Meghalaya
About Meghalaya
Meghalaya, the abode of clouds, is one of the most beautiful states in North-East India offering a variety of sights, activities, food and festivals to the tourists. Well known for Cherapunjji, the place which receives one of the maximum rainfall in the world, Meghalaya can mesmerise you with its hills, valleys, lakes, caves and waterfalls which when combined with the beautiful clouds, give it a very serene, beautiful look.Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, and it?s the most urbanised area you will see in the entire state. Shillong has a lot of leftover British colonial influence that is evident from the plentiful British architecture. Owing to the magnificent lakes all around the town, and the hills surrounding it, Shillong has often been called the Scotland of the East. Cherrapunji is famous for its rainfall, and it used to be the wettest place on Earth before the title was taken over by Mawsynram, which is less than 100 kilometres away from Cherrapunji. The Living Double-decker Root Bridge is a famous attraction in Cherrapunji, where trekking and hiking activities are offered for tourists.
Shillong
A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, Shillong provides a relief from the heat across the country. This hill station is known for its picturesque sights and traditions. The soothing climate makes Shillong suitable to visit in all seasons. The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting this hill station. This place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is the home to numerous waterfalls. The exciting mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, breathtakingly beautiful golf courses, museums and the zoo are the key reasons why people visit Shillong. Apart from the natural beauty, Shillong also acts as the gateway to Meghalaya, the state famous for heavy rainfalls, caving, tallest waterfalls, beautiful landscapes and amazing people and culture. Shillong in particular has been in limelight for its jovial people and their culture. Interestingly, Shillong has a very westernised culture and it has a very young feel to it. Shillong is also famous as the music capital of India, as many prominent musicians have hailed from this place. Many music events keep happening throughout the year, making it a very lively place.
Things to Do
Shillong Peak
At the height of 6449 ft or 1965 m above sea level, Shillong Peak is the highest point of Shillong. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city, the Himalayas, its waterfalls as well as of the Bangladesh plains. A telescope is available for tourists to get a bird’s eye view. Trekking up to this semi-circular Shillong Peak is highly recommended for the best views but it is often bounded by heavy fog.It is said that Shillong gets its name from the Shillong Peak itself. Regional tales tell that the patron deity ‘Leishyllong’ resides in the hills and protects the city from all evils. The U Shulong site at the top of the peak is sacred and every spring, a ritual is organised there. The Shillong Peak is situated at the air force base and features a radar station of the Indian Air Force. Due to security reasons, heavy checking is done at the gates, and tourists are asked to deposit their cameras.
Police Bazar
Police Bazar is the major market of Shillong, and a popular shopping haunt for locals and tourists alike. In addition to an array of restaurants, hotels and big brand stores, the Police Bazaar also has a flea market section which is pocket-friendly and draws the maximum number of tourists owing to its traditional handicrafts stores, exquisite Meghalaya merchandise, regional apparels, junk jewellery and the like. The colourful market is thronged by shopping enthusiasts as well as foodies.Police Bazaar, also known as Khyndailad is the prime shopping hub in Shillong and the ideal place to book a hotel if you are travelling to Shillong.
Elephant Falls
Named after an Elephant like stone at its foot, the Elephant Falls are amongst the most popular falls in the North-East, situated next to Shillong. It is a tourists’ paradise with three layers of the falls accessible to the layman from different vantage points. The Britishers named this fall so owing to the presence of an elephant-shaped rock on one side of the fall. However, the stone disintegrated and was washed away due to an earthquake in 1897. Elephant Waterfalls is a superb place for spending some time in the midst of nature while capturing the incredible moments for your keepsake.The breathtaking Elephant falls were referred to as ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew’ by the local Khasi people, which means ‘The Three Step Waterfalls’, as these falls consist of three mesmerising falls in succession. The first of the three waterfalls are tucked between the dense trees and are very broad. The second waterfall reduces to thin strands of water and is almost negligible in winters due to the receding water levels. The third and the most visible waterfall is the tallest with clear water flowing like a sheet of milk on the dark rocks in the backdrop. Out of the three, the third waterfall tends to strike the visitors as the most impressive. Elephant Falls is a great stopover destination before one head for further journeys into Meghalaya. Located 12 km away from the capital city of Shillong, it is one of the most visited falls in the beautiful state.
Cherrapunji
Earlier the wettest place on the Earth, Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, also known as Sohra, is known for its double-decker living root bridge. Located around 50 Kms from Shillong, this sub-divisional town is famous for its rich flora and natural attractions. Although Mawsynram is now the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji still holds the record for the highest recorded rainfall in a calendar year. Apart from the famous living root bridge, other natural attractions include cave formations such as the Mawsmai Caves and Krem Phyllut. Asia’s cleanest village, Mawylyngnong is another famous tourist spot here, where visitors can live and experience the food and culture of the village.The misty valleys and the waterfalls in the region make a long drive through Cherrapunji ideal for those who love road trips. The breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and waterfalls such as the famous Nohkalikai Waterfalls are wonderful experiences to be had during the sunny winter days. For those with a bit of time on their hands, the town of Dawki at the border with Bangladesh offers a wonderful clearwater boating experience in the winter season.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Hidden deep in the lush, green forests of the wettest place in India: Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya; one can find the magnificent Jingkieng Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge; more commonly known as the Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge or simply just the Double Decker Root Bridge. This area is famous for root bridges made of Indian Rubber Tree, but the Double Decker Bridge is the most famous of all due to its large size. It is 3 kilometers long and placed at a height of 2400 feet! A unique attraction and quite an innovative mix of nature and engineering. The Umshiang River flows beneath the bridge.
Nohkalikai falls
The fourth highest waterfalls in the world, Nohkalikai falls plunge some 335 meters from a verdant cliff to the ground giving the portrayal of immense and natural magnificence. The pride of the state of Meghalaya, the falls are one of the most beautiful and grand waterfalls in the country. Tucked in between evergreen rainforest of the Khasi Hill and flowing with all its majesty and might, the falls plunges into a lagoon which is as blue as the afternoon sky. Nohkalikai Falls is one of the most popular and significant places to see in the North-East. The name of the falls is attached with a sad story of woman named Ka Likai who remarried a man, who believed that she loved his daughter more than him. So one day while Ka Likai was working outside, the man killed his daughter and cooked her flesh and served it to Ka Likai. She ate the meal and went out to look for her daughter and while doing so she found her fingers in a beet-nut basket. Seeing this she became very upset and plunged to death from the waterfall which was now renamed ‘Noh Ka Likai ‘.
Mawsmai Cave
Meghalaya is home to some amazing and mysterious cave systems and Mawsmai Cave is by far the most popular of the lot. Located just 6 km away from the heart of Cherrapunjee Mawsmai cave is a breathtaking maze of caves in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The well lit caves are a view to behold when the glistening lights meet with the limestone to create countless hues and patterns of light.There is plenty of flora and fauna within the cave to catch one’s attention. The length of the cave is just 150 meters which is not the longest compared to the other caves in the region but it surely provides one a glimpse of life in the underground. Mawsmai Caves are best seen on a trip to Cherrapunjee or Shillong. Start your trip with Cherrapunjee, not missing the caves while here and follow it with a trip to Shillong.
Jowai
Located in the Jaintia Hills district, Jowai located at a distance of 66 Kms from Shillong, is famous for its bucolic setting and breathtaking views with the perfect mix of heritage and culture. Jowai, much like Cherrapunji prides itself in being a destination much loved for a scenic drive and boasting of lakes, vast open valleys and waterfalls. The Thadlaskein Lake and Lalong Park are the famous tourist hot spots while Syntu Ksiar is also a popular destination on the shores of river Myntdu. Festivals such as Behdeinkhlam, Chad Sukra and Laho Dance attract many tourists from across India each year.Enthusiastic non-vegetarians can try the variety of meat dishes of local fish and pork. Jadoh and Doh Khleh are two famous pork dishes which we recommend. For those who are little on the adventurous side, a pungent dish of fermented beans known as Tungtoh is offered here.
Tryshi Falls
These falls are compared with the Elephant falls of Shillong. A bridge connects the waterfall’s surroundings with an expanse of green paddy fields. A breathtaking panoramic view of the Pynthor Nein is visible from the bridge. A trek to the bottom of the falls is amazing too.
Krang Suri Falls
Krang Suri is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the District. It is located in the Amlarem Civil Sub Division.? Chiseled and graveled footpaths and view points to enable visitors to better appreciate the beauty of the waterfall and its surroundings have been added to the complex.
Umskor Caves
Meghalaya takes pride in housing the sub-continent’s deepest and largest caves – the Umlawan Caves. These caves are interconnected with the Kot Sati and Umskor Caves. Innumerable stalagmites and stalactites add to the look of these caves. The caves are 100 m deep and 21km long.
