Meghalaya the paradise of North East India

Meghalaya the paradise of North East India
Located in North-east India, Meghalaya, also known as the Abode of Clouds, falls in one of the richest biodiversity areas in the world. The famed monsoons, the rich traditional festivals, and the dramatic terrain are just some of the many things this state is famous for. Whether you are looking for an adventure to give you an adrenaline high or a tranquil spot to recharge yourself, Meghalaya has plenty to offer.
Meghalaya’s Landscapes
The unforgettable landscapes of Meghalaya will stay in your heart, long after your journey is over. The table-top heights of Sohra (Cherrapunjee) are brimful with waterfalls, streams, and forest trails. Gaze at the Bangladeshi plains from the many vantage points on the state’s southern ridges. The outskirts of Shillong and the high plateau around Mylliem and Smit offer postcard perfect representations of the simple life – complete with pastel green meadows, tall pine groves, crisp cool air, and quiet villages with quaint cottages and wooden fences spread across the countryside.
Further west, the Garo Hills burst into all the shades of green that you can think of. It is a region where you can travel on winding roads that pass through undisturbed forests where pachyderms and predators still rule and discover rarely-breached ecosystems. Meghalaya’s largely agrarian society has also contributed to this vibrant mosaic. Paddy fields neatly carved out of the hills and betel plantations that blend into the forest are just some examples you will come across. On the eastern part of the state, the Jaintia Hills offer more even enchanting views – a mix of heady cliffs, river-crossed tableland, rapids and waterfalls, and primeval forests that still remain unexplored in places.
Meghalaya is home to some of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world – from west to east, there are many subterranean tunnels and spots marked with ancient fossils and home to rare species. During the monsoons, the fast-moving rivers swell and drop into the plains in imposing, powerful cascades – a reason why Meghalaya is also termed as a land of waterfalls.
The Wild Frontiers
The Western Hoolock gibbon stirs in the thick canopies of western and southern Meghalaya while herds of Asiatic elephants rustle through the jungles, crossing gushing streams and steep hillsides with surprising agility. Somewhere a clouded leopard stalks the dawn, its long bushy tail and claws making it at home in the trees while a python slithers amidst the fallen leaves, sniffing out its next meal. Bird watchers come to Meghalaya to catch sight of some very rare species. Hornbills, blue-throated barbets, Verditer flycatchers, crimson sunbirds, crested serpent eagles, and baya weavers are just some of the hundreds of feathered residents that you can spot.
Vibrant, Modern, Friendly
Shillong is Meghalaya’s state capital and also the main cultural hub. It is a microcosm of the entire North-East region because of its status as a regional academic nerve centre – home to a young, creative and aspiring population. The charm of the old hill town still resonates in many corners here and its culture and landscape provide a perfect blend of modern and traditional. Bustling cafes and restaurants dot its commercial centres and the town is also a wonderful stop for avid shoppers. The town’s nightlife attracts revelers from everywhere and its live music venues have provided the stage for famous local and international musicians.
The Seasons of Meghalaya
A short monsoon drive south of Shillong will take you to some of the rainiest places on earth – Sohra (Cherrapunjee) and Mawsynram. Travel on a serpentine highway flanked by the mountain on one side and a bowl of clouds on the other side. June to August is the best time to experience the mighty rains of Meghalaya.
Meghalaya’s very distinct spring and summer seasons offer the best escape from the rising mercury of the plains – the temperatures rarely cross the mid-twenties and the vegetation is most vivid during this time of the year.
Winters in Meghalaya are a pleasure. It is the most convenient time to enjoy natural excursions in the sub-tropical stretches – a reason why the locals love their picnics during the winter. The higher reaches of Meghalaya offer wondrous wintry scenes because of the thick morning frost but this is also the season of bright sunny days.