Meghalaya is one of the prettiest states of India. The name literally translates to ‘The Abode of Clouds’ and Meghalaya certainly lives up to its name. Also known for housing the wettest place on the planet, Meghalaya because of its annual rainfall also has beautiful waterfalls. A dominantly mountainous region, the state also has some highland plateaus and valleys. Meghalaya is a part of the Seven Sisters of India and separates Assam and Bangladesh with its splendid mountains. Initially the state was a part of Assam until 1972 when it got separated. About two-third of the state is forested hence making it a lush green velvety carpeted land. Also because of its high rainfall, Meghalaya is richly blessed with flora and fauna. Most of its forest covers are dense sub-tropical and therefore are famous for its teak tress and sal trees. Also some beautiful lakes and some profound caves date back to ancient times and hence show mark of human civilization from the early times. The splendid state is also famous for its orchids and has more than 300 variants of the flower. With a moderate to low temperature due to the hills, the state has eloquent hill stations that can mesmerize anyone with its scenic charm. Here are the top 3 hill-stations of Meghalaya that will take you amongst the clouds.
1. Shillong
‘The Scotland of the East’ as it reminded the British of Scotland because of the town surrounded by rolling hills. Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. The main city of Shillong lies on the plateau area surrounded by the hills. Shillong is a home to majority of the Khasi tribal folks and also has a significant Christian population. With rolling mountains on the sides, whitish-grey clouds overhead and lush green forests underneath, Shillong has a preeminent charm. The city is also known as ‘India’s Rock Capital’ for its growing interest in the rock music scene. The city also reflects British architecture in its monuments whereas Assamese structuring in its home. The places to visit in Shillong are the Elephant falls, Shillong peak (the highest point of the state), Shillong Golf Course, Wards Lake and Don Bosco Centre of Indigenous Culture. Shillong is one of the most civilized towns of Meghalaya.
2. Cherrapunji
Titled as the World’s Wettest Place, Cherrapunji is a blessing to India. At an elevation of about 4800 feet, the city is spread on a plateau around the Khasi Hills overlooking the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. The city is also known for its oranges and was called as the ‘land of oranges’ by the tourists and hence the name is Cherrapunji was given. With the diverse vegetation in the valleys Cherrapunji is richly blessed with regional species of plants. Cherrapunji is also a paradise for the trekkers as the city is also popular for its living bridges, made by entangling the roots of the trees. These bridges are used to cross the paths and the tradition of twisting the roots started about half a millennium ago. The Seven Sister Falls and the town of Mawsynram are the major tourist attractions of the place.
3. Jowai
Blessed with a scenic beauty the hill-station of Jowai is at an elevation of 4530 feet above the sea level. With the Bangladesh border about 50 km away from the place, the city is an important trade and educational centre of the state. Jowai holds some beautiful waterfalls that will mesmerize you with their enormous charm. The Thadlaskien Lake is one of the most tranquil lakes with clear waters and is famous amongst the tourists. The Ialong Park is a paradise for the nature-lovers because of its diverse flora. With the water gushing from the falls, the shades of green and heavy clouds overhead, Jowai is one of the most beautiful destinations in Meghalaya.
Meghalaya is blessed with a pleasant climate, some seasonal rivers and waterfalls and also some of the most impressive caves. With a sparse population the state is on the quieter side of the country and is utopia for the nature lovers and solace seekers.
