meghalaya

Meghalaya, often known as the Abode of Clouds, is a state in northeastern India and is home to some of the world's finest biodiversity. Among the numerous things this state is renowned for are the renowned monsoons, the rich traditional festivities, and the stunning landscape. Meghalaya has a lot to offer, whether you're seeking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a peaceful place to unwind.

• Shillong : The only hill station in the nation that is reachable from every direction is Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya and a hill station. Shillong, which is 1,491 metres above sea level, gets its name from U-Shyllong, a strong god. The city is surrounded by hills and is located in the middle of a plateau. This picturesque city is located 103 kilometres from Guwahati. Shillong is the centre of education for the whole north-east due to the abundance of highly regarded educational institutions, many of which were founded by different missionary groups. Shillong not only has stunning natural features, but it also acts as an entrance to Meghalaya, a state renowned for its amazing people, tallest waterfalls, caves, and stunning landscape. Shillong is also fast becoming into the educational hub for the Northeastern area.
• Cherrapunjee : At a height of 4,500 feet, Cherrapunjee or Cherrapunji is one of the wettest places on earth. This breathtaking setting is surrounded by foggy valleys, foaming rivers, and circling clouds. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city due to its unspoiled beauty and ongoing mists. The term "Cherrapunjee," which means "land of oranges," was initially adopted by visitors to the region from other regions of the nation.
• Tura : Monsoon season is the only season that exists here. It rains all year round, with varying amounts of mild, medium, and heavy precipitation. Strangely, rain often falls at night, while daytime activities are unaffected by the weather. Most of the year, from May to September, there is a lot of rain, and Cherrapunjee turns into a sea of little rivulets at this period. One may enjoy the staccato sound of raindrops hitting rooftops and lose themselves in the beautiful rain music that is exclusive to India's northeastern states.
• Nongpoh : The state's epicentre for ecotourism is Tura. It is situated in Assam, 219 kilometres from Guwahati and 311 kilometres from Shillong. Tura is relatively firmly anchored in its original Garo origins, unlike Shillong, which is becoming a city with an increasing diversity of cultures. Natural landmarks including waterfalls, caverns, and rivulets are found in abundance in Tura and the surrounding parts of the district. Garo and English are the main languages used.
• Nongstoin : Nongstoin is a small town located in the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India. It is known for its natural beauty, with lush green forests and rolling hills that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The town is also home to several waterfalls, including the popular Langshiang Falls, which draws visitors from all over the region. In addition to its natural attractions, Nongstoin is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with many traditional Khasi villages and markets located in and around the town.
• Mairang : Mairang is a small town located in the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The town is situated amidst verdant greenery and rolling hills, offering visitors a serene and picturesque experience. Mairang is home to several traditional Khasi villages, each with its own unique culture and customs, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the region. The town is also known for its vibrant markets, where visitors can sample local delicacies and shop for traditional handicrafts and textiles. In addition, Mairang is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions, including waterfalls and trekking trails, which offer stunning views of the lush green landscape.

Khasis, Garo, and Jaintia make up the majority of Meghalaya's ethnic groups. From South East Asia, it is thought that residents of these groups migrated to Meghalaya. Meghalayans are renowned for being adaptable and happy people. The Khasis, who are of Mon-Khmer descent, the Garos, who are of Tibeto-Burman origin, and the Jaintias, who are said to come from South East Asia, each have their own customs and cultural traditions. The matrilineal system, which derives the family lineage from the mother's side, is what unites these three cultures. Meghalaya is home to a sizable number of churches, temples, mosques, gurudwaras, and monasteries since many members of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo groups have converted to Christianity. The area is rich in folklore and tribal culture. Both social and religious celebrations include dance and drinking, coupled with the sounds of flutes, mridangas, and buffalo horns. Their kin does not participate in their marriages.

• Trek To Bewildering Living Root Bridges : Meghalaya is referred to as a "living root bridge" since it is thought that the region's forests contain many root bridges. The Khasi and Jaintia tribes are responsible for building these bridges; they have perfected the technique of weaving thick roots together to create a frame large enough to accommodate more than 50 people.
• Dawki - Umngot River : Meghalaya's border town of Dawki is well known for its renowned Umngot river and stunning suspension bridge. It is a popular vacation spot in Meghalaya. Boats floating on the Umngot River appear to be on a surface made of crystal glass due to the river's exceptionally transparent water. Dawki, which is the centre of commerce between Bangladesh and India, is located between them. Visitors to this location come to take advantage of the Umngot river boat trip and scenic views of the surrounding vegetation.
• Mawsynram : Holidays are associated with the monsoon season in Mawsynram because it is impossible for the students to hear their teachers speak over the ear-splitting rain that pours down on the tin roofs of the school. They cannot afford to venture outside without an umbrella during the rainy months. In order to ensure that they can withstand the intensity of the rains, they even craft unusual basket-like umbrellas out of reeds.
• Mawphlang Sacred Forest : You might find it fascinating that the old rites central to the woodland myth. As soon as you reach the forest, you swiftly leave it thanks to the trail's solitary path through the thick trees. Apart for the fact that it was lovely outside, the forest doesn't have much to offer. The lush grass makes Scotland seem little. A large area around the woodland is mostly used as a picnic area where you may unwind and enjoy yourself. The entire experience is wonderful if you love the travel to this location and the greenery and natural splendour with few people around, but otherwise there isn't much to see in the way of forest here.
• Camping Around Umiam Lake : Spend quality time with your family and friends while indulging in a variety of activities in the heart of Northeastern India. You may participate in sports like rock climbing, rappelling, joomering, zip-lining, and more after you get at Barapani about 10 a.m. Modern safety equipment and qualified instructors will be used to perform all of the activities. Enjoy the campfire and musical performance by the entire crew as night falls. Take a lovely walk through the island's woodlands at night. After a fantastic meal, spend the next morning engaging in adventurous activities before leaving.
• Explore Mawsmai Cave : One of the top tourist destinations in the Cherrapunji, known as the wettest location on Earth, is the Mawsmai cave. These wonderful limestone caverns, which are rather long and deep, are produced. Tourists are only permitted to travel 150 metres within, and they are not permitted to enter the other caverns. The Mawsmai caverns are the only well-lit caves in the state, and you don't need a guide to explore them.
• Walking Along The David Scott Trail : The David Scott Trek is one of Meghalaya's oldest routes and an exciting journey through time. It is a section of a 100-kilometer trade route built while the British were in charge of India. This 16-kilometer trip passes across the Eastern Khasi Hills, passing through slopes, valleys, forests, and rivers. It is one of the few Meghalayan beauties still in tact and dates back to the early days of British rule in India.
• Krem Liat Prah : At a length of roughly 34 kilometres, Krem Liat Prah is the longest cave in Meghalaya. The fact that additional caves in the area were discovered to be connected to this cave the further it was researched is one reason it ended up being the longest cave. Researchers are still exploring this cave and believe it may be connected to a large number of other caverns. Hence, if you enjoy exploring caves, Krem Liat Prah is a cave you must see. As you enter Krem Liat, be sure to investigate the Aircraft Hanger, the area's most prominent landmark and a sizable trunk tunnel.
• Krem kotsati : The second-longest cave in India, Krem Kotsati, with 25 distinct entrances. The fact that you must swim to reach this cave since it is full with water makes it one of the most thrilling locations to explore. It has numerous untouched river channels and is roughly 21.5 kilometres long. Krem Kotsati is the ideal cave for you if you believe you can handle the adventure of both water and caverns at the same time.
• Seven Sister Falls : According to its name, or maybe to justify its name, Seven Sisters Waterfalls is a collection of seven distinct waterfalls that are artfully placed side by side on a tall, rocky cliff and appear to be quite substantial even from a distance. It's important to note that the name of this waterfall was inspired by the fact that it descends in seven distinct phases. In fact, the vista is rather beautiful when it rains since the whole area comes to life.

• Shad Suk Mynsiem : April is Shad Suk Mynsiem celebration month. The Khasi state or certain familial clans carry out the rites or ceremonies (Hima). The Khasi matrilineal and patrilineal social structures are represented through the dance. Unmarried females do the dance while a guy surrounds them while brandishing his sword. They are dressed to the nines. The dance represents how a guy is the defender of a woman's honour. The Weiking Grounds, close to the metropolis of Shillong, as well as other locations, host performances of the dance.
• Nongkrem Festival : The Nongkrem Festival, one of the most significant celebrations among the Khasis, takes place every year at Smit, a town 15 kilometres from Shillong. It serves as the main seat of the Hima Khyriem (Chief of Khyriem). The rites are performed by the Syiem, the Khasi realm's monarch, and ka Syiem Sad (head priestess). Being the guardians of the rituals and the populace, they are held in high regard. The celebration honours both a fruitful harvest and international peace and prosperity. Visitors travel from all over the nation and the world to see the festival, which is accompanied by young ladies doing the Shad Kynthei and the men performing the Shad Mystieh around them as a representation of male authority and protection over the women.
• Behdeinkhlam Festival : The Behdeinkhlam Festival is one of the Jaintia people's most significant holidays. The Niamtre faith's adherents observe it as a memorial. It is observed in July, just before the planting season. Behdeinkhlam means "Chasing away the Plague" in its direct translation. The priest performs rituals and sacrifices as the sound of flutes and drums is played. Tall minarets are cabrried to the sacred site before being dipped into a river. While the ladies stand guard dressed in their finest traditional garb and highly adorned in gold, the males, both young and old, dance to the sounds of the drums and flutes. Every year, the event is observed in Jowai Town and adjacent Jaintia Hills villages.
• Shad Sukra : The Shad Sukra is a festival that the Jaintia people celebrate every year in April or May. It serves to commemorate the start of the planting season. Each and every Jaintia farmer looks forward to this celebration before he may start planting seeds. Drums and a flute accompany ritual dances as people pray for a plentiful and productive season. Both men and women participate in the events dressed in their customary finest and elaborately ornamented with gold. This grandeur of culture is on display at Jowai Town, West Jaintia Hills. Shillong, the state capital, is 64 kilometres from the town.
• Wangala Festival : One of the most significant events for the Garo people is the Wangala festival. It is a post-harvest event held to commemorate the conclusion of the farming season. It is an opportunity to express gratitude to the fertility deity Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa. The Hundred Drums festival has become a common name for the event. He guides the lads and girls to coordinated dancing moves with hand and head gestures as the leading warrior's yells accompany them. Between September and December, the celebration is held in a number of crowded locations around the Garo Hills. 'The West Garo Hills' Sadolpara is one such Songsarek' (animistic) community where one may discover the Garo people who still practise their old faith and witness them rejoicing in a really traditional way.
• Strawberry Festival : Every year, Meghalaya hosts the Strawberry Festival to support local farmers and the harvest of the fruit for nourishment. The state's climate is perfect for cultivating the famous fruit. Every February on Valentine's Day, crowds of people go to Umsning and Sohliya hamlet in the Ri-Bhoi area to savour luscious and delicious strawberries. The festival is not just for loved ones and family to go and have fun; it also helps local farmers and the local economy.

• Ri Kynjai Resort, Shillong : The name Ri Kyanji, which translates to "Serenity By The Lake," refers to a prominent lakeside resort with a well-kept garden area where guests may enjoy the unmatched elegance that surrounds them. It is among the top resorts in Meghalaya because to the captivating vista of Umiam Lake in front. The main draw is the authentically designed Khasi Thatch Huts and the rich Khasi culture. Don't forget to eat at the resort's restaurant and revel in its mouthwatering offerings.
• Polo Orchid Resort, Cheerapunjee : The Polo Orchid Resort, located in the stunning Cherrapunji Valley, provides a wonderful blend of convenience, style, and distinctive regional character. The main highlights of this resort include the well-known surrounding Cherrapunji attractions, such as Arwai Caves, Mawsmai Falls, Thangkharang Park, and Nohsngithiang Falls, among others. Notably, it is one of Meghalaya's top family resorts. The Resort is renowned for offering a variety of accommodations with breathtaking views, in addition to on-site café and dining options.
• Sunshine Farms And Resorts, Shillong : Sunshine Farms and Resorts has established a well-deserved reputation as one of Meghalaya's affordable resorts since it is an affordable choice. It sprawls across 13.5 acres and is tucked away in the magnificent splendour of the Meghalayan hills and meadows. You may choose between normal villas and tents for your accommodations, each with its own opulent amenities and design. Visitors feel treated by nature herself thanks to the captivating and beautiful views from the windows.
• Sa-I-Mika Resort, Cheerapunjee : Samika Resort is the ideal destination for anybody looking for a fantastic getaway that also gives a glimpse into the tranquilly of streams, meadows, and crags in the rich natural world. This resort offers the ideal opportunity to experience the heavenly ambience because it is situated in the remote area of Cherrapunji, far from any noise and bustle of city life. There are many exciting and recreational activities accessible here, so adventure fans will get the most from it. Unbelievably, it is among the top family resorts in Meghalaya.
• Orchid Lake Resort, Umium : The tourism division of the Umium Sports Complex manages Orchid Lake Resort, which is tucked away on the shores of the gorgeous and enormous Umiam Lake. As one of the less expensive resorts in Meghalaya, it offers a wonderful vacation hideaway and a spellbinding experience looking out at the breathtaking vista of the Lake in front.
• Roinam Resort, Borpani : Roinam Resort, which has a view of Meghalaya's stunning hills, provides superb recreational amenities distinguished by comfort and elegance in a setting that awakens all of your senses. Read a book on your balcony while taking in the expansive views of the state's highlands.
• San Nael La Resort, Meghalaya : The most hip hotel in Meghalaya is San Nael La Resort, which is next to a beach. You may visit here and see attractions that are worth the journey. This resort guarantees all the amenities that are certain to leave the visitors completely revitalised. It offers the greatest scenic landscapes of the palm palms, little isolated sliding roof shelters, and panoramic views of the neighbouring Nongkhnum Beach.
• Smoky Falls Mae Fi Resort, Tyrna : Smoky Falls Mae Fi Resort is located in a very accessible position in Tyrna Village, about 7 kilometres from Cherrapunjee. You may remain here and travel to Nongriat to see the Rainbow Falls up close. You may observe the tranquilly of nature on this magnificent, one-hour path.

• City Hut Family Dhaba : The inside of this Dhaba was created to have a traditional rural appearance, and it has a covered roof. From 11 am until 9.30 pm, it is open. They provide Asian, Chinese, and Indian food. The personnel is well-trained, and the atmosphere is pleasant. Together with the amount supplied, they put greater emphasis on the quality of the cuisine. Each and every treat is tantalising and well worth the cost.
• Dejavu : The ideal restaurant for everyone who like Chinese food is Dejavu. Spending time with friends and family while enjoying a nice lunch is possible. They also provide delectable sweets. Food is pricey, but it's worth it. The ambiance is lovely, and the personnel is helpful. Among the greatest dishes served here are Fish Fingers and Fish Manchurian.
• Cafe Shillong : "Cafe Shillong" won't let you down if you wish to socialise with friends or bring the family together for a super party. They provide appetisers, entrées, desserts, and drinks. A wonderful picturesque view of the lush green trees may be enjoyed from the cafe. Staff members are well-trained, and the food is excellent. The interior design is excellent.
• Qzine : Asian, Chinese, and Indian cuisines are available at "Qzine". Both the meal and the service are of exceptional quality. Due to the restaurant's location in the midst of the main market, all shopaholics want to visit there. They provide a wide variety of meals, from South Indian to North Indian, on their comprehensive menu. The mouthwatering delicacies Chicken Lollypop, Chicken Momos, Paneer Tikka, and Blue Lagoon must be tried.
• Lamee : Delicious Indian and Asian cuisine is offered by "Lamee". One of the specialties of this restaurant is the chicken dum biryani. It provides a calm atmosphere that one may unwind in. The cuisine has a deep, classic flavour while yet being worth the price. Dishes that are vegetarian or not are both delicious.
• Dylan’s Cafe : Italian, Chinese, and American cuisines are offered at this cafe. They cook delicious sweet food. Here, salads are also excellent. They are open from Sunday through Saturday, from 11.30 am until 10 pm. The usual lunch costs between Rs. 250 and Rs. 500 per person. They provide Wi-Fi service and parking facilities.
• Ginger Restaurant: Asian, Chinese, and Indian food is served at Ginger Restaurant. They provide appetisers, entrées, desserts, and drinks. The food is delicious. The personnel is well-trained, and the atmosphere is pleasant. They make soft and delectable Indian breads including Roti, Naan, and Kulcha. They cook delicious seafood. They also provide their clients a breakfast buffet service.
• La Galerie Restaurant : Indian and Asian food are served at La Galerie Restaurant. One might plan a lavish celebration and savour the memories as well as the delectable feast. They provide appetisers, entrées, desserts, and drinks. Its interior is decorated in a genuine European manner. Its delights are enhanced by delicious soups.
• Madras Cafe : Indian cuisine is offered in the Pure Veggie Fast Food Chain Madras Cafe. They have an experienced chef that specialises in cooking South Indian specialties. The mouthwatering Dosa, Idly, Medu Vada, Dhaba style Daal, Paneer variants, momos, and many more delectable treats are available. The entire team is helpful and considerate. The quality of the service is excellent overall.
• Living Roof : Indian, Italian, and Chinese cuisines are served at Living Roof. The restaurant's specialty is barbecue pizza, which is made there. The cuisine is wonderful. Also, they offer lodging services that enable visitors to acquire fantastic cuisine and cosy accommodations. The personnel is kind and well-trained.

• By Train : If you wish to go by rail to meghalaya, the closest station is in guwahati (assam). The distance is 180 kilometres. There are links between guwahati junction, new delhi, amritsar, jammu & kashmir, bangalore, and those locations. You have two options for getting from guwahati to meghalaya: buses or taxis.
• By Air : A significant airport is located in guwahati (assam), which is 159 kilometres from meghalaya (lokpriya gopinath bordoloi international airport). Mumbai, delhi, chennai, and kolkata, as well as tura and bangkok, are all easily accessible from the airport by flights to both domestic and international destinations. The voyage to meghalaya via plane is distinctive. Even though there isn't a direct bus route from the guwahati airport to meghalaya, you may still go there via taxi.
• By Road : Roadways link meghalaya to major cities well. Most of the roads are easy to travel on and well-traveled. As they enjoy nonstop rain, many tourists visiting meghalaya think that the monsoon season is the finest time to come. Yet, if you could go by car securely during the busy monsoon season, that would be excellent. The intense rain is causing delays on a number of highways.

Meghalaya is sometimes referred to as the "abode of clouds," and the ideal months to go there are from October to June. The majority of the state's tourist locations experience temperatures that seldom exceed 30°C, making it the ideal getaway between March and June, when the country's summer season is in full swing. For visitors from high- or moderate-temperature regions, it is also a favourite in the fall and winter, namely from October to November and December to February. Meghalaya, which is thought to be the wettest province in the nation, is not frequently suggested to travellers at the height of the monsoon. The season runs from May to the end of September, or occasionally until mid-October. But, the monsoon season's beginning or finish, when the rains are light and the scenery is breathtakingly gorgeous, are ideal times to explore the lovely state.