Meghalaya is a state in India. It is the country’s youngest state and was established on 21 January 1972.It derives its name from the word “megh”, meaning “cloud”.Meghalaya is a state in northeast India. The name means “the abode of clouds” in Sanskrit. The state is bounded to the south by Assam and Bangladesh, to the east by Tripura, and to the north and west by Assam again.The state comprises two broad physical regions: the Garo Hills in the northeast, and a fertile valley formed by the Brahmaputra River (known locally as Luit) along its southern border with Bangladesh.Meghalaya is a state in northeast India. It has the highest number of tribal people among all the states in India. The Meghalaya subtropical forests ecoregion encompasses most of the state, except for its western and southern portions.Meghalaya has a population of 2,966,007 living in an area of 22,429 square kilometers. The capital is Shillong which is also the only city in Meghalaya.
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1.Shillong
Shillong is a city in the northeastern state of Meghalaya and is the capital of the state. It is located on the Shillong Plateau, about 120 km from Guwahati, with an average elevation of 1,500 metres.The plateau consists of many hills and is surrounded by steep slopes on all sides except for a narrow strip to the south that has been cleared for cultivation and housing. The city has a number of lakes, including Umiam Lake (near which Shillong Golf Course is situated), Umshyrpi Lake and Nongjri Lake.The climate in Shillong ranges from cool summers to mild winters with heavy rainfall throughout the year.
- Shillong Peak
- Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture
- Elephant Falls
- Laitlum Canyons
- Mawlyngbna
- Mawlynnong Waterfalls
- Sweet Falls
- Spread Eagle Falls
- Mawphlang Falls
- Mawphlang Sacred Forest
- Mawjymbuin Cave
- India Orchidarium and Botanical Garden
- Lady Hydari Park
- Crinoline Falls
- David Scott Trail
- Ward’s Lake
- Umiam Lake
2. Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji boasts of being the second wettest place on earth. It may have lost its first place to Mawsynram, which is 16 km away from Cherrapunji, but it has won the hearts of tourists thanks to its picturesque landscapes. With Mother Nature being lavish in her offerings to this land, you are sure to find Cherrapunji to be a heaven on earth. The land is also the only place in the country to receive rainfall round the year. Here are the leading attractions in Cherrapunji.
- Nohkalikai Falls
- Mawsmai Cave
- Mawmluh Cave
- Krem Phyllut Cave
- Dain-Thlen Falls
- Kynrem Falls
- Nohsngithiang Falls
- Eco Park
- Cherrapunji Theological College at Nongsawlia
- Thangkharang Park
- Khoh Ramhah or Basket of the Giant
3.Tura
Tura is no exception to the rule of Meghalaya where nature is concerned. Everything about the place is beautiful. Many parts of Tura, the valley at the foothills of Tura, have not seen human footprints. Such is the depth and abundance of nature here. Given below are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Tura.
- Balpakram National Park
- Tura Peak
- Arbella Peak
- Nokrek National Park
- Pelga Falls
- Naphak Lake
- Siju Caves
- Wadagokgre
- Rongbangdare Waterfalls
- Imilchang Dare Falls
4.Williamnagar
Williamnagar is a dream destination to nature lovers, bird watchers and adventure seekers. Unexplored forests and stunning greenery make the place the most sought after destination. It is a perfect place to unwind. Adventure seekers can go hiking and trekking. Here are some of the top destinations in Williamnagar.
- Simsang River
- Napak Lake
- Naka-Chikong
- Domre Falls
- Tasek Lake
Conclusion: Places to Visit in Meghalaya
Why is Meghalaya so famous?
Meghalaya (Abode of Clouds in Sanskrit) is one of the seven North-Eastern states of India. Famous for its high rainfall, subtropical forests and biodiversity, it is abutted by Assam in the north and east and by Bangladesh in the south. The River Brahmaputra (or Luit as called locally) forms the border in the west.
Which is the best month to visit Meghalaya?
Peak Season – Temperatures range from 16°C and 31°C in the peak season. This is between the months of April and June. The agreeable weather allows you to head outdoors and explore the hamlet. Summer in Meghalaya lets you enjoy the best of both worlds.
Which language is spoken by Meghalaya?
The principal languages in Meghalaya are Khasi, Pnar and Garo with English as the official language of the State. It was at the initiative of the Christian missionaries that the Khasi, Pnar and Garo languages and literature have developed and emerged in the list of Modern Indian Languages.
Is Meghalaya and Shillong same?
Shillong remained the capital of undivided Assam until the creation of the new state of Meghalaya on 21 January 1972, when Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya, and Assam moved its capital to Dispur in Guwahati.
What is Meghalaya famous food?
The staple food of the people is rice with spicy meat and fish preparations. They rear goats, pigs, fowl, ducks and cows and relish their meat. The dishes of Khasis and Jaintia are Jadoh, Ki Kpu, tung rymbai, and pickled bamboo shoots; bamboo shoots are also a favorite dish of the Garos.
What is the lifestyle of Meghalaya?
Their lifestyle is dependent on farming as most of the population dwells in rural areas. Tourism holds a share in the economic growth of Meghalaya and they are taking great initiatives to transform the state into one of the finest tourist destinations not only in India but the world.
Is there snowfall in Meghalaya?
If the air near the ground level is warm, it is not conducive for snowflakes to sustain which is why they melt resulting in a no snow show. Thirdly, the state of Meghalaya lies in the tropical latitudes close to the Tropic of Cancer which inhibits the occurrence of snowfall.
What is special in Meghalaya?
Located in North-east India, Meghalaya, also known as the Abode of Clouds, falls in one of the richest biodiversity areas in the world. The famed monsoons, the rich traditional festivals, and the dramatic terrain are just some of the many things this state is famous for.
Is Meghalaya hot or cold?
The climate of Meghalaya varies with the altitude. The climate of Khasi and Jaintia Hills is uniquely pleasant and bracing. It is neither too warm in summer nor too cold in winter, but over the plains of Garo Hills, the climate is warm and humid, except in winter.
