Meghalaya at a Glance :

Altitude : 1496 mts.

Area : 22,429 sq km

Population : 2 million

Capital : Shillong

Climate : Summer (March to June) - Pleasant, Winter (October to February) - Chilly to Cold

Clothing : Summer - Tropical with light woollens for Chilly days

Best Time to visit : Throughout the year.

About Meghalaya :

Meghalaya is one of the country’s newest states with its capital at Shillong. For long a summer retreat of the British, the beautifully kept golf course and several English country cottages testify to another influence besides the local one. Beautiful lakes and falls, hillside cottages, a large university, and the popular Bara Bazar are quaint aspects of this town.

Places to See at Meghalaya :

Golf Links : Shillong's Golf Course is considered one of the best in India. It is situated in the center of the city, close to the polo ground. It was established in 1898, by a group of British Civil Service officers. Golfers from all over the world come here to test their skills.

Lady Hydari Park : Lady Hydari Park was named after the wife of Sir Akhbari Hydari, the first Indian Governor of Assam who assumed charge on the eve of independence. It has a very attractive garden and the best months to see the flowers in bloom are April to October. Next to the park, is a mini zoo, where many species of birds and animals are kept.

Ward's Lake : This artificial lake located in Shillong received its name from Sir William Ward, Chief Commissioner of Assam in 1893-94, because he took a personal interest in beautifying it.

Waterfalls : In and around Shillong, there are numerous waterfalls, especially during the monsoon when they run in milky white torrents: Bishop Falls, Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls and Beadon Falls are best known. Bishop or Suna Pani Falls are located west of Mawprem in Shilong. They are 135 metres high and particularly impressive in monsoon. The beautiful Elephant or Umdiengpun Falls are enroute to Sadew, 12 kilometres from Shillong City.

Cherrapunjee : Cherrapunjee has a rich historical heritage and was the first British outpost in this part of the country. Sohra is the original Khasi name for Cherrapunjee. It is 1300 metres above sea level and 56 kms from Shillong. This place is one of the rainiest rain-belts in the world. A pleasant drive to see roaring waterfalls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang Falls. The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. Centre of Khasi culture and literature, it also has the oldest Presbyterian Church and also an establishment of the Ramakrishna Mission.

Mawsynram : 56 Kms from Shillong, it is known for the giant stalagmite formation shaped into a Shivalinga, called locally as 'Mawjymbuin'.

Jowai in Jaintia Hills : The most important town in the Jaintia Hills district is Jowai, 1,380 metres above sea level, situated 64 kms from Shillong. The annual festival of Behdeinkhlam is celebrated in great style in Jowai. En-route from Shillong to Jowai, one passes through grassy meadows, colourful graveyards, rice terraces, woods of oak or whispering pine and the meandering Myntdu River.

Places to Stay at Meghalaya :

• Hotel Pinewood (3 Star)
• Hotel Alpine Continental
• Hotel Polo Towers (3 Star)
• Orchid Hotel
• Hotel Center Point
• Hotel Magnum

How to reach at Meghalaya :

By Air : Nearest airport Borjhar (Guwahati), 129 kms from Shillong, is connected with Calcutta. Umroi Airport, 31 km from Shillong, is also connected by Vayudoot with Calcutta.

By Rail : Nearest Railhead is Guwahati (103 kms).

By Road : By road Shillong to Calcutta-1184 kms, Darjeeling-690 kms, Gangtok-692 km, Guwahati-103 km, Kaziranga-294 km, Aizwal-430 km, Siliguri-578 kms, Manas-273 kms, Agartala-499 kms, Kohima-469 kms, Itanagar-481 kms etc.