Meghalaya, means “the abode in clouds” in Sanskrit, Justifying to its name, Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful untapped and unexplored paradise states of Northeast India, where the clouds sit on the surface and you feel the clouds kissing your lips. It is surrounded by the mountains of Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo, which are spread along the expanse of the valley and the highland plateaus. Meghalaya have many rivers most of these are rainfed and seasonal which creates deep gorges and several beautiful waterfalls. Its a home of very rich diversity with many tribes such as the Khasis, the Jaintias and the Garos, each with their own culture, traditions, dress and language. Read out more to find out why you will regret not visiting Meghalaya
1. Beautiful Waterfall - Meghalaya have some mesmerizing, spectacular unexplored waterfalls in the country. The Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest waterfalls in India located near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest place on Earth. Another spellbound waterfall is the Nohsngithiang Falls also known as the seven sister’s waterfall. During sunset, waterfall gets illuminated and the living colours make the drowning sun on the waterfall makes it beautiful. Elephant falls near to the Shillong surrounded by green vegetation and is said to be the shape of the elephant. Kynrem fall, Shadthum Falls, Weinia falls, Bishop Falls, Langshiang Falls, and Sweet Falls are some other popular waterfalls in the state that are something to miss.
2. Clear Rivers - Visit the Land of floating boats. When you search for the clean river in India the only river you will find is the Umngot river in Dawki, Meghalaya. It is so crystal clear that not only it is considered to be the cleanest river but a stunning river that naturally divides Juanita and Khasi hills and flows into Bangladesh through Dawki.
3. Root Bridges - Meghalaya's living bridge is an important place in the state. In order to cross rivers in Meghalaya region Khasi and Jaintia peoples handmade from the aerial roots of rubber trees. Many root bridges can be found in the villages of the Nongriat, Nongthymmai, Mynteng, and Tynrong.
4. Shillong - Also known as the Scotland of the East. The capital of Meghalaya is a beautiful hill station surrounded by pine trees and the soothing climate here makes it suitable for travel in all seasons. The places to visit in Shillong you can start with Umiam Lake, a beautiful lake north of Shillong popular for water sport and adventures. The Don Bosco Museum is a major tourist destination in Shillong, which gives light upon the rich and multi-cultural lifestyle of the indigenous peoples of North East India. Take a walk to Lady Hydari Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the city centre of Shillong made in the style of the Japanese garden. which includes a spacious and manicured garden with beautiful rose beds and children's play area. Explore the wards lake surrounded by lush green gardens and walk on the wooden bridge at the middle of the lake and watch the colourful fishes swimming on the surface.
5. Nongriat Village- Nongriat is the place in which there is a combination of the two prime attractions of Meghalaya. One is the double-decker living root bridge and other is Rainbow fall which is the most beautiful waterfalls but to reach the Nongriat village is not for the weak knees or fainted heart people. The trek starts from the Tryna village where the path to the village is a terraced staircase in the middle of the thick forest, passing through two suspension bridges.
6. Low Lying Mist- Meghalaya means ‘abode of clouds’. Visit the place and you will feel the clouds in you, in your hand, in your face and everywhere which will make you realize the true meaning of this place. The mist keeps covering the beautiful scenic landscapes and waterfalls every time like playing hide and seek with you but when it clears for a few moments it becomes the magical wonderland.
7. Friendly People- Three tribal communities populate this region Khasi, Jaintia and Garo and they have their own set of festivals and customs. Meghalaya people are extremely courteous and welcome you like their own family member.
8. Cute Huts- In Meghalaya, you will find beautiful huts and cottages made of bamboo. These huts are very amazing and everything you will find inside the huts is made of bamboo and very basic which gives you a feeling of living in a village and more near to nature. You can indulge your self with many activities like fishing, trekking, mountain biking.
9. Cleanest Village in Asia- Mawlynmong, a small village in Meghalaya, was awarded the prestigious tag of 'Cleanest Village in Asia'. It is a paradise place 4-5 hours drive from Shillong. Like Cherapunjee, Mawlynmong also has its own living root bridge but a single layer. There is also a view of natural balancing rock in the village. People of Mawlynmong are very fluent in English speaking and the literacy rate of the village is 100 per cent.
10. The Sacred Forest- The Mawphlang forest is a notably peaceful place. Some birds are heard chirping and practically no animal is seen in this peaceful and beautiful place. Nature lovers can not find a more tranquil place than this to quench their thirst of exploring the unexplored.
Do you still need more reasons to visit Meghalaya?
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