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MEGHALAYA: The Abode Clouds

Nestled in the hills of Northeast India lies a state rightfully named “Abode of Clouds”. Meghalaya marks its name as one of the most alluring travel destinations of the country. From its velvet green forests, Golden-lit waterfalls, Living Root Bridges, Shadowy Caves, story book villages and vibrant culture, this enchanting place has something in store for every traveller. It promises its visitors, a trip full of warmth, tranquillity and beauty like no other.

A Land Amidst Nature

Meghalaya has one of the wettest climates in the world. These showers bless the land with a unique environment, be it the greenery that surrounds every part of the state or the perennial rivers running across this land.

The capital city, Shillong often called “The Scotland of the East” entices one, with its hills, pine trees and fairy tale like houses, creating a scene out of a dream.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Meghalaya not only offers scenic beauty but also a society with rich culture and heritage. The state is indigenously inhabited by three tribal communities namely- the Khasis, Jaintias and Garos. Each tribe has a different lifestyle, food habits, clothing, language and festivals making the land more diverse.

Breathtaking Waterfalls

Meghalaya has the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.

• Nohkalikai Falls:
  It is located near Cherrapunji and is the tallest plunge waterfall in India, the flows from a mighty height of 340 metres. The luminous water gets collected in a turquoise pool surrounded greenery on all sides.
• Krang Suri Falls:
  It is located in the West Jaintia Hills and is about 30km from Jorai. This waterfall invites the visitors to take a dip in its refreshing turquoise water perfectly cupped between sandstone cliffs.
• Seven Sister Falls:
  It is located in the East Khasi Hills, near Mawsmai village. Also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, this waterfall presents a stunning scenery as water streams down seven parallel cliffs.

Shadowy Caves

Meghalaya also has some of the longest and deepest caves in the country. Caves like Suji Cave, Mawsmai Cave and Liat Prah Cave are very fascinating. Many caves have an interesting collection of marine fossils while others are inhabited by unique species of bats and insects.

Diverse Festivals

The tribes of Meghalaya are nature worshippers. Therefore, their festivals reflect their spiritual bond with nature.

• Wangala Festival:
  It is celebrated by the Garo tribe. Also called the Festival of Hundred Drums, essentially honor the Sun God.
• Shad Suk Mynsiem:
  It is celebrated by the Khasi tribe. It is a thanksgiving celebration for a good harvest.
• Behdienkhlam:
  It is celebrated by the Jaintia tribe. It is a festival to drive away evil spirits and pray for prosperity.

Visitors who experience or attend these festivals are amazed by the culture and hospitality of the people of Meghalaya.

Matrilineal Society

If one is still not convinced of the sheer uniqueness of Meghalaya, here lies another fascinating detail. This state for the majority is strictly matrilineal where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother’s line. Women hold the most importance in society. In fact, all inheritance often goes to the youngest daughter of the family.

Rustic Cuisine

Food in Meghalaya reflects, their simple and rustic lifestyle. Food prepared in local eateries are often slow cooked in wood burning stoves and use locally sourced ingredients making it not just a meal to remember but an immersive experience altogether.

Jadoh, an umami rice dish prepared with meat and spices, is most loved by tourists. An aromatic pork curry called Dohneiiong made with black sesame seeds is yet another favourite.

A walk down Shillong’s Police Bazaar exposes one, to several fragrant alleyways of flavours, as the local vendors grill meat and prepare authentic and delectable meals and snacks for passers-by.

Must Visit Destinations

• Dawki:
  Dawki is a town that borders Bangladesh and within this town flows a river called the Umngot River. This river amazes its visitors by its crystal-clear water that is perfect for those who enjoy boating.
• Mawlynnong:
  Mawlynnong, also known as Asia’s cleanest village is a wonder in itself. With its spotless streets and flower bushes that run throughout the entire village, this place deserves to be on everyone’s travel list.
• Wei Laplam Falls:
  Wei Laplam falls also known as Phe Phe falls is a hidden gem in the Shkentalang village, perfect for those that prefer off beat locations over crowded tourist destinations. It requires a moderately rough trek through uneven terrain to reach a visually stunning two-tiered cascade.

Best Time to Visit

Meghalaya offers a beautiful tour irrespective of when one visits. However, if one has specific adventures in mind, it’s best to check. October to April is generally the ideal weather for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. However, May to September unleashes its complete potential as the monsoons enliven the waterfalls making it more scenic but also riskier.

How to Reach

• By Air:
  Guwahati Airport is considered as the best option as it is only 120km from Shillong and also because the only Airport in Shillong has limited connectivity.
• By Rail:
  Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest to Shillong.
• By Road:
  Meghalaya is well connected with Assam by roads therefore cabs and buses are easily available between the two.

Meghalaya is not merely a holiday spot but also an experience of everything nature has in store, adorned with cultural warmth every step of the way. It awaits a vacation full of serenity amidst the greenery, a tour wrapped with the thrill of trekking and boating, a safari through the lush jungles that lead to astounding waterfalls, a quest into caves that have embedded history within their walls and so much more.

If you seek an experience as extraordinary and sublime as this, Meghalaya should be at the very top of your list. It is not just a place to visit but an experience to remember and return to.