Meghalaya

Meghalaya, or "Abode of the clouds", comprises Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hills that are rich in biodiversity. They have the thickest surviving forests in the country in which there are several sanctuaries where flora and fauna of a myriad species exist. The state provides immense opportunities for adventure in the very lap of nature. A major attraction is the presence of about 500 natural limestone caves which people come from far and wide to see.

General Information

Latitudes : Latitude 20° 1' N & 26° 5' N
Longitudes : 85° 49' E & 92° 52' E
Area : 22,429 Square Kilometers
Population : 2306069 (2001 census)
Sex Ratio : 975 (Females per ‘000 Males)
Capital : Shillong
Districts : 7
Districts’ Names : East Khasi Hills District, West Khasi Hills District, Jaintia Hills District, Ri - Bhoi District, West Garo Hills District, East Garo Hills District, South Garo Hills District
Police Station : 26
Literacy : 63.31%
Languages : Garo, Khasi, English
Forest Area : 8,510 Square Kilometers
Average Rainfall : 1200 cm per annum
Temperature : Average 18° C - 20° C
Highest Point : Shillong Peak (1965 meters)
North Border : Goalpara, Kamrup and Nagaon districts of Assam
South & West Border : Bangladesh
East Border : Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills districts of Assam
Major Tribes : Khasi Jaintia and Garo

Places to See in Meghalaya

Shillong- the capital city of Meghalaya
Cherrapunjee
Mawsynram
Jakrem
Nongpoh
Tura
Nongstoin
Jaintia Hills
Khasi Hills
Mawphinag
Nartiang
Botanical Survey of India Orchardium
Dawki
Umngot
Creek
Pamsutia Canyon

Adventure Activities in Meghalaya

Trekking: Weiloi to Ponkung - Mawlyngot - Smit - Pynursla.
Boating: Water Sports Complex 16 kms away from Shillong, Orchid Lake, Ward Lake (Shillong), Thadlaskein Lake (Shillong)
River Rafting: Didram - Kalu - Ringgi - Chagua - Ajagar - Krishnai
Angling: Ranikor
Golfing: Shilong ('Gleneagle of the East')

Festivals and Fairs of Meghalaya

Shad Suk Mynsiem (April)
Behdienkhlam (July)
The Laho Dance Festival (July)
Chambil Mesara or Pomelo Dance Festival (October)
Nongkrem Dance Festival (November)
Wangala (Nov to Dec)
Doregata Dance Festival

Waterfalls in Meghalaya

Elephant Falls (Shillong)
Crinoline Falls (Shillong)
Spread Eagle Falls (Shillong)
Sweet Falls (Near Happy Valley)
Imilchang Dare (Near Chokpot-Tura Road)
Nohkalikai Falls (Near Cherrapunjee)
Bishop and Beadon Falls (Shillong)

Wildlife of Meghalaya

Balpakram Wildlife Sanctuary
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (Garo Hills district)
Siju Cave

Pilgrimage / Places of worship in Meghalaya

Goddess Durga Temple (Jaintia Hills District)
Matri Temple (Shillong)
Mahadev Khola Dham (Cherrapunjee)
Batty Ryngnga Church (Shillong)
Godfrey Fernandes church (Shillong)
Mawkhar Presbyterian Church (Shillong)

Art and Crafts of Meghalaya

Weaving
Metal Works
Wood and Stone Carvings
Basketry

Dance and Music of Meghalaya

Nongkrem dance (Shillong)
Shad Suk Mynsiem (Khasi Hills)
Behdienkhlam
Wangala
Dorsegata Dance
Lahoo Dance

Cuisine of Meghalaya

Pork
Nakham Bitchi (Soup)
Preserved Fish/Meat
Jadoh
Jastem
Mylliem chicken
Dohkhlieh
Dohneiiong
Tungrymbai
Pumaloi
Pukhlein
Pudoh

Connectivity of Meghalaya

By Air: Meghalaya has the only airport near Umiam Lake near Shillong. Umiam is 30 kms from Shillong and a 1 hr. drive. There is a regular helicopter service between Guwahati and Shillong. Six days operation of ATR from Kolkata to Shillong is there except Friday.
By Rail: The state does not have any train service. The nearest railway station is in Guwahati.
By Road: Road Network in the state is quite efficient and covers the state conveniently. National Highway 40 is an all-weather road running through the state. The road connects Shillong with Guwahati, which in turn is connected to other major cities in the rest of the country.