Meghalaya is known as the “Scotland of the East” in the British era and it has stood true to its name ever since, wherein the clouds dwell, separates the Assam valley from Bangladesh plains. It was It is the wettest and one of the most beautiful parts of India. With waterfalls, pine grooves, and gardens abound, the state is synonymous with natural splendor at its best.
The best time to visit Meghalaya is between October and June. Considered the wettest region in the country, Meghalaya is not often recommended to tourists during peak monsoons. The state receives an average rainfall of 250 cm. The season begins in May and goes on till the end of September or sometimes till mid-October. One can, however, explore the beautiful state in the beginning or by the end of the monsoon season when the rains are not heavy and the terrain is mesmerizingly beautiful.
DESTINATIONS
Some top travel destinations in Meghalaya and exploring these places would surely be an experience of a lifetime for anyone traveling to Northeast India.
ACCOMMODATION
The northeast is a region that has finally started to catch the eyes of travelers looking to head out for a new and authentic vacation experience. Have a look at the accommodation.
TRADITIONAL CUISINE
Meghalaya food comprises of rice and vegetable curries or fish and meat. People of Meghalaya have their typical cooking pattern, which takes place according to the availability of foodstuffs in Meghalaya.
THINGS TO DO
There are plenty of things to do in Meghalaya that will leave you mesmerized. Some of the locations and attractions in the state are renowned internationally.
1. Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Nongriat Village, Cherapunjee)
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge, in the heart of the rainiest place in India, Cherapunjee, But like it’s said, all good things come after a tumultuous journey, the trek to the bridge located in Nongriat Village, Cherapunjee is not for the faint-hearted. After about 2000 slippery steps down the moss-covered stairs, where even athletes need to carry a cane to avoid an injury, the bridge comes into one’s line of sight.
2.Nohkalikai Waterfalls – India’s Tallest Plunge Waterfall
Plummeting down from the height of 1115 feet, Nohkalikai Falls is a site that one can’t afford to miss to witness while in Meghalaya. It is said to be the highest waterfall in India. With an emerald pool forming beneath, this waterfall in Meghalaya makes one of the best places for nature lovers to see. Besides the waterfall, the misty dense forest which engirdles the place is something hard to resist here.
3.Mawlynnong Village – The Cleanest Village in Asia
Mawlynnong in the district of East Khasi Hills and is one of the most exotic tourist places in Meghalaya to spend a day. From waterfalls and root bridges to clean surroundings and panoramic viewpoints, this village welcomes you with everything that is essential to make your Meghalaya vacation momentous. Apart from this, there are many bamboo guest houses where you’ll surely want to have a stay to connect more with the place.
4.Umiam Lake (Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh)
The Umiam Lake is basically made from the reservoir built due to the dam here. The lake is the chief source of water supply to the city of Shillong. During the winter months, the lake fills up with water that gives it an unbelievably picturesque beauty. Most travelers to Meghalaya even like to compare it to the beauty of the Scottish water bodies. During the summer months, the water level lowers, and islands actually begin to pop up on the surface of the lake.
5.All Saints Church (Shillong)
A magnificent setting of poinsettias dots the entrance of the church when in season and the sheer stretch of land on the premises is worth a walk or two in the evening. The woodwork and the altar have been done up very tastefully, without being over-exuberant or too frail either. The Anglican church is tucked away very accessible in the heart of the capital city of Meghalaya and definitely one of the places to visit in Meghalaya if architecture and nature excite you equally.
6.Mawsmai Cave (Shella Road, Cherapunjee)
Mawsmai Cave is eerily dark and has cramped and narrow paths entwined with each other, and to add some more thrill into the idea of a cave pitch black in broad daylight, there is just one entry and exit point. Funnily enough, it might sound daunting to take your shoes off while entering the cave, but it’s one advice you can follow with closed eyes. Or choose to carry and change of clothes and footwear. The glorious stalagmite and stalactite formations, along with the thrill of adventure is what give the Mawsmai a big thumbs up.
7. Elephant Falls (Shillong)
The Elephant Falls is a unique feature of Shillong since the waterfall itself is made up of three very lucid steps. The first one, hidden among the trees, the second one, tamed and controlled flowing from a certain height, and the third, the fastest and biggest one, culminating into the stream below. Unfortunately, the structure of the black rocks resembling an elephant was destroyed during an earthquake in Meghalaya, but the falls are equally majestic still, with the lucid contrast of the frothy falls against the dark rocks.
8. Siju Cave (Tura)
The Siju Cave since the beginning of the twentieth century remains one of the chief sources of observing natural phenomena among cave researchers. It is the first limelight natural cave in India, is also known as the bat cave, owing to the abundance of these nocturnal mammals here. Also noteworthy is the limestone formations named after the princes, and the imposing stalagmites and stalactites which constitute the longest existing cave in India and are a source of major water bodies of the region.
9. Mawthadraishan Peak (Nongstoin)
If you thought it is impossible to witness four landmarks from one point, you got to take a trip to Mawthadraishan Peak in Meghalaya. The north opens up views to the Himalayas, and Bangladesh to the south, while the Khasi hills lie to the east and the Garo Hills on the west. And well, for the rest of the places to which your compass points, there is an unending expanse of vegetation and the cleanest air you can breathe in.
10. Dawki Town – Home of the Crystal Clear River
Dawki Town is truly nature’s paradise. Located on the international border of India and Bangladesh in West Jaintia Hills, this town boasts being completely unspoiled. There is a river that passes through the town and is renowned as Umngot. Of late, this river has gained much popularity as a must-visit tourist place in Meghalaya because of its crystal clear emerald water. Nature at this surreal place, as you would expect, is incredibly preserved. Believe it or not, the water of the river is so clear that on a sunny day you can actually see the river bed as well.
Meghalaya is one of the most toured places in India. It is a state of water, the place is filled with rivers, water bodies, and waterfalls. The waterfalls present in the state are nothing like the waterfalls present in the rest of the country. One gets trapped in the enchanting view of the falls and tends to delve deep into the world of imagination. Trekking and camping are the most common activities in Meghalaya. Trekking is a very tiring activity but the feeling of joy and triumph one gets after finishing their trek is unparalleled. Camping is often considered as the ideal activity if one wants to feel close to nature. Laying down on the ground and gazing at the night sky covered with twinkling stars is something that everyone does here.
Meghalaya is not just a state which is filled with natural beauty as there are many historical sites also present in the state.
For a photo tour, visit Meghalaya on Instagram profile Triplou.
