A state located in the north eastern part of India, Meghalaya,
means the abode of clouds in Sanskrit. Spread across 22,430 square kilometer
approximately, it is mainly divided into three districts: Garo, Khasi and
Jaintia Hills. Shillong, also known as the "Scotland of the East", is
the capital of Meghalaya and exactly where my heart belongs. English is the
official language of Meghalaya although you will hear the local people converse
more in Garo and Khasi.
Meghalaya receives the highest amount of
rainfall in a month as well in a year, mainly in a town called Sohra and a
place near it called Mawsynram. While travelling through this beautiful place,
it is thus wise to always carry an umbrella. The highest point in Meghalaya is at
1961m, the Shillong Peak. You will fall in love with the view on the way to
this peak, which overlooks the agricultural farms on hilly terrains. The best
part of this state is the temperature rarely goes up 26 degree centigrade.
Reaching
Shillong is not a problem if you have
been there more than once. The best way would be to reach Guwahati (capital of
Assam) via train/flight according to your convenience. From Guwahati there are
a number of options to reach Shillong. There are Meghalaya Transport
Corporation (MTC) buses, local shared taxis, booked cabs or local buses available
daily. The National Highway 40 is the route taken and it takes anywhere between
3-4 hours to reach Shillong. There is also a helicopter route available, whose information
you can get from the Meghalaya Helicopter Services.
Once you are in Shillong, all you should do is explore the place. Police
Bazaar is the hub, the place where all things are available: food, shopping
arcades, hotels etc. Mawlynnong will mesmerise you. There is a living root
bridge, naturally formed by roots of the rubber trees. Mawlynnong, also named, “Asia’s
cleanest village” is worth looking at. You can try the local produce there and
even stay at local guesthouses. Umiam Lake, Mawsmai Cave, Elephant Falls,
Shillong Peak, Don Bosco Museum, Ward’s Lake are other highly recommended
places to visit and enjoy. If you are passionate about nature, Garo Hills are a
must, covered with thick forested areas.
The
Meghalayan community is one of the best to be in as people are very friendly
and hospitable. Having been here six times and staying for long periods of
time, I can personally vouch for the experience and treatment you will get
here. In recent times, the number of tourists from all over the world have
increased and is being loved more and more.
