Meghalaya - The Abode of Clouds

A blessing straight from the Gods, be it its natural characteristics, intense lushness, beauty beyond words and sights to view and die for; this is Meghalaya (name derived from Sanskrit) – the 'Abode of Clouds' - endowed with utmost natural splendour that beckons every visitor to take back home a slice of it, if possible.

The Tourism Department of Meghalaya has introduced various policies and COVID-19 appropriate behaviours and norms to be strictly followed by all visitors to ensure that anyone visiting Meghalaya, given the current pandemic situation, is comfortable and safe.

To un-tap Meghalaya's tourism potential, the Government of Meghalaya has been focusing on improving infrastructure and building public conveniences and facilities at all its tourist spots. It has been developing and improving various tourist areas covering Arts & Craft Tourism, Nature Tourism, Health & Wellness Tourism, Cultural Tourism and Adventure Tourism.

A tour of Cherrapunji‎ (Sohra), Nongriat, Tyrna, Laitlum, Mawlynnong, Dawki, Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills and so forth is unforgettable and a must. Enjoy trekking, caving, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba-diving, boating, rock-climbing and hand-gliding, and many other activities in Meghalaya.

Picture-perfect, nestled close to the foothills of the Himalayas that span across the entire northern range of India, Meghalaya covers a massive area of over 22,429 square kilometres - extends to about 300 kilometres long and about 100 kilometres wide. The East Khasi Hills, Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills constitute Meghalaya with Shillong as the capital of the state (which nestles at an altitude of 1496 metres above sea level).

Meghalaya is flanked by Assam to its north and east, the districts of Kamrup and Golpara of Assam to its north, Northern part of Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong of Assam to its east and borders the vast floodplains of Bangladesh (that one can clearly see from the hilltop of Mawlynnong Village) to its east and south.

Almost 70% of the state is covered by subtropical forests and mountains enveloped with lowland tropical forests to its north and south. These forests are home to mammals, various species of birds and plants.

As of 2016, Meghalaya was estimated to have a population of 3,211,474. One might think of Meghalaya as a state that cannot be reached or one with inhabitants that are unfriendly and unapproachable to outsiders, but it is untrue. There are three main tribal communities that reside in Meghalaya – Khasi, Garo and Pnar (Jaintia) – who are extremely warm, very friendly and welcoming to all.

Most city locals speak in English and their own regional languages while the villagers are more comfortable conversing in their own local language. Hindi is becoming one of the most-spoken languages in the state, in recent times, owing to the increase in popularity of Bollywood movies and celebrities. Unlike many other Indian states, Meghalaya follows the matrilineal system.

Meghalaya witnesses heavy rainfall each year (with Mawsynram receiving the highest rainfall, and thus recognised as the wettest place in the world). The climate of Meghalaya also varies with the change in its altitude. East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills are blessed with a pleasant climate year-round, with a not-too-warm summers and not-too-cold winters; however, Garo Hills witnesses a warm and humid summer and pleasant winter. The sky is seldom free of clouds and one can even witness four seasons in a day.

Here is a bit about how Meghalaya came into existence. Meghalaya was once an erstwhile state of Assam with Shillong as the capital of Assam in 1874. The capital city gets its name from their deity, ‘Shyllong’. Meghalaya emerged as an autonomous state on 2nd April 1970 and was declared a separate state on 21st January 1972 – this marked a new beginning for Northeast India that paved the way for mutual understanding and peaceful self-governing administration for other states.

The economy of Meghalaya is predominantly agrarian with some of the commercial forestry industries that thrive here. Rice, maize, potatoes, pineapples, papayas, bananas, spices, etc. are mostly grown in the state. Real estate businesses and insurance companies form an integral part of the state’s service sector.

In 2012, in the current prices, Meghalaya’s GDP in 2012 was estimated at Rs. 16,173 crore (USD 2.6 billion). It is rich in minerals and coal and with national highways spanning 1,170 km, the state also forms a major hub for logistical trade with Bangladesh.

A romantic trip for couples and newly-weds, adventurous tours for enthusiasts who can take up challenging treks through some of the most difficult terrains, leisure holidays, weekend getaways, caving through some of the most intriguing caves, walks amid the wilderness, exploring off-the-beaten tracks and many other activities awaits you in Meghalaya.

Tucked away in the North-eastern hills of India that are part of the eastern sub-Himalayan range, Meghalaya is indeed blessed with natural beauty, sunshine, abundant rainfall (six months in a year), untouched terrains and to top it, with inhabitants that are educated, honest, hospitable and warm. Blessed with lush valleys, deep gorges, still lakes, plunging waterfalls, mysterious caves, meandering rivers and sacred forestlands; there is a plethora of tourist places in Meghalaya that one can indulge in.

Expect to be welcomed with panoramic views, misty mountains, hilly terraced slopes, gushing waterfalls, and freshwater rivulets that will mesmerize your mind, senses and soul.