Meghalaya Tourism

Meghalaya Tourism offers tourists a unique experience that encapsulates peace of mind, natural beauty, and a plethora of activities. Its breathtaking scenic beauty is a treat for sore eyes.

The name of the state literally translates into the ‘Land of Clouds’. Meghalaya’s scenery, lush green tropical hills and valleys, and heavy rainfall have led to the growth of exotic flora and fauna. This state serves as an important tourist attraction in the north-east. Nestled cozily in the north-eastern Himalayan range, Meghalaya has a typically hilly climate which tourists find soothing and salubrious. Cherrapunji and Mausynram in Meghalaya receive an enormous amount of rainfall and are counted among the wettest places in the world.

Tourism in Meghalaya is especially popular due to the Jaintia and Khasi Hills which are quite well-known. These areas are neither warm nor cold. In the Garo Hills, the climate is warmer and humid, but in winter it usually becomes very pleasant. Tourists, however, throng these places throughout the year, irrespective of the season.

The major tourist attractions in Meghalaya are:

Shillong

Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Its picturesque setting and salubrious climate were considered suitable for sanatoriums and holiday homes for British civilians, suffering from the sweltering heat of the plains. It is described as 'Mini London'. There are many legends surrounding the name Shillong. One says that it originated from the name of a handsome youth called Shyllong.
Golf Links
Shillong's Golf Course is considered one of the best in India. It is situated in the center of the city, close to the polo ground. It was established in 1898, by a group of British Civil Service officers. Golfers from all over the world come here to test their skills.

Lady Hydari Park
Lady Hydari Park was named after the wife of Sir Akhbari Hydari, the first Indian Governor of Assam who assumed charge on the eve of independence. It has a very attractive garden and the best months to see the flowers in bloom are April to October. Next to the park, is a mini zoo, where many species of birds and animals are kept.

Museum of Entomology
This place is a treasure house of various kinds of exquisite Meghalayan butterflies and insects, some of which are bred and reared by naturalists and then preserved. The most beautiful and sought after Meghalayan butterfly is 'Kaiser-I-Hind'.

Shillong Peak
Forested Shillong Peak, at 1,965 metres above sea level, acts as a vast catchment area. A steep winding road goes right to the top of the peak. On a clear day, you can see the Himalayan peaks and plains of Sylhet from the summit.

Ward's Lake
This artificial lake located in Shillong received its name from Sir William Ward, Chief Commissioner of Assam in 1893-94, because he took a personal interest in beautifying it.

Waterfalls
In and around Shillong, there are numerous waterfalls, especially during the monsoon when they run in milky white torrents: Bishop Falls, Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls and Beadon Falls are best known. Bishop or Suna Pani Falls are located west of Mawprem in Shilong. They are 135 metres high and particularly impressive in monsoon. The beautiful Elephant or Umdiengpun Falls are enroute to Sadew, 12 kilometres from Shillong City.

Cherrapunjee

Cherrapunjee has a rich historical heritage and was the first British outpost in this part of the country. Sohra is the original Khasi name for Cherrapunjee. It is 1300 metres above sea level and 56 kms from Shillong. This place is one of the rainiest rain-belts in the world. A pleasant drive to see roaring waterfalls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang Falls. The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. Centre of Khasi culture and literature, it also has the oldest Presbyterian Church and also an establishment of the Ramakrishna Mission.

Mawsynram

56 Kms from Shillong, it is known for the giant stalagmite formation shaped into a Shivalinga, called locally as 'Mawjymbuin'.

Jakrem

64 kms from Shillong, a popular health resort having hot-springs of sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties.

Monoliths in Khasi Hills

In the Khasi Hills are a number of ancient monoliths and table stones, which are either memorials where the ashes of the dead are deposited in cairns or cenotaphs, commemorating memorable events. The upright stones represent men generally and are of considerable size, sometimes projecting 6 metres (20 feet) or more above ground.

Jowai in Jaintia Hills

The most important town in the Jaintia Hills district is Jowai, 1,380 metres above sea level, situated 64 kms from Shillong. The annual festival of Behdeinkhlam is celebrated in great style in Jowai. En-route from Shillong to Jowai, one passes through grassy meadows, colourful graveyards, rice terraces, woods of oak or whispering pine and the meandering Myntdu River.

Nartiang

This is located in the Jaintia Hills about 65 kms from Shillong and 24 kms from Jowai. There are clusters of monoliths in Nartiang that are among the tallest anywhere in the world.

Tura in Garo Hills

The district headquarters of the West Garo Hills is Tura, which is situated 657 metres above sea level. Tura has a picturesque landscape of hills overlooking the sweeping curves of the mighty Brahmaputra River on the plains below. The Tura Peak is very close to town and it is the ideal place for rock climbers, hikers and naturalists.