TOP 13 AMAZING REASONS TO VISIT MEGHALAYA

Are you finding reasons to visit Meghalaya? If you are still thinking about it, don’t worry! Your plan to visit Meghalaya, without a doubt is going to be one of the best decisions of your life. Meghalaya is one of India’s most beautiful states, nestled in the mountains of the eastern sub-Himalayas. Meghalaya means “abode of clouds” in Sanskrit, and it is well named. Meghalaya is said to be among the wettest areas on the planet, with the sun and rainfall playing hide and seek.

13 Reasons To Visit Meghalaya

You can stay in one of the charming guesthouses, and eat a traditional Khasi dinner at one of the many small restaurants and home-cafés. After you’ve refueled, go on a village tour, which will introduce you to the inhabitants as they go about their daily lives. We recommend taking a walk through the village early in the morning to observe how they keep it neat. Don’t forget to check out the Church of Epiphany, an Anglican church built in the early twentieth century in the settlement.

The Living Root Bridges are the country’s only raw bridge(One of the most visited places in meghalaya)

Meghalaya, which means “abode of clouds,” is known for its long monsoon seasons. This causes the region’s streams and rivers to flood, posing a threat to residents. The Living Root Bridges were built hundreds of years ago by the indigenous to combat this. These bridges can be found in two locations: Mawlynnong and Sohra. The Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat Village near Sohra is the most famous. It’s not simple to get to this bridge – you’ll have to climb 3,500 stairs from Tyrna – but it’s well worth it. The single-level root bridge at Riwai Village in Mawlynnong is also worth seeing, and it’s very easy to get to. Rubber tree aerial roots were twisted together and attached to betel nut tree trunks to build the bridges. It takes 15 to 20 years for it to become robust enough to hold the weight of individuals that cross it.

Plan a camp under the stars at Nongkhnum Island.

Nongkhnum Island is a great place to camp under the stars. The Nongkhnum Island, located 14 kilometers from the Nongstoin hamlet in the West Khasi Hills district, is Asia’s second-largest river island. The journey to the island can be challenging, with rocky and rough roads, but once you arrive, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered another universe. It contains a river beach as well as the Langshiang Falls and the Weina Falls, which are both beautiful waterfalls. The best part is that it is not populated and there are very few tourists, so you’ll always be able to locate a complete span of idyllic river beach to yourself.

Explore the Krem Puri Cave and the Arwah Cave, two of India’s deepest and longest caverns.

Some of India’s deepest and longest caverns may be found in Meghalaya’s Jaintia, Garo, and Khasi Hills. The Krem Puri Cave, located near Mawsynram in the East Khasi Hills area, is the world’s longest sandstone cave, measuring 15 miles in length. But that’s just the beginning: the state is home to around 1,650 caverns worth investigating.

The fewer explored Arwah Caves, a few kilometers distant, are also worth visiting. It’s a limestone cave tucked away in the jungle, studded with spectacular stalagmites and stalactites, as well as shells, fish bones, and other relics. Along the journey, expect to slump, duck, and crawl.

However, taking up a tour guide is suggested at the most to explore these caves.

Witness the most beautiful waterfalls in the country

Many beautiful waterfalls may be seen in Meghalaya’s East and West Khasi Hills districts. The Nohkalikai is considered the highest in the East Khasi Hills near Sohra. It is said to be India’s tallest drop waterfall, standing nearly seven times higher than Niagara Falls.

If you’re feeling brave, you can descend to the bottom of the falls and continue on the forest walk to Nongriat village’s famous double-decker root bridge. There are other waterfalls nearby that are beautiful and worth seeing. Dainthlen Falls, a popular picnic spot, is only a few kilometers away.

The Seven Sisters Falls, also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, are located in the East Khasi Hills, south of Mawsmai hamlet. If time allows, go to Shillong’s multi-tiered Elephant Falls and West Jaintia Hills’ Krang Shuri Falls.

Other famous waterfalls in Meghalaya are –

1. Spread Eagle Falls
2. Rainbow Falls
3. Wah Kaba Falls
4. Sweet Falls
5. Wei Sawdong Falls
6. Byrdraw Falls and many more.
7. Explore the Umngot River.
   The Umngot River is one of India’s cleanest rivers, situated on the border of Dawki in the West Jaintia Hills area. Dawki is the point where it enters Bangladesh. The river’s tranquility and crystal-clear water make it a great spot for kayaking, which may be coupled with paddling, fishing, camping, and even trekking for a more adventurous experience. You’ll be surrounded by cliffs blanketed in lush foliage as you navigate your boat down the river, and you’ll witness residents sunning on the rocks. April to October is considered the best time to enjoy this place.

Trek through the Laitlum Canyon.

The Laitlum Canyon – which means ‘the end of hills’ – is one of Meghalaya’s most stunning natural landmarks. It is situated on the Eastern Khasi Hills, around an hour out from the center of Meghalaya’s capital Shillong. It’s also far enough away from other travelers that you won’t run into them. But, like with anything lovely and concealed, getting to it requires some effort.

It could only be accessible by trekking across rugged and hilly terrains, and once there, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of Shillong and the surrounding area. You can climb down steep stairs to the little settlement of Racing from here, passing through natural orchid forests and bamboo plantations. You may take a stroll through the village to see how locals live and enjoy traditional Khasi cuisine.

Tour through the sacred forests of Meghalaya.

Take considerable time touring the Mawphlang Sacred Forests if you’re in the East Khasi Hills district. For millennia, the Khasi clan has revered this land as sacred. You can explore the forest on your own, but we recommend going with a tour expert who can explain you about the forest’s history, beliefs, and ceremonies, as well as the therapeutic properties of the plants that grow there.

Nartiang Monoliths seem to be about 2.5 hours from Mawphlang Sacred Forest. These monoliths, which are situated in the Jaintia Hills, are a group of megalithic stones, some of which are estimated to be 10 metres tall, giving them the world’s highest monoliths. Local tribal groups erected these, and each one depicts an interesting folktale or incident.

Explore the little village of Kongthong.

Kongthong, a little village tucked away in the East Khasi Hills’ lush woods, seems like any other community in the area. Betelnut plants line the edges of rows of rustic homes and farmland. Kongthong is notable not for its appearance, but for its sound: each individual has a unique melody assigned to him or her at birth, and is referred to by that tune. The music, known locally as jingrwai label, is typically affected by nature or natural noises and lasts less than a minute.

Take a visit to this village while you visit Meghalaya and hear the whistle sound that has become a part of the village’s tradition. Aside from that, the community is noted for its bee farms, which are said to generate some of the state’s best organic honey. Here you can purchase a large variety of honey. You can stay in the hamlet in the Travellers Nest, a simple bamboo hut, or set up a tent and rest under the stars.

Get familiar with the local tribes and explore the matrilineal system.

Many tribes live in Meghalaya, primarily the Khasi, Garo, and Pnar. The Garo and Pnar tribes are situated in the Garo Hills and the Jaintia Hills, respectively, while the Khasi tribe is dispersed throughout the state. The matrilineal tradition of these communities is the inheritance of ancestral property by the girls; a man goes to a woman’s dwelling after marriage, and the kids take their mother’s name. At the marketplaces, you’ll also observe a lot of ladies working. This pattern has persisted for millennia, and these communities are among the world’s largest matrilineal communities.

Witnessing the Umiam Lake

Meghalaya’s Umiam Lake is another natural gem. Camping on the Island in Umiam Lake, which is renowned for adventure activities and as a picnic spot, will offer you an awesome high. A variety of adventurous activities are available, including joomering, rock climbing, rappelling, zip line, and many others. The lake is surrounded by magnificent old huge trees and lovely green scenery. With its calm environment, noises of joyful chattering birds, peaceful cool breeze, and magnificent house boats in the lake, it makes for the ideal laid-back vacation.

Shop through out the Bara Bazar

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya sometimes known as the “Scotland of the East” is famed for its vibrant market places. The bara bazaar in Shillong is one such bazaar. The bazaar, which is nestled among the hills and pine trees, is full of local artworks, Meghalaya textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Like nowhere else, this lively market will satisfy you.

Explore the Don Bosco Museum

The ancient Don Bosco museum is a significant cultural centre not only in Meghalaya, but in the north east. This hexagonal museum is one of the greatest in the region. The museum is divided into seven levels, each reflecting one of the seven northeastern states. This museum will give you a taste of India’s rich culture, traditions, art, and colourful history. Paintings, artworks, sculptures, and relics abound at the museum. A vast cultural library, conference space, and media hall are also included within the museum. This is an excellent location for learning about the seven northern sister states.

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