Meghalaya – Half Way To Heaven
The home of the misty clouds is one of the most scenic states in the entire North East. Meghalaya is one of the gems of the North-East part of India. Assam lies on the north and east side of Meghalaya and Bangladesh lies on the south and west side of Meghalaya. Two of the wettest places in the world are right here in Meghalaya. It’s Cherrapunji and Mawsynram. This state has some truly fabulous waterfalls, spellbinding caves, and picturesque landscapes. This mild North-Eastern state also has many animals and birds. Wangala, Doregata Dance, The Chambil Mesara are some of the colourful ethnic festivals that take place in Meghalaya.
Umiam Lake is one of the major attractions in Shillong, Meghalaya. The lake is situated in the north part of Shillong. Bushy coniferous forests circle this beautiful lake. This is a wonderful man-made reservoir which is a treat to nature loving people. This picturesque lake encompasses by the prolific green East Khasi hills spans over an area of nearly 222 km. There is a park known as Lum Nehru Park wherein the children can play about. The rich flora and fauna of the place are truly admirable. You can also indulge in boat rides in the calm lake. Umiam Lake is also called Bara Pani or the Big Water. The water-sports activity can be availed from 9 am to 5 pm.
Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is positioned on the Khasi Hills. Shillong is the heart-beat of Meghalaya. It’s also called the ‘Scotland of the East’. Pine trees circles this beautiful city which stands tall at a height of 1496 meters above sea-level. Shillong has a very pleasant climate which is why it can be visited at any time of the year. This place has a heavily westernized culture. The cheerful people of Shillong emit a very friendly and young vibe that will make you happy instantly.
This unspoiled scenic lake is one of the best places to visit in Shillong. This lake is also called the Pollock’s Lake. This man-made body of water is surrounded by a sprawling rich garden. Wards Lake is situated in the center of the city. Lazily stroll around the horse-shoe type lake. The beautiful path is made of cobble-stone. The flower beds with all its varied hues look spectacular. The lake is believed to be 100 years old. Though the peak tourist season is June and July, you can visit this lake any time of the year.
Shillong Peak is the topmost tip in Shillong. A beautiful assortment of natural beauties can be viewed from Shillong Peak. The cityscape looks amazing from the top. You can also see the beautiful gushing waterfalls, thick green foliage, and the stellar Himalayas. Shillong Peak is most of the time shrouded in fog due to its tall height of 1962 meters over sea-level. This semi-circular shaped peak is not very steep in nature. A lovely ritual is performed here in the spring-time. You can also look at the gorgeous nature through a telescope.
This falls has an elephant-shaped stone at its foot. These charming waterfalls cascade down in three layers. The Elephants Falls is known as ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew’ by the natives which translate to ‘The Three Step Waterfalls’. When the water splashes on the third tier against the dark rocks, it just looks purely magical.
The Laitlum Canyons rests at the top of East Khasi Hills. This fabulous destination is a very popular tourist spot. The meaning of Laitlum Canyons is ‘the end of hills/world.’ Huddled in magnificent valleys and picturesque hillocks, this place provides an engrossing landscape of Meghalaya. This outstanding place is just a 45 minutes drive from Shillong. This place is barely crowded or commercialized; hence you will get a feel of serenity in here. You can go click happy in here. This beautiful locale is liked by trekkers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. You can visit this site on any day but do it in the morning hours as later the misty fogs make this their resting place.
This Park is committed to Lady Hydari who is the First Lady of the province. This big park houses a small zoo with more than 100 species of reptiles and 73 types of birds. You will literally find a bed of roses in here.
Cherrapunji is a town shrouded in clouds and gets lots of rain all throughout the year. This breathtaking location is perched at a giddy height of 4,500 feet. Cherrapunji is a Guinness World Record Holder of the wettest place on the planet earth. But does this hold true today or not is the question as severe climatic changes might have dethroned it from the top position? With or without rain, Cherrapunji is an ever-green town. Cherrapunji was previously called as Sohra. The unspoiled surrounding is an ideal place to unwind.
This place is situated on the Cherrapunji-Shillong Highway. The scenery looks brilliant from the viewpoint. The Sohra region has quite a few waterfalls. The monsoon-fed falls looks spectacular in this own grandeur.
This is situated on the Gangtok-Lachung Highway and it is one of the most famous waterfalls not only in the eastern part of the country but all over India. There are seven waterfalls arranged side by side on an extensive rough cliff. The gushing waters, the thick dark-green foliage, and the entire area look breathtakingly beautiful and scenic.
Most of the root bridges are found in Shillong and Cherrapunji. These natural wonders grow organically and they are thick and strong. These bridges can sustain more than 50 people. The trained members of Jaintia and the Khasi tribes have learned to grow these types of bridges which are the roots of old rubber trees amid the concentrated woodlands of Meghalaya. The double-decker root bridge in Cherrapunji is the finest example of a double root bridge.
A rush of gurgling waters falling from a high point making a thunderous sound and producing a spectacular sight is the Mawlynnong Falls. This enigmatic place is an immensely favourite tourist spot for hundreds and thousands. This place has a great atmosphere with a cool and pleasant climate. This waterfall is situated in Asia’s most spotlessly clean village, the Mawlynnong Village.
Also referred to as Dawki stream, this pristine water-body gives a reflection of the water vessel giving an impression as if the water vessel is flying. This is a small waterway which runs through the East Jaintia Hills. This is a major spot for angling and kayaking. Kayaking is less harsh in here because the water in this river is quite still.
Jowai is the second largest town in Meghalaya. It’s located in the Jaintias. Jowai has a monument in honour of the first freedom fighter who was hanged by the British in the year 1862.
This marvelous waterfalls is approximately 30 km from Jowai. The area surrounding the Krang Shuri waterfalls is simply spectacular and the road to this beauty is by crossing a forest amid slithery steps of stone. The colour of the waterfall is something that catches everyone’s attention; it’s a shade of deep blue that will mesmerize you.
Mawsmai village lies some 6 km south of the Sohra bazaar. This is only fully lighted cave in Meghalaya. These limestone caves are long but only around 150 meters is open for the visitors. It’s just surreal to see the formation of the stalagmites and stalactites.
The whole Khasi Hills area takes up the central part of Meghalaya. The region is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders.
If you were already planning a trip to Meghalaya or developed an interest about this beautiful untouched paradise after reading this article on Meghalaya, then, you can definitely check out:
Shillong Kamakhya ; Shillong Kaziranga ; Shillong Rains ;
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