Meghalaya
Meghalaya is literally the 'Abode of the Clouds'. The name describes the climatic phenomenon that brings torrents of rain to this region. 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. It was declared the 21st State of India on 21 January 1972. It united the areas of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills. The state approximately 22,429 square kms in area lies between the latitudes 25.10-26.50 N and the longitudes of 85.49 0 - 92.52 E. It is bounded by Assam in the north and the east and the plains of Bangladesh in the south and west. The State is divided into three hilly regions - the Garo Hills (Western Meghalaya), the Khasi Hills (Central Meghalaya) and the Jaintia Hills (Eastern Meghalaya).
Climate
The state of Meghalaya is directly influenced by the southwestern monsoon that originates in the Bay of Bengal. The monsoon begins in May and continues until October. Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills district has one of the heaviest rainfalls in the world with a July average of 959 cms. The climate from November to April is almost dry. Winter begins in December and lasts until February.
The Language
The principal languages in Meghalaya are Khasi, Garo and English. However, the state language is English.
Flora & Fauna
In Khasi Hills, there are more than 2,000 flowering plants in a radius of ten miles from Cherrapunjee. There are 150 species of ferns and a profusion of mosses, fungi and lichens. More than 250 species of orchids , 25 species of balsams, 20 species of palms, wild species of apples and rhlateau and 150 species of grass are available. In the upper hill regions from 1500 metres and above, in the central plateau of Khasi Hills, coniferous vegetations like pines, oaks and ferns are found. This makes a distinct and interesting natural vegetation belt. The dense jungles in Meghalaya provide a natural habitat for various wildlife - mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. Balpakram, in the East Garo Hills is the centre of wild elephants population. The other wild animals found here include: tigers, bisons, hoolock gibbons, boars, barking deer, sambars, leopards, apes and monkeys. Among reptiles, many kinds of snakes, poisonous and non-poisonous lizards are found here. There are also a wide variety of birds found in the higher altitudes. A special mention of the approximately 500 species of butterflies found in Meghalaya needs to be made, with some of them being very rare.
Approach
By Air : Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is connected by helicopter service from Guwahati. Or else, one could take the daily flights to Guwahati and then travel by road - 100 kms (approx).
By Rail : Shillong is connected by North Frontier & North Eastern Railway via Guwahati. The nearest Rail head is Guwahati (127 Km.).
Places of Interest in Meghalaya
Shillong :
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Its picturesque setting and salubrious climate were considered suitable for sanatoriums and holiday homes for British civilians, suffering from the sweltering heat of the plains. It is described as 'Mini London'. There are many legends surrounding the name Shillong. One says that it originated from the name of a handsome youth called Shyllong.
Shillong's Golf Course is considered one of the best in India. It is situated in the center of the city, close to the polo ground. It was established in 1898, by a group of British Civil Service officers. Golfers from all over the world come here to test their skills.
Lady Hydari Park was named after the wife of Sir Akhbari Hydari, the first Indian Governor of Assam who assumed charge on the eve of independence. It has a very attractive garden and the best months to see the flowers in bloom are April to October. Next to the park, is a mini zoo, where many species of birds and animals are kept.
The Museum of Entomology is a treasure house of various kinds of exquisite Meghalayan butterflies and insects, some of which are bred and reared by naturalists and then preserved. The most beautiful and sought after Meghalayan butterfly is 'Kaiser-I-Hind'.
Forested Shillong Peak, at 1,965 metres above sea level, acts as a vast catchment area. A steep winding road goes right to the top of the peak. On a clear day, you can see the Himalayan peaks and plains of Sylhet from the summit.
This artificial lake located in Shillong received its name from Sir William Ward, Chief Commissioner of Assam in 1893-94, because he took a personal interest in beautifying it.
In and around Shillong, there are numerous waterfalls, especially during the monsoon when they run in milky white torrents: Bishop Falls, Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls and Beadon Falls are best known. Bishop or Suna Pani Falls are located west of Mawprem in Shilong. They are 135 metres high and particularly impressive in monsoon. The beautiful Elephant or Umdiengpun Falls are enroute to Sadew, 12 kilometres from Shillong City.
Cherrapunjee :
Cherrapunjee has a rich historical heritage and was the first British outpost in this part of the country. Sohra is the original Khasi name for Cherrapunjee. It is 1300 metres above sea level and 56 kms from Shillong. This place is one of the rainiest rain-belts in the world. A pleasant drive to see roaring waterfalls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang Falls. The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. Centre of Khasi culture and literature, it also has the oldest Presbyterian Church and also an establishment of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Mawsynram :
56 Kms from Shillong, it is known for the giant stalagmite formation shaped into a Shivalinga, called locally as 'Mawjymbuin'.
Jakrem :
64 kms from Shillong, a popular health resort having hot-springs of sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties.
Monoliths in Khasi Hills :
In the Khasi Hills are a number of ancient monoliths and table stones, which are either memorials where the ashes of the dead are deposited in cairns or cenotaphs, commemorating memorable events. The upright stones represent men generally and are of considerable size, sometimes projecting 6 metres (20 feet) or more above ground.
Jowai in Jaintia Hills :
The most important town in the Jaintia Hills district is Jowai, 1,380 metres above sea level, situated 64 kms from Shillong. The annual festival of Behdeinkhlam is celebrated in great style in Jowai. En-route from Shillong to Jowai, one passes through grassy meadows, colourful graveyards, rice terraces, woods of oak or whispering pine and the meandering Myntdu River
Nartiang :
This is located in the Jaintia Hills about 65 kms from Shillong and 24 kms from Jowai. There are clusters of monoliths in Nartiang that are among the tallest anywhere in the world.
Tura in Garo Hills :
The district headquarters of the West Garo Hills is Tura, which is situated 657 metres above sea level. Tura has a picturesque landscape of hills overlooking the sweeping curves of the mighty Brahmaputra River on the plains below. The Tura Peak is very close to town and it is the ideal place for rock climbers, hikers and naturalists.
Wildlife in Meghalaya
Balpakram National Park :
Balpakram is a fertile virgin land. The unsurveyed belts of limestone and coal deposits, along with sea shells fossilized into rocks in Balpakram Hill provide immense scope for geological and archeological studies. The fauna of this area includes elephants, wild buffaloes, gaur (Indian bison), sambar, barking deer, wild boar, slow loris, capped langur as well as predators such as tigers, leopards, clouded leopards and the rare golden cat.
Nokrek Biosphere and Siju Caves :
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the Garo Hills district, 2 kms from Tura Peak. The reserve is one of the least disturbed forest tracts of the sub-Himalayan ranges. It is the first biosphere reserve of its kind in the northeast region. The Garo Hills contain many natural limestone caves. The famous Siju Cave is located very close to the Nophak Lake near the Simsang River Game Reserve. The cave is filled with water and is miles long.