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Meghalaya

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Introduction
Meghalaya, as one of the seven sister states, has a lot of clouds floating about and rivers running through it. Meghalaya is a lovely state nestled between Assam and Bangladesh, with Scottish scenery and Indian charm. Meghalaya, which means "Abode of the Clouds," is known for being one of the wettest places on the planet.
 
There is no shortage of tourist attractions in Meghalaya, which is home to massive hills, valleys, numerous lakes, captivating waterfalls, pitch-dark caves, and sacred forests. You should hope to be mesmerised by panoramic views, foggy hills, terraced slopes, cascading waterfalls, and serpentine rivers.
 
Meghalaya can mesmerise you with its hills, valleys, lakes, caves, and waterfalls, which when combined with the beautiful clouds offer it a very serene, beautiful look. It is well known for Cherapunjji, the place that receives one of the highest rainfalls in the world. Mawsynram, which is less than 100 kilometres from Cherrapunji, has taken over the title of being the wettest location on Earth. Shillong retains a lot of British colonial influence, as evidenced by the abundance of British architecture. Shillong, Meghalaya's capital, is the state's most densely populated city.
 
The state's population is primarily made up of tribal people, including the Khasis (the largest group), Garos, and Pnars, who rely on agriculture for their livelihood. The state is divided into three major mountain ranges: the Khasi (Central range), Garo (Western range), and Jaintia (Western range) (Eastern range). The Khasi Hills are home to the majority of tourist attractions.
 
Make a point of visiting Mawlynnong if you want to see Asia's cleanest village. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, is an incredibly clean village on the border between India and Bangladesh, with a bamboo dustbin on every street corner to ensure environmentally friendly trash disposal. The best months to visit Meghalaya are March and July, when the weather is particularly good.
 
09 Nights / 10 Days

Best Of Arunachal with Assam and Meghalaya

09 Nights / 10 Days

Best Of Arunachal with Assam and Meghalaya

Traditions and Culture
Meghalaya, one of India's seven sisters, is a lovely hill state in the northeastern part of the country. Meghalaya is a state rich in culture and tradition. There are numerous art and craft types in the province. Various tribes in the state celebrate various festivals with vigour and joy. Dance and music are very common among the people of the area. Meghalaya is a land where many different tribes and races coexist.
 
The Hynniewtrep people, also known as the Khasi, Jaintia, Bhoi, and War, live primarily in the districts of East Meghalaya and are members of the Proto Australoid Monkhmer race. They are one of the earliest ethnic groups to settle in the Indian subcontinent. The state is home to three distinct tribes known as the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia, the first two of which are the most well-known.
 
Christianity is practised by 70% of the population. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains make up the remaining 30%. People of various communities, tribes, and religions live in Shillong, while the rest of the state is dominated by the major and minor tribes mentioned earlier.
 
English is the state's most widely spoken and official language. Khasi and Garo are the state's other primary languages. Meghalaya also speaks a variety of other languages. Panar, Tiwa, Baite, and Nepali, for example, are spoken in almost every part of Meghalaya. The majority of people in cities speak English, while those in rural areas speak a variety of languages.
 
The matrilineal system is a tradition that distinguishes the people of Meghalaya. The rest of the country is almost completely unaware of this scheme. In this one-of-a-kind scheme, women inherit all of society's possessions and are the family's head. This draws attention to the fact that women in Meghalaya have a very different status than women in other parts of the world.
 
Fair and Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Meghalaya:

More than thunderclouds and a vast green landscape can be found in Meghalaya, a small state in India's north eastern region. The people are its spirit, and its music and dance are its lifeblood. The people of Meghalaya are always friendly and welcoming, and they take great pleasure in all celebrations. The festival isn't full without the folk music and dance that help to bring it all together. Here are some of the major ones:

  • Shad Suk Mynsiem: It is the Khasi Clans of Meghalaya's most important festival. The Jaintia and Garo Clans of Meghalaya also celebrate it. Every year in April, this festival is held. This is a spectacular celebration of movements, also known as the "Pass of Joyful Hearts." The ‘Shad Phur' is a three-day festival that is well-known in the region. This festival is mainly observed in the Khasi Hills close to Shillong.
  • Shad Nongkrem: Shad Nongkrem is the Khasi tribe's most important festival in Meghalaya. It is a five-day festival held in early November to express gratitude for a successful harvest. Smit, a small village 15 kilometres from Shillong, hosts the festival. The festival begins with a goat sacrifice, accompanied by dances performed by young men and women. Hima Khyr participants perform this one-of-a-kind dance.
  • Shad Sukra: The Jaintia people of Meghalaya celebrate this festival every year before the sowing season. Only after this festival is the seed sowing over. The ceremonies and dances, as well as the music, are performed in order to pray for a prosperous and healthy harvest. The Shad Sukra festival is attended by men and women dressed in traditional attire and adorned with heavy gold ornaments.
  • Behdienkhlam Festival: The Behdienkhlam Festival is one of the Jaintia people's most popular festivals. It is commemorated by followers of the Niamtre faith. It is observed in July, just prior to the start of the seed-sowing season. 'Chasing away the Plague' is the literal sense of Behdienkhlam. The holy ground is paraded with tall minarets, which are then immersed in a river.
  • Wangala Festival: The Garo people celebrate the Wangala Festival, which marks the end of the agricultural year. Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa, the fertility deity, is honoured with a thanksgiving festival. This event is now known as the Hundred Drums Festival. During the festival, a special called Nagara is beaten, and men and women gracefully dance to it.
 
Must Visit Place

Must Visiting Places in Meghalaya:

Meghalaya is more than just thunderclouds and lush greenery. Meghalaya, surrounded by the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia hills, provides an unspoiled natural beauty experience. There are numerous places to visit in Meghalaya, ranging from magnificent hills to cascading waterfalls and scenic valleys. These top tourist attractions in Meghalaya are not to be missed:

  1. Cherrapunji- Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, also known as Sohra, was once the wettest location on Earth and is now known for its double-decker living root bridge. This sub-divisional city, about 50 kilometres from Shillong, is known for its rich flora and natural attractions.
  2. Shillong- Shillong, known as the "Scotland of the East," is one of the most popular Meghalaya tourist destinations in the Northeast. It has forested hills, a nice environment, and scenic beauty that draws many visitors from all over the world. It is also the capital city and the most urban area of the state.
  3. Mawlynnong- Mawlynnong village was labeled the "Cleanest Village in Asia" by a travel publication, in addition to having a conveniently accessible living root bridge nearby. The village, also known as "God's Own Garden," is an excellent example of community-based ecotourism. Locals have built a spectacular Sky View platform out of bamboo atop the forest's tallest tree, nearly 80 feet up.
  4. Dawki- Dawki is a small city on the Indian-Bangladeshi border that also serves as a trade hub. Umngot River, a river with crystal clear water, is what draws tourists to Dawki. And by crystal clear, we mean so clear that you can see the shadow of your boat floating in the river. Another purpose for a must visit here is the Dawki Bridge, a river-spanning suspension bridge.
  5. Balpakram National Park- This park is one of Meghalaya's must-see attractions. Tourists sometimes equate this location to the Grand Canyon in the United States. Animals such as the Red Panda, Wild Buffalo, Elephant, Tiger, Deer, Leopards, Wild Cows, Marbled Cat, and others can be found in this National Park. It's also a photographers' and wildlife enthusiasts' dream come true. Tourists often refer to this location as the "Land of Spirits."
  6. Mawsynram- If you enjoy rain, Mawsynram is the place to visit to get your fill; or even more than enough. Since it receives an average annual rainfall of 11,872 millimetres, it is popularly known as the world's rainiest spot, where you can step into the clouds and drench yourself in an endless supply of rain. Clouds coexist with humans in this charming village surrounded by lush greenery. It is perched on the top ridge of Khasi Hills. There are plenty of waterfalls with rich flora around to be explored.
  7. Baghmara- Every wildlife enthusiast should pay a visit to Baghmara Reserve Forest, which is just 4 kilometres from Baghmara town and is home to elephants, feathered animals, and langurs. The Siju caverns are the third-longest cavern framework in the Indian subcontinent, with endless mazes and chambers for labyrinth lovers. Within the cavern, there is a beautiful limestone rock arrangement.
  8. Tura- Tura is one of Meghalaya's most popular tourist destinations, owing to its tranquil setting. It is situated in the Garo Hills and has many interesting places to visit. Tura is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is surrounded by the scent of mountains and greenery and boasts untouched biodiversity.
  9. Kyllang Rock- Kyllang Rock, a rare giant rock made of red granite located 78 kilometres from Shillong, is a giant dome in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The Rock, which is 5400 feet above sea level and has a diameter of about 1000 feet, is a massive granite block that is said to be part of Khasi folklore.
  10. Mawphlang-The Khasi tribe's sacred plant grove is located in Mawphlang. It's brimming with medicinal plants. Members of the tribe also offer animal sacrifices and burn the remains of their ancestors inside. A Khasi Heritage Village, with various styles of mock tribal huts, is located next to the sacred forest.
  11. Jowai- Jowai, located in the Garo Hills, is another well-known tourist destination in Meghalaya. The area is known for its unique blend of heritage and culture. Learn about the local history when experiencing the local way of life. The lakes in this town make it one of the most amazing places to visit in Meghalaya. Spend a few hours contemplating life while gazing out over Thadlaskein Lake.
  12. Laitlum Canyon- This location is one of India's most beautiful landscapes and one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. If you enjoy living on the edge, this location has a 3000-step stairway that allows you to climb up and down while gazing out at the dreamy vistas that surround it. Sunsets and sunrises add a mystical touch to the scenic hill slopes, making it seem unreal.
     
Cuisine
Rice and vegetable curries, or fish and meat, are staples in Meghalaya cuisine. People in Meghalaya have a distinct cooking pattern that is based on the availability of foodstuffs in the state. Furthermore, the cuisine of Meghalaya can be divided into three distinct styles: Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia.
 
Some worth trying dishes are:
  • Jadho: Jadoh is a common dish among Meghalaya's Khasi community. Jadoh is essentially red rice that has been cooked with a large amount of pork meat. It's also often made with chicken or fish. Green chilies, onions, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and bay leaves are mixed together, then pork pieces are added and fried, followed by red rice and cooked.
  • Dohkileh: It's essentially a pork salad made with the freshest local ingredients. It is made up of pig brains fried in curry and served with flatbread. The boiled and diced pork, combined with finely chopped onions, green chillies, ginger, and local seasoning, is also topped with lettuce leaves, tomatoes, beans, scallions, chives, and zesty lemon.
  • Nakham Bitchi: Nakham Bitchi is a traditional Meghalayan soup made with dry fish and boiling vegetables. After a heavy spicy meal, the guests are served the soup. Nakham Bitchi is a nutrient dense and delectable Meghalayan soup.
  • Pumaloi: Steamed and powdered rice is one of the people of Meghalaya's favourite foods. It's cooked in a special pot called Khiew Ranei on medium heat with just the right amount of water. It is common at festivals and is an important part of Meghalayan culture. It's served with a curry bowl.
  • Bamboo Shoots: Bamboo Shoots is one of their favourite foods, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways, but Khasi people prefer it with thin pork chunks. To begin, marinate the pork in soy sauce, then fry the pork marinated in soy sauce. When it starts to turn a little orange, add the vegetables. After some time has passed, instal the bamboo shoots. Pour in some sliced onions and spices, along with a pinch of salt. Cook until the colour and aroma are to your liking.
  • Doh-Neiiong: Doh-neiiong is a pork curry dish that screams indulgence and is one of Meghalaya's best, yummiest, and drool-worthy dishes. Fried pork with a creamy, thick gravy seasoned with green chilies, pepper, red onions, local spices, and black sesame seeds. The star of this dish is black sesame, which gives it its distinct flavour. If you like pork, this is a recipe you should not miss out on.
  • Pukhlein: Vegetarians in Khasi cuisine are limited in what they can eat. Pukhlein, the most basic of desserts, is a typical Khasi rice flour snack that is eaten with the main course to cleanse the palate. This deep fried dessert, which is often compared to the Keralite delicacy nei appam and Tamil Nadu's athirasam, is made primarily of two ingredients: rice flour and jaggery.
  • Tungrymbai: Tungrymbai is a nutrient-dense dish made with fermented soy beans, boiled pork, black sesame, ginger, onion, and fragrant spices. This mouthwatering dish is a staple of Meghalayan cuisine.
  • Minil Songa: It is a rice preparation that is common among the Garo tribe. It's a sticky rice with a distinct texture and nutty flavour. The dish is sticky due to the excess of starch. Rice is boiled inside fresh bamboo for its preparation, and it is then served as a snack. It is a nutritious dish that helps to relieve constipation and improve digestion.
  • Kyat: Kyat (fermented rice beer), a must-try party drink in Meghalaya, is literally not to be missed. It's made with fermented rice and has a distinct flavour. It's made by boiling it with water and garnishing it with local ingredients. There are numerous places in Shillong that serve Kyat.
  • Sakin Gata: It's a Meghalayan rice cake made with white rice that's a common sweet dish. For the dish, the rice is held in water for the entire night and then sugar is added. On the banana leaves, there are alternate layers of rice mix and roasted sesame seeds. It's cooked in a one-of-a-kind cooking pot and served piping hot.
 
FAQ’s

Meghalaya is renowned for its glittering waterfalls, clear rivers, lush vegetation, and unadulterated beauty everywhere. Additionally, it is well-known for its stunning orchid gardens. The location offers a large variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, and flowers, which makes the journey more enjoyable. Meghalaya is a well-known travel destination since it has the world's wettest location, the cleanest town in Asia, the Land of Spirits, and the Longest Caves. Also, Meghalaya is also known for its abundant rainfall.



 

Every year in the month of November, Meghalaya celebrates Wangala. The event, also known as the "dance of a hundred drums," signals the end of the period of labour in the expectation of a successful harvest. Wangala is a one-week long festival that is dedicated to Satyong, the regional god of fertility. Other holidays observed in Meghalaya include the Strawberry Festival, the Autumnal Festival, and the Ranikor Festival.



 

Meghalaya is quite comfortable all year round, and each season has its own unique beauty. The best time of year to see vegetation and beautiful waterways is from October to February. For the rest of India, March through June is considered summer, however in Meghalaya, temperatures can range from a high of 25°C to a low of 15°C. In this season, you can take advantage of the natural beauty, sightseeing, and other outdoor activities. June through September is the finest season for you if you enjoy the monsoons. Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, the two rainiest cities in the world, are located in Meghalaya. Visit the waterfalls now to take in the breathtaking views of the area that have been washed by the rain.

One of the safest areas to travel in India is Meghalaya. The people of Meghalaya are extremely respectful and readily offer any needed aid. Women travellers can also unwind without worrying about their safety, as well. It is a contemporary, judgement-free setting where women are respected and given equal weight. To avoid difficulty, one must avoid interfering with the tribe, showing disrespect for the customs of the area, and exercising caution when interacting with taxi drivers.

The population of Meghalaya is made up of three notable tribes: the Garo, Khasi, and Jayantia. The people are hardworking, happy, and friendly. Their matrilineal system, in which the males marry into women's families and the women inherit the property, makes their society distinct. As a result, the children of these couples acquire the surnames of their mothers. The majority of people practise Christianity, but there are also followers of Buddhism and Hinduism. Due to their intense passion for their music, dancing, and culture, Meghalayans consider music, drumbeats, and dances to be an integral part of life. Prepare yourself to be fascinated by their weaving and sculpting as they are masters of it.
 

Meghalaya is well known for its bamboo handicrafts. There are several stores in Shillong where you may buy handcrafted products. Shawls and stoles can also be purchased. Meghalaya produces a wide range of organic goods that you may purchase, including tea, honey, and spices.
 

A journey to Meghalaya should last 5 days if you want to see all of the state's top sights. Shillong can be visited for two days, Cherrapunji for one, Mawlynnong (Asia's cleanest village), and Dawki for another. If you plan well, you can cut your journey to Meghalaya down to 3 to 4 days, but it will be rushed.

Tour Itineraries