Meghalaya

• Capital: Shillong
• Population: 2.3 million
• Area: 2,429 sq. km
• Language: Khasi, Garo, English
• Best Season: May to September.
• Weather: Summers 15° - 30°C. Winters 4° - 24°C.

Places to See Around

Elephant Falls Nohkalikai Falls Butterfly Museum Lum Nehru Park Mawthadraishan Nartiang Embroidery Stone: War Lake Spread Eagle Falls Dainthlen Waterfall Pelga falls Gleneagles Of The East Weinia Falls Lady Hydari Park Crinoline Falls Baghmara Reserve Forest Nengkong Syntu Ksiar Simsang River Umiam Lake

Meghalaya is situated in the north-eastern region of India, between the Brahmaputra valley in the north and the Bangladesh in the south. It extends for about 300 kilometres in length and about 100 kilometres in breadth. The state was created in 1972 from the Khasi, Jaintia, Garo districts of Assam, which were formerly small kingdoms inhabited by separate tribal groups. The state of Meghalaya (the abode of clouds) is geographically known as the "Meghalaya Plateau" or the "Shillong Plateau". The area is made of the oldest rock-formations. Meghalaya consists of the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills along with their outliers formed by the Assam ranges. It is the detached north-eastern extension of the Peninsular India. Part of it lies buried under the alluvium deposited by the Ganga-Brahmaputra system of rivers. This gap is known as Malda gap (between Raj Mahal hills/Chhota Nagpur and the Shillong Plateau). Meghalaya Plateau's elevation varies between 150 meters to 1961 meters above sea level. The highest point of the entire state is the Shillong peak whose elevation is about 1965m above sea level. It is bounded on the south and southwest by Bangladesh and on all other sides by the state of Assam. The area is 22,429 square kilometres. The capital is the hill town of Shillong. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is located at an altitude of 1496 metres above sea level. Shillong, which was made Assam's capital in 1874, remained so till January 1972, following the formation of Meghalaya. The capital city derives its name from the manifestation of the creator called Shyllong. Meghalaya is a region of great scenic beauty; a panorama of lush, undulating hills, fertile valleys, 250 species of orchids, meandering rivers, waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams and lakes. Meghalaya is known for its natural beauty and the simple lifestyle of its tribal people. Meghalaya also receives limelight on account of Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth, which is only 56 kms. away from Shillong.

Meghalaya is divided into different sections according to the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hills. The state is often termed as ‘the Scotland of the East’ and receives the highest amount of rainfall in the country. Meghalaya is rich in biodiversity, with a wide variety of plants, mammals and birds. Agriculture is a major contributor to Meghalaya’s economy, with the main crops being banana, maize, pineapple, potato and rice. The Shillong Peak in this state is termed by the locals as ‘the Abode of Gods’. 

The word "Meghalaya" literally means the Abode of Clouds in Sanskrit. The state is inhabited by three ethnic communities - the Khasis, the Jaintias and the Garos - each of which follows its own cultural traditions and customs. The common trait binding all three communities is its matrilineal system in which the family linage is taken from the mother's side. The people of Meghalaya are known to be hospitable, cheerful and friendly. The state’s area is divided in Khasi hills, Jaintia hills and Garo hills.

 The Capital City Of Meghalaya India, Shillong, is Marked with Charming Valleys, Huge Mountains, Lovely Lush Parks. Some Of The Famous Destinations Like Lady Hydari Park, Shillong Peak, Museum Of Entomology, Golf Links, Waterfalls, And Ward'S Lake In Shillong Form An Inevitable Part Of Meghalaya Tourism

Shillong is the highest peak in Meghalaya, offering some majestic views of the clouds and its surrounding areas. The highest peaks offer quite a spectacle to tourists. It also gives tourists a glimpse of the smaller peaks of the mighty Himalayas.

Shillong provides tourist numerous opportunities to go on a trekking adventure. There are a lot of free flowing waterfalls around Shillong. Another plus point of the forests in Meghalaya is that tourists can put up camps and sleep under the influence of the stars. Camps are the best adventurous options available, but tourists who prefer peace and a luxurious rest, always have the option of going in for hotels and lodges.