Meghalaya
Introduction
"Abode of the Clouds", this is Meghalaya, the destination which soothes the minds of weary travellers. Clouds are always found during the monsoon season nestling in the tropical forest valleys of Garo Hills or in the temperate pine forests of the Khasi and Jaintia hills. Situated in the North Eastern corner of India, Meghalaya is bounded by Assam in the north and east, and the plains of Bangladesh in the south and west. The higher ranges of the Khasi/Jaintia hills enjoy a cool, bracing, temperate climate while the winters can be cold.
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is one of the most popular tourist destinations. It is often referred to as the "Scotland of the East" due to its striking similarity with the Scottish highlands. There are many places to see in Shillong e.g. Elephant Falls, Shillong View Point, Lady Hydari Park, Wards Lake, Golf Course, Museum, Catholic Cathedral, Archery and the Anglican Cemetery & Church.
Cherrapunjee, locally and officially known as Sohra, is 56 kms from Shillong, and a "must see" destination for all tourists. It is a small town located on the southern edge of Khasi Hills The heavy rainfall in Cherrapunjee has sculptured many rock formations, imposing cliffs and waterfalls all over the southern slopes. Some of the places of tourist interest in Cherrapunjee are Mawkdok / Dympep Valley View (Midway between Shillong and Cherrapunjee), Sohra Market, Rama Krishna Mission Museum, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, First Presbyterian Church, Tombs of Welsh Missionaries, Anglican Cemetery, Eco-Park, Double Decker Root Bridge, Cherrapunjee Meteorological Observatory.
Tourist Attraction
- How to reach Shillong (External website that opens in a new window)
- Accommodation - Shillong (External website that opens in a new window)
- Wildlife (External website that opens in a new window)
- Trekking (External website that opens in a new window)
- Caving (External website that opens in a new window)
Hill Stations
Shillong
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya at an altitude of 1, 496 meters above sea level and was carved out of Assam. It is a picturesque hill station offering a good holiday all year round. One of the most motor-able hill stations a stay at Shillong does not require as much mandatory walking as in other places. Adequate facilities, scenic beauty, cheerful people, clouds and tall pines, mountains, valleys, meadows and an excellent golf course make Shillong a great destination. The people Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hill tribes have a colourful lifestyle and cultural traditions. Shillong can be a base for visiting other places in Meghalaya.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Nokrek National Park
Located in West Garo Hills District, The Nokrek National Park and Biosphere Reserve is about 45 kms from Tura. Nokrek is the highest peak in Garo Hills and home to different species of wild animals including Elephants and Hoolock Gibbons. The Nokrek National Park has been established at Nokrek and it abounds in various wildlife including herds of wild elephants, rare varieties of birds and pheasants, beside rare orchids. The park is also home to a very rare species of citrus-indica endemic to this place which the locals call memang narang ('orange of the spirits'). Nokrek is also believed to be the home of Mande Burung (jungle man or ape man) and reported cases of sightings abound in and around the villages of Nokrek.
Balpakram National Park
It is a national wild life park, about 167 kms from Tura. It is home to one of the rarest animals in the world - the Lesser Panda or the Red Panda as it is commonly known. Balpakram (a place of perpetual winds) covering an area of about 220 sq km with a variety of wildlife including tigers, elephants, bison, black bear, leopards, sambar deer, situated near Baghmara in south Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. The western part of the park adjoins with Siju bird sanctuary along the banks of Simsang River.
Source: National Portal Content Management Team, Reviewed on: 20-02-2010 
