Meaning 'abode of the clouds', Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful states of the country. A small state in the north eastern part of the country, picturesque Meghalaya is situated between the Brahmaputra valley in the north and Bangladesh in the south. Geographically known as 'Meghalaya Plateau' or the 'Shillong Plateau', the area consists of oldest rock-formations. Most of the state is covered by the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills. The common sight of white clouds hanging on mountain tops enthralls tourists the most. Not surprisingly, Meghalaya also receives a lot of rainfall. The state is also full of beautiful lakes, springs and rivers. Many nature lovers are compelled to opine that in Meghalaya, nature is at its best.
It is said that the various tribal groups of Meghalaya like the Khasis, Jaintias, Mikirs and Kacharis have been inhabitants of the region even before the start of the Christian era. Kinship was the tradition among the tribals. Recorded history says that the earliest Jaintia king had started ruling from 1500 AD. The British, who forayed into north eastern region later compared to other parts of the country, took control of the Garo hills in 1872. After the British took over, the infrastructure of the state was significantly improved. Initially a part of the state of Assam after independence, Meghalaya was granted statehood on 21 January, 1972 thus becoming the 21st state of the country.
Shillong, the capital of the state and a popular hill station of eastern India, is full of attractions. More interesting is the fact that most of the tourist attractions of Shillong are pure natural delights like lakes, water falls and parks. The myriad of attractions include Ward's lake, Shillong peak, Spread Eagle falls, Crinoline falls, Sweet falls, Elephanta falls, Beadon falls, Shillong Golf Course, Polo Grounds and Umian Lake. Cherrapunji, located at a distance of 56 kms from Shillong is the wettest place on earth. The orange groves and limestone caves of Cherrapunji are a must-see for tourists. The Garo hills has a number of beautiful lakes and caves. Thadlaskein, the most beautiful of the lakes, is believed to have been built by ancient foot soldiers with the points of their bows. Tourist lodges have recently been built to attract tourists in a big way. Tura is another beautiful town of the state. The Tura peak offers a splendid view of the landscape below. Another attraction is the wide distribution of megaliths in the place. The age of most of them still could not be ascertained.
The population of Meghalaya comprises three principal tribal groups- Garos, Khasis and Jaintias. These groups primarily follow a matrilineal system. There is also a sizeable presence of Assamese, Bengali and Marwari communities in Shillong and nearby areas. Of the many festivals celebrated in the state, the important ones are Wangala-the harvest festival, Shad Nongkrem, Shad Suk Mynsiem and Beh-Dien-Khlam.
Cloud covered Meghalaya is easily accessible from Guwahati, the gateway to the north east. From Shillong, the nearest airport and railway station are at Guwahati at a distance of little over 100 kms. The road from Guwahati to Shillong is full of scenic beauty.
To have a glimpse of nature in its most unadulterated form, there is no destination better placed than Meghalaya. |
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