Meghalaya is
a hilly strip in the eastern part of the country about
300 km long (east-west) and 100 km wide, with a total
area of about 22,429 km². About one third of the
state is forested and are known for their biodiversity
of mammals, birds, and plants. Tribal peoples make up
about 85% of Meghalaya's population. However, in some
interior reaches of the Garo Hills, the percentage of
tribal population is as high as 97%. The Khasis are
the largest group, followed by the Garos. The word "Meghalaya"
literally means "The Abode of Clouds" in Hindi
and Sanskrit.
Tourism
Meghalaya
is considered to be one of the most picturesque states
in the country. It has enough tourism content to attract
tourists of many different interests. Nature has blessed
Meghalaya with abundant rainfall, sun-shine, virgin
forests, high plateaus, waterfalls, crystal clear rivers,
and hospitable people. During one of his visit to the
state Sardar Vallabhai Patel once said, "Your land is
land for Gods to live in. Its air, its natural scenery,
its pure atmosphere, its sweet water would attract even
Gods." Tucked away in the hills of eastern sub-Himalayas,
Meghalaya is being considered as one of the most beautiful
state in the country. ‘Cherrapunjee’, may well be regarded
as one of the most popular tourist spots in North East
of India. It lies to the south of the capital Shillong.
The town is very well known and needs little publicity.
A rather scenic, 50 kilometer long road, connects Cherrapunjee
with Shillong.
Weather
The
state of Meghalaya is directly influenced by the south
west monsoon and the northeast winter winds. The four
seasons of Meghalaya are: Spring - March and April,
Summer (Monsoon) - May to September, Autumn - October
and November and Winter - December to February.
Places
of Tourist Interest
Khasi Hills, Jaintia
Hills and Garo Hills have pleanty of places to attract
tourists. Places of Interest in Khasi Hills are Shillong
Peak, Sohpetbneng Peak, Ward's Lake, Umiam Water Sports
Complex, Botanical Garden, Lady Hydari Park, Golf Course,
Cherrapunjee (Sohra), Crinoline Falls, Kyllang Rock,
Natures own Museum - Sacred Forest Mawphlang and many
more.
Jowai, Thadlaskein Lake, Megalithic Remnants, Syntu
Ksiar are some of the major tourists attractions of
Jaintia Hills. Similarily, Garo Hills houses some
of the most interesting tourists spots of the state
like Nokrek biosphere, Tura Peak, Imilchang Dare,
Chibragre, Bhaitbari, Rangapani, Williamnagar, Rongrenggiri,
Adokgre, Naka-Chikong, Baghmara, Nengkong, Balpakram,
Boldak matchu Karam, Chidimak, Matchru, Areng patal,
Goncho Dare, Rongsaljong-Agal, Dombe Wari and more.
Festivals
& Events
Nongkrem
Dance : The Nongkrem Dance or Shad Nongkrem
is held annually in November and lasts for five days.During
three consecutive nights in the five day festival prayers
are offered to Ka Pah Syntiew and U Suid Nia Tong Syiem
for a good harvest, peace and prosperity of all people.On
the fourth day a dance is performed by young Khasi men
and virgin women, dressed in their traditional costumes
and heavy gold ornaments in front of the Iing Sad (central
House).
Behdienkhlam Dance : The origin
of this festival is steeped in myth and folklore,
but the most common is the story of five deities in
the form of four stones and a river nymph. These five
deities wished for human beings to live with them
and requested God to send some.
Wangala : Wangala festival of the
Garo’s is usually in the month of October after
harvest. This is a thanksgiving festival and it is
considered a taboo to take any crops from the jhum
fields without performing the Wangala.
Other Festivals of the state includes Shad Suk Mynsiem,
Rong Khli and Wari billa.
When
to Go
One
can visit Meghalaya throughout the year.
Interesting
Fact
A botanical wonder, Pitcher plant, an insect eating plant
is found in the districts of Jaintia Hills, West Khasi
Hills and South Garo Hills of the Meghalaya.
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