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.

Important Information

STD Code : Shillong 0364, Tura 03651, Cherrapunjee 03637, Jaintia Hills 03562

Summer : March to May
Monsoon : May to September
Post-Monsoon : October to November
Winter : November to February

Main Languages : Khasi, Garo, Jaintia, English