A Travel Blog

 

Capital – Shillong – Area—22429 square kms. Population – 2306069. It is 0.22% of the total population of India. Male— 1167840, Female—1138229. From 1991-2000 growth of population 29.94%. Density of population per square km is 103. 975 female against 1000 male. This state is 22^nd in area and in population it is 23^rd in India. Rate of literacy is 63.31%. Major language is Khasi, Jayantia and Garo. Bangle is spoken throughout the state. like Bangla Hindi and English are also spoken. Meghalaya is situated in between 25 degree-26.15 degree latitude and 89.45 degree-92.87 degree in longitude. Temperature – 23.3 degree – 15 degree Celsius in summer and in winter it is between 15.6 degree -3.9 degree Celsius. Average rainfall is 100-1270 centimeter annually. Duration of rainy season is from May to September. In winter heavy woolen garments are necessary. Touring season is from March to July and again from September to November. One can tour Meghalaya by seven days. It is better to club Meghalaya with Assom for tour.

The word Meghalaya means the abode of the clouds. It is the paradise of the clouds. It is the 21^st state of India. The whole of the state is hilly. It is situated 1200 to 1965 meters from sea level. It has two national parks- Nokrek and Balpakram and two wild life sanctuaries—Nongkhyllem and Siju. Meghalaya is a combination of mountains, forests, wavy mountains, beautiful cascades; pearl-green lakes and variety of orchids made the state a paradise on Earth.

The state is rich in fruits and flowers. Forest is dense in Meghalaya. There is diversity of flora and fauna. Thousands of different species of Moth and butterfly along with different kinds of orchids are seen in the state. 300 kinds of orchids are available in Meghalaya.

The state of Meghalaya comprises three parts—namely Khasi, Jayantia and Garo. Their dialects are different from one another. But they use Roman scripts. In the past before the advent of the British, they had separate kingdoms. After the coming of the British, three parts were amalgamated in the 19^th century. The Garos were originally inhabitants of Tibet. Later on, they settled in Garo hills. Man sacrifice was in vogue in Garo society, even the human sculls lay hung in their houses. The Khasis came from the southern part of China and settled in central Meghalaya that is in Shillong and CherraPunji, their creation—Monolithic Pillars—in memoriam of the dead – is still found on way to Cherrapunji in central Meghalaya. In east Meghalaya in the Jayantia hills the Jayantia tribes reside. They are the off springs of the Mongolians. They resemble Shaan tribes of Myanmar. They are fond of flowers. At every household there are flower gardens in Meghalaya. They love songs very much. People of Meghalaya use guitars with songs. They are of robust health. They are very much friendly. Their society is matriarchal till today. Domestic system is run by matriarch. The youngest daughter is the leader of the home. She is also the heir to the property. Sons and daughters adopt the surname of their mother.

Shilong is the main center of Khasi culture. Smit village is 15 kms away from Shilong where a grand carnival is held from November to October every year in memory of their ancient Kingdom—Hima for the 5 days on NH 44. The festival is called is Nongkrem dance which greatly attracts tourists. In April, Seng Khasi holds their 2 day festival called Shad Suk Mynsiem dance in Shilong. The object of this festival is to rouse nationalism. The Garos celebrate their festival of harvest by beating 100 drums called Wangala in November. The Jayantias observe festival of harvest in July by dancing the dances of Laho and Behdeinhlam. They are fond of Jado- fried rice mixed with meat of pigs. They prefer cakes made of boiled rice called pumlay, a variety of idli which is largely eaten in south India.

The only road connecting the rest of India Goes via Guwahati, Shilong was once the capital of undivided Assam. Meghalaya is bounded by Mymensingh and Sylhet districts of Bangaladesh on the southern side, on the west it borders with Bangladesh too. On the east it is bounded by Cachar district of Assam and on the north it is bounded by Goalpara and Kamrup district of Assam.

Shilong:— Umray is the Airport of Shilong. Guwahati Airport is 127 kms away from Shilong. Tourists from Delhi have to reach Guwahati enroot Shillong. From Guwahati Airport one can go to Shillong by boarding the buses of Meghalaya State Transport Corporation. Cabs are also available from Guwahati city. There is also helicopter service from Guwahati. Nearest RLY station is Guwahati also.

A bus stand opposite to Guwahati RLY station is used by Meghalaya Road Transport Corporation and Assam state Transport Corporation from where buses to ply to Shillong which is 103 kms away from Guwahati. At regular intervals buses ply. It takes near about 4 hours to reach Shillong. A decent hilly road is with pine and far trees on either side of national Highway 44. Clouds float in the sky and at any moment fog may enter the bus through the windows. Taxi without meter carries passengers from point to point. There is city bus service in Shillong. But it is nice to see the city on foot and enjoy the natural sights and sounds.

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Shillong is the city of tourists. There are different types of hotels in Shillong centering police station. At the entrance to the city is police Bazaar. A Seven point crossing is at police Bazaar. Seven roads have gone to seven places from police point.

Conducted Tours: — Tourist information center, police Bazaar, opposite Bus Stand ph—0364-2226220 or Orchid Hotel ph—2224933 are the two places from where Meghalaya Tourist Department buses pick up passengers for conducted tours. It charges 220 rupees for a three and half hours tours of Shillong. Rs 250 for Cherrapunji, Rs 150 for Mousirram and Rs 175 for touring of Nartiang and Jhadlasaken.

Among the hill cities of India, Shillong is the biggest and it has a special attraction. The city, as it is thatched with pines and far trees, beautiful with fruits and flowers. It is 1496 meters above sea level, the state capital of Meghalaya. It is also the district town of East Khasi Hills district. The British Commissioner of Assam in 1829 got a cottage built at Nongkhalaw near Shillong. The Khasi leader U Triot Sing protested and the British left Shillong for Cherrapunji. They there upgraded Cherrapunji as district head quarters.

In 1864 the British got a land in lease in Shillong from the Khasi king and the British returned to Shillong. Shillong was the ‘Scotland of the East’ to the British. Its climate is as same as that of England. The British built the city according to plan. They set up Military cantonment at upper Shillong. At lower Shillong they started all sorts of business mixing with the Khasi. But in 1896 the city of Shillong got totally destroyed in severe earthquake. As a result, the British rebuilt the city in a new shape and pattern so that it could resist earth quake. Houses are made of wood with corrugated sheets fitted slanting as roof. From 1874 to 1974 it was the capital town of Assam also. The city of Shillong is spread over 6436 square kms. More than 3 lacs people live in Shillong city. The natural beauty of the Shillong hill is very nice. No snow falls in winter and like wise no severity of heat in summer is felt. The falls in the Shillong city increase the beauty of the city in rainy season. The clouds play hide and seek game with the pine trees in rainy season. The best season for tour is from March to June and again from October to November. Another character of Shillong is that shops and other business establishments are run by girls only.

Now days, huge R.C.C. buildings are upcoming in Shillong, Shillong’s pride is her Golf Club. It was built in 1889 with I holes and was converted to 18 holes in 1924. It is the 2^nd biggest in Asia called Glen eagle of the East. Race course is nearby polo ground is also nearby. Though Polo and Race have been bidden adieu long ago. Golf is not also a hotspot now unlike the past.

At the center of the city is Ward Lake along with beautiful gardens built by Sir William ward in 1893 the then clief Commissioner of Assam. This is lake in serpentine shape and there is wooden bridge across the lake. Boating has been arranged in the lake. Botanical Gardens, Botanical Museum, Chief Minister’s Bang low and Govern’s house have increased the beauty of the lake in a bigway.

Another attraction of Shillong hill is the butter fly museum built by wankhar and company at Riatsomthia. A huge collection of butter flies charms visitors.

On G.S. Road captain William Sung Sangma state Museum, Meghalaya cottage Industry and central Library attract visitors. Government Emporium is at police Bazaar.

Shillong peak is 1965 meters above sea level. It is called above of Gods. It is 10 kms away from the city. The city of Shillong is beautiful. Viewed from the peak, on a cloudless day the Himalayas are seen from the peak. In spring U Shulong festival is held here. An idea place for picnic. Juai-Silchar N.H. 44 goes by the peak. On way to Cherrapunji at 12 kms the Elephant falls is situated. 177 staircases are to be crossed to have a view of the falls at bottom.

The following is the list of other places and items that may be visited in Shillong. Cathedral of mary help of Christiane Llady Hydary park, Mini Zoo, Forest Museum. Crinoline falls one orchid and Bonsai Garden lie nearby. Bidon and Bishop Falls are 5 kilometers away from the city. Ganar’s is at Umijan now called Garampani, 17 kilometers away from Shillong on way to Guwahati. .Umiyan River is born from the reservoir. All sides of the lake are bounded by hills. Blue water, Golden bank, chirping of birs have made Umiyan a unique sight. Arrangement of Regalta is complex in the lake of Umiyan. Acquarium and musical fountain are found in the park. Orchid Lake Resort Umiyan is ready to welcome visitors. For contact please use Ph—2570296. floating Restaurant is the other attraction of the Hydro Electric Project. There are more Falls in Shillong. On way to Umiyan there is seven sister falls.

Maflong: —- On way to Balat, in upper Shillong you will got turning left Cherapunji and Dowki roads which is 24 kilometers away from Shillong and on above cited roads is situated Moflong. It is famous for different species of flowers and orchids mixed with natural beauties. It is also famous for its century old avenues of trees. Flower festival in July is famous. There are regular bus services to Muflong from Shillong. On way to Moflong the Gorge created by the earth Quake of 1897 is seen on the way. It is also a place worth visiting.

Cherrapunji: —- 54 Kilometers southward from Shillong and 1300 meters above sea level is Cherrapunji. Originally it was called Sora by the Khasis. Sora became Cherra on the lips of the British and then it became Cherrapunji. This place can be visited and the tourists can return on the same day to Shillong. Cherrapunji is creation of the British. From 1835 to 1864 it was the head quarters of the North East India. In 1841 Reverend Tomas Jones came to Cherrapunji. In collaboration with Christian Mission he got built a Church here at Nong Sawlia. At the entrepreneurship of him, first book on Khasi language was published. He invented Khasi scripts too. With the passing of time, the Khasi among all the tribes of North East India prospered first in learning. Due to disadvantage of excessive rains, intermittent earthquakes storms and other natural calamities, the British transferred their headquarters from Cherrapunji and settled down at Shillong in 1866. Cherrapunji is the center of Khasi literature and culture. It is also renowned for her limestones, cave, coal orange estate and honey. Inhabitation has grown surrounding the cherra Bazaar. Buses from Shillong reach Cherrapunji in two hours. It is better to visit this place in conducted tour. On this road you will go past one by one the mountains of Maujung. The natural sights and sounds is peerless. Wayside deep ditches create fear in the minds of tourists.

Cherrapunji was famous for the highest rainfall in the world until recently. In1861 the highest rainfall recorded was 905 inches. Now Cherrapunji has yielded its place to Mawsyhram, a place 55 kilometers away from Shillong in the south. Mawsyngram has recorded 2300 centimeters rainfall in a year. The other wonder of Mawsyngram is its Shivlinga—a phallic symbol of Lord Shiv-made of stalagmite stone inside a cave. Through the year water falls drop by drop on the Shivalinga from a hanging stalagmite stone resembling an utter of cow. The history of how this cave was made is still unknown. Length upto 4.5 kilometers has been discovered, its actual length is still undiscovered. The myth is that it has been connected with the siju cave of the Garo hills. A few Monolith Pillars have come up as gate at the entrance. First one has to go past the gate and proceed one and half kilometers on foot to reach the main entrance of the cave. The cave is full of thrills.

The next attraction is the 4^th highest falls-Mawsmai-of the world which is 2 kilometers south off Cherrapunji circuit house. The water is coming down from a height of 2 thousand feet. In rainy season Mawsmai becomes terrible. Noh-Kalikai Falls – full of pro-verb is near the Mawsmai Falls- more attractive than Mawsmai. The falls has created a pearl-green lake at the bottom. At the death of daughter by the 2^nd husband, mother Likai plunged from the hill in grief, as a result of which the falls came into being. The surroundings have become a scene of beauty by the different kinds of butterflies and orchids. On way to sellar, by own arrangement one can see the kynrem falls which is 10 kilometers from Cherrapunji. From down to dusk, the Sunrays make it charming. At the end of Cherrapunji, Dain Jwen Falls stands and Presbyterian Church can be visited. Visitors are advised to carry packaged food with them while visiting Cherrapunji and may buy honey from Cherrapunj.

140 kilometers from Shillong near Bangladesh border on the bank of Judukata River Ranikor is situated. The place has been decorated by nature where in the river an arrangement has been made for various water games.

Jayantia Hills:—- Jowai the head Quarters of Jayantia Hills is situated 65 kilometers away from the Shillong mountain in the eastern part of Meghalaya. The Jayantias believe that they are the descendants of the Mongolians. The main attraction of Jowai is its natural beauty. It is a congested town. Problem lies in their language. Neither Hindi nor Bangla nor English is spoken here. No good hotel is available here. At 56 kilometer; point on way to Jowai Thadlaskein Lake is situated. It is famous for it’s historic Lake. This lake is a good plce for picnic.

Nartiang a paradise of tourist of tourists, is situated 24 kilometers north off Jowai. It was the ancient capital of the Jayantia kings and was the center of Hinduism. Jayanteswari temple is situated here. It was built in 15^th century. Nartiang is also called a rock garden. 58 kilometers from Jowai Hydro Electricity is being produced by the North East Electric Power Corporation at Garampani (Hot Water Spring).

The Garo Hills:— Tura is the district headquarters of the Garo Hills. It is 323 kilometers away from Shillong via Guwahati. All buses ply to Tura from police Bazaar of Shillong. A large landscape lies in the GaroHills. Tura and Arabella mountain ranges spread all over the Garo Hills. The word ‘Garo’ means dense forest. Innumerable wild animals live in 8000 square kilometers ever green forest of the garohills. The Garo community lives in East, Wet, and south districts of the Garo hills. Their numbers are not more than 4 lacs. They take pride in calling themselves Ashiks and likewise they call their dwelling place Archiks land. They came to the Garo hills long ago from the Tura province of Tibet. Tura is the district head quarters of west Garo hill which 657 meters above sea level. Tura is also the head quarters of three Garo Hills districts. Residential houses lay scattered as houses are built on terraces of the hills. Nature is the main attraction of the Garo Hills. To take a look at the Sunset from the 1400 meter high Tura peak is very beautiful. To reach the peak one is to trek 5 kilometers. The highest peak Nokreh 1457 meters above sea level is in Tura. The way to it is infested with ferocious beasts of prey. Two kilometers away from the peak is the Bio sphere Reserve which came into being in 1985 on a area of 47 square kilometers land where fruits like orange of rare species grows called Memangnaranag(Lemon). Where different kinds of grasshoppers of the oldest Gene of the world has got a sanctuary named sastega, Rishop hair Reserve and Sinkona Garden. The social life of the garos is diverse. The Garos are fond of myths and legends and Governed by matriarchal norms. There is convention in their society to marry stepmother and mother-in-law.

The Garo are fond of battles, and they are engaged in regular Skirmishes with are another. They prefer country liquor called Chu prefer from rice. They eat beef, tiger and snake. Unique is recipe of dog cake, a dog is fed rice at its heart’s contant and then is burnt. Then the burnt dog is sliced and eaten. This dog cake resembles chicken rost. Their system of marriage and funeral is also full of diversity. The Garos observe the wangala-the harvest festival for 4 days and 4 nights. It attracts a large numbers of tourists. The main theme of the festival is to seek the bless of their God patigipa Rarongipa, on the concluding dy of the festival dance of a hundred drums is famous. Everybody ranging from old to child wearing gorgeous attire takes in the dance accompanied with grand feast.

Baghmara (Where a Tiger was killed):—- It is in between Arabella and Tura mountains range in the valley of Balphakram on the bank of Simsang river 127 kilometers away from Tura. It is the district head quarters of the south Garo hills. There is a forest reserve on an area of 44 square kilometers here. It is up coming as a tourist spot.

In a solitary and lonely place with beautiful surroundings on the Dilsa peak, tourist Bungalow of Meghalaya Tourism Depatt has come up. The way to Siju cave and Siju sanctuary has gone from Baghmara. The sanctuary is 50 kilometres away from Baghmara. On one side of the road is 200 meters steep mountain and on other the side is a ditch in a green forest. The river Dilsa flows cutting open the ditch. On this road a visitor will find pitcher plants. The paradise of anglers-the Napak Lake is nearby. It is the paradise of birds also. On the newly contructed road towards Shillong and 40 kilometers away from Baghmar is Balphakram Reserve Forest. To reach the forest one is to cover a distance of 5 kilometers on foot. This forest is famous for its natural diversity. Wind blows here with strong sound, which the Garos believe that this is the abode of perpetual winds. This place can be visited by bus and cab and one can return to Tura on the same day. It takes nearly 4 hours to reach Baghmara, or one can stay at Tourist Lodge C/O—D.C.Baghmara. South garo Hills, Meghalaya. The mountains are made more beautiful by the Rododendrons and orchids. At Siju Forest Bungalow and Tourist Lodge on the bank of Simsang River are available.

The route to Tura and other places of the Garo Hills: —- Buses ply to Tura from Shillong via Guwahati, Goalpara and Dhubi. Tourist coming from upper India and abroad are advised to go to Tura from Guwahati or from New Bongaigoan crossing the Brahmaputra by launch and proceed to Tura via Goalpara and Phulbari. No need to go to Shillong first.

Hotels in Shillong: —- (STD CODE) — 0364.

H. Center Point ph—2225210, H. Broadway ph—2226996, H. Magham ph— 2227796, H. Alpine Continental ph– 22485829, H. Pine Borough ph– 2220698, Shillong Club ph—2225497, H. Pine Wood European Ward ph—2223116, Grand Hotel ph—2224933, Orchid Lake Resort ph—2570258, 4 star Hotel H. Polo Towers ph—2222341/42, Royal Heritage Tripura Castle ph—2501149, Ross Ville Guest House ph—2231248.

At Cherrapunji:— Cherrapunji Holidays Resort. STD CODE—036737 Ph—244218. booking at Synrem compound, Don Bosco Road, Shillong, at Calcutta Monalisa ph—033- 24404997, Classic ph—22485677.

At Jayantia Hills, Jowai—Inspection Bunglow and Tourist Lodge of Assam Tourism.

At Tura – District Council Members’ Hostel c/o Secretary Tura Meghalaya, Tourist Complex, Opposite Central School Nazing Bazaar, Tura.

There are lots of hotels in Shillong within the reah of middle class and upper middle class part from the hotels mentioned in Shillong.