ABOUT MEGHALAYA
Meghalaya is a state located in northeast India, which is popular for its beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and natural caves.
In Meghalaya, there are several indigenous tribes, and the Jaintia, Khasi, and Garo hills are the most popular and important geographic locations in Meghalaya.
This state is also known for its highest rainfall throughout the year majorly in the Cherrapunji area, Meghalaya is literally the 'Adobe of Clouds' Meghalaya is also called 'Scotland of the East', and Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya.
HOW TO REACH MEGHALAYA
Meghalaya can be easily reached by Rail, Flight, and by road.
By Railway: The nearest railway station is at Guwahati, which is 98 Km from Shillong the capital of Meghalaya. From Guwahati, you will get a shared and reserved car to reach Shillong.
The time to reach Shillong from Guwahati is around 3 hours and the fare for the reserved cars is Rs 2000 and Shared Rs 500 (as of January 2024).
By Road: Shilong can be easily reached from Guwahati (Assam) within 3 hours and Guwahati is very well connected to other parts of India.
By Flight: The nearest airport from Shillong is Umroi Airport also called Shillong Airport which is 30 km away from Shillong, if a flight is not available to Umroi Airport then one can take a flight to Guwahati Airport which is 115 km away from Shillong Meghalaya.
WHAT TO SEE IN MEGHALAYA
Meghalaya has a lot to see, it is surrounded by hills, jungles, waterfalls, caves, and beautiful landscapes, here we will see the most visited places in Meghalaya
Tourist places of Khasi Hills
- SHILLONG: Most busiest and Capital city of Meghalaya, Police Bazar is the most happening and commercial place in Shillong, here you will find restaurants, shops, hotels, transport, and others. A few minutes walk from Police Bazar is Bara Bazar (Lewdud), where the vendors provide local products.
- CHERRAPUNJI: Cherrapunji is also called Sohra and is located 56km away from Shillong. This place receives the most rainfall on earth, Cherrapunji is famous for its beautiful surroundings, waterfall, naturally formed caves, view of Bangladesh, and many more.
- MAWPHLANG (Sacred Jungle): Located 25 km away from Shillong this is a sacred forest that has been kept intact by religious beliefs, this forest has wonderful flora and fauna, flowers, and other life forms.
- LAITKYNSEW: This place is located 25km away from Cherrapunji famous for living root bridge, trekking into nature, caving, and others.
- UMIAM LAKE: This is a very beautiful lake surrounded by pine trees and also has an option for boating, Umiam Lake is 17kms away from Shillong.
- JAKREM: This place is 64km away from Shillong, famous for its hot water springs.
- MAWLYNNONG: Cleanest Village in India, located 92km away from Shillong here you will experience the daily life of local Khasi people and view Bangladesh from watchpoints.
- LAITLUM CANYON: You can walk through lush green hills and enjoy the beautiful view of the canyon covered in clouds with a waterfall.
- SHILLONG PEAK VIEWPOINT: One has to go through the Indian Air Force area to reach this place, outside vehicles are not allowed only permitted vehicles. You will reach a place from where you will get a bird's eye view of Shillong City.
- ELEPHANT FALLS: This is the largest waterfall near Shillong which flows in 3 steps, the stairs are a little stiff but the view is good, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the waterfall here, this fall is most beautiful during monsoon.
- MEGHALAYA STATE MUSEUM: If you are interested in Science and knowing the culture of Meghalaya and its different tribes of Meghalaya you must visit the Don Bosco Museum or State Museum
- AIR FORCE MUSEUM: If you are interested in the Indian Airforce then you will find this place interesting. You can see prototypes of different aircraft used in the Indian Air Force along with medals and recognitions.