Meghalaya

Meghalaya is made up of two words in Sanskrit, Megh meaning clouds and Alaya meaning home/abode. Hence, the meaning of Meghalaya is “Abode of the Clouds”. It aptly lives up to its name. No matter the season or the time of the year that you go, you will find clouds descending upon the Jaintia and Khasi Hills.

Geography

Meghalaya is one of the seven states in the North East part of India. The Meghalaya Plateau is a part of the Deccan Plateau of India which got separated by the Garo-Rajmahal gap. The climate, flora, soil, and rock formations of this plateau are similar to that of the Deccan Plateau. Assam lies to Meghalaya’s North & East and Bangladesh borders it on the South and West. Meghalaya is surrounded by the Jaintia-Khasi-Garo Hills. The state has plateau, hills, canyons, gorges, valleys, rivers and so much more. It boasts of one of the longest caves in the world. There is so much to explore here, yet, it has remained elusive to majority of the population of India.

Climate

The climate of Meghalaya is tropical. It experiences summer during March to May and monsoons during June to October. The monsoons enliven the state. The waterfalls overflowing, the lush greenery all around and all the clouds descend upon Meghalaya during these months. Meghalaya has the wettest place on planet Earth- Mawsynram. Cherrapunji is close second by receiving rain all through the year. A raincoat or an umbrella is mandatory irrespective of the season. November to February are the driest months here. This place is suitable to travel to all around the year.

Population & Culture

Meghalaya is majorly a tribal state with like Garo, Khasi, Jaintia and Hawjong tribes contributing to the majority of the population. These tribes follow matrilineal society meaning the lineage is decided by the maternal side. Even the property inheritance rule follows the maternal lines. Unlike the rest of India which follows a patriarchal structure, the societal structure of Meghalaya is unique. Local handicraft and artefacts form a major part of its identity and economy. Bamboo handicrafts, jewellery making, silk rearing, wood carving are some of the major occupations here.

The local festivals of the state are majorly harvest festivals with some centered around sowing and harvesting season. Others commemorate important personal or societal events of life. Each festival is accompanied by music and dance. There are songs and dances specially performed on a particular festival. Major musical instruments include bamboo flutes, buffalo horns and drums. Recently, Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya has become a mandatory pit stop for music artists from around the world. It hosts some of the largest and most vibrant music festivals in India.

English is the official language of the state but the locals speak languages including Garo, Khasi and Jaintia spoken by the respective tribes. Hindi is understood by everyone except for very remote village inhabitants.

Biodiversity and Natural Resources

Meghalaya is very rich in biodiversity. Consequently, it is home to a number of unique flora and fauna. There are two major wildlife protection areas in the state, one National Park and one wildlife Sanctuary. Animals like elephants, leopards, tigers, hornbills and eagles are found in this state. The state is not only rich in its biodiversity but also in mineral resources. Being part of the Deccan Plateau, it also stores vast reserves of coal, granite, limestone etc.

Tourism

Tourism, especially eco-tourism is important to the economy of Meghalaya. Due to its unique landscape and natural wonders, it is a major tourist attraction. Clear rivers, deep cloud covered valleys, numerous waterfalls and beautiful cave systems are some of the major attractions here. Krem Puri is the longest sandstone cave in the world located in Cherrapunji. There is a Krem Lait Prah cave which is the longest cave in South Asia. There are some easy ones as well like Arwah cave and Mawsmai cave.  Not only this, Meghalaya boasts of being home to the cleanest village of Asia. Tourism also brings with it development of some remote areas yet unexplored by the world. However, tourism is very sensitive for Meghalaya’s biodiversity and terrain. Therefore, it is important to focus on responsible tourism to keep this gem as it is.

For more details about Meghalaya you may visit their official tourism website. As you now know, the above qualities make Meghalaya a must visit destination in India. Do not forget to add it to your bucket list. Why keep it in the bucket list? Let us make it your next travel destination and start planning for it. Here we have discussed in detail how to plan a trip to Meghalaya and what things to keep in mind: