Amazing Facts about Meghalaya - "Exploring Nature's Masterpiece in the Abode of Clouds"
The state of Meghalaya is located in the northeastern part of India. This place is famous for its heavy rainfall and the mesmerizing scenic beauty of its mountains. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong, located in the state's east-central part. It is surrounded by Assam to its North and the northeast and Bangladesh to its South and South-west.
The literal meaning of the place Meghalaya is (Megha= cloud, and Alaya= abode) abode of the clouds, which means clouds always surround the place. A small village in Meghalaya named Cherrapunji is known to be the wettest place in the world which has an annual average precipitation of 450 inches during the monsoon season, i.e., from the month of May to September.
The climate in Meghalaya is mild throughout the year. This place is culturally very sound with their tribal culture and their folklore.
The History of Meghalaya
Northeastern India contains the state of Meghalaya. It was formerly a part of the state of Assam, but in 1972 it gained independence as a separate state. Several indigenous tribes, including the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia, lived there before the British colonial era. Each tribe had its own unique culture and traditions, and the area was comparatively remote and self-sufficient. Midway through the 19th century, the British invaded the area and incorporated it into their empire.
The Khasi Hills district, which covered the present-day state of Meghalaya, was created by the British in 1874. During British rule, the area was also a part of the Assam province. The people of the Northeast, especially Meghalaya, started to demand more autonomy and acknowledgment of their unique identities after India attained independence in 1947. Shillong serves as the state capital of Meghalaya, which was established in 1972.
Ideal Time to Visit​
April to June
Ideal Duration​
5-7 Days
How to Reach
By Road: Meghalaya can be reached by road from various parts of India. The most popular route is from Guwahati, which is around 100 km away, and takes around 3-4 hours to reach Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. Other nearby cities like Siliguri, Dimapur, and Kolkata are also well-connected to Meghalaya by road.
However, please note that it is recommended to hire an experienced driver if you are not familiar with driving on such terrain land of Meghalaya. You can also take a bus or shared taxi from these cities to reach Meghalaya.
By Train: Guwahati Railway Station.
By Air: Shillong Airport.
Distance from Nearest Railway Station / Airport
30 km from Shillong Airport and 165 km from the Guwahati Railway Station.
