution free environment. Numerous tourist spots are located in and around the Khasi Hill which are visited by large number of sightseers every day. Some prominent destinations of Khasi Hill include the majestic Umiam Lake which is not only famous for its hypnotizing beauty but also provides enough opportunity to the visitors for water sports like sailing boats, water scooter, paddle boats, row boats, speed boats etc. Amusement destinations like Lum Nehru Park and Dawki, pilgrimage such as as Mawsynram, Jakrem health resort and a variety of tourist spots are there to match up the requirements of different tourists travelling inn from different parts of the country and abroad.
Jaintia Hill: Jaintia Hill is considered to be the most attractive spot of Meghalaya because of its treasured aesthetic natural beauty. The roaring waterfalls, cloud capped magical mountain peaks, waving rivers, shining sunlight; mystifying valleys against the backdrop of lush green sceneries create a heavenly atmosphere all around. Sightseeing Jaintia Hill includes Thadlaskein Lake, Nartiang, Syndai and Syntu Ksiar.
Garo Hills: Garo Hill is popular for its wild life variety and allures numerous photographers and environmentalists to enjoy and study the abundance of nature. Sightseeing in Garo includes Siju Cave, Bhaitbari, Sisobibra, Siju Bird Sanctuary, Nokrek, Rongbang Dare, Rongdang Falls, Williamnagar etc.
Cherrapunji: Cherrapunji is situated at a spectacular location and probably the only place in the world where Monsoon never dies. Khasi monoliths, Mawsmai Falls are some popular tourist spots located in Cherrapunji.
Nongpoh: Nongpoh is located in the district headquarters of Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya. The tranquil ambiance of Nongpoh town is something which attracts the tourists.
Nongstoin: Nongstoin, the West Khasi Hill Districts headquarter town is famous for the colored natural stones which are found in this terrain. Sightseeing in Nonghstoin includes Nongkhnum Island which is the second biggest island of Asia.
Tura: Tura is the largest town located in the Garo Hills and is known for its absolute serene beauty. Balpakram National Park is located 165 kms away from Tura.
Shillong: The capital town of Meghalaya, Shillong is known as “the Scotland of the East†and is a famous hangout destination for many visitors. Shilling is bestowed with beautiful lakes, gigantic waterfalls, mountains and forestry.
The Tribal Spirit
Three major tribes in Meghalaya generally reside in its Khasi hills, Jaintia hills and Garo hills, therefore, the state observed a diversified culture all across. The Garo hills are occupied by the Garo tribes though the Khasis are scattered throughout the state. The Pnars or Jaintias are the residents of Jaintia hills. The other notable tribes are Bhois, Wars, Labangs, Nangtuns, Nanhphylluts, Axhiks and Khynriams who reside at different parts of the state.
How to Reach
Nature's own daughter Meghalaya is tucked away in the ranges of eastern sub Himalayas. The state of Meghalaya offers one of the most scenically beautiful landscapes which cannot be found in other states of India. It is really tough to avoid the invitation to visit such a magnificent land; hence, the ways to reach Meghalaya are as followed:
By Road: Roadways is the only means of direct communication to this state; therefore, it is very convenient in Meghalaya. The National Highway 40 adjoins the state with cities like Shillong and Guwahati which in turn is linked with all other important cities of India.
By Air: There is no airport located in Meghalaya therefore the tourists need to reach the nearest airport at Guwahati which is located at a distance of mere 128 km from the Meghalayan capital city of Shillong.
By Rail: As the landscape of Meghalaya is not very supportive for railway communication therefore rail network has not been developed so far in Meghalaya. Guwahat is the closest railway station from this state which is well connected with other major Indian cities.
What to Do
Along with sightseeing, adventurous tourists can also enjoy trekking on the rolling hills and valleys of Meghalaya. The topography of this state is very difficult just like the Himalayan ranges but the peaks are not snow capped therefore, there is not chance for any major accident while trekking. The trekking routs of Meghalaya include Smit, Mawlyngot, Weiloi to Ponkung, Pynursla etc.
Numerous cascading waterfalls can be found in different parts of this state which add immense beauty to the nature. Some of the famous waterfalls of this north eastern state are Elephant Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls, Spread eagle Falls, Imilchang Dare, Bishop and Beadon Falls etc. most of these waterfalls offer extensive opportunity for swimming enthusiasts to take a deep into the pools created at the bottom of the falls. Some of these waterfalls are considered to be the ideal picnic spots because of their geographical location and natural beauty.
Exploring caves can also be a lifetime experience for the tourists and mountaineers who come to explore the beauty this north eastern state. Most of the Meghalayan caves are located at impressive proportions lying beautifully on the valleys and hills of the state. Some such caves are Krem Mawmluh, Caves of Garo Hill, Krem Phyllut, Caves of Jaintis Hills, East Khasi Hills, Mawsynram, Krem Dam etc.
Best Time to Visit
Therefore, the northeastern state Meghalaya is the right option to make a trip during summer to escape the scorching heat. You would never regret on your decision, once you spent the summer holidays here in Meghalaya enjoying the panoramic vista of this hilly picturesque valley. The perfect time to explore Meghalaya is the months of March till July.
History
The "adobe of clouds" Meghalaya, got the recognition of being a full-fledged state on 21st January of 1972 which commenced the beginning of a new era. Prior to that Meghalaya was included in Assam during the British reign in the year 1835. After the partition in Bengal during 1905, Meghalaya became a member of the “Eastern Bengal and Assam†region. In the early days of independent India, today’s Meghalaya enjoyed a very limited liberty as an autonomous body in Assam. It was in 1971 when the parliament passed legislation and gave Meghalaya the status of an independent state and advised to constitute a legislative assembly for the state.
Climate
The climatic condition of Meghalaya is very moderate and humid. This state owns the record of receiving the highest rainfall in India; the average rainfall goes up to 1200 cm in some distinctive locations. The Garo Hills region with lower altitude on the western part observes high temperature throughout the year. Other than winter, the weather generally remains moderate most of the time. However, the weather of Jaintia and Khasi hills are genuinely good and pleasant. Cherrapunji located in the Khasi Hills of the southern part of Shillong holds the record of witnessing the maximum rainfall in the world.
Meghalaya observes four seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter. March and April are the months of spring, summer arrives in May and lasts till September; autumn prevails in October and November and winter starts in December stretching till February. The maximum temperature recorded during summer is around 34 (degree c) at Tura of the West Garo Hills District whereas; the temperature of Shillong rises up to 28 (degree c) during this season. The weather gets moderately cold during October and November and climate becomes very cold starting from December. The temperature often goes down to 2 (degree c) during winters and the mountain peaks appear more clouded during this period which creates a splendid atmosphere all around.
