Hotels and Resorts | North East Tours
Meghalaya or 'abode of the clouds', is a source of inspiration to any poet, a
dramatic canvas for an artist's dream, and the ideal retreat for people in
search of beauty and solitude. Declared as a state on 21st January, 1972,
Meghalaya is one of the most picturesque states of India, offering a spectrum of
sylvan surroundings, rich cultural heritage, misty heights, breathtakingly
beautiful waterfalls, luxurious vegetation, flora and fauna.
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Carved out of the former state of Assam, Meghalaya is one of the seven sister
states of the North Eastern region, bordered by Assam in the north and
Bangladesh in the south. It is among the wettest places on earth - little wonder
that Meghalaya means, Abode of Clouds. The state has a picturesque colonial
capital, Shillong, and is home to an extraordinary diversity of people, which
includes the Khasia, Jantia and Garo tribes.
Meghalaya experiences the two seasons, of winter and monsoon, and is
characterized by a cool climate throughout the year. The Cherapunjee - Mawsynram
belt in the southern slopes of Khasi Hills records the heaviest rainfall in the
world. Numerous rivers flow through Meghalaya, although none of them are
navigable, due to rocky beds and strong currents.
A predominantly tribal population, the original inhabitants of this state are
Khasis, Jaintias and Garos. Khasis and Jaintias trace their ancestry to the
Mongolian race, while the Garos belong to the Tibeto-Burman race. Their cultural
traits and ethnic origins remain distinctive, mainly due to their geographical
isolation. The Khasi language spoken here, is believed to be one of the few
surviving dialects of the Mon-Khmer family of languages, in India. Short,
muscular, robust and of complexions that vary from fair to dark brown, the
tribal people of Meghalaya are sociable, cheerful, hardworking and great lovers
of music and beauty.
The traditional costume of this place is the
'Jainsem' and the 'Dhara',
though the younger generation has now taken to western clothes.
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Places
To See :
Crinoline
Falls:
Near to lady Hyd
ari park.
It also has a swimming pool.
State
Museum:
Covering Flora, Fauna,
Culture and anthropology of Meghalaya.
Butterfly
Museum
:
Owned and
Run by a Private company who breed Butterflies.
Anglican
Graveyard
:
A
graveyard of the British with inscriptions on the gravestones giving various
causes of the death.
Mawsynram
:
Wettest
place on Earth. Just 55 kms from Shillong. Mawjymbuin Cave is a major
Attraction.
Jakrem
:
Hotsprings,
66 kms from Shillong.
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