GARO HILLS - the ecological canvas

The Garo hill are densely forested and one of the richest spots in biodiversity spread over about 8000 sq mtrs. Garo hills is divided into 3 districts namely East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills. The Garo Hills are part of the Garo-Khasi range.
 

The highest point in the Garo Hills is Nokrek Peak with elevation of 1412 m.

Inheritance among the Garos is restricted to the female line. Each family selects an heiress (Nok`na). A couple with no children may adopt the daughter of the wife's sister as heiress. The heiress is usually linked in marriage with the son of the father's sister.

The institution of the 'Bachelors Dormitory' (Nokpante) is found only among the Garos. All unmarried young men and growing boys must live in the dormitory. These young people carry out allotted tasks entrusted to them by the village elders.
 

Sightseeing in Garo Hills

Tura Peak - A beautiful and majestic hill stands on the eastern side of Tura town at a height of 872 m above sea level overlooking the town of Tura in the Western Garo Hills.The Tura range has been declared a reserve forest with an observatory, a Cinchona plantation and a tourist bungalow located at its vicinity. A magnificent view of the lower Brahmaputra valley as well as the golden yellow plains of Bangladesh can be seen all year round from the peak. Tura town is at a distance of 323 km from Shillong. (west garo district)

Nokrek Biosphere - About 40 kms, via Asananggiri and Sasatgiri but just 2 kms. from Tura peak Nokrek hill is the home of a very rare species of citrus locally known as Memang Narang orange of the spirits. This Memang Narang is considered to be the most primitive and progenitor of all other varieties of citrus plants in the world. To preserve this rare species of citrus indica the first gene sanctuary of the world has been established here. (west garo district)

Bhaitbari - Bhaitbari a small hamlet came into international focus when ruins of ancient kingdom dating back to 4-8 A.D. were discovered here a few years ago. This place is just 8 kms. from Phulbari near Assam border and in nearer via plains road along the Assam border. (west garo district)
 

Pelga Falls - Pelga falls is located at the distance of 7 kms from Tura and a hot spot for angling. (west garo distirct)

Rangapani - 40 kms from Tura, near Mankachar on the Assam border lies the earthly remains of Mir-Jumla the army general of great Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (west garo distirct)

Baghmara - Baghmara the head quarter of South Garo Hills District is a fast growing township situated on the banks of Simsang river on the international Bangladesh border. (south garo district)

Nengkong - 14 kms north of Baghmara is the well known caves Tetengkol, which is one of the longest cave in the Indian Sub-continent. The other cave is Dobakkol Chibe Nala almost 2kms long and another, a little over 1 km long called Bok-bak dobakkol are also in the vicinity of the area. (south garo district)

Siju - Siju 132 km from Tura is famous for the bat cave with impressive stalagmites and stalagtites. Close by on the other side of Simsang River is the Siju bird sanctuary, a home for many rare and protected birds. (south garo district)
 

Balpakram - Balpakram is about 167 km from Tura. The literal meaning of Balpakram is the "land of perpetual winds". There is a great precipice or deep gorge in Balpakram and is popularly compared to the Grand Canyon of U.S.A. It is believed that here, the spirits of the dead dwell temporarily before embarking on the final journey. Balpakram is sacred to the Garos as the abode of the dead spirits. (south garo district)

Chitmang Peak- A short distance to the north-west of Balpakram, Chitmang is the considered the final resting place for all spirits

Recommended Tourist Circuits for Meghalaya

Kazirannga-Guwahati-Shillong-Cherrapunjee-Shillong

Shillong-Mawphlang-Weiloi-Mawsynram-Shillong

Shiilong-Smit-Nartiang-Thadlaskein-Jowai-Thlu Umwi-Shillong

Guwahati-Dudanai-Bajaengdoba-Angore-Tura-Barergapara-Baghmara-Siju-Balpakram-Shillong