Discovering the Gems of Meghalaya: A Guide to Travelling to this Beautiful Indian State

Meghalaya, meaning “the abode of clouds,” is a state in northeastern India, known for its picturesque landscapes, unique culture, and diverse tribal communities. The state is home to some of the wettest places on earth, and is a popular destination for adventure and eco-tourism.

The best time to visit Meghalaya is between October and June, when the weather is mild and the monsoon season has ended. The state can be accessed by air, road, and rail. The nearest major airport is in Guwahati, which is well connected to major cities in India. From Guwahati, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Meghalaya.

One of the main attractions of Meghalaya is the living root bridges, which are made by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of the state. These bridges are made by the locals by training the roots of the rubber tree to grow across a river or stream, creating a natural bridge that can be used by people and vehicles. The most famous of these bridges is the Umshiang Double-Decker Living Root Bridge, located near the village of Riwai.

Another popular attraction in Meghalaya is the Cherrapunji, which holds the record for the highest annual rainfall in the world. Cherrapunji is also known for its beautiful waterfalls, such as the Nohkalikai Falls, which is the fourth highest waterfall in India, and the Dain-Thlen Falls, which is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the state.

Meghalaya is also known for its caves, the most popular of which is the Krem Mawmluh Cave, which is one of the longest caves in the Indian subcontinent. The cave is located near the village of Sohra and is a popular spot for cave exploration and spelunking.

The state also boasts of a rich cultural heritage, with several ancient monasteries, such as the Mawphlang Monastery, which is one of the most sacred monasteries in the state and is known for its beautiful murals and sculptures. The Monastery is located near the village of Mawphlang, and it is a popular spot for meditation and spiritual retreats.

Meghalaya is also home to several trekking routes, such as the Dzukou Valley trek, which is one of the most challenging treks in the state and passes through beautiful valleys and mountain passes. The trek is typically done between the months of November and June and is considered to be a moderate to difficult trek.

For those interested in adventure sports, Meghalaya offers a variety of activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, and river rafting. The state is home to some of the best climbing and rappelling sites in the country, such as the Tyrshi Falls and the Elephant Falls. The state also has several rivers that are ideal for rafting, such as the Umngot River and the Kynshi River.

Meghalaya is also known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, such as the Nokrek National Park and the Balphakram National Park. These parks are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the red panda, clouded leopard and the hoolock gibbon.

In summary, Meghalaya is a state in northeastern India, known for its picturesque landscapes, unique culture, and diverse tribal communities. The state is home to some of the wettest places on earth, and is a popular destination