MEGHALAYA
Capital: Shillong. Area: 22,429 sq. km. Population: 23,18,822 (Male: 11,76,087 Female: 11,42,735). Population density: 103 per sq. km. Sex ratio: 972
females per 1000 males. Principal languages: Khasi, Garo, Bengali, Assamese. Literacy: 62.6% (Male: 65.4% Female: 59.6%). Districts: 7. Lok Sabha seats: 2. State Assembly seats: 60. Airport: Umroi. Tourist season: March to July.
Introduction Carved out of Assam in 1972, Meghalaya is a hilly strip in the eastern part of the country about 300 km long (east-west) and 100 km wide. The word ‘Meghalaya’ means ‘The Abode of Clouds’ in Sanskrit and other Indian languages. The major tribal communities here are the Khasis, the Jaintias and the Garos. The forests of Meghalaya are notable for their mammals, birds, and plants. The capital city Shillong is also known as the Scotland ofthe East.
How to get there
By Air: The nearest airport is at Guwahati, which is only 128 km from Shillong. A helicopter service operates between Guwahati, Shillong (30 min) and Tura (60 min), which is convenient and economical. Helipads are at upper Shillong and in the downtown (Umroi Helipad).
By Rail: The state does not have any train service, and the nearest railhead is
Guwahati. The state has very convenient road connections with Guwahati throughout the year.
By Road: The state has a good network of roads. NH 40 is an all-weather road running. The road connects Shillong with Guwahati, which is connected to all major cities ofthe country.
Places of interest
lew Duh (A big market at Bara Bazaar)
Waterfalls (Elephant Falls, Shadthum Falls, Weinia falls, Bishop Falls, Langshiang falls and Sweet Falls). • Hot springs at Jakrem near Mawsynram • Major parks (Thangkharang Park, the Eco-park, the Botanical Garden and Lady Hydari Park) • Dawki (gateway to Bangladesh and a scenic spot)» Donbosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures • Cherranpunjee: Nohkalikai Falls, View Point, Maswmai Cave • Umiam Lake (Guwahati- Shillong road) • Nohkalikai Falls, Jaintia Hills: Nartiang, Durga Temple
Garo Hills: 100-Drum cultural festival (early November), Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakhram National Park