Meghalaya – Many Hues of Nature

Meghalaya’s natural beauty is most conducive for extended holidays with the hill station of Shillong continuing to be a hot favourite. Three hundred varieties of orchids are found in the state which is also rich in wildlife. Meghalaya has two national parks which are home to some rare species of flora and fauna. The gentle hills of Meghalaya are interspersed with rich meadows and pine forests. Amongst these is that intriguing phenomenon – the traditional Sacred Forests that are steeped in spiritual belief and held in great veneration. They also represent some of the earliest representations of preserving the ancient eco-systems. Just 20 km from Shillong you will find the Mawphlang Sacred Forest in all its pristine wonder. Meghalaya is also home to that unique carnivorous plant, the Pitcher Plant. From the Jainitia Hills, Sir Joseph Hooker the renowned botanist took the blue vanda (vanda coerulea) to propagate it in London’s famous Kew Gardens. You will discover the blue vanda, lady’s slipper and other rare orchid varieties in the flower gardens of Shillong.

Attractions and Destinations in Meghalaya

Shillong : Day-long picnics amidst smoky blue hills thick with pine and orchids, singing brooks and crashing waterfalls….. for the British in this garrison town it was home. The scenic Khasi Hills reminded them of the Scottish Highlands – just perfect for those summer holidays away from the heat and the dust of India’s plains.

Cherrapunjee : Once world renowned for being the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunjee is 54 km from Shillong. The road is good and the drive scenic. Cherrapunjee is impressive with its gushing waterfalls and the deep gorges. You get stunning views of the plains of Bangladesh.

Mawphlang : Its vast floral wealth makes Mawphlang (24 km) a great attraction for nature lovers. It orchids are out of this world.

Tura : Headquarters of Garo Hills district, Tura is reputed for its picturesque environs and equable climate. The 1400 m high Tura peak is a challenge for climbers and you can op to stay overnight. It requires an interesting mix of a hike-cum-climb for about 5 km, but the views from the summit are ample reward for your labours.

Nartiang : The ancient seat of the Jaintia kings Nartiang (65 km) still has a number of famous Jaintia stone memorials (monoliths) which have survived the passage of time.

Umiam Lake : Located about 17 km from Shillong, Umiam Lake is highly popular for a relaxing time. The Orchid Lake Resort here has water-sports facilities and the nearby Lum Nehru Park has an aviary and orchidarium.

Ranikor : Pretty as Kashmir’s Pahalgam, Ranikor (140 km) is an angler’s delight as it is famous for its Mahseer.

Nature’S Bounty in Meghalaya

The Caves of Meghalaya : For those who enjoy caving, Meghalaya is just the place for it has about 780 caves in the state, many of them unmapped and unexplored. Of the ones surveyed, five are amongst the longest in the Indian sub-continent.

The important caves include:
Near Cherrapunjee
Krem Mawmluh, Krem Phylutt, Soh Shympi, Krem (East Khasi Hills) Dam.

Jainitia Hills
Krem Kotsati, Krem Umshangktat, Krem Um-Lawan, Krem Lashing Krem Sweep.

South Garo Hills
Siju-Dobakkol, Dobakkol Chibe Nala, Telengkol-Balwakol, Bok Bak Dobakkol.

Orchid World in Meghalaya

Meghalaya is orchid country. It has about 300 of the world’s species growing in its rich forestland, gardens and nurseries. These rare specimens include the insect-eating Pitcher Plant, Wild Citrus and Pygmy Lily. Meghalaya Tourism has adopted the orchid as its symbol.

The wealth of Meghalaya’s exotic butterflies and moth species found in its forests and meadows have been showcased in the delightful Butterfly Museum.

Wildlife in Meghalaya

Two of Meghalaya’s national parks, the Nokrek and Balpakram are home to some of its rare wildlife such as the golden car. Approachable from Tura, Balpakram is located in the spectacular Grand Canyon – like environs of the Balpakram Plateau, which separates the Garo Hills from the Khasi Hills. The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is just 2 km away from Tura Peak.

Siju and Nongkhyllem are two more sanctuaries, which are fast becoming popular with visitors. Siju is also reputed for its limestone caves close to the Naphak Lake and the Simsang Game Reserve. The stalagmite and stalactite formations are similar to those of the Blue Grotto on the Isle of Capri.

Shopping in Meghalaya

Bara Bazar, in Shillong, is the hottest place for exploring for souvenirs. Good buys include mounted butterflies, handwoven shawls, orange honey, black mushrooms, Khasi dresses for women, pineapple, orange and other fruit products. The market is not jus a shopping place but also a tourist attraction. Mounted butterflies are available at the Butterfly Museum at Mawkhar. Other places for shopping are GS Road, Police Bazar and Jail Road.

Popular Shopping Outlets
Meghalaya Handlooms & Handicrafts, Purbashree, Manipur Emporium, Tantuja, Assam Emporium, Khadi Gram Udyog, Nagaland Handlooms & Handicrafts, Meghaloom.

Also try G.N. Super Bazar, G.S. Road; Glory Plaza, Police Bazar; Didar Market, Police Bazar; The Right Shop, Centre Point Multinational Brand; Stylecraft, formal men’s wear; Motiram ladies wear.

Fairs and Festivals in Meghalaya

Nongkrem Dance : Celebrated in November, Nongkrem is one of the most important Khasi festivals.

Shad Sukmynsiem : The 3-days Khasi festival of Shad SUkmynsiem is a joyous celebration of thanksgiving – usually held in April. People dress in their traditional costumes during the three days of festivities.

Beh Deinkhlam : The Jaintias invoke the gods for a good harvest after the sowing has been done with the festival of Beh Deinkhlam. Rituals are also conducted to avert evil. The festival is held in July.

Wangala Dance : Held in November, the great harvest festival of the Garos is the Wangala Dance. It is a time for thanksgiving and celebration. Colourful costumes, dance and music are the highlights of all the festivities.

How to reach Meghalaya

By Air : Nearest Airport Guwahati (128 Km) Helicopter service. A helicopter service operates between Guwahati, Shillong (30 min) and Tura (60 min). While some services to Shillong land at the ALG in Upper Shillong , others land at Umroi Airport, 35 km from downtown. The helicopter service is convenient and economical.

By Rail : Nearest railhead Guwahati (103 km) Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) has bus services coordinated with train arrivals at Guwahati. The buses leave Guwahati from 6 A.M. to 5 P.M. (3.5 hrs). Reciprocal services from Shillong also leave at the same time. Taxis are available at Guwahati Railway Station.

By Road : National Highway 40, an all-weather road, connects Shillong with Guwahati. State’s Transport Corporations and private transport operators have services to various places in Meghalaya and to neighbouring states. Frequent services are available from Guwahati.