The
state of Meghalaya is an amalgamation of the Khasi and Jayantia tribes of
the Austro Monkhamer stock and Garos or Achiks of Tibeto -Burma stock The
matrilinear tradition of ancestral property passing from mother to daughter
is a unique feature of this north eastern state which has fascinated
travellers from all around the world.
The thick grooves and the labyrinthine limestone caves are its natural
delight. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is often referred to as the
Scotland of the East due to its highlands. Lying in the cradle of the tall
pine conifers and pineapple shrubs, Meghalaya's undulating terrains are a
constant source of attraction for tourist from all over. Popular places to
visit are the Ward Lake, Golf Links and the Cathedral besides the
waterfalls.
Climate
Meghalaya is directly influenced by the southwestern monsoon originating
from the the Bay of Bengal. The monsoon starts in May and continues till
October. Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills district receives one of the heaviest
rainfall in the world with an average of 959 cms. The climate from November
to April is almost dry. Winter begins in December and lasts until February.
The winter days are the best time to visit the places of Meghalaya.
Major Attractions
» Shillong The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong
has a very decent climate and picturesque surroundings. It is one of the
favourite hill stations of India. Named as the mini London, it has one of
the best golf course in India. The lady Hydari Park, named after the wife of
Sir Akbari Hydari, the first Indian governor of Assam, is a beautiful
experience during the blooming month of April. Also, not to forget to
mention is the artificial Ward lake built by Sir William Ward and the
various waterfalls. The prominent falls give milky torrents during the
monsoons like the Bishop falls, Elephant Falls and the Crinoline Falls.
» Cherrapunji - Cherrapunji, 56 km far adjacent to
the Mawsmai falls is better known to the world as the wettest place in the
world. However, in present days this status has been taken over by
Mawsynram, a place close to it.
Cherrapunji is often referred to as Scott's trail as it pass through
various treks through the bridges of vines and banyan trees. It even holds
the record of being the first British outpost in this region. Called by the
name of Sohra in the Khashi language, it prides with its neighbours for the
prized possession of the famed Nohsngithiang falls.
» Garo Hills in Tura - Tura, the head quarter of
the West Garo Hills is placed at an altitude of 657 meters above sea level
and boast of a picturesque landscape of hills overlooking the mighty
Brahmaputra on the plains below. The Tura peak close to it is an ideal
destination for rock climbers, nature lovers and the mountaineers.
» Jowai or Jaintia hills - An important town of
the Jaintia hills is situated above 1380 ft from the sea level. The hill are
at a distance of 64 km from the state capital. One of its major attraction
is that the Behdeinkhlam is celebrated in rare style. While passing through
the places tourist can come along the grassy meadows, the colourful meadows,
rice terrace, woods of oak and the softly flowing Myntdu River.
» Monolith in Khasi Hills - The Khasi hills
possesses a number of ancient monoliths and table stone which are in reality
memorials. There the ashes of the dead are deposited in cenotaphs
commemorating the memorable moments. The upright stones represent the men
and are of considerable length projecting up to 20ft above the ground.
¤ Balpahram National park - It is a fertile land in the
unsurveyed belts of limestone and coal deposits. The sea shells
fossilises into rocks in the Balpakram hill and provides immense scope
for archaeological studies. The wild habitat of this region includes the
elephants, buffaloes, gaur, sambhar and the barking deer along with the
rare golden cat.
North
India States
