Meghalaya (Valley of Clouds)
Meghalaya, one of the northeastern states known as the Seven Sisters of India, was formed in 1972 by the amalgamation of the major districts of Khasi, Jainiya Hills and Gharo Hills which are part of Assam.
They lead a simple way of life and are at the forefront of preserving their tribal values. Rain forests, living root bridges, waterfalls, mountain climbing, villages full of innocence, natural caves shrouded in mystery, and clear flowing water bodies are rich in many things that make the travelers of Meghalaya beautiful.
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journey
Although Meghalaya has Umroi Airport (Shillong), the best option for travelers is to rely on Guwahati Airport or railway station in Assam, which lies near Meghalaya. The 103 km journey from Guwahati to Shillong by shared taxi or cab through the beautiful cherry blossom-lined streets is a delight for travelers.
Geology
The southern part of Meghalaya, which shares an inter-state border with Assam, shares a border with neighboring Bangladesh. The capital city of Shillong is the highest region of Meghalaya with 11 districts in the Khasi Gharo Jainist Provinces. Meghalaya is a favorite destination for travelers who are blessed by nature with its landscape and diversity.
weather
Drowning in agricultural crops and greenery, this state is one of the most rainfed regions in the world. With a maximum temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, the climate here is favorable for tourists throughout the year, but the best time for the scenery is from October to May, which follows the monsoon.
Language and Culture
With English as the official language, more than 65 percent of Meghalaya’s population uses Khasi and Gharo languages for general communication.
Although about 80 percent of the population currently support the Christian sect, the Jains, who are closely related to the Khasi tribe, still uphold Hindu religious values. Most of them are related to tribes, including major dance forms such as Nonkrem and Laho.
taste
They are generally fond of non-veg dishes and their staple food is a type of rice made from small grains of rice. Jado made with chicken blood and parts and rice, dojo made with pig’s blood and intestines, chowmeen pork which is a type of spicy noodles, and dokleeh salad made with onion and chillies are among the main dishes.
Entertainment
Shillong (Scotland of the East
Here, the capital of Meghalaya, with its Scottish-style hills, mountains, rivers and lakes, the natural scenes are enchanting at first glance. The Shillong Falls Museum Park is also famous for its women’s handicrafts, offering many intimate and beautiful sights.
Chirapunchi Zohra
55 KM from Shillong, Cherrapunji is the only place in the world that has only one monsoon season to make the Meghalaya trip unforgettable. At an altitude of 4500 feet above sea level, Cherrapunji receives rainfall throughout the year and the rainbows that nature feasts on with the rains diminishing in the month of September are a mesmerizing sight for any traveller. It is a bit difficult to reach here from Cherrapunji, though it is only 10 KM away from Mausinram, which has cheated the reputation of Cherrapunji as the region with the highest rainfall in the world.
Maumala Cave
A trek through Maumala Cave, the fourth longest cave in India, will be a thrill for adventure travelers. Walking through the cave is a bit of an adventure with knee-deep water and slippery rocks that don’t allow you to walk without stooping.
moulinong
Located 75 KM from Shillong, this inland village is reputed to be the cleanest village in Asia. Another wonder of nature is the 15 meter long and 2 meter wide living root bridge across the Thailong river, which is a single track long before reaching the village border.
doughy
80 KM from Shillong, Dauki is a picturesque village 10 km from the Bangladesh border offering endless opportunities for photography. With beautiful views and crystal clear waters, the bridge made of roots near the river Dauki is a surprise to anyone.
shonpdong
10 KM from Dauki through the Bangladesh border to reach here. The view of the water from the top of the bridge is indescribable, as is the douki, where the toy boat is perched on top of the palunk.
Meghalaya is a treasure trove of places that every traveler must visit at least once in their lifetime. Arwah Cave famous for fossils, Mawsme Cave Maws, the www waterfall in India
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