
Well known for Cherapunjji, the place which receives one of the maximum rainfall in the world, Meghalaya can mesmerise you with its hills, valleys, lakes, caves and waterfalls which when combined with the beautiful clouds, give it a very serene, beautiful look.
Shillong has a lot of leftover British colonial influence that is evident from the plentiful British architecture. Owing to the magnificent lakes all around the town, and the hills surrounding it, Shillong has often been called the Scotland of the East.
If you want to take a look at Asia?s cleanest village, don?t forget to visit Mawlynnong. Lying on the border separating India from Bangladesh, Mawlynnong is an amazingly clean village in Meghalaya where every street corner has a bamboo dustbin to ensure nature-friendly disposal of trash. The focal point of attraction of this village is the Sky Watch, which is a bamboo structure that offers sweeping views of the Bangladeshi plains from the top.
Meghalaya's main ethnic communities, each having its own distinctive customs and cultural traditions are the Khasis (of Mon-Khmer ancestry), the Garos (of Tibeto-Burman origin) and the Jaintias said to be from South East Asia. Meghalaya has a history of rich craftsmanship, and wood-carving and artistic weaving are famous crafts here, especially in the Jaintia and Khasi districts.
The weather is Meghalaya is mostly pleasant all year round. You can open your eyes to some gorgeous days in summer and the days are pleasant as they open up more avenues for you to explore. Though the refreshing green all around might be very tempting during the monsoon & rains, you will not be able to visit around places and might end up curled up in the room. The weather at this time will almost take you to fairy tales. The days can get foggy and are visually so amazing that they will leave you in awe.
Key Facts
Apr - Jun: Min: 12° C / Max: 30° C
Jul - Sep: Min: 18° C / Max: 26° C
Oct - Mar: Min: 3° C / Max: 15° C
Scotland of the East!!
Shillong is the only hill station in the country that is accessible from all sides. The name Shillong is derived from U-Shyllong, a powerful deity and is situated at an altitude of 1,491m above sea level.
The cascading waterfalls, azure lakes, botanical gardens, breathtaking greenery, swaying pine trees, and museums displaying the enriched culture of the Khasis, all make Shillong a perfect holiday destination. The cherry blossoms trees are a sight to behold in the month of October.
Apart from the natural beauty, Shillong also acts as the gateway to Meghalaya, the state famous for heavy rainfalls, caving, tallest waterfalls, beautiful landscapes and amazing people and culture. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes.
Interestingly, Shillong has a very westernised culture and it has a very young feel to it. Shillong is also famous as the music capital of India, as many prominent musicians have hailed from this place.
Meghalaya’s Dew Drop!!
High above misty valleys and foaming rivers, ensconced in swirling clouds and perched on an escarpment, lies Cherrapunji (4,500 feet). This is a stunning location and the..
year-round rain earned Cherrapunji coveted entry long ago into the Guinness Book of World Records as the wettest place on earth, the place where the rainfall can be recorded in feet rather than in millimeters. Mawsynram, another mesmerizing village of Meghalaya, trounces Cherrapunjee by a slight margin in being the wettest place in India.
Cherrapunji also known as Sohra, is known for its double-decker living root bridge. Located around 50 Kms from Shillong, this sub-divisional town is famous for its rich flora and natural attractions. Apart from the famous living root bridge, other natural attractions include cave formations such as the Mawsmai Caves and Krem Phyllut.
The breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and waterfalls such as the famous Nohkalikai Waterfalls which is a 335m plunge waterfall and is the fourth highest waterfall in the world, are wonderful experiences to be had at Meghalaya.
For those with a bit of time on their hands, the town of Dawki at the border with Bangladesh offers a wonderful clearwater boating experience in the winter season.