Meghalaya has been always related to its natural beauty like waterfalls, natural vegetations, hill stations and crystal clear fresh water lakes. As compared to other states, Meghalaya experiences rainfall in large scale because it location is near to the Bay of Bengal. Due to surfeit rainfall falling in this region, lakes and rivers protruding out are in immense numbers. Orchid cultivation here is also in the exorbitant numbers. Before 1972 Meghalaya was the part of main Assam state, but after that it was created a different state. For adventure sports enthusiasts, boisterously flowing rivers are waiting for them. There are mainly three tribes those who live in exorbitant numbers are Jaintia, Pnar and Khasi peoples and they are said to be migrated from the South Asia region. Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and it offers a wide range of places that are the star attraction as ‘tourist places’. A very famous festival known as ‘Wangala festival’ is celebrated with Great Spirit and joy. Which place to visit first in Meghalaya is always among the difficult decisions? To solve this, we have a list of best tourist place in Meghalaya.
Best Tourist Places to visit in Meghalaya (A brief data on top places)
Shillong
Being a hill station, crowds unabashedly flock to this part of the country. The climate is relatively cooler and the cool breeze that mesmerizes your mind is impeccable. Shillong was once the capital of Assam that was built by the British and hence you can still locate several buildings that date back from the British period. ‘Ward’s Lake’ is a famous fresh water body in this region. Clusters of flower bed, crystal clear water, boat ride, added together make you blithely. Just near to this Lake is the ancient Shillong where buildings dating back from the British time can be spotted. A very famous sport known as ‘Siat Khnam’ is always recommended by various travelers visiting this destination.
Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures
This museum is situated in Shillong and has a nice collection related to the Meghalaya history, sculptures, and artifacts belonging to the tribes that are living here for so much longer period. It will take around 1 hour to take a complete round of this whole museum.
Smit
A better place to explore about the Khasi culture and it is the major center related to this culture. The notable part of this place is the five day long festival celebrated in the month of October. The name of this festival is ‘Nongkrem’ and different type’s practices and cultural activities are performed in these five days.
Cherrapunjee
This place experiences some of the highest Rainfall in the world and due to this there are several lakes, and waterfall cut out of the valley and present a beautiful view in front of the visitors. Dympep viewpoint is very famous and gives a picturesque view of Mother Nature. In terms of resting places, Cherranpunjee offers a large collection hotels and guest houses. Tourist guides are also available and charges depend upon your choice of selection of the hotel. Hotels itself provide the tourist guides on the prior requests.
Root Bridges
They are the star attraction near Cherrapunjee. These are natural bridges that are formed with the help of rubber fig tree roots and run across from one side of the river to the other. They are so well constructed that they have been doing the purpose of bridge over long time.
Moors & Waterfalls
Due to these waterfalls Meghalaya is also called as the ‘Scotland of East’. The deep valley depicts the same image as of ‘Grand Canyon’ and the Nohkalikai Falls here are the fourth highest falls in the world. During the month of July and August, due to rainfall, flow of this fall increases several folds. Near to them is another natures masterpiece called as the ‘Mawsmai Cave’ and they are 150m long. Local people flock here in large numbers.
Bishop Falls and Beadon Falls Tengnoupal
These two famous falls are situated near to the Shillong city. Among the two, Bishop falls are greatly admired by the visitors and the basic reason behind this anomaly is that, Bishop Falls has a more full flow of water. The whole ambience near these two falls is impeccable and it is here you can see the hegemony of Mother Nature over other things.
Rengthiam Fall
These falls are among the most astonishing and charming falls in Meghalaya. They are situated in Shillong-Towai Highway. The effect of these falls is so mesmerizing that it keeps its visitors spell bound by its beauty.
Tura
Spell bounding and astonishing views of Lofty hill can be taken by standing on the Tura peak. It is around 2500 feet above from the sea level. Below this peak is the Tura town. Near to this town are the Garo hills and they are itself a more important tourist spot then Tura. Garo Hills can be accessed more easily from Guwahati as compared to the Shillong. These hills also give a fantastic view of boisterously flowing, Brahmaputra river. Although this river is in Bangladesh but still from these hills you will be able to get the fantastic views. On the Garo hills there are a couple of lounges and hotel and provided nice packages to tourists. But in the summer seasons, the prices shoot. The best things about this hill station is that it is still in the desolated state and those travelers who want have a quiet time away from their hectic life, then it is the ideal place to have it.
Tips for Journey
In terms of connectivity Meghalaya is little backward as compared to other states and the reason behind this anomaly is that most of the part of this state is having hill terrain but being small in area, this state has an adequate local transportation. But major cities like Shillong are having all types of modes of transportation. People tend to avoid coming into the season of monsoon because of the problem associated with blocked road due to the landslides but for the water sports enthusiasts this is the ideal time. Since this state is situated well above the sea level, climatic conditions are generally cool here. Although there is no scarcity of Hotels and guest houses, but their price shoots up in the festive season. Due to excessive rainfall reported in this area, be ready to face the humidity and prepare prior for same. During the rainy season, it is not advisable to have shoes on your feet, anything which is open are always preferred. Since connectivity to remote areas is weak, having your own means of transportation is a nice option when coming to these areas.