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Meghalaya means “The abode of clouds” in Sanskrit, is an apt description of the hilly state in northeastern India. People have been recorded to live there since the neolithic era. It is one of the seven sisters states of India and is mountainous with a stretch of valleys and highland plateaus.
With its biodiversity and its own unique culture, there is a lot to see from Meghalaya. Underneath is the list of 10 places to visit:
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Balpakram national park
The national park is located in the south of Garo Hills. It is located at an altitude of about 910m close to the international border of Bangladesh. It was inaugurated in 1987 and has been home to many bio-diversities. The species that are recorded to call this national park home are; deers, Asian elephant, red panda, tiger and marbled cat, wild water buffalo, and various species of birds. This makes the place extremely beautiful and is excellent if you are looking forward to an outdoor adventure. This place is also very recommended for bird watching.
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Maylynnong village
It is a village that is located in the East Khasi Hills district. It is very famous for its cleanliness and is tagged as the cleanest village in the continent. The village is also home to the Khasi tribe. A village is also a place where you can see the living root bridge, and sky view – a tower of 85 feet high that is made of bamboo.
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Laitlum Canyon
The canyon is perched on the east Khasi hills of Shillong. Laitlum translates to ‘end of hills’ which showcased the beauty of the hilltop. There is no better place to catch the birds-eye view of the hills aside from this canyon. The terrain is difficult to navigate if you are just starting out. While you are tracking, you can find a lot of houses that are perched by the hills, meadows and rustic rope-way which is used by the residents to transport food and essential needs.
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Double-Decker Living Bridge
Located in the deep tropical forest of Meghalaya, it took 15 years for the bridge to bear enough strength to allow people to walk across it. However, the bridge will get stronger with time. This bridge can be found in the vicinity of Cherrapunji, the wettest region in the country. There are currently around 11 other functional root bridge. The bridge is all being grown and cared for by the Khasi Tribe.
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Lalong park
It is located 8 km away from Jowai. It covers the sacred grooves which is another reason for you to visit the park. Another reason is to see the Pyhntohowah valley. This park is particularly loved by people who loved trekking. While you are tracking, you can also enjoy fishing and leisure strolling while overlooking the River Myndtu from the park.
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Don Bosco Center for Indigenous Cultures
It is a major tourist spot that offers you a break from all the nature and outdoor activity that Meghalaya offer. It offers visitors a glimpse of the rich and multicultural lifestyles of the indigenous people.
It encompasses all aspects of indigenous people’s life; starting from the costumes and ornaments that they wear, along with housing patterns, the language that they use, even to the style of hunting and gathering.
Their collections mainly focus on the indigenous people who hare living within the states of the seven sister regions. This center reminds us of the importance of preserving our culture and tradition.
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Umiam Lake
Located in Ri Bhoi district, this is one of the winter destinations of the Meghalaya. The best time to visit it is from October to February, where you can find the lake to be lush with vegetation and the place to be very scenic. In the summer months, however, you will find the water level to be very low that you can find small islands here and there in the lake region. There are water activities that can be done in the lake too during the winter season.
The lake is a huge water reservoir that is constructed to be a part of a damn. However, because of the scenic look, it transforms itself to be one of the major tourist attractions in Meghalaya.
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All Saints Church
The church is surrounded by lush and fresh dark grasses during winter, making it look much more picturesque. The church is an Anglican church which has become one of the top tourist attractions as well. This is because of the colonial architectural beauty, and woodwork’s of the church. The church has been built since the British Raj and was inspired by Scotland lush scenery as well.
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Mawsmai Cave
It is an extensive network of underground caves, some of which are still undiscovered. It is located 57 KM from Shillong in the little village called Mawsmai. The caves are gorgeous, full of stalactite and stalagmite. They levy an entrance fee, however, because there are still not a lot of people who like venturing here. Probably because to access this cave, you have to go through the forest to reach it. This is one place and adventure that is very suitable for people who like to hike while looking at beautiful sceneries. The caves are also adorned by prehistoric fossils that will certainly give you a once in a lifetime experience.
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Mawthadraishan Peak
