G.B. International ::- Meghalaya
| Meghalaya | Assam | Shillong |
|---|---|---|
| Kaziranga | East India | Other States |
Meghalaya
Meghalaya has been greatly blessed by nature with abundant greenery, forests, fruits, rolling hills, good climate, waters and clouds. Three hundred varieties of orchids are found in the state which is also rich in wildlife. Meghalaya has two national parks which are home to some rare species of flora and fauna. The gentle hills of Meghalaya are interspersed with rich meadows and pine forests.
Among these is that intriguing phenomenon- the traditional Sacred Forests that are steeped in spiritual belief and held in great veneration. They also represent some of the earliest representations of preserving the ancient eco-systems. Meghalaya is also home to that unique carnivorous plant, the Pitcher Plant. You will discover the blue vanda, lady's slipper and other rare orchid varieties in flower gardens of Shillong. Meghalaya has a number of ancient tribal societies each with their own distinctive cultures. The main tribes are Khasis, Jaintias and Garos.
Excursions
ShillongShillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Its picturesque setting and salubrious climate were considered suitable for sanatoriums and holiday homes for British civilians, suffering from the sweltering heat of the plains. It is described as 'Mini London'. There are many legends surrounding the name Shillong. One says that it originated from the name of a handsome youth called Shyllong.
Cherrapunjee
Cherrapunjee has a rich historical heritage and was the first British outpost in this part of the country. Sohra is the original Khasi name for Cherrapunjee. It is 1300 metres above sea level and 56 kms from Shillong. This place is one of the rainiest rain-belts in the world. A pleasant drive to see roaring waterfalls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang Falls. The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. Centre of Khasi culture and literature, it also has the oldest Presbyterian Church and also an establishment of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Mawsynram
56 Kms from Shillong, it is known for the giant stalagmite formation shaped into a Shivalinga, called locally as 'Mawjymbuin'.
Jakrem
64 kms from Shillong, a popular health resort having hot-springs of sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties.
Monoliths in Khasi Hills
In the Khasi Hills are a number of ancient monoliths and table stones, which are either memorials where the ashes of the dead are deposited in cairns or cenotaphs, commemorating memorable events. The upright stones represent men generally and are of considerable size, sometimes projecting 6 metres (20 feet) or more above ground.
Jowai in Jaintia Hills
The most important town in the Jaintia Hills district is Jowai, 1,380 metres above sea level, situated 64 kms from Shillong. The annual festival of Behdeinkhlam is celebrated in great style in Jowai. En-route from Shillong to Jowai, one passes through grassy meadows, colourful graveyards, rice terraces, woods of oak or whispering pine and the meandering Myntdu River.
Nartiang
This is located in the Jaintia Hills about 65 kms from Shillong and 24 kms from Jowai. There are clusters of monoliths in Nartiang that are among the tallest anywhere in the world.
Tura in Garo Hills
The district headquarters of the West Garo Hills is Tura, which is situated 657 metres above sea level. Tura has a picturesque landscape of hills overlooking the sweeping curves of the mighty Brahmaputra River on the plains below. The Tura Peak is very close to town and it is the ideal place for rock climbers, hikers and naturalists.
Fair & Festivals
Festivals in Khasi HillsThe Khasis have two important festivals - Nongkrem Dance held in Oct. / Nov. and Shad-Suk Mynsiem, held in April. Nongkrem Dance is held annually for five days together. It is a religious festival for thanksgiving to God Almighty for good harvest and to pray for peace and prosperity in the community. It is celebrated in the month of November. An important part of this festival is 'pomblang' or decapitation of the goats, offered by the subjects to the Syiem of Khyrim. The Syiem is the administrative head of the state. Offerings are made to the ancestors of the ruling clan.
Festivals in Jaintia Hills
Behdienkhlam is the most important dance festival of the Jaintias. It is celebrated after the sowing period is over. At Jowai town, this festival can be seen being celebrated in July. Youngmen make a symbolic driving away of the evil spirits by beating the roofs of every house with bamboo poles. The climax of the celebrations is the tussle, as seen in a tug-of-war, for a large undressed beam of two groups of people opposed to each other. The Jaintias have also another Dance festival for entertainment called the Laho Dance, where young men and women dance to the merriment of the audience.
Festivals in Garo Hills
Among the Garos, the most important festival is the Wangala or the Hundred-drum Festival held from Nov. to Dec. This is a harvest festival celebrated in honour of Saljong, the Sun-God of fertility. The festival marks the end of the period of toil in the fields, bringing a good yeild of crops. Everybody - young & old joins in the festivities. The men beat the drums and move forward in rhythmic union. Doregata Dance Festival is another interesting dance. In this dance, women try to knock off the turbans of their male partners, using their heads. Another dance that requires exquisite skill is the Chambil Mesara or Pomelo Dance. This is a solo dance form, in which the performer dangles a pomelo or any other fruit on a cord tied to his waist and then hurls it round & round.
How to Reach
By AirShillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is connected by helicopter service from Guwahati. Or else, one could take the daily flights to Guwahati and then travel by road - 100 kms (approx)
By Rail
Shillong is connected by North Frontier & North Eastern Railway via Guwahati. The nearest Rail head is Guwahati (127 Km.).
By Road
Road Network in the state is quite efficient and covers the state conveniently. National Highway 40 is an all-weather road running through the state. The road connects Shillong with Guwahati, which in turn is connected to other major cities in rest of the country.