MEGHALAYA

Meghalaya, often called the "Abode of Clouds," is a stunning state in northeast India known for its rolling hills, living root bridges, waterfalls, caves, and rich tribal culture. It is one of India’s greenest states with some of the world’s heaviest rainfall regions.

Overview

• Capital: Shillong

• Official Languages: English, Khasi, Garo, Pnar

• Best Time to Visit: October – April (dry season)

• Known For: Natural beauty, unique bridges, caves, monsoon landscapes

Top Tourist Destinations

1. Shillong

• The charming hill station and state capital

• Highlights: Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum

• Must-Do: Boat rides on Umiam Lake, café hopping, music festivals

2. Cherrapunji (Sohra)

• One of the wettest places on Earth

• Highlights: Living root bridges (Umshiang Double Decker), Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai Caves

• Must-Do: Trek to living root bridges, monsoon waterfall photography

3. Mawlynnong

• Awarded "Asia’s Cleanest Village"

• Highlights: Bamboo skywalk, balancing rock, gardens

• Must-Do: Explore village trails, eco-tourism stays

4. Dawki

• Famous for crystal-clear Umngot River

• Highlights: Transparent boat rides, Dawki Bridge

• Must-Do: River camping, kayaking

5. Mawsynram

• Holds the record as the wettest place on Earth

• Highlights: Mawjymbuin Cave, lush green hills

• Must-Do: Experience intense monsoon rains and scenic landscapes

6. Jowai

• Known for lakes and waterfalls

• Highlights: Thadlaskein Lake, Krang Suri Falls, Nartiang Monoliths

• Must-Do: Swimming in waterfalls, exploring ancient monoliths

7. Tura (Garo Hills)

• Rich in tribal culture and natural attractions

• Highlights: Nokrek National Park, Pelga Falls, Siju Caves

• Must-Do: Wildlife safari, cave exploration

Nature & Adventure

• Living Root Bridges: Ingenious bio-engineered bridges made from tree roots

• Waterfalls: Meghalaya is home to some of India’s tallest and most spectacular waterfalls

• Caving: Mawsmai, Siju, and Mawmluh caves are popular among adventure seekers

• Trekking: Cherrapunji and Nongriat offer scenic trekking routes

Culture & Festivals

• Tribes: Khasi, Garo, Jaintia

• Festivals:

  • Wangala (100-drum festival of Garos)

  • Nongkrem Dance (Khasi harvest festival)

• Music: Shillong is called the "Rock Capital of India" for its vibrant music scene

Cuisine

• Popular Dishes: Jadoh (rice with meat), Dohneiiong (pork curry), Tungrymbai (fermented soybean), Smoked meats

• Beverages: Local rice beer

Wildlife

• Nokrek National Park (UNESCO biosphere reserve)

• Balpakram National Park (known as "Land of Spirits")

• Diverse flora and fauna including rare orchids and red pandas

Meghalaya