Meghalaya, the name means “the abode of clouds” in Sanskrit and is one of the states in the Seven Sisters States of the country. Carved from the erstwhile State of Assam, Meghalaya became a full fledged State on January 21,1972.
Blessed with a beautiful topography and biodiversity, the state is not visited enough and is definitely under rated. My friends love travelling to this side of the country and get me a different recommendation, each time they come.
Here are a few recommendations. Head out for a peaceful vacation in the lap of nature amongst the hills and valleys.
1. Shillong
The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong is a home to beautiful mountain peaks, lakes with crystal clear water, museums and zoos and a number of numerous waterfalls. The natural beauty here is breathtaking. The state is famous for heavy rainfalls, caving, people and culture.Also famous as the music capital of India, many music events happen here throughout the year and make it even more livelier. Places To See: Mawlynnong (God’s own garden), Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Ward’s Lake.
Umiam Lake in Meghalaya
2. Tura
Tura in the West Garo hills is an unexplored town with the main attraction as the Nokrek National Park which is 12km from the town. The simple natural environment here sure makes you feel like you are in a Utopian world. Places To See: Tura Peak, Siju Caves, Balpakram National Park, Nokrek National Park, Pelga falls and also Rong Bang Dar falls Image Courtesy: Tourmet
3. Cherrapunjee
Amongst the wettest place on Earth, Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya is an untouched beauty on its own. With beautiful waterfalls and beautiful weather to calm your nerves this is an excellent place to sit back, relax and unwind.Witness the Living Root bridges and beautiful caves like Krem Phyllut. You can also watch the plains of Bangladesh from the cliffs here. Places To See: Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Krem Phyllut, Mawlynnong, Dawki, Krem Mawsmai Cave and also Nohkalikai Waterfalls
4. Jowai
Jowai is located in the Jaintia Hills district. Its scenic setting with breathtaking views and a perfect mixture of heritage, culture and nature.
The main attraction of Jowai is the lakes here. The Thadlaskein Lake and Lalong Park are the famous tourists hot spots. Syntu Ksiar is also a popular destination on the shores of river Myntdu. Places To See: Jaintia Hills, Stone Bridge, Thadlaskein Lake, Umlawan Cave, Tryshi Falls and also Nartiang Monoliths Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya
5. Williamnagar
With abundance of natural beauty, water and vegetation, Williamnagar is based on the plains of Simsang River around the town of Simsanggre. Williamnagar is also the headquarters of the East Garo Hills district of the state of Meghalaya.
It holds historical importance as it was here that the Garos (A community is hills) made their last major resistance to the British invasion into Garo Hills during the year 1837. Places To See: Simsang River, Naka Chikong, Domre Falls, Mrik Wari, Siju Caves and also Simsang caves Also Read: The Largest Known Cave Passage Is In Vietnam & It’s Humongous Caves in Meghalaya
6. Nongpoh
Situated in the North of the East Khasi Hills, Nongpoh is a favourite stopover before Shillong! It is quite near the Brahmaputra plains and is the administrative headquarters of Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. The land is covered with plush green trees & lovely rivers with the serene climate to make your trip a beautiful one. Places To See: Thrills Fun Park, Lum Sohpetbneng, Lum Nehru Park, East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya
7. Baghmara
Baghmara in Meghalaya is a town enveloped by lakes rivers and hills. Hosting thousands of tourists ever year the city is a perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts as Baghmara Reserve Forest is only 4km from the town. You can also go to the Siju caves which is the third longest cave system in India.It is fed by the Simsang river and it is also the best for old mates on a short vacation. Places To See: Baghmara Reserve Forest, Siju caves, Siju Bird Sanctuary, Simsang, Baghmara Tyisam Festival
8. Mawsynram
Known as one of the wettest place in the world, this is a nature lover’s delight. It is one of the best tourist attractions of India.
Mawsynram is 1400m above sea level and it is located in the East Khasi Hill district of the state of Meghalaya. Places To See: Cherapunjee, Mawlyngbna, Mawsmai Falls, Mawsmai Caves and also Nohalikalai Falls
