MEGHALAYA

Meghalaya is nestled in the hills of the eastern sub-Himalaya in Northeastern India. The name Meghalaya describes the climatic phenomenon that brings torrents of rain to its mountainous terrain. Literally, it is the Abode of the Clouds. It is the state with the highest level of rainfall in the country. Nature has blessed Meghalaya with abundant rainfall, sunshine, virgin forests, high plateaus, tumbling waterfalls, crystal clear rivers, meandering streamlets and above all with sturdy, intelligent and hospitable people.

The state is the homeland mainly of the Khasis, Jaintias and Garos. The Garos inhabit western Meghalaya, the Khasis live in the central part and the Jaintias are found in the eastern part of the state. The Garo Hills is predominantly inhabited by the Garos. They belong to the Bodo family of the Tibeto-Burman race, and are said to have migrated from Tibet centuries ago. The Garos prefer to call themselves Achiks and the land they inhabit Achikland. Weaving is an ancient craft of the tribals of Meghalaya - be it weaving of cane or cloth.

Meghalaya has several significant advantages over other tourist destinations in the North East as it has a unique blend of different cultures, relatively strong infrastructure like roads, hotel rooms and transport facilities. The tourist attractions are scattered in all the districts of the state. The refreshing mountain air, the whispering pines, the exotic flora and fauna, the caves - all stretch out the tourist to a tremendous taste of beauty. Meghalaya is a treasure trove of Mother Nature, with its richly varied and dense endemic, exotic and cultivated floral treasure. Nature in its generous abundance has bestowed in Meghalaya unique vegetation. It is a nature lover and botanist's paradise.


SHILLONG

Shillong, a renowned hill station with an incomparable climate, is the capital of Meghalaya. It became Assam's capital in 1874 and remained so till 1972 when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam. The capital city derives its name from the manifestation of the creator called Shyllong. Often likened to Scotland, it has rolling hills, heather-covered slopes, beautiful waterfalls, moving mists, silent lakes and a rich and unique variety of flora and fauna. The city is situated in the Khasi Hills. Shillong is the place to enjoy everything. The city has a character which can be felt only after exploring. The British created a number of attractive parks in Shillong. Ward’s Lake is one of the best and a pleasant place to stroll around. Others are the Happy Valley, the Polo Ground, the Golf Course.

Cherrapunji: Situated 58 km away from Shillong, Cherapunji used to be the wettest place on earth. This honor is given today to Mausynram, a stone throw further west. The area is lush green with waterfalls and an extensive underground cave network. These villages overlook the vast plains of Bangladesh.