Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful states in the northeastern region of the Indian Subcontinent. The state is one amongst the Seven Sister States with some of the most exotic tourist attractions. The name Meghalaya literary means “Abode of Clouds”. Around one-third of this state is forested with discrete biodiversity of plants, birds, and animals. The state also has some of the most beautiful mountain ranges with green landscapes. The state of Meghalaya was ruled by the Jaintia, Garo, and Khasi tribes and had their own kingdoms until the British annexed this region and merged it with the state of Assam. Today, the majority of the population in Meghalaya comprises tribal people and includes the Boro, Hajong, Mikir, Rabha, Nepali, Rajbongshi, and many other tribes. Thus, one gets to see discrete culture in this state, as each tribe follows their own inherited traditions. Let us now take a look at some of the major cities and must-visit destinations in the state of Meghalaya.
Major Cities in Meghalaya
Shillong: The city of Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and a major tourist destination in north-eastern India. The city is a major hill station and has some of the magnificent tourist spots. Shillong is often referred to as the “Scotland of the East”, as a number of European settlers from Scotland resided on the rolling hills around this town. Some of the major tourists attracted destinations in Shillong include the Elephant Falls (two successive falls set in dells of fern-covered rocks and is situated around 13 kilometres from the city), Wards Lake (an artificial lake with a garden and boating facility), Gleneagles of the East (it’s one of the natural and largest golf courses in the world), Shillong Peak (highest point in the state), and Motphran (also known as the Stone of France is erected in the memory of Khasi Labor Crops who fought for British during the World War I). The city also has some of the other attractions including the Capt. Williamsom Sangma State Museum, Entomological Museum, Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, Chrysalis Gallery, Crinoline Falls, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christian, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, and Bishop and Beadon falls.
Tura:Â Another interesting city in the state of Meghalaya, Tura is a huge tourist attraction destination. Located at the foothills of Tura Hills, the city is one of the largest cities in Meghalaya. The name Tura comes from the local deity named Durama. The town is surrounded by beautiful valleys, small rivulets, and forest covered mountains. Some of the major tourist attractions here include Balpakram (a hotspot of biodiversity in Meghalaya is a part of National Park), Nokrek National Park (the UNESCO declared a biosphere reserve and a major hotspot of biodiversity in Meghalaya), Tura Peak (which lies to the east of Tura Town at an elevation of 872 meters is also known for its reserve forest), Rongbang Dar Waterfall (situated in the East Garo Hills is one of the must-visit destinations), Niphak Lake (an ideal place for bird watching and fishing), Siju Cave (also known as Dobakkol or the Cave of Bats, this is the third-longest cave in the Indian subcontinent), Siju Bird Sanctuary (located near the Siju caves and river Simsang), and the Pelga Falls (famous for angling the fall is situated around seven kilometres from Tura town).
Nongstoin:Â The city of Nongstoin is one of the major tourist attractions in the state of Meghalaya. The city is headquarter of West Khasi Hills and rich for some of its exotic tourist destinations. Some of the must-visit destinations in and around Nongstoin are Ranikor (beautiful tourist destination situated on the banks of river Jadukata), Mawthadraishan (an awesome hilltop with several fish ponds), Langshiang Falls (a magnificent waterfall formed by two different streams of River Kynshi), Nongkhnum Island (the island is the biggest river island in Meghalaya and the second largest in Asia), Thum Falls (fascinating waterfalls located near Dilingim village and falls from a height of 60 meters), and the Kallang Rock (a huge igneous rock located around ten kilometres from Mairang).
Jowai:Â Jowai is the headquarters of Jaintia Hill district and a major tourist attraction in the state of Meghalaya. The town is surrounded by the Myntdu River on its three sides and offers a great scenic view. Some of the major tourist attractions in and around this city include Syntu Ksiar (a major tourist attraction that holds a monument dedicated to Kiang Nangbah, who was a fearless freedom fighter and is also famous for the well-irrigated valley), Jowai Presbyterian Church (150 years old church in the Jaintia Hills that retain British form of architecture), Thadlaskein Lake (a beautiful lake that was dug by Sajar Nangli, follower of Jaintia King), Lalong Park (offers a picturesque view of the Pynthor Wah valley of the Myntdu river), and Nartiang Monoliths (biggest collection of both the monolithic and megalithic stones). The other major attractions in Jowai include Syntu Ksiar, Lalong Park, Durga Temple, Umlawan Cave, and the Tyrshi Falls.
Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Meghalaya
Balpakram:Â The Balpakram is one of the famous National Parks in the state of Meghalaya. This national park includes the Balpakram plateau and the adjacent forests. The forests and the region around are dominated by the Garos tribe, who believe that the hills here are the resting place of the departed souls. Balpakaram is a hotspot of biodiversity and is the home for some of the endangered species including the wild water buffalo. Some of the other animals seen here include tigers, Asian elephants, Marbled cats, Red Panda, pig-tailed macaques, stump-tailed macaques, and the Hoolocks. One must definitely visit this national park on their visit to Meghalaya.
Nokrek National Park:Â This national park is the UNESCO declared Biosphere Reserves in India and is situated in the West Garo Hills district of this state. Nokrek National Park is rich in flora and fauna and one finds some of the most endangered species of both plants as well as animal life in this park. The national park is home to the Red Panda, tigers, marbled cats, Asian elephants, Hoolocks, barking deer, sambar, and many other wild lives. Nokrek is also considered as one of the important bird areas and is a major attraction of bird lovers all over the world one must definitely visit this national park on their visit to Meghalaya.
Cherrapunji: The place is known as the “Wettest Place on Planet Earth” with an average rainfall of 11,777 millimetres. The town is situated in the East Khasi Hill District of Meghalaya and is a popular tourist destination in India. Some of the major tourist attractions here include the Mawsynram village, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Nokrek National Park, Mawsmai Falls, Khasi Monoliths, Dainthlen Waterfalls, Krem Mawmluh Cave, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Krem Phyllut, Ka Khoh Ramhah, Thangkharang Park, Mawkdok Dympep Valley View, Nongsawlia, and the Eco Park.
Meghalaya is one of the must-visit destinations amongst the Seven Sister States as well as India. The state offers discrete scenic, cultural as well as wildlife beauty and gives a lifetime experience.
