Meghalaya Tourism 2020|15 best tourist Places to visit in Meghalaya

Meghalaya | The abode of clouds

Meghalaya as the name suggests is a residence of clouds. This beautiful place of northeastern India is an all-time favorite spot for travelers. The state is surrounded by National and International borders on all its sides. Shillong also is known as the “Scotland of the east” is the capital of Meghalaya. Earlier Meghalaya was a part of Assam State of India but after 1972 the districts of Garo, Khasi, and Jayanti hills formed a new state named Meghalaya. Surrounded by lush green forests and mountains on all its sides, Meghalaya is also known for its rich biodiversity of plants and animals. Once in this place, you can never miss visiting the following places.

How to reach Meghalaya

• When traveling to Meghalaya start your trip from Guwahati. You may prior book your hotels from the Meghalaya tourism office at Kolkata.
• Book a cab till Shillong from your location i.e. either Guwahati airport or Guwahati railway station.
• On your way to Shillong, you can stop, visit, and pay homage to the famous Kamakhaya temple at Guwahati in Assam.
• Shillong is 99km away from Guwahati and takes around 2hrs on the road
• The shops and the restaurants at Shillong shut down early by 8 in the evening so it is preferable to have an early dinner and rest for the day.
• The next day starts early and visits the following places.

Meghalaya tour guide and tour plan

Best Tourist Places to visit in Shillong.

NohKaLikai Falls- This is the highest waterfall in India. NohKaLiKai Falls offers a splendid view of the tourist. View it from a distance and take back beautiful snaps as memories. It is a must-visit once in Shillong

Elephant Falls- This is a two-tire falls at Shillong. During the British era, a huge rock in the shape of an elephant was spotted here and thus the name of this falls was given as Elephant Falls but later the rock was destroyed due to an earthquake. The water fall’s in three-step. The sides of the falls are covered with lush greenery. It is a must-visit once in Shillong.

Lady Hydari Park- This Park is the best place for the flower lovers for its massive flora. Consisting of a small zoo, a children’s park and a museum inside it, this park serves as a pure delight for all age groups

Laitlum Grand Canyon- The most beautiful part of Shillong. This offers the best canyon view one can ever ask for. It is a must-visit when you come to Shillong

End your day with an authentic Meghalayan cuisine at a restaurant. Get back to your hotel and go off to sleep to start the next day early. The next day check out from your hotel and leaves for Cherrapunji.

Cherrapunji locally known as sohra is a sub-divisional town in the East Khasi hill district. It is 55km away from Shillong and takes around 1 and a half hours to reach by car. Inhabited by the Khasi people Cherrapunji is the wettest place on Earth. It receives moderate rainfall thought the year. Cherrapunji offers its travelers a long list of places that can be visited.

Tourist Places to visit in Cherrapunji or Sohra

Dubble decker root bridge- This is a trekking place at Cherrapunji which generally takes an entire day to trek, visit and return. It is a two Way Bridge made up of living roots. It offers the trekkers once in a lifetime experience. In case of time shortage visit the Living root bridge which takes around 1 hr to cover.

Mawlynnong Village- This is known as the cleanest village of Asia. Breathe in some fresh clean air and have your lunch at small huts operated by the people of this village.

Mawsmai cave- If you are a person interested in having a thrilling experience then Mawsmai cave is the best one for you. This dark cave naturally made of lime and sandstone takes its visitors to a completely different world. It might give you Goosebumps but it is a one in a lifetime experience that you can have.

Karengsue falls- This magnificent waterfall falls on a vibrant blue pool. One can swim or have a boat ride on the landing of the waterfall.

Krem Liat Prah- This is the longest cave in entire South Asia. the cave stretches about 34 km at present but can increase if the nearby caves contribute and add on to it. located in Meghalaya this natural limestone cave is a favorite tourist destination.

Dawki– Dawki a small town of Meghalaya, around 80 km away from Shillong is the best thing that Cherrapunji can offer. It is located near the India Bangladesh border. The main attraction of Dawki is its Umangot River. The Umangot river is famous for its crystal clear water. One can actually see the bottom of the river while sitting on the boat. It is a nature’s paradise and a must-visit.

Cherrapunji is full of waterfalls, hence, you will find several other falls on the way back to Shillong. Spend the evening shopping for yourself and your family from Shillong Police Bazar. You can also have your dinner at café Shillong. Café Shillong is a posh café that provides live music and delicious food and drinks. After dinner gets back to your hotel, take rest, and get ready for the next day’s adventure.

There are certain places at Shillong which are preferable to visit on the last day of your trip on the way back to Guwahati. Some of them are:-

Umiam lake-This lake is a reservoir of the hill which is created by damming the Umiam river. It is a huge reservoir and a tourist attraction.

Shillong peak- located at a height of 1965 m above sea level Shillong peak is a picnic point. One can get a panoramic view of the entire Shillong city and certain parts of Bangladesh with the help of a telescope (which is placed there). This place is located within the airforce base and thus strict checking is done before getting the pass. Leave for Guwahati after visiting this place.

Fact – Once in Shillong do not miss the opportunity of having principles. Their mouth melting sweet pineapples are to die for.

Shillong weather

Shillong has a cold climate Thought the year with the temperature falling to 0 degrees in the months of November to February and in summer rising up to 24 degrees. Normally it has a moderate temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Shillong, Meghalaya is post-monsoon.

Meghalayan food and culture

Food

Rice is the staple food of the people of Meghalaya. They consume their rice with fish and meat.  Relishing on the meat of goat, pig, cow, fowl, and duck.

Culture

The people of Meghalaya has a rich cultural heritage. They follow the matrilineal system i.e. inheritance of property through women. Dance plays a major part in their culture. The people of the community celebrate various festivals throughout the year. They believe these celebrations bring unity among all.

 

No wonder Meghalaya is the abode of clouds. Planning a trip to the Scotland of the east will remain one of the best trips a traveler can have traveled in his entire lifetime.

Written by – Nabomita Mukherjee (Travelofina travel stories).