Meghalaya Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/meghalaya page 1 "abode of the gods" and has funnel and converge monsoon clouds of a excellent views. The state offers many good wide area to a relatively small area. Meghalaya hotels and lodging facilities. Meghalaya is a northeast Indian The standard day-tour circuit here is: Mawsmai Caves, Mawkdok Viewpoint, state. The word " What To Nohkalikai Viewpoint, Eco Park, Seven Meghalaya" literally means Sisters’ Viewpoint, Thankharang Park and 'the Abode of Clouds' in Sanskrit SEE Khoh Ramhah. and other Indo-Iranian languages. 5 Sights Mawsmai Caves are Meghalaya’s only lit- As of 2011 the state has a Famous For : State / Provinc cave system open for tourists, studded with http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-meghalaya-lp- population of 2,964,007 and is the 1273347 imaginative lime formations crafted over 23rd most populous. Shillong has a population of 143,007. About years by the slow dripping of water. Visit the Meghalaya covers an area of one third of the state is forested. The 1 Cherrapunjee Dainthlen Falls (11/2 km before Cherra, it’s a Meghalaya subtropical forests eco region approximately 300 kilometers in 7-km stretch to the right leading to the falls); encompasses the state; its mountain forests the length and about 100 kilometers in are distinct from the lowland tropical forests Nongsawlia Church with the distinction of breadth. The state is bounded on to the north and south. The forests of being the first Christian church in this area the north by Assam and by Meghalaya are notable for their biodiversity built around the 1850s by Welsh Bangladesh on the south. The of mammals, birds, and plants. It was missionaries; and capital is Shillong is known as the previously part of Assam, but on January 21, Mawlong Peak which is a small hillock in 1972, the districts of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia Cherra town, a popular picnic spot. The hills became the new state of Cherra Market is a local haat, held every 'Scotland of the East'. Meghalaya. eight days. Meghalaya has predominantly an agrarian economy. The important crops are potatoes, Unmarred landscape, striking waterfalls and rice, maize, pineapples, bananas, etc. The the vibrancy of this place arrests you with its service sector is made up of real estate and charm. The divine seven sisters waterfalls or insurance companies. The state has become Noh Kalikai Falls depicting the seven states No visit to a hub of illegal mining activity. of the North East is a picturesque site. For Shillong can be complete without a Meghalaya's gross state domestic product the adventurous, the unexplored caves trip to Cherrapunjee (officially re-christened for 2004 was estimated at $1.6 billion in around town are certainly a treat along with to its old name ‘Sohra’), known to every current prices. Shillong, the capital of the the various scenic trekking trails and walking school child for receiving the highest rainfall This Pdf and its contents are copyright © state, is a popular hill station. There are paths. Unfurl the subtle yet astounding 2013,ixigo.com, all rights reserved. ixigo logo, the character and all other marks displayed herein are in the world — a title now taken over by registered and/or common law trademarks of several falls in and around Shillong. Shillong beauty of the wet town. ixigo.com and/or third parties. nearby Mawsynram, though. Cherrapunjee Peak is highest in the state and is good for falls directly in the path of the south-west trekking. It is also known as the 2 Ward's Lake monsoon, and the shape of the hills helps to Meghalaya Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/meghalaya page 2 other varieties of flora that adorn it. The indigenous to this part of the country and soak in the aura of the enchanting bridge in the midst of the lake is the perfect only.  starlit sky. place to enjoy a view of the whole lake, and maybe even feed the fish! 5 Living Root Bridges 4 Shillong Peak 3 Bara Bazaar Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001, India If you are in Shillong you cannot and should not miss out on the Ward's Lake. Located in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India the heart of the city, this horse-shoe shaped East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, lake is a popular spot to take a lazy walk or Meghalaya, 793001, India Living Root Bridges are built especially using admire the green lawn dotted with multi- the secondary root systems that grow Iewduh Bara Bazar, Shillong, East If you want a panoramic view of the beauty coloured flowers. Named after Sir William Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, 793002, India higher up on the trunk. To prevent these of Shillong, just take the trekking trail to Ward, the then Chief Commissioner of roots from flaring out on all directions and One of the most popular markets in Shillong Peak and you will get to witness a Assam, who initiated the plan for the guiding them the right way, hollowed out Shillong, Bara Bazaar should be at the top of spectacular sight, unique and exquisitely construction of this lake, which was later betel nut trunks are used. Once the roots your itinerary! From betel nuts and betel charming. Experience a completely different constructed by Colonel Hopkins in the year extend over to the other side of the river, leaves (a favourite among the Khasis) to high here! Approximately 1966 m above sea 1894, this lake is nature at its very they are allowed to take root. A good sturdy local handicrafts, you will find it all here. level, this peak enjoys the tag of being the best.  bridge may take anywhere from 10 to 15 Also known as Lewduh Market, this place highest point in the state of Meghalaya. years to be completely built and can easily seems like a colourful collection of Make sure you pack some snacks before carry the weight of more than 50 everything that you get in Shillong. you head for this peak. Once you reach people.  here, you can feast your eyes on the hills that dot the city and the pretty houses It is also said that the area around this On the slopes of the Jaintia and the Khasi clustered together in groups. At the peak, place was made by a Khasi prisoner, who hills in Cherrapunji, grows a species of the you will also find a sacred spot dedicated to requested to let him work to bring a change Indian rubber tree. This species has a The crowded market is thronged by the U Shulong and at this particular spot, to his monotonous daily routine. Thus, his particularly strong root system and thrives women from villages, selling local seasonal every spring, a ritual is held, in honour of U role in beautifying the place is something very well in these parts. The war Khasi tribes vegetables and fruits. Chances are that you Shulong. A paradise for avid photographers, which is remembered even today. There is had noticed this property of the tree long will have the opportunity to witness some the view is clear and amazing during the also a Botanical Garden near the lake which ago, and decided to use it as a way to cross varieties of vegetables, which are day, and at night, you can stare up the sky has various orchids, apart from the several Meghalaya Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/meghalaya page 3 over treacherous rivers. Once they delicious continental fare. The ambience is Indian, Chinese, Mexican and continental Shillong, Meghalaya, 793001, India mastered the art, they started building more quite reminiscent of the British times and cuisines, the variety here is quite impressive and more such bridges whenever there +91-364-2222341 the decor is very pleasant. As far as the and will leave you spoilt for choice. arose a need. service is concerned, you will not be Vegetarians can go for Tawa Sabzi with Located inside one of the most popular disappointed. The staff is very well trained parantha or some delicious Tandoori dishes, hotels in Shillong, The Polo Towers, Ginger and will even guide you around the menu if while non vegetarians have an open field to Restaurant is undoubtedly the trendiest you need assistance. You can enjoy your experiment with Thai, Mexican and Italian eating-out place in Shillong. The soothing Since the roots continue to grow, over time meal with the great views of the picturesque fares. Good food, good service and an interiors are done in wood and cream this living bridge continues to strengthen as town of Shillong. Overall, a great place to overall value for money experience, City Hut colour and the soft couches will instantly well. Some bridges in this area are more relax and chill out with family and friends. is a must for all foodies. Try to make it make you feel at home. Take a break from than 500 years old. A special mention goes during lunch as by dinner, the place gets the usual Indian cuisine and try out Italian to the "Umshiang Double-Decker Root 3 City Hut Family Dhaba quite packed. and Continental dishes like pasta, crepes, Bridge", which are two bridges stacked up cannelloni, stroganoff or just a fruit sundae. on each other - one of its kind in the whole 4 Bread Cafe Located adjacent to the restaurant is the bar world, for sure. called Platinum where you can go for your favourite drink after that perfect meal.