Meghalaya

Meghalaya means the “abode of clouds.” This picturesque hilly land is an artist´s paradise – just the right place for you if you are looking for a refuge midst peace and tranquility. The beauty of Meghalaya will surely mesmerize you with greenery, flora and fauna, the lovely waterfalls, the serene heights and the great sights that reveal nature´s uncanny bounty.

Demographics

Meghalaya is a small state and is just 300 km long (east to west) and 100 km wide. The population was around 2,175,000 in 2000. The capital city of Meghalaya is Shillong. The tribal people make up the bulk of the population at Meghalaya, with the Khasis and the Garos dominating the population. The Christians comprise 70.3% of the total population.

Geography

Meghalaya is bound by Assam in the north and east and by Bangladesh in the south and west. The state is a small one with a total area of 22,429 sq kilometers. The plateau of Meghalaya has rock formations that consist rich deposits of valuable minerals like limestone, coal, uranium, sillimanite and other deposits. The elevation of the plateau of Meghalaya ranges between 150 m to 1961 m. Meghalaya is watered by five major rain-fed seasonal rivers. You will love the rivers at the southern Khasi Hills region, as they help in the formation of deep gorges and some amazing waterfalls.

Climate

The Meghalayan climate is moderate and humid. The average annual rainfall in this Indian state is as high as 1200 cm in some parts. Meghalaya is deemed to be the wettest state in India. The temperatures in Shillong area are generally low and if you are in quest of the highest elevations, you have to be at Shillong. In the Khasi Hills, Cherrapunji has the world record for the place with the highest amount of rainfall in a single month. If you are planning a visit to this North-eastern Indian state, then make sure you plan it during March to July. This time is favorable as you will escape the summer heat of the other states.

Flora and Fauna

The rich forest cover at Meghalaya is 9,496 sq. kilometers, which covers 42.34% of the total land area of the state. The subtropical forests receive abundant rainfall and flaunt a range of flora and fauna biodiversity. A small portion of the forests has been restricted as sacred groves by the various communities’ religious and cultural beliefs. The sacred groves exhibit many rare plant and animal species – in fact these are the most bio diverse sites in all of Meghalaya.

You will find varieties of fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants and spices here at Meghalaya. Another attractive flora is the orchid species. Meghalaya boasts nearly 325 varieties of orchids. The list of mammals includes mongooses, civets, elephants, bears, weasels, gaur, rodents, wild buffalo, deer, wild boar, various primates and some of the rarest species of bats. Birds, reptiles and butterflies also come in all their varieties and contribute to the rich fauna of Meghalaya.

Major Attractions

As a tourist destination, Meghalaya is awesome. The major attractions will include Krem Mawmluh, Krem Phyllut, Mawsmai, Mawsynram and Siju. Krem Mawmluh is a 4503 meters high cave close to Cherrapunji and you will find five rivers flowing through this cave.

Close to Nohsngithiang Falls is the Krem Phyllut cave, and the entry point of the cave is vertical and narrow. The Siju Cave is on the bank of River Simsang and has stalactites. Shillong, Cherrapunji and numerous forests are the favorite haunts of tourists. Come to the Land of Clouds: Meghalaya…the place beckons you with all its serenity, beauty and natural richness.

Tips

- When you go to Meghalaya, remember to carry an umbrella with you as the place experiences very heavy rainfall.
- At Meghalaya, you can buy the best honey and handicrafts, and take them back home as souvenirs.