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Meghalaya Travel Guide

The name Meghalaya, which is of Sanskrit origin, was coined by SP Chatterjee, Professor Emeritus, department of geography, Calcutta University. It is a amalgamation of two words: Megham meaning “clouds” and alayam meaning “abode”, hence  Meghalaya signifies abode of the clouds.

It is also famous as the Scotland of the East. Meghalaya has abundant rainfall and sunshine around the year and is considered to be one of the richest botanical habitats in Asia.

Good to know

Language

Hindi and English

Currency

Indian Rupee (₹)

Time Zone

UTC (+05:30)

Country Code

+91

Sightseeing in Meghalaya

Meghalaya is also known for many adventure tourism such as trekking, mountaineering, hiking, rock climbing and caving. Here one can also enjoy water sports in Umiam Lake along with several trekking routes to jungle with an opportunity to encounter rare wild animals and birds of Meghalaya.

Live root bridge

The live root bridge also holds a special place among the visitors. The boulders here supported by nothing but pint sized stones, are a mystery for archaeologist.

Mawlynnong waterfall

Mawlynnong waterfall, which is a sight to take a look at, approaching its way through lush vegetation and sliding into clear waters.

Umiam Lake (Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh)

Located in Nongpoh, The Umiam Lake is basically made from the reservoir built due to the dam here. During the winter months, the lake fills up with water that gives it an unbelievably picturesque beauty. During the summer months, the water level lowers and islands actually begin to pop up on the surface of the lake.

Laitlum Canyon, Shillong

The terrain is a bit difficult to manoeuvre but it is a trek worth taking. It take around 4-5 hours to cover and from here the panoramic view of Meghalaya awe-inspiring. A multitude of hues, from browns to various reds at sunrise and sunset is beyond belief.

Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Nongriat Village, Cherapunjee)

The Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Cherapunjee, Meghalaya is known as one of the most distinctive naturally formed structures, that stands strongly since its inception and is frequented by travelers from around the world. The trek to the bridge located in Nongriat Village, Cherapunjee is quite a difficult one .After about 2000 slippery steps down the moss covered stairs, the bridge comes into one's line of sight.

Ialong Park (Jowai)

The Ialong Park, about 10 kms from Jowai, is a delight for tourist . The view of the Myndtu river and valley is lush green and that makes it a quite refreshing. Leisurely activities like fishing and walks are a great options here.

Balpakram National Park, Tura

The Balpakram National Park in Tura, has more than just flora and fauna. The landscape mainly consists of canyons and gorges and overlooking the panoramic view of Tanguar Haor in Bangladesh. Locals in Meghalaya believe that the naturally occurring rock structures are a home to the departed ancestral souls, and are welcome to the queries of the travellers.
The wildlife variety found in this sanctuary of a spectrum of species, including about 8 varieties of feline predators, and the internationally intriguing red pandas, and the limited number of the Indian bison. This Park great for observation point for birds of various species.

Don Bosco Centre for Indigeneous Culture (Mawlai, Shillong)

The Museum is comprehensive source on the history and life in the north east. The architecture and structure of the building is unique and attractive and reaches up to seven floors from the ground. The construction is in the shape of honeycomb which allows ample fresh air and light to pass through and generates enough curiosity and admiration.

Mawlynnong Village (Shillong)

The Mawlynnong Village in Meghalaya has been consecutively voted as Asia's cleanest village in 2003 and again in year 2005. Here its hard to spot even a single piece of straw or dusty roads. From here you can witness the another wonder of nature.

All Saints Church (Shillong)

One of the oldest churches in the city, Built in colonial style of architecture, this church has a beautiful wooden structure.

Mawsmai Cave (Cherapunjee)

Mawsmai Cave is a beautiful limestone cave located at Cherrapunji. The remarkable natural cave are created out of limestone it is the only cave which is slightly lit which enable the tourist to enjoy the view of cave from inside .Though the caves are quite long, only a distance of 150 meters is open for tourists.

Mawthadraishan Peak (Nongstoin)

Mawthadraishan Peak is the place from where one can witness four landmarks from one point. The north opens up views to the himalayas, and Bangladesh to the south, while the Khasi hills lie to the east, and the Garo hills on the west.

Elephant Falls (Shillong)

Elephant falls used to be known as Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew ( “Three Steps Waterfalls) by the local Khasi people ,since the waterfall is made up of three very clear steps. The first step- hidden among the trees, the second step- tamed and controlled flowing from a certain height, and the third step - the fastest and biggest one, culminating into the stream below.

Later on British renamed the falls as Elephant falls as there used to be a rock resembling an elephant near the left side of the main falls. However, that rock was destroyed in an earthquake back in 1897.

Siju Cave (Tura)

The Siju cave also known as the bat cave is quite famous among Excavators and tourists.. The name Siju haThe Siju Cave remains one of the chief source of observing natural phenomenon among cave researchers. It is the first lime lighted natural cave in India, is also known as the bat cave, due to the plenty of these of the night mammals here. Limestone formations named after the princes, and the imposing stalagmites and stalactites which comprise the longest existing cave in India, it is also a source and is a source of major water bodies of the region.

Shopping in Meghalaya

Shillong markets are full of tribal art products. Bamboo and cane are the two main materials used. Here one can find beautiful hand–woven shawls, the ethnic design bearing jackets, traditional Khasi dress for women and trendy head gears!

  • Police Bazaar
The Police Bazaar is one of the most prominent spots for shopping . The Bazaar is open daily and houses many shops offering local products. From food items to souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, and electronics. Best For:
  • Leather goods
  • Timings: Daily 10 am to 8 pm
  • Bara Bazaar
This is one of the oldest Bazaars in Shillong. A local market, the Bara Bazar in Iewduh, is typically a spice and food market. Here, one can find plenty of local spices, meats, vegetables, and other food items. Also available here are a variety of handicrafts made by local artisans. The speciality of this bazaar is that it is run by women. The best time to visit the Bara Bazaar is in the morning when fresh stock comes in. Address:
  • East Khasi Hills
  • Best for: Buying exotic spices to cook your favourite Meghalayan dishes back home.
  • Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Purbashree Emporium
A Government of India enterprise, the Purbashree Emporium is the place to go for traditional handloom sarees, jewelry, and cane furniture. The products at the emporium are all made by hand by skilled local artisans. Also available here are a few souvenirs that depict the culture and history of Meghalaya. Address:
  • Police Bazaz
  • Best for: Souvenirs
  • Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Khasi Emporium
The Khasi Emporium is well known for its bamboo handicrafts. This emporium also sells traditional clothes and Chinese products. Address:
  • Police Bazar
  • Best for: Bamboo handicrafts
  • Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
  • Hanumanbux Mahesh Kumar
Hanumanbux Mahesh Kumar specializes in warm clothing, Scottish clothing, and dress materials in a variety of colours. Address:
  • Police Bazar
  • Best for: Bamboo Handicrafts
  • Timings: 9.30 am to 9 pm
  • Rebecca’s Thrift Store
Rebecca’s Thrift Store is the place to buy old and antique items. The store also stocks a small variety of branded products, vintage coats, and clothing that was fashionable in the 60s and 70s. Address:
  • Lower Nongrim
  • Best for: Vintage products
  • Timing: 9.30 am onwards
  • Daniel Syiem
Daniel Syiem is a designer store that specialises in clothing made from Khasi fabric. The store stocks a variety of women’s clothing in different sizes and colours. Address:
  • Beathouse, Laitumkhrah
  • Best for: Designer clothing
  • Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • Meghalaya Handloom and Handicrafts Development Emporium
The emporium is particularly famous for its Jaintia and Garo fabrics. Besides cloth and fabric, it  also stocks traditionally-made handicrafts and small home décor items made from bamboo shoot. Address:
  • Police Bazaar
  • Best for: Items made from bamboo and locally manufactured fabric.
  • Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Meghalaya Cuisine

Meghalaya has three Mongoloid tribes and many distinct dishes like : Narikol or Khapse or savoury dishes like Khar, Zan or Gyathuk. Across various communities and cultures in Meghalaya, rice and pork form the staple diet of the people.

  • Jadoh

Jadoh is a very popular dish among the Khasi community of Meghalaya. Jadoh is basically red rice, cooked with generous amounts of pork meat. Sometimes, it is also cooked with chicken or fish.

  • Doh-Khlieh

A wholesome meal that is healthy at the same time – Doh Khlieh is a delicious salad made out of minced pork.

  • Nakham Bitchi

Nakhmam Bitchi is a popular soup . Nakham is a special kind of dry fish, which is sun-dried or fire-dried.

  • Pumaloi

Pumaloi essentially means powdered rice, which has been steamed. A unique pot called Khiew Ranei is used to cook the rice. Pumaloi rice is commonly served during public celebrations and festivals.

  • Doh-Neiiong

One of the richest, yummiest and drool-worthy dishes of Meghalaya, Doh-neiiong is a pork curry dish that screams indulgence.

  • Tungrymba

Tungrymbai is everyday meal, this wholesome dish  made from fermented soya beans, boiled and chopped pork, black sesame, ginger, onion and other spices.

  • Minil Songa

Minil Songa is a  popular dish among the Garo tribe of Meghalaya, it is a a sticky rice preparation.

  • Pukhlein

Pukhlein is made from powdered rice and is sweet and serves as a welcome respite to soothe the palate.

  • Sakin Gata

Sakin Gata is a sticky white rice cake, a sweet delicacy of Meghalayan cuisine. They are served piping hot and relished as a simple, wholesome home-made delicacy.

  • Kyat

A must-try party drink, Kyat (fermented rice beer) is simply not to be missed when in Meghalaya. It is available easily at almost everywhere.

Interesting Facts of Meghalaya

It is the only Indian state which traditionally follows matrilineal system in which the lineage and inheritance is traced through women.

India’s longest cave system is located in Jaintia Hills in the state of Meghalaya. The cave system is more than 22 Km long and connects two separate caves in the region.

Nohkaliaki falls with a height of 1115 feet is the highest plunge type water fall of India. This is located near Cherrapunji.

The average annual rainfall goes as high as 1200 cm in some areas. It is the wettest place on Earth.

The famous tree root bridges of Cherrapunji – they are made up of living roots of trees reinforced with stones etc to give the form of hanging suspension bridge.

Great Indian Hornbill is the largest bird found in Meghalaya.

X mas or X man Frog, one third of the size of our thumb this species of frog is endemic to Greater Shillonh. It has an X mark on its back and was discovered on Christmas day in 1970.

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