Meghalaya is a beautiful northeastern state of India known for heavy rainfall, crystal-clear rivers, natural caves, bamboo handicrafts, music culture and the famous living root bridges built by local tribes. Shillong city known as “Scotland of the East”, a vibrant hill station is its state capital.
Major Tourist Destinations & Religious Sites in Meghalaya:
Tourist Attractions in East Khasi Hills district:
Shillong city the capital of Meghalaya state and is the headquarter of East Khasi district famous for waterfalls, lakes, churches and pleasant climate. Key Tourist attractions in Shilong district are:
- Shillong City: Shillong city known as “Scotland of the East,” is a vibrant hill station famous for pleasant weather, waterfalls, churches, and music culture. Key attractions in and nearby Shillong are:.
- Lady Hydari Park: A Japanese style garden with flowers, mini zoo, and children’s recreation area.
- Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians: A famous beautiful Catholic church in Shillong city.
- Don Bosco Museum: A massive multistorey cultural museum showcasing the traditions of Northeast Indian tribes.
- Golf Course, Shillong: A scenic 18 holes golf course in valley.
- Shillong Peak: Located at 10 Kms offers 360-degree panoramic view of city.
- Elephant Falls: A popular waterfall located at 12 kms to Shillong city
- Umiam Lake: A man-made scenic reservoir in hills at 15 kms from Shillong.
- Laitlum Canyons: Spectacular breathing gorges, located at 25 kms from Shillong, offering panoramic views of surrounding valley.
- Mawphlang Sacred Grove: A sacred forest, near Mawphlang village at 50 Kms from Shillong, preserved by Khasi tribal traditions and religious beliefs. This forest is treasure trove of medicinal plants and biodiversity.
- Cherrapunji or Sohra: Sohra is official name of Cherrapunji, a must visit hill town and one of the wettest places on Earth, known for waterfalls, caves, and living root bridges.Key attractions in Sohra /Cherrapunji and nearby are:
- Nohkalikai Falls: India’s tallest (340 meters) scenic plunge waterfall, surrounded by amazing cliffs and greenery.
- Seven Sisters Falls: A marvellous multi-stream waterfall best viewed during the monsoon season.
- Nongriat Living Root Bridge: A famous double-decker living root bridge, Incredible bio-engineering marvels woven by the Khasi peoples.
- Mawsmai Cave: A heavily decorated limestone cave known for beautiful rock formations and easy accessibility.
- Other attractions: Arwah Cave, Wei Sawdong Falls, Dainthlen Falls.
- Mawlynnong: One of Asia’s cleanest villages, near Pynursla town at 80 kms from Shillong, known for eco-tourism and Khasi culture, Attractions are Sky walk viewpoint, balancing rock, root bridge, church of Epiphany and village tour.
Tourist Attractions in West Jaintia Hills district:
Jaintia Hills district, headquartered in Jowai town, is famous for Jaintia culture, monoliths and scenic beauty. Key attractions in Jaintia, this district are:
- Nartiang Durga Temple: A famous Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Durga, one of 51 Shakti Peeths, located in Nartiang village at 24 kms from Jowai and 50 kms from Shillong.
- Dawki: A small town located near Jowai town famous for the crystal-clear Umngot River and boating.
- Krang Suri Falls: A scenic waterfall known for turquoise-blue water and natural surroundings, located near Jowai city.
- Other attractions: Nartiang Monoliths (Collection of megalithic stones), Thadlaskein lake, Syndai Caves & Rupasor Ghat, Lalong Park.
Tourist Attractions in Ri Bhoi district:
Ri-Bhoi district headquartered in Nongpoh town is known for traditional Khasi villages, religious festivals, green valleys, orchards and proximity to Assam. Key attractions in Ri Bhoi district are:
- Umiam Lake: A scenic man-made lake, at 15 Kms from Shillong, famous for boating, water sports, and sunset views.
- Other Attractions: Nongkhyllem wildlife Sanctuary, Dwar Ksuid, Lum Sohpetbneng, ( a sacred peak), Marngar Lake.
Tourist Attractions in South Garo Hills district:
South Garo Hills district, headquartered in Baghmara town, is known for Garo tribal culture, forested hills, Simsang River and nearby caves attracting adventure tourists. Key attractions in South Garo Hills are:
- Balpakram National Park: This wildlife reserve, near Baghmara town, is known for rare wildlife, deep gorges, and rich biodiversity.
- Other attractions: Wari Chora (Eco-tourism destination), Siju Caves (famous for limestone formation), Baghmara Pitcher Plant Wildlife Sanctuary, Siju Bird Sanctuary.
Tourist Attractions in West Garo Hills district:
West Garo Hills district, headquartered in Tura town, is known for Tura Hills and rich biodiversity, Key attractions are:
- Nokrek National Park: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, near Tura town, home for elephants, red pandas, rare Stump-tailed macaque and endemic citrus fruit.and dense forests.
- Tura Peak: Famous for panoramic views of valley and plains of Bangladesh.
- Other Attractions: Pelga Falls (at 7 kms), Rongbang dare (multi-tiered waterfall), Chandigre village (a resort village), Wari Chora (Grand Canyon, rock formation and caves).