Overview
Meghalaya’s natural beauty is most conducive for extended holidays with the hill station of Shillong continuing to be a hot favourite . Three hundred varieties of Orchids are found in the state which is also rich in wildlife. Meghalaya has two national parks which are home to some rare species of flora and fauna. The gentle hills of Meghalaya are interspersed with rich meadows and pine forests.
Shillong, Meghalaya’s Capital, is set to amidst smoky blue hills thick with pine and orchids, singing brooks and crashing waterfalls… for the English, the garrison town was home during the British Raj. Those scenic Khasi Hills reminded them of the Scottish Highlands- just perfect for those summer holidays away from the heat and the dust of India’s plains. Leisurely days can be spent boating at the serene Ward’s Lake, and the landscaped Lady Hydari Park , which also has a mini-zoo. Shillong Peak (1965m) about 10km from town, offers breathtaking views of the city spread out against its glorious hill slopes. Shopetbneng Peak 20 Km away , is also great place to catch those spectacular view of Umium Lake. Amongst the popular waterfalls close to town, there is also the Bishop Falls, Beadon Falls and the Elephant Falls (12km) to explore if you have time. The Iewduh Market, the biggest in the North east, is wonderful for a bit of local flavour. The Don Bosco Museum , which is a part of Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture(DBCIC) is an enlightening experience. A vist to the Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum should also on the visitor’s must-see agenda. For those interested in ethnic tribal culture and tradition, they should visit. Umium Lake located about 17 km from Shillong. Umium Lake is highly popular for a relaxing time. Cherrapunjee , World -renowned for being the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunjee is just 56km from Shillong . The road is good and drive scenic. Cherrapunjee is impressive with its gushing waterfalls and deep gorges. You will alos get stunning views of the plains of Bangladesh. For those who enjoy caving, Meghalaya is the right place, many of them unmapped and unexplored. Of the ones surveyed five are amongst the longest in the Indian sub-continent. The important caves include under EAST KHASI HILLS , JAINTIA HILLS and SOUTH GARO HILLS.
Meghalaya is Orchid Country . It has about 300 of the world’s species growing in its rich forestland , gardens and nurseries. These rare specimens include the insect-eating Pitcher Plant, Wild Citrus and Pigmy Lily.
The wealth of Meghalaya’s exotic butterflies and moth species found in its forests and meadows have been showcased in the delightful butterfly Museum.
Two of Meghalaya’s national parks, the Nokrek and Balpakram are home to some of its rare wild life species such as the golden cat. Siju and Nongkhyllem are two more wild life sanctuaries, which are fast becoming popular with visitors . Siju is famous for Dobakkol or the bats cave with impressive stalagmites and stalactites . It is one of the longest caves in the Indian sub-continent and contains some of the finest river passages to be found any where in the world.