Meghalaya
Meghalaya is one of the country’s newest states with its
capital at Shillong. For long a summer retreat of the British, the beautifully
kept golf course and several English country cottages testify to another
influence besides the local one. Beautiful lakes and falls, hillside cottages, a
large university, and the popular Bara Bazar are quaint aspects of this town.
The state of Meghalaya is known as the "Meghalaya Plateau" or
the "Shillong Plateau". The area is made of the oldest rockformations and
consists of the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills. Meghalaya is a region of great scenic beauty; a panorama of lush, undulating
hills, fertile valleys, 250 species of orchids, meandering rivers, waterfalls,
sparkling mountain streams and lakes. Meghalaya is known for its natural beauty
and the simple lifestyle of its tribal people. Meghalaya also receives limelight
on account of Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth, which is only 56 kms.
away from Shillong.
Getting There :
- By Air: Nearest airport Borjhar, Guwahati, 129 kms from Shillong,
is connected with Calcutta. Umroi Airport, 31 km from Shillong, is also
connected by Vayudoot with Calcutta.
- By Rail: Nearest Railhead is Guwahati.
- By Road: Day and night bus services are available from Shillong to
all major towns of Meghalaya.
Fast Facts :
- Area: 22,429 Sq. Km
- Capital: Shillong
- Languages: Khasi, Garo and English
- Religion: Hinduism, Islam and Christianity
- Literacy rate: 63.31%
- Best Time To Visit: October to April
Tourist Attractions :
Shillong :
The capital and also a popular hill station.
It has a famous 18 hole golf course and a polo ground. Lakes and water falls are
other attractions of this town. Ward's lake, east of Police Bazar is an
attractive place with facilities for boating.
Shillong Peak :
An ideal picnic spot, 1965 metres above sea
level and 10 kms from the city, offers a panoramic view of the country side and
is also the highest point in the State. Obeisance is paid to U Shulong at the
sanctum at the peak's summit every springtime, by the religious priest of
Mylliem State. In the evening the city lights below appear like a star-studded
abyss.
Elephanta Falls :
12 km outside of the city the
mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of
ferncovered rocks.
Bishop & Beadon Falls :
Both cascade down the same escarpment into a deep
valley, the mass of water dissolving into misty sparks.
Umian Lake :
IUmian Khwan (Barapani), offers water
sports facilities including sailing, water skiing, water scooter. Nehru Park is
an ideal quiet holiday resort.
