Meghalaya is a hilly strip in the eastern part of the country about 300 km long (eastwest) 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, sunshine, 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 subHimalayas, 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, NakaChikong, Baghmara, Nengkong, Balpakram, Boldak matchu Karam, Chidimak, Matchru, Areng patal, Goncho Dare, RongsaljongAgal, 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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