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Meghalaya:
It is a land locked territory of lovely hills with abounding sylvan beauty. It is surrounded on the north and east by assam and on the south and west by Bangladesh. Meghalaya means the abode of clouds. It consists of 5 districts: Jaintia hills, East Garo hills, West Garo hills, East Khasi hills and West Khasi hills. 3 tribal communities named Khasis, Jaintias and Garos are the descendants of very ancient people having distinctive traits and ethnic origin.
Betelnut, ginger, turmeric, betelvine, black pepper, tezpatta, Cinnamon, orange, pineapple, Banana, lemon, guava, litchi, Jackfruit, Plum, Pear and Peach are some of the important cross grown besides tea and mushroom in Meghalaya.
It is rich in forests. Principal timber species like sal, teak, titachap, gomati, Bhola and pine, Birch and markriasal, beech and Mongolia are found over here.
Festivals:
Nongkrem dance is one of the two important festivals of Khasis. 5 day religious festival held annually at Smit village(11 km from Shillong) during October-November as a thank giving to God almighty for harvest and to pray for peace and prosperity.
Shad Sukmynsiem is another festival of Khasis celebrated in April in Shillong wherein maidens dressed in traditional fineries and menfolk in colourful costumes danced to the time of drums and flutes.
Behdienkhlam is similar festival of Jaintias celebrated in July after the showing is done. Garos also celebrate Wangalais as harvesting festival with Rugula ceremony performed in the field and subsequent Sasat Soa ceremony performed inside the house of village chief.
WEST GARO HILLS
The largest district of the Garo Hills, West Garo Hills’ headquarters is Tura – a preferred base camp for those who are travelling to the region. It is abundant with natural attractions, most of which can be found in and around the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, home to a long list of rare, unique and endangered flora and fauna.
Tura Peak I Nokrek Biosphere Reserve I Chandigre Village Resort I Pelga Falls I Rongbangdagre Waterfalls
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SOUTH WEST GARO HILLS
One of Meghalaya’s newest districts, South West Garo Hills is known for its natural scenery. From a Mughal-era landmark to myriad lakes and birding hotspots, there is a diversity of attractions for intrepid explorers to admire. Ampati town is the district headquarter.
Kata Beel I Snake Stone I Shah Kamal Dargah I Chenga Benga Lake I Kodaldhowa Lake I Mir Jumla’s Tomb
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SOUTH GARO HILLS
The lush South Garo Hills district borders Bangladesh and is known as one of the least explored and naturally rich regions in Meghalaya. The district headquarters is Baghmara and this 1887 square kilometre region is part of an important wild elephant corridor that stretches into the entire North-East. It is also home to fascinating cave complexes.
Siju Caves and Sanctuary I Balpakram National Park I Baghmara Reserve Forest I Simsang River
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NORTH GARO HILLS
Bordering the state of Assam, North Garo Hills boasts a cultural and topographical mix. The vast plains lead to low hills providing visitors with visuals of the local agrarian landscape crisscrossed with thick and wild patches. North Garo Hills is also home to some of Meghalaya’s most distinct natural and cultural attractions.
Resubelpara Hot Springs I Jolding Wari Lake
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EAST GARO HILLS
Featuring rugged terrain and rich cultural attractions, East Garo Hills district is the site of many interesting historical events, including the Garo people’s last stand against the British on the Simsang basin. Williamnagar is the main town here and an ideal place to begin your explorations of the surrounding sites and natural splendour.
Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma Memorial Park I Nokrek Biosphere Reserve I Simsang River
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WEST KHASI HILLS
A sparsely populated district, the West Khasi Hills expand across the heart of Meghalaya. From wind-swept undulating terrain to raging rivers, Meghalaya’s largest district is a tailor-made destination for those who love adventure and natural beauty while its largely unexplored nature adds a tinge of the unexpected. The headquarter town is Nongstoin.
Lum Kyllang I Mawphanlur I Mawthadraishan I Nongkhnum River Island I Langshiang Falls I Kynshi River I Tirot Sing Cave
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SOUTH WEST KHASI HILLS
Tucked away on the southern edge of Meghalaya, South West Khasi Hills district makes up for its small size with its diverse and spectacular scenery. The undulating landscape is home to one of the most brutal ultra-marathons in the world. The region features many other locally well-known landmarks and is an angler’s paradise. Mawkyrwat is the district headquarters.
Jakrem Hot Springs I Tynrong Monoliths I Rilang Viewpoint I Rohbah Fish Sanctuary I Umngi River
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RI-BHOI
Considered the gateway to Meghalaya, Ri-Bhoi district is known for its fertile lands and salubrious climate all-year-round. Meghalaya’s famous silk ryndias are weaved here and there are many pristine wild habitats spread across the district. The district headquarter Nongpoh is a very popular highway stop.
Marngar Lake I Nongkhyllem Sanctuary I Umden (Silk Village) I Umiam Lake I Nehru Park I Lum Sohpetbneng------
EAST KHASI HILLS
Meghalaya’s most populous district is also home to the state capital Shillong and world-famous destinations like Sohra (Cherrapunjee) and Nongriat. The district is usually the first stop for anyone visiting the state. From scenic attractions to urban escapades, the East Khasi Hills offers a complete bouquet of experiences.
Shillong City I Mawphlang Sacred Forest I Sohra I Nongriat I Pynursla I Mawsynram I Mawkdok Viewpoint I Khat-ar-shnong
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WEST JAINTIA HILLS
A garden of monoliths, boats floating on crystal-clear waters, curtains of waterfalls over weathered rocks tucked in a secret forest – these are images that the Jaintia Hills conjures. Meghalaya’s eastern section has been in the thick of North-eastern history, being mentioned in the chronicles of the Ahoms and other neighbouring cultures. The Jaintia Hills also provide the mesmeric scenery that one expects from Meghalaya as routes dart between highland meadows and steep tropical landscapes.
West Jaintia Hills District is part of Meghalaya’s historically most chronicled region – when it used to be the land of the old Jaintia kings. It is known for its vibrant festivals and the quintessential Meghalayan scenery – offering visitors a good mix of culture, adventure and nature. The historic town of Jowai is the district headquarters.
Nartiang Monoliths I Nartiang Temple I Ialong Nature Park and Sacred Grove I Thlumuwi I Phe-Phe Falls I Kudengrim I Krangshuri Falls I Dawki Shnongpdeng I Darrang I Umngot River
The crystal clear waters of the Umngot River, the lush landscapes, the rustic lifestyles, and the riverine beaches are the main highlights of Dawki and Shnongpdeng, adjacent locations at the foot of Meghalaya’s mighty southern ranges.
Dawki is a border town in the south of Meghalaya and a great base to explore nearby Shnongpdeng and Darrang – famous riverside camps. You will witness a blend of cultures and changing topography as the hills merge into the plains of Northern Bangladesh. Some of the evening scenery here is stunning as you watch the lights glow above the neighbouring plains over the gentle, dark river.
Shnongpdeng Village is 8 kms north of Dawki along the winding Umngot. Waters so clear, you can peer into the bottom and count the stones – that is how the Umngot River can be described during the peak pre-monsoon, autumn, and winter seasons. Whether you want to enjoy a gentle boat ride through a stretch flanked by forests or you want to take a dip into the river in scuba gear, the activities in Shnongpdeng will keep you occupied for days.
Camping, swimming, and fishing are some of the fun outdoor activities in Shnongpdeng. You can indulge in one of the most thrilling ziplines and rappel down one of the many striking rock formations that line up the Umngot. A bridge that spans the Umngot allows for fantastic pictures and perspectives and there are picnic spots near the river.
There are plenty of recognized resorts and camps in Dawki, Shnongpdeng, and surrounding areas. Ensure that all your water activities are done with expert supervision and necessary safety gear.
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EAST JAINTIA HILLS
Not many travellers have ventured into the East Jaintia Hills region, which at one time was an important connecting hub between the hill communities and the trade centres of the plains. From primaeval forests to scintillating waterfalls and natural pools, this district is bound to throw up many pleasant and scenic surprises. The main town of the district is Khliehriat.
Lukha Bridge I Rynji Falls I Moopun Falls I Narpuh Reserved Forest
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