The state of Meghalaya is also known as the “Abode of Clouds”. The place has mesmerized travellers for Centuries. The State of Meghalaya is known for its abundant natural resources specially the Natural Beauty, the Hospitable people and the fascinating culture.There are a lot of places which can be visited by a traveller.
After spliting from Assam in the year 1970, Meghalaya achieved semi-autonomous status. However, in 1972 , the state was carved into 3 Districts, i.e the Khasi Hills, the Garo Hills and the Jaintia Hills. The principal languages spoken include Khasi, Garo, Pnar, Biate Hajong and Bengali.
The State is known to be the most wettest place in the world as it rains almost 12 months a year. There are no floods as its a Hill station and all the water subsides and doesn’t get collected.
Agriculture by far is the primary traditional occupation of the Local people. The people of Meghalaya are also reputed for their weaving skills and they also like dance and music with good food.
With globalisation and cultural expansion, Meghalaya has grown to be one of the most Music loving destination. Some of the best music bands perform in Shillong, capital of Meghalaya. Most of the International Rock Bands like Bryan Adams, Metallica, etc has already performed in Shillong. There are also Local famous Bands like Summersalt and singers like Lou Majaw.
During the colonisation era of the British rule, Shillong was the zone for holiday retreat for British Generals. This is primarily due to its moderate climate. The temperature of Shillong never exceeds 25 degree centigrade. And is thus the best retreat zone, especially for people residing in hot places. Still at this age, the temperature reaches to a maximum of only 35 degrees in summer. Winters are always cold, where temperature.
The name: “Scotland of the East” is given to Shillong the name by the British Generals during the colonisation period denoting the climate and terrain similar to “Scotland” back home in England. Even currently the same excerpt is used to denote Shillong.
Shillong is also the best education centre in North East, with some reputed institutes providing whole range of study courses like MBBS, BDS, MBA, MTech, BTech, Mass Communication, etc.
Some of the reputed colleges in Shillong are Saint Anthony’s College, Saint Edmunds College, The Shillong College, The Lady Keane College, etc. All these colleges and many more colleges in Meghalaya and Assam receive their affiliation from the University called NEHU – NORTH EASTERN HILL UNIVERSITY.
Lanscape: The state of Meghalaya abounds in Waterfalls and Caves.
Caves in Meghalaya: Meghalaya has about 788 caves. Many of them are unexplored and unmapped. The important ones are as follows:
(i) Near Cherrapunjee – Krem Mawmluh, Krem Phyllut, Krem Soh Shympi, Krem Dam (East Khasi Hills).
(ii) Jaintia Hills – Krem Kotsati, Krem Umshangktat, Krem Um Lawan, Krem Lashing, Krem Sweep.
(iii) South Garo Hills – Siju-Dobakkol, Dobakkol Chible Nala, Tetengkol-Balwakol, Bok Bak Dobakkol.
Manmade Monuments: Some of the most beautiful churches are available in Shillong, the two famous and old churches are: (i) The Church of Mary Help and (ii) The Presbyterian Church of All Saints, (iii) The Central Library
II. Waterfalls: The State of Meghalaya has the largest number of Waterfalls (with 12 months flowing water) as most of them has water flowing all throughout the year. The Famous waterfalls are as below:
1. Nohkalikai falls: Nohkalikai falls with 1,100 ft (340 m) is the Highest Plunge Waterfalls in India. Its one of the most beautiful waterfalls located in Cherrapunji (Sohra) with a haunting story behind it, where a grief – stricken mother committed suicide after her child was murdered by her husband.
2. Dainthlen falls: Located near Cherrapunji, this falls derives its name snake. According to Legend, this name is derived from a monstrous snake which used to reside in this part of the Land. The Locals somehow got rid of this monster and revived the place.
3. Kynrem Falls: The waterfall cascades in 3 stages and is overlooks through Thangkharang Park.
4. Khoh Ramhah: Its located in Cherrapunji/Sohra, Its of fossilised cone shape, and looks very attractive during the heavy rainy seasons.
5. Elephant Falls: Elephant Falls was actually named by the British, because of a bottom rock which resembles the shape of an elephant. However, that rock was destroyed in 1897 in an earthquake, although the name is retained. In khasi, its known as “Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew or “Three Steps Waterfalls”.
The Other famous falls are:
6. Nohsngithiang Falls in Cherrapunji
7. Spread Eagle Falls in Shillong
8. Sweet Falls in Shillong
9. Weinia Falls in West Khasi Hills district
10. Thum Falls in West Khasi Hills district
11. Krang Suri in Jaintia Hills district
12. Tyrshi Falls in Jaintia Hills district
13. Thlumuwi Falls in Jaintia Hills district.
Places to vist:
Peaks: Shillong Peak which is just 10 km away from the city, provides a magnificent view of entire shillong from a height of 1965 m above ground.
Diengie Peak is another picturesque vantage point facing the magnificient Umiam Lake
Umaim Lake: Its also known as Barapani, a man-made artifical lake. Located just 16km away from Shillong. The location provides water supply to most of the areas of Shillong and also provides almost 80% electricity to Shillong with the dam installed in it.
Cherrapunji: Located at 56 kms away from Shillong is known to be the Second most wettest place in the world, has a 3 major Water Falls. The Nohsngithiang Falls (Mawsmai Falls), Dainthlen Falls, Nohkalikai Falls (the world’s fourth Highest falls) and a few more Falls. On a clear day, the plains of Bangladesh can be seen from the heights.
Mawsynram: Located at just 55 kms away from Cherrapunji is currently the most rainiest place in the World. This place is famous for various caves. The most remarkable one is the Mawjymbuin Cave and the stalagmite formation of a Shivlinga. Another famous site to see is the Dual Root Bridge.
Dawki: This places is very close to the Bangladesh Border. A famous river called the Umngor River is known for River Rafting. Tourist can buy tickets there and enjoy river rafting. Also there is annual river raft race which happens in the month of February.
Ranikor: Ranikor, another place close to Bangladesh is a beautiful place and known for Mahseer.
Tura: Tura is the command center of the Garo Hills. Tura peak located at 1400m is a challenge for climbers and gives a picturesque view form the top. The place is ideal for eco-tourism activities. The forest zone is home to some unique flora and fauna. The National Citrus Gene Sanctuary cum-Biosphere Reserve at Nokrek stretches over an area of 50 sqkm
Concl: Hence, incase anyone wants to spend a good vacation away from the hustle bustle and pollution of metros, Meghalaya is a good place to retreat and revive oneself with a plesant memory and experience of time spent with greenery and nature.
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