- SHILLONG
Named after the manifestation of the Creator, Shyllong, the state capital in Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills at 1496 m is one of the most popular hill stations in the Northeast. It served as Assam’s capital from 1874 till January 1972, when Meghalaya became an independent state. An important garrison town for the British in the latter half of the 19th century, it evolved into a scenic retreat from the punishing heat of an Indian summer. Its homesick English community filled it with flower-bedecked garden bungalows, public parks and colonial-style government buildings. Visitors marvel at the cosmopolitan air of the hill town, still deeply imbued with Western influences in its education system. music and café culture. Yet, amidst it all it clings fiercely to its strong native cultural roots.
Popular recreational spots Ward’s Lake and the Golf Course witness great throngs in the high season. One should definitely sign up for the Shillong Heritage Walk which touches on the town’s star attractions. Unmissable spots are the Phan Nonglait Park (formerly Lady Hydari Park) with its mini zoo, Don Bosco Museum (a part of the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture), Elephant Falls and the privately run Butterfly Museum at Riatsamthiah. For its local Khasi culture enjoy a leisurely exploration of the Lewduh Market, the biggest bazaar in the Northeast.
- SOHRA
Also known as Cherrapunji, once the wettest place in India before being replaced by Mawsynram village, Sohra has a mind-blowing natural landscape punctuated by turbulent waterfalls and ancient cave systems. Straddling the 1,484-m-high plateau bounding the southern skirting of the Khasi Hills, Sohra offers a host of adventure experiences.
The monsoon rains turn even the smallest waterfalls around Sohra into riveting picnic spots. The unbeatable splendour of Nohsngithiang (Seven Sisters) Falls is a delight for nature buffs. With a drop of 315m, it’s one of the highest waterfalls in the country. The seven streams, dropping off the limestone cliff which splits them up, can be seen from a viewing deck by the roadside close by.
The 340m-high Nohkalikai Falls is the highest plunge waterfall in India. During the monsoon, the water gushes down an escarpment with great intensity into a green rocky pool. The semi-crescent-shaped Dainthen Falls, a mini-Niagara in the monsoons, is associated with an ancient legend and is named after a mythical serpent, Dainthlen, who was vanquished by U Kiang Nangbah, a local hero. Downstream, go visit the enchanting triple-tiered cascades of Wei Sawdong Falls surrounded by lush verdure near Nongriait village.
Of prime interest are the spelunking opportunities in the Arwah-Lumshyna Cave area, surrounded by the verdant expanses of the Law Shynna Forest. Readily accessible by the 500-m-long walkway—made up of several short flights of stairs, or the rough, but scenic trail, the Arwah Cave complex features centuries-old fossils of crustacean shells and fish bones embedded in the limestone walls. Arwah is amongst the largest and longest cave systems in the country and offers several tourist-designated chambers to explore. The walk to the Arwah goes past Lawshynna Cave, officially opened to tourists in 2014. It’s notable for its stalactite and stalagmite formations and rich biodiversity. The Mawsmai Cave is popular with novice caving enthusiasts as well, as it offers easy entry and a well-lit marked trail in the complex.
The picturesque environs of Thangkharang Park, attract throngs of visitors all year round. Perched atop a rocky promontory it offers views of the lush floodplains of Bangladesh. Nature enthusiasts will thrill to its plenitude of orchids and other endemic plants. A viewing deck offers glimpses of the 305m-high Kynrem Falls.
On your drive from Sillong to Sohra you will cross the beautiful Duwan Singh Syiem Bridge, notable for being the gateway to the Sohra tourist circuit. Further ahead stop to catch the dramatic views of the Mawkdok Dympep Valley.
- MAWLYNNONG
A 90-km drive from Shillong brings you to the rural spaces of what is distinguished as the “cleanest village in India.” Another highlight of tourist interest, Mawlynnong, which lies close to the Bangladesh border, is the unique phenomenon of the living roots bridge, which has been attracting a lot of attention for several years now by tourists. The living roots bridges of Meghalaya, in the simplest terms, are described as suspension bridges across a river, created by weaving the living roots of the Indian rubber (Ficus elastica). This is a speciality of the Khasi and the Jaintia communities with their ancestral knowledge of this engineering feat. Apart from the convenience these eco-friendly natural bridges provide, they are also important for their cultural significance, as they bring the local community together to collaborate to design, manage, and maintain them.
The single roots bridge can be accessed on one of two routes around Mawlynnong. The Sky Walk, also known as Nohwet Viewpoint offers views of neighbouring Bangladesh on a clear day. The 85-foot-high eco-friendly structure has been created entirely of bamboo poles tied to branches of trees with jute and bamboo ropes.
- MAWKYRNOT Mawkyrnot hamlet in Rangthylliang, in the East Khasi Hills, has become a magnet for hordes of visitors attracted by the famous 53-m long living bridge in the region. It is said to be the longest of its kind in the world. Visitors need to walk down 1500 steps to get onto the bridge. The area is home to five living root bridges, but the longest one generates the most interest for its unique engineering. In 2016, Mawkyrnot won the prestigious India Bio Diversity Awards 2016 in recognition of its contribution to the promotion of root bridges and the protection of their surroundings, including the longest-known living root bridge.
- NONGSTOIN
This tranquil hill town serves as the headquarters of the West Khasi Hills district. Just three hours away from Shillong it’s a lovely, unpolluted scenic retreat for unhurried pleasures. The must-visit Nongkhnum River Island is nearby. Not many people are aware that Meghalaya is home to the second-largest riverine island in Asia, after Majuli Island in Assam. A short drive from Nongstoin brings you to the Nongkhnum River Island spread over an area of 25 sq km It nestles between the split waters of the Kynshi River embracing the Phanliang and Namliang rivers. A pretty, slightly shaky, suspension bridge links it to the mainland. You can stroll down for 15 minutes from here to the uncrowded Nongkhnum Island Beach. Nearby lies a small lake created by Phanliang River. There’s a covered viewing platform from where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Kynshi River, with its scattering of richly verdant islets. Boats can be hired to cruise the waterway. There’s also the 60 m-high Kshaid Thum Falls, on the western course of the river, to be enjoyed. Mawphanlur with its crisp weather, pretty lake-dotted meadows and friendly locals offer an idyllic escape for leisurely moments in the lap of nature. It’s perfect for explorations around the West Khasi Hills region. - NOKREK NATIONAL PARK
Located in the Garo Hills, the Nokrek Park lies in the embrace of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, one of India’s most precious eco-systems in the wilderness landscape. This is home to endangered wildlife species such as the endangered Hoolock Gibbon. Trekkers will enjoy a wide range of trails to explore in the park. Nokrek Peak, at an elevation of more than 1400 m offers, an exciting challenge to climbers.
Village-run resorts such as Chandigre and Daribokgre, along the fringes of the National Park, are a good base for your explorations. Chandigre Village Resort is notable for its orchards and vernacular architecture and Daribokgre Village Resort offers an indigenous-inspired set-up of traditional Garo-style homes (nok achik) and dorms (nok pante). Local adventure and tour guides are useful for information on campsites and angling trips.
- BALPAKRAM NATIONAL PARK
Set amidst the lush forested environs of the Garo Hills is not only an adventurer’s delight, but it is also home to many myths and legends. Approachable from Tura, Balpakram National Park, straddles the Balpakram Plateau is famous for its spectacular gorge, which reminds one of the Grand Canyon in the USA.
- TURA
The leafy town of Tura, 45km from Nokrek, offers an opportunity to explore its verdant surrounds by treks and hikes on its popular trails in the Garo Hills. A well-trodden trail has been craved to the summit of Tura Peak. Tura’s forested tracts of the Selbalgre Gibbon Reserve are home to the endangered hoolock gibbon.
Caving in the Garo Hills is finding a place in tourist itineraries now. The sites to explore are the Siju Cave, in the South Garo Hills District, 30 Km from Baghmara. Also known as the Bat Cave it’s close to the Simsang River game reserve. This is one of the longest caves in the Indian sub-continent. En Nakama Cave, located at Nokat Chibe village, close to Tolegre, in the South Garo Hills District; it’s a short drive from Baghmara. Its notable for its fantastic the stalagmite and stalactite structures. There’s the lesser known Chisok Cave at Emandurabanda (A’sakgre), in the South Garo Hills.60 km from Baghmara. The marvels here are again the stalagmites and stalactites. These are best visited between November to March.
- KUDENGRIM
Nestling amidst the Jaintia Hills, Kudengrim is one of Meghalaya’s newest tourist offerings. Amongst its many attractions here is the two-tiered Kudengrim Living Root Bridge, a bio-engineering marvel, located near a waterfall. Bamboo walkways and stream crossings bring you to the beautiful Mukhre Step Falls. The lush environs of Kudengrim are watered by the Amlamar and Amshkar rivers. The area here is wonderful for hikes and trees. Homestay options are possible in the village. The district headquarters Jowai is attractive for its bustling market and pretty little neighbourhoods. Find your way around the place and dive into the offerings of the local food stalls. You should make time to visit the nearby Tyrshi Falls near Thadlaskein Lake. A short hike up to the viewing platform rewards you with delightful views of the falls and their lovely surrounds. The southern vistas of Jowai bring you to the splendid Syntu Ksiar Valley watered by the Myntdu River. A favourite picnic and angling spot for the locals, it is also the site of a monument dedicated to Kiang Nongbah, a Jaintia freedom fighter who was martyred while leading the rebellion against the British in 1862. In 2001, the government issued a postage stamp to commemorate him.
- UMNGOT RIVERFRONT
The unpolluted, near-transparent waters of the Umngot River are rapidly gaining favour with travellers exploring the hilly expanses of Meghalaya. Liberally flanked by a mosaic of greenery, this cleanest of rivers in India is a feast for the senses. Dropping down from the high ranges and tabletops of the Khasi Hills it winds its way sinuously across the valley to debouche into the plains of Sylhet, in northeastern Bangladesh.
Three primary spots to visit in the region are Dawki, Shnongpdeng and Darrang, all quite close to each other:
Dawki straddles the India-Bangladesh borderlands in the West Jaintia Hills district. In fact, it’s the last town on the Indian side of the border. Of interest here also, in this important commercial-cultural crossroad is the iconic Dawki bridge, constructed in 1932 on this bilateral trade corridor between India and Bangladesh. This historic area also denotes the International Radcliffe Line, drawn between India and Bangladesh (then East Pakistan).
Shnongpden is popular for its river beaches and angling opportunities and is an adventure sports enthusiast’s paradise. One can scuba dive, go zip-lining, camp by the river under the stars and enjoy beach picnics. Boat rides offer pleasant waterway explorations.
Darrang village provides enchanting days by the lovely Umngot River and its many diversions. Visitors can also head for the nearby hills and explore the pretty trails which lead to hidden waterfalls and tranquil glens.
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