Meghalaya: The Picturesque State

Carved from the erstwhile State of Assam, Meghalaya became a fully fledged State on January 21, 1972. Bounded on the North and East by Assam and on the South and West by Bangladesh, Meghalaya's capital, Shillong and also the District Headquarters of East Khasi Hills District is situated at an altitude of 1,496 meters above sea level; the capital city has a bracing climate throughout the year. This city has been the seat of Government since the consolidation of the British administration in this part of India more than a century ago. Meghalaya is considered to be one of the most picturesque states in the country. It has enough tourism content to attract tourists of many different interests.

There are many places to visit in Meghalaya – gorgeous waterfalls, quaint caves, serene lakes, thick forests, undulating hills, meandering rivers, rich orchids, exotic flora and fauna. Meghalaya in all its unhindered virgin beauty and diverse culture spells haven to tourists. Meghalaya consists of the thickest surviving forests in the country. Some of the places with tourist importance include Cherrapunjee, Nohkalilai Falls, Dawki and Shillong. The hot springs at Jakrem near Mawsynram are believed to have curative and medicinal properties.

More facts:

Capital: Shillong
Closest airport: Barapani Airport or Umroi Airport, Shillong
Population: 2,964,007

Official languages: Khasi, Jaintia and Garo

Top Attractions:

Sohpetbneng Peak

If you are in Meghalaya seeking peace and solace, you have to visit the Sohpetbneng Peak. Tagged as a sacred place by the Hynniewtrep folks of Meghalaya, this peak is regarded as a heavenly peak and true to the belief, Sohpetbneng means 'Naval of Heaven'.

Shillong:

The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong offers a romantic and dreamy panorama. The spectacular Ward's Lake, in the heart of the city is a marvelous spot. It has inroads made of cobbled sand stones leading to the exquisite delicate flowerbeds. Spread Eagle Falls located in the Shillong Cantonment area is a veritable optic feast. Sweet Falls, located 8kms away from Shillong and Crinoline Falls at the heart of the city are the other adorable waterfalls.

Jaintia hills:

The amazingly scenic Jaintia Hills, home of the Jaintia tribes, is in the eastern part of the Meghalaya. Gifted by nature with plentiful rainfall, dazzling sunshine, all round greenery, high plateaus, enchanting and captivating valleys, rippling rivers, cascading waterfalls and pleasant streamlets, the Jaintia Hill stands out as the most fascinating sights of Meghalaya.

Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji. Cherrapunji is perhaps the only place in India, which has just one season - the monsoon. Another strange fact about Cherrapunji is it rains mostly at night without disrupting normal activity during day time. The appealing, cascading 1,035-ft-high Mawsmai Falls - the 4th highest in India, is just a few kilometers from Cherrapunji and this is a spectacular sight no visitor should miss. An amazing variety of rare orchids, ferns, and moss make Cherrapunji a botanist's paradise.