BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MEGHALAYA
This blog is focused on highlighting the best places to visit in Meghalaya. Meghalaya is known for its majestic beauty and astonishing natural structures which are known for making people awestruck. There are different forms of landforms and a wide variety of natural species that can be witnessed all together in the lands of the Indian state of Meghalaya.
(Figure 1: Meghalaya Geographic Map)
Some of the different types of natural attractions that can be witnessed in Meghalaya have been discussed below:
Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya
Some of the best places to visit in Meghalaya that are counted as the key attractions across this Indian state have been explored below:
Seven Sisters Falls
(Figure 2: The Seven Sisters Falls)
One of the most attractive features of the scenic beauty that can be witnessed across the places to visit in Meghalaya is the presence of the famous waterfalls. There is a wide range of waterfalls that can be found in this state among which some of the most popular ones are such as Elephant Falls, Seven Sister Falls, Nohkalikai Falls as well as Spread Eagle falls. Each of these waterfalls offer a diverse variety of characteristics which are noteworthy for the travelers looking for the natural wonders. For instance, the Seven Sisters Falls which is otherwise known as the Nohsngithiang Falls located in the East Khasi Hills is famous for its seven mesmerizing streams. A total of seven different streams can be identified to be coming down from the cliffs that are made of limestone which offers a breathtaking view for the tourists.
- Location: Mawsmai Village Located in the East Khasi Hills
- Highlight: Mesmerizing view of the waterfalls flowing down together.
Elephanta Falls
(Figure 3: Elephant Falls)
The features offered by the Elephant Falls significantly differ from that of the Seven Sister Falls. For instance, one of the key features of the Elephant Falls is that it is a three-tiered-waterfall. This means that the water flowing down the Elephant Falls drops from three different levels. Apart from the three tier structure, the Elephant Falls also offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery that can be calming for the tourists visiting the waterfalls. Similarly, different waterfalls located across Meghalaya can be identified to be offering a wide range of features for the tourists which makes them a must visit for them.
- Location: Upper located in the Shillong Area
- Highlight: The three step waterfall, the lush greenery surrounding the waterfall.
Dawki River
(Figure 4: Dawki River)
When we hear about rivers, names of rivers such as Ganges, Godavari and even the rivers from foreign lands such as River Thames often come to our minds. However, there are some mesmerizing rivers located in Meghalaya that are not well known among the people. For instance, the Dawki River is one of the natural wonders located in Western part of the Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya. The crystal clear water flowing through the river makes an illusion which seems like the boats are flowing in the thin air and the limestones located under the river can be identified clearly. This river also marks the border between India and Bangladesh which also makes it of great geographical importance. Apart from Dawki river there are various other rivers such as Kopii river or Nitai river that attract some tourists during the peak seasons.
- Location: West Jaintia Hills area of Meghalaya
- Highlight: Crystal clear water of the river, boat ride, camping beside the river.
Umiam Lake
(Figure 5: Umiam Lake)
Apart from the natural wonders located in Meghalaya there are also some man made astonishing structures listed among places to visit in Meghalaya that can spellbound the tourists while travelling across this state. For instance, Umiam Lake is one of the man made wonders located in Meghalaya which is often found to influence tourists to route their tour around Shillong while travelling from Guwahati. There are options such as boating in the lake and experiencing the majestic view around it. Umiam Lake is man made, however, it does not showcase any characteristics of being made by humans. Rather the lake seems like a natural wonder offering the tourists an opportunity of relaxing their mind with the splendid boat rides.
- Location: East Khasi Hills region of Meghalaya
- Highlight: Boat ride, mesmerizing view of the lake with a calm environment.
Single and Double Decker Living Root Bridge
(Figure 6: Living Root Bridge)
Apart from the widening view of the Umiam lake there is another significant man made gem that can be found in Meghalaya are the living root bridges. The heritage sites of the living root bridges in Meghalaya have been enlisted among the UNESCO world heritage sites. These bridges feature the magnificent form of work by the indigenous people of Meghalaya. The roots of the rubber trees have been used for structuring the bridges from which the name has been derived. Despite being made of root of trees, these bridges have managed to exist for centuries. These bridges have been constructed for serving the purpose of enabling indigenous farmers to deliver their crops across various rivers located in Meghalaya. There are generally two types of living root bridges that can be witnessed by the tourists including single decker living root bridges and double decker living root bridges.
- Location: Nongriat region of Meghalaya
- Highlight: Bridges made with roots of Rubber trees over the rivers, trekking to reach the bridges
Asia’s Cleanest Village: Mawlynnong
(Figure 7: Mawlynnong: Cleanest Village in Asia)
Meghalaya also includes the Mawlynnong which is known as the cleanest village in whole Asia. This place is of significant importance for the tourists making a visit to the best places to visit in Meghalaya. The best time for visiting Mawlynnong is during the monsoon for experiencing the lush greenery or during the festive season in July.
- Location: Mawlynnong village in Meghalaya
- Highlight: Cleanest Village of Asia, quiet place, village attractions.
Best Time to Visit Meghalaya
(Figure 7: Abode of Clouds: Meghalaya)
Different seasons offer different types of features at places to visit in Meghalaya which attracts tourists across the seasons as per their objectives of the visit. For instance, during the monsoon season during the months of May to September the lands of Meghalaya are found to be overwhelmed by rain and clouds. During the monsoon it is the best time to visit places such as Cherpunji for experiencing the superiority of the famous waterfalls in their glory. Meghalaya has been named as The Abode of Clouds based on the nature of clouds flowing around the hills of this district. The opportunity of witnessing the waterfalls and overflowing rivers is highest during this season. However, some tourists might find it difficult to travel through the water flowing over the hilly roads. Meghalaya in winter offers a completely opposite condition and different set of opportunities for the tourists. Trekking in Meghalaya as well as hiking across the hilly regions are among the most significant attractions for the tourists looking for such adventurous activities during the winter season. The winter season is also best suited for exploring the caves in Meghalaya.
- Monsoon: For experiencing the waterfalls.
- Post Monsoon: For experiencing the festivals taking place in Meghalaya.
- Winter: For outdoor activities such as hiking or trekking.
Precautions
Before making a visit to Meghalaya tourists are required to make preparations for the potential health hazards that can cause hurdles in their trip. For instance, high altitude sickness can be very common among people visiting the hilly regions due to the lower concentration of Oxygen. On the other hand, the tourists visiting the waterfall, living root bridge etc. are often required to climb up or down across a daunting number of rocky stairs. For instance, tourists are required to go through a trekking of 7000 steps for witnessing the double decker living root bridge. Such a task can be challenging for the majority of the tourists visiting Meghalaya. Proper planning with cautious actions for preventing any unwanted situations is required for ensuring a seamless Meghalaya trip.
- Key Concerns: Precautions for individuals with breathing trouble, active physical condition for the necessary step climbing to visit certain locations.
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