MEGHALAYA

Meghalaya is a state in north-eastern India bounded on the north by Assam and by Bangladesh on the south. In Sanskrit the word "Meghalaya" literally means the Abode of Clouds. Meghalaya is a hilly strip in the eastern part of the country with Shillong as its capital. it is also know as the "Scotland of East".

Meghalaya was previously part of Assam, but on January 21, 1972, the districts of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills became the new state of Meghalaya. One third of Meghalaya is covered with forests are notable for their biodiversity of mammals, birds, and plants.

Meghalaya has 2 National Parks and 3 Wildlife Sanctuaries. It also has one of the oldest golf courses of India at Shillong known as Shillong Golf course.

Three dominant tribes inhabit the state of Meghalaya - The Garos in the west, The Khasis in the central area and The Jaintia in the east. One of the unique features of the state is that a majority of the tribal population in Meghalaya follows a matrilineal system where lineage and inheritance are traced through women.

Meghalaya is divided into 7 districts

Districts                 Headquarters

East Garo Hills         Williamnagar

East Khasi Hills        Shillong

Jaintia Hills              Jowai

Ri-Bhoi                   Nongpoh

South Garo Hills       Baghmara

West Garo Hills        Taro

West Khasi Hills       Nongstoin

How to Reach Meghalaya?

By Air

The state has no airport. Guwahati is the nearest airport from Shillong (128Kms). But a helicopter services is operated by Guwahati and Tura for Shillong. There is a small airport at Umroi, about 35 km from Shillong.

By Rail

The state has no railway station. Guwahati is the closest railway station at a distance of about 105 km.

By Road

The state has a good Road Network which encompasses the state conveniently. NH 40 connects the state with Guwahati and other cities of the country.

Meghalaya to Dispur - 88 km             Meghalaya to Guwahati - 110 km

Meghalaya to Ghagghar - 194 km       Meghalaya to Tawang - 373 km

Meghalaya to Imphal - 320 km           Meghalaya to Kohima - 367 km

Meghalaya to Darjeeling - 600 km

Khasi Hills - Khasi hill is best known for Sohra (Cherrapunjee),  famous for being the wettest place on earth and also Shillong, one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Infact the entire Khasi Hills region that forms the central part of Meghalaya is richly endowed with natural beauty.

Shillong - Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and also the District headquarter of East Khasi Hills District. The name Shillong is derived from U-Shyllong, a powerful local deity and is situated at an altitude of 1,491m above sea level.

Garo Hills - Garo Hills are part of the Garo-Khasi range in Meghalaya and are inhabited mainly by indigenous people the majority of whom are Garo people. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is located in this range.

Trekking in Meghalaya

Meghalaya provides the best nature trek through rain forests to the river front at the bottom of the valley, to living root bridges which are exclusive to Meghalaya.

Some of the best Trekking Routes are Living Root Bridge, Kyllang Rock, David Scott Trail, Sohpet-bneng

One of the most popular trekking routes is the track marked by David Scott, traditionally used by people to travel from Mawphlang to present day Bangladesh.
This entire picturesque route extends to a five days trek or can be divided into shorter treks, the most common being from Mawphlang to Lad Mawphlang, a one day trek (16 km).
 

Another interesting trek is from Cherrapunjee to Pynursula or Krang to Pynursula. This trek is hard as one has to walk deep into the valleys before climbing up to Pynursula. There are many Living Root bridges on this trek and the experience of life in the villages in the deep valleys.

Hotels and Resorts in various holiday destinations in Meghalaya
Garo Hills	Khasi Hills
Jaintia Hills
Cheerapunjee (Khasi Hills)	Shillong  (Khasi Hills)
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