Meghalaya, meaning the “abode of clouds” is a paradise for nature lovers. A hill station that is home to a beautiful, mesmerizing sky in a true sense has captivated the minds of tourists all across the globe. It is perfectly nestled in the northeast of India in the Himalayas. The erstwhile state of Assam spread over an area of 22, 429 square kilometers, and lies between 20.1° N and 26.5° N latitude and 85.49 °E and 92.52 °E longitudes. It is bordered to Assam to the north and east and meets Bangladesh to its south and east side. The state filled with huge hills, valleys, numerous lakes, captivating waterfalls, pitch dark caves, and sacred forests; there is no dearth of tourist places in Meghalaya. You can expect panoramic views, foggy hills, terraced slopes, cascading waterfalls, and serpentine rivers mesmerizing your soul.
Locals here are inhabited by three tribes mainly-Khasi, Pnar and Garo, and are very friendly. English is the official language of the State so international travelers don’t have to worry. Couples can take a romantic trip enjoying the pleasant climate, friends and families can relax in the lap of nature in cities like Shillong, and adventure enthusiasts can take up the challenge of trekking through the difficult terrains of Meghalaya.
Shillong, Tura, Jowai, Cherrapunjee, Nongpoh, Baghmara are some of the famous tourist destinations in Meghalaya that you must include in your Meghalaya tour. To be more specific Wards Lake, Lady Hydari Park, Sweet Falls, the Butterfly Museum, Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Thangkarang Park, Eco Park, Khoh Ramhah, Green Rock Ranch are tourist places in Meghalaya - all worth visiting. When it comes to taking back something, you are going to be satisfied with your bag of moments turning into memories plus can also take along the brilliant handicrafts that are made of the residents of this state. Overall, this overwhelmingly beautiful, green and alive state makes a perfect holiday destination and can be thoroughly enjoyed by all!
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Meghalaya greets every traveller happily and you are sure to enjoy its hospitality. There is an abundance of places to visit in Meghalaya where you can enjoy the best of this state at any of the following destinations.
For nature Lovers:
For adventure enthusiasts:
For wildlife explorers:
When in Meghalaya, you are going to be flattered by natural beauty surrounding you. So except for the time spent in appreciating nature, here’s what you can do:
Hog at TrattoriaThe resorts you choose to stay in, add to the overall experience of your trip. So you might as well hold on, analyse and take a while to choose the best one. Here is a list of resorts from various parts of the state you should certainly consider staying in when in Meghalaya.
Location: Mawsmai - Nongthymmai, Sohra
Location: Upper Lachumiere | near Malki Point, Shillong
Location: Polo grounds, Shillong
Location: Wards Lake Road, Police Bazar, Shillong
Location: Village Laitkynsew | Village Laitkynsew, Cherrapunjee
Location: West Garo Hills, Tura
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The local cuisine of Meghalaya is mostly rice, dried fish and meat. The food is bland but is topped with hot fish chutney that gives it better taste. One of the local favourites is "Jadoh", a dish which is prepared with pork and rice. People here also drink a lot of rice beer locally called as ‘Kyat’. Below is a list of some best places where you can enjoy the best of local cuisine in Meghalaya.
Location: L.P. Building Niit Building, Main Road, Laitumkhrah, Shillong
Location: Hotel Polo Towers, Polo Grounds, Shillong
Location: Laitumkhrah Main Road | Opposite Sweety Studio,Near HDFC Bank ATM, Shillong
Location: Police Bazaar, Shillong
Location: Earle Holiday Home Oakland Road, Shillong
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People of Meghalaya usually use the bus transport for local commuting. The buses are available at regular frequency and in all parts of the state. The major cities are also well connected with each other. Except for this, you can also board the yellow and black unmetered taxis for internal travelling. You can check the estimated rate of your ride from any local or the hotel you’re staying in.
Everybody is fond of shopping and Meghalaya happily satisfies us when it comes to shopping. Generally, Shillong is the most visited place when it comes to shopping. There are several places in the state from where you can pick up a handful of souvenirs for your loved ones. Here are a few you should definitely visit:
For handlooms and handicrafts,
A traveller's Meghalaya Tour is incomplete without visiting the deep dense forests that have some beautiful caves that manage to get the explorer out in you. When in this state, visiting these caves is a must as they give you a great sense of adventure. Meghalaya has more than 500 roughly and many of which are yet to be explored and mapped. Here are a few popular ones you should definitely head to-
Trekking in Meghalaya can be a challenging affair. An advantage is that unlike the Himalayas, these trails are not snow-wrapped so you don’t have to carry a lot of winter clothing on yourself. Moreover, be welcomed by flora fauna that you may get to see nowhere else. These intimidating rare species make your trek absolutely worth it! Here are some of the best trekking trails of Meghalaya-
Meghalaya is a state full of celebrations. It is joyful, vibrant and filled with positive vibes. If you’re planning a visit here, try and be a part of at least one festival.
Cherrapunji in Meghalaya is located at a mere distance of 55 km from the town of Shillong. This place attracts lakhs of tourists every year and is special because it is one of the wettest places on planet. It is nestled in the East Khasi Hills about 50 km southwest of the state’s capital and is also known as Sohra or Churra. The name means the ‘land of oranges.’ Moreover, the place is also popular to be the home of living root bridges, bridges that can hold up to 50 people at a time and are a result of bioengineering practiced by the locals.
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The living root bridge is situated in the Cherrapunji part of Meghalaya, the wettest place on earth. There are 11 functional root bridges in this area and all of them look exceptionally good. The most famous of these is the "double-decker" root bridge which is a 150+ year old man-made natural wonder. However, visiting this bridge is not easy as you have to trek through the difficult trails of forest. But the tiring journey is totally worth it eventually.
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Meghalaya is home to list of best and spectacular waterfalls on East Khasi Hills district and has beautiful hill station with plenty of tourist attraction all around. In and around Shillong there are numerous waterfalls Bishop Falls, Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls and Beadon Falls.
Nohkalikai Falls-335 metres
Nohsngithiang Falls-315 metres
Langshiang Falls-337 metres
Kynrem Falls-305 metres
Bishop Falls-135 metres
Beadon Falls-135 metres
Sweet Falls-96 metres
Other than the beautiful waterfalls, scenic mountains and breath-taking clouds, Meghalaya is also the home to a variety of rare flora and fauna. You can spot rare species of birds and animals in any of the below listed national parks and wildlife sanctuaries:
Mawlynnong Village, also known as God’s Own Garden is popular for all the right reasons. It has bagged the title of the cleanest village in India and has also stood ahead with achieving 100 percent literacy rate or in promoting women empowerment. Mawlynnong is located in Cherrapunji and mainly inhabited by Khasi tribe. It is home to the UNESCO world heritage site, the living root bridges. Moreover, the food prepared by locals of this village is purely organic. Even the meat here comes from in-house bred birds and animal. Interesting, isn’t it?
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Often referred to as the “Scotland of the East”, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Out of the eleven districts, this city has been a major tourist hub and comparatively more developed. Located at an elevation of 1496 metres above sea level, this city lies in the midst of beautiful hills and thick forested areas. Being the capital of Meghalaya, the city is a cultural as well as a tourist hub and attracts flocks of nature enthusiasts from all over the world.
Be it some adrenaline rushing activities or spending some time in solace, all kinds of activities can be done here. From public transport services to night time security, the city is surely worth a visit.