Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya
1. Shillong - The Scotland of the East
Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. Known as the "Scotland of the East", Shillong boasts of its scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and pleasant climate throughout the year. Some of the must-visit places in Shillong are:
- Umiam Lake
- Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures
- Shillong Peak
- Ward's Lake
- Elephant Falls
Cherrapunji, located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, is known for its record-breaking rainfall and breathtaking landscapes. The town receives heavy rainfall throughout the year, making it one of the wettest places on earth. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Cherrapunji are:
- Nohkalikai Falls
- Seven Sisters Falls
- Mawsmai Cave
- Living Root Bridges
- Dain-Thlen Falls
3. Mawlynnong - The Cleanest Village in Asia
Mawlynnong, located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, is known for its cleanliness and eco-friendliness. The village was awarded the title of the "Cleanest Village in Asia" in 2003 by Discover India magazine. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Mawlynnong are:
- Living Root Bridge
- Sky Walk
- Balancing Rock
- The Church of Epiphany
4. Dawki - The Crystal-Clear River
Dawki, located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, is known for its crystal-clear river Umngot. The river is so clear that one can see the bottom of the riverbed, making it a perfect destination for boating and kayaking. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Dawki are:
- Umngot River
- Dawki Bridge
- Shnongpdeng
- Umden Village
5. Nongriat - The Land of Living Root Bridges
Nongriat, located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, is a small village known for its living root bridges. These bridges are made by weaving the roots of rubber trees and are known to last for centuries. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Nongriat are:
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge
- Rainbow Falls
- Tyrna Village
- Mawsaw Cave
6. Jowai - The Land of Festivals
Jowai, located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, is known for its vibrant culture and festivals. The town is famous for its Wangala festival, which is celebrated with great pomp and show by the Garo tribe. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Jowai are:
- Thadlaskein Lake
- Tyrshi Falls
- Syntu Ksiar
- Krang Suri Falls
7. Nohsngithiang Falls - The Seven Sisters Falls
Nohsngithiang Falls, also known as the Seven Sisters Falls, is located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. It is a group of seven waterfalls that cascade down from a height of 315 meters, making it one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. Some of the popular tourist attractions near the Seven Sisters Falls are:
- Mawsmai Cave
- Arwah Cave
- Eco Park
- Thangkharang Park
8. Laitlum Canyons - The Grand Canyon of Meghalaya
Laitlum Canyons, located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, is a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts. It is known for its breathtaking views of the valley, rolling hills, and lush green forests. Some of the popular activities to do in Laitlum Canyons are:
- Trekking
- Camping
- Rock Climbing
- Rappelling
9. Nartiang - The Land of Monoliths
Nartiang, located in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, is known for its ancient monoliths. The town is home to several monoliths, which are believed to be more than 500 years old. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Nartiang are:
- Durga Temple
- Monoliths Park
- Nartiang Market
- Syntu Ksiar
10. Balpakram National Park - The Land of Rare Wildlife
Balpakram National Park, located in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, is known for its rare wildlife and diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to several endangered species, including the Indian Bison, Red Panda, and Clouded Leopard. Some of the popular activities to do in Balpakram National Park are:
- Wildlife Safari
- Trekking
- Camping
- Birdwatching
FAQs:
The best time to visit Meghalaya is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and dry.
Yes, Meghalaya is a safe destination for tourists. However, like any other place, it is advisable to take basic safety precautions.
Khasi, Garo, and English are the most commonly spoken languages in Meghalaya.
The top 10 best places to visit in Meghalaya are:
- Shillong
- Cherrapunjee
- Mawlynnong
- Dawki
- Nongriat
- Umiam Lake
- Laitlum Canyons
- Elephant Falls
- Mawsynram
- Jowai
The best time to visit Meghalaya is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and dry. During this time, the temperature ranges between 10°C to 20°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season in Meghalaya starts from June and lasts till September, during which the state receives heavy rainfall. While the lush green landscapes during monsoon are a sight to behold, it can also lead to landslides and roadblocks, making it difficult to travel to some of the tourist spots.
Meghalaya is well-connected to other parts of India by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is in Guwahati, Assam, which is around 100 km away from Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Meghalaya. The nearest railway station to Meghalaya is also in Guwahati, which is well-connected to major cities in India. You can also take a bus or hire a taxi from Guwahati to reach Meghalaya.
7.What are some must-try local dishes in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya has a unique cuisine that is a blend of local tribal and Bengali influences. Some of the must-try local dishes include Jadoh (rice cooked with pork or chicken), Dohkhlieh (a salad made with pork and onions), Tungrymbai (fermented soybean dish), and Nakham Bitchi (dried fish chutney).
8.What are the accommodation options available in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya has a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury. You can find hotels, guesthouses, homestays, and resorts in popular tourist destinations like Shillong, Cherrapunjee, and Mawlynnong. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the location and the type of accommodation you choose.
9.What is the weather like in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya has a moderate climate throughout the year. The summers are mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C. The winters are cold with temperatures dropping to 2°C to 10°C. The monsoon season in Meghalaya is from June to September and is characterized by heavy rainfall.
10.Are there any adventure activities to try in Meghalaya?
Yes, Meghalaya is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts. You can go trekking, caving, rock climbing, rappelling, and river rafting in Meghalaya. Some of the popular adventure spots include Mawphlang, Cherrapunjee, and Dawki.
10.Is it safe to travel to Meghalaya with kids?
Yes, Meghalaya is a safe destination for families with kids. The locals are friendly and welcoming towards tourists. However, it is advisable to take basic safety precautions like carrying identification documents, avoiding secluded areas at night, and keeping your valuables in a safe place.
11.What are the best places to shop in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya is known for its hand-woven textiles, handicrafts, and bamboo products. Some of the best places to shop for these products include Bara Bazaar in Shillong, Lewduh Market in Shillong, and Police Bazaar in Tura.
12.Are there any festivals or events that are worth attending in Meghalaya?
Yes, Meghalaya hosts several festivals throughout the year that are worth attending. The most popular festivals include Wangala (a harvest festival), Shad Suk Myn
Conclusion;
Meghalaya is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The state is home to several hidden gems, which often go unnoticed by tourists. The top 10 best places to visit in Meghalaya, as mentioned in this article, will help you discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of this beautiful state. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the "Abode of Clouds".
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