Meghalaya tourist places for the nature lovers
Here are the second post which was tell you that how Meghalaya was best for the holidays in monsoon.
Meghalaya, in North East India, used to be part of Assam. Known as the Abode of the Clouds, it’s famous for being the wettest place on earth. This makes it a popular monsoon travel destination for those who love the rain. The state has an abundance of natural attractions, including these must-see Meghalaya tourist places. The majority of the population is made up of tribal people — Khasis (the largest group), Garos, and Pnars — who predominantly earn their living from cultivation.
In addition to having an easily accessible living root bridge
nearby, scenic Mawlynnong was named the “Cleanest Village in Asia” by a
travel magazine. Also dubbed “God’s Own Garden”, the village is an
outstanding example of community-based ecotourism. The locals have
constructed a remarkable Sky View platform from bamboo atop the highest
tree in the forest, nearly 80 feet up. It offers a bird’s eye view of
the village and panoramic view across to Bangladesh (the border is just a
few kilometers away). Mawlynnong is a 3-hour drive south of Shillong in
the East Khasi Hills. It’s possible to stay there in a basic village
guesthouse or tree house on stilts, also created for tourists by the
local
About an hour east of Mawlynnong, in the West Jaintia Hills, the border town of Dawki is worth visiting for its pristine emerald Umngot River. The absence of security makes it hard to believe that the International Radcliffe Line border between India and Bangladesh is situated there (and yes, locals from both sides do cross and intermingle). It’s possible to go on a picturesque boat ride along the river, which is said to be one of the cleanest on earth. If driving from Mawlynnong to Dawki, do stop at the magnificent Bophill Falls along the way.
East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya 793015, India
You’ll feel like you’ve reached the end of the world at Laitlum Canyon, only about an hour south of Shillong. If you can tear yourself away from gazing across the open expanse of the gorge, it’s possible to hike down a steep stairway to the village of Rasong. The 350 or so inhabitants of this remote village rely on a rustic cable pulley to transport food and other essential goods up and down the valley.
Meghalaya is also known for its multitude of caves. There are
more than 1,000 of them! The most frequently visited cave is Mawsmai,
near Cherrapunji (2 hours from Shillong). It’s maintained as a show cave
for tourists and is lit up all the way through. The other caves are
more challenging to visit and are suited to caving expeditions with
appropriate caving equipment. These include Siju, Mawmluh, Mawsynram,
and Liat Prah (the longest cave in India). The Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association conducts week-long caving expeditions from Shillong.
If you’re a nature lover who really wants to get off the beaten track, then head to the densely forested Garo Hills in the western part of Meghalaya. This vast area, which is home to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Siju Wildlife Sanctuary, and Balpakhram National Park, is pristine and full of biodiversity. Tura, the second largest town in the state after Shillong, has a helpful tourist office that can organize guides and trips. Non-profit organization Samrakshan, which works in conservation and community development, runs community-based eco tours in South Garo Hills. The butterfly tours are a highlight.
Regarded as one of the largest traditional-style markets in northeast India, this hectic and congested market in the heart of Shillong is where local Khasi women come to sell their fresh produce and livestock. You’ll get some tasty local street food there too. The market is a fascinating place to walk through, especially if you’re into street photography. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. except on Sundays. (Go early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds, otherwise brace yourself!)
How to reach Shillong
Meghalaya, in North East India, used to be part of Assam. Known as the Abode of the Clouds, it’s famous for being the wettest place on earth. This makes it a popular monsoon travel destination for those who love the rain. The state has an abundance of natural attractions, including these must-see Meghalaya tourist places. The majority of the population is made up of tribal people — Khasis (the largest group), Garos, and Pnars — who predominantly earn their living from cultivation.
1. Mawlynnong Cleanest Village
2. Dawki
About an hour east of Mawlynnong, in the West Jaintia Hills, the border town of Dawki is worth visiting for its pristine emerald Umngot River. The absence of security makes it hard to believe that the International Radcliffe Line border between India and Bangladesh is situated there (and yes, locals from both sides do cross and intermingle). It’s possible to go on a picturesque boat ride along the river, which is said to be one of the cleanest on earth. If driving from Mawlynnong to Dawki, do stop at the magnificent Bophill Falls along the way.
3. Laitlum Canyon
East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya 793015, India
You’ll feel like you’ve reached the end of the world at Laitlum Canyon, only about an hour south of Shillong. If you can tear yourself away from gazing across the open expanse of the gorge, it’s possible to hike down a steep stairway to the village of Rasong. The 350 or so inhabitants of this remote village rely on a rustic cable pulley to transport food and other essential goods up and down the valley.
4. Caves
5. Garo Hills
If you’re a nature lover who really wants to get off the beaten track, then head to the densely forested Garo Hills in the western part of Meghalaya. This vast area, which is home to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Siju Wildlife Sanctuary, and Balpakhram National Park, is pristine and full of biodiversity. Tura, the second largest town in the state after Shillong, has a helpful tourist office that can organize guides and trips. Non-profit organization Samrakshan, which works in conservation and community development, runs community-based eco tours in South Garo Hills. The butterfly tours are a highlight.
6. Also Don’t Miss: Shillong Iewduh Bara Bazar
Regarded as one of the largest traditional-style markets in northeast India, this hectic and congested market in the heart of Shillong is where local Khasi women come to sell their fresh produce and livestock. You’ll get some tasty local street food there too. The market is a fascinating place to walk through, especially if you’re into street photography. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. except on Sundays. (Go early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds, otherwise brace yourself!)
How to reach Shillong
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