Meghalaya

Introduction to Meghalaya

Meghalaya, the 21st state of the Indian Union, was declared a full fledged state on January 21, 1972. Tucked away in the north eastern region of India, Meghalaya is a land of raw natural beauty which has a distinct other - worldly appeal to it. The higher ridges of the state lie in the coniferous belt, gradually sloping down to sub-tropical and tropical zones.

Of the 17,000 species of orchids in the world, about 1250 exist in India, of which nearly 300 are found in Meghalaya. The Khasi Hills boasts of the age-old Sacred Forests, many of which, are preserved to this day, by traditional religious sanction. The Mawphlang Sacred Forest, 20 kms from Shillong, represents the wisdom of the elders of yore, in preserving the fragile ecological system.

Meghalaya is also rich in wildlife. The state has two national parks and two wildlife sanctuaries. Species like the Golden Cat, Golden Langur and Hoolock Gibbon are endemic to Meghalaya.

Altitude : 1496 mts.
Climate (deg C) : Summer - Max 23.3, Min 15 ; Winter - Max 15.6, Min 3.9.
Season : Throughout the year.

Tourist Attraction:

Shillong Peak: 10kms away from the city, this is the highest point (1965mtrs), which offers a panoramic view of the countryside.

Sohpetbneng Peak: Against the backdrop of a green forest, the sacred peak is regarded as the 'Navel of Heaven' as per Khasi mythology. If you are seeking peace of mind, this might be your ideal retreat.

Ward's Lake: The picturesque lake is set amid rolling flowerbeds and fairyland lighting.

Shillong Cathedral: The beautiful church was built by the British. It is as spacious as to accommodate a few thousand worshippers.

Nartiang: The remnants of the old capital of the Jaintia Kings lies 65kms away from Shillong. The huge monoliths and a 500 years old Durga temple are important tourist attractions in Meghalaya.
Apart from the above, there a number of waterfalls and natural caves in the state, which are also important tourist attractions in Meghalaya.

Waterfalls in Meghalaya: The state can boast of a number of waterfalls, which emerge from the unpolluted rushing streams plunge down the steep mountains, turn twist and disappear in the jungle. Some noted waterfalls are Spread Eagle Falls, Elephant Falls, Crinoline Falls, Noh Kalikai Falls, Dain Thlen Falls, Mawsmai Falls, Imilchang Dare.
 

Caves in Meghalaya: The state is dotted with numerous natural caves. Exploring the strange natural formations through murky interiors is a thrilling experience for some. The Khasi, Jaiantia and Garo Hills are replete with such caves, which are major tourist attractions in Meghalaya. Some notable caves are, Mawsmai Cave, Krem Mawmluh, The Cave of Eocene age, Krem Kotsati, Krem Umshangktat, Siju-Dobkhakol, Tetengkol-Balwakol etc.

How to Reach Meghalaya

Air : Nearest airport Borjhar (Guwahati), 129 kms from Shillong, is connected with Calcutta. Umroi Airport, 31 km from Shillong, is also connected by Vayudoot with Calcutta.

Rail: Nearest Railhead is Guwahati (103 kms).

Road: By road Shillong to Calcutta-1184 kms, Darjeeling-690 kms, Gangtok-692 km, Guwahati-103 km, Kaziranga-294 km, Aizwal-430 km, Siliguri-578 kms, Manas-273 kms, Agartala-499 kms, Kohima-469 kms, Itanagar-481 kms etc.

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