Interesting facts about Meghalaya State in INDIA

Facts about Meghalaya

Dividing the Assam valley from the plains of Bangladesh, Meghalaya remains one the most priceless gems of North East India which is loved for its diverse natural beauty. Travellers visit here to delve into the enchanting mix of cultural and natural wonders which is hard to find anywhere else. It is perhaps the only destination which can be visited during any time of the year as its charm never fades. This abode of clouds brings to you an enchanting mix of tribes, including the Jaintia, Khasi and Garo.

Here are the top places to visit in Meghalaya:

Mawlynnong Village

Voted as Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong Village in Meghalaya seems like a paradise on earth. It is amazing that one cannot find even tiniest piece of straw here. Roads of this town are clean and extremely beautiful looking. The village is known for its live root bridge which remains a major attraction here. This is perhaps the most serene village on the planet where even the winds bestow an unearthly vibe.

Laitlum Canyon

Nothing can be as pleasurable for trekking enthusiasts as visiting Laitlum Canyon. This place offers you the best trekking expeditions in the north east. It is not for novice trekkers as the terrain is difficult and requires skills. You get to explore the best panoramic view of Meghalaya as you reach the top. Spotting sunset and sunrise view from the top is an enchanting experience.  

Double Decker

The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is situated in Cherapunjee which is known as the rainiest place in India. Meghalaya is renowned all over the world for its uniquely formed natural bridges which are visited by people from all over the world. Trek to this place gives goose bumps even to the most adventurous souls as one needs to complete around 2000 slippery steps.  However, people still come to visit this exceptionally beautiful place which has an unmatched beauty.

Ialong Park

The Ialong Park is located around 10 kms from Jowai. This place is a sheer gem where people come to relax and rejuvenate their senses. Visit here to grab enthralling vistas of Myndtu River and valley which look like never ending expanses of emerald blanket. To make travellers have a whale of a time, numerous fun activities have been planned here where people of all age groups and likes can enjoy.

Balpakram National Park

Balpakram National Park is ideal if you are devotee of Mother Nature. The park has a flourishing variety of flora and fauna which cannot be seen anywhere else. One can spot numerous canyons and gorges here and some heart warming views of Tanguar Haor in Bangladesh. Locals of this place take pride in the natural beauty sprawling here and love to guide the travellers through some unbeaten paths. One can also spot about 8 varieties of feline predators and internationally intriguing red pandas here which are a sight to behold.

Don Bosco Center Indigenous Cultures

Experience a melange of vibrant culture and tradition of Meghalaya by visiting Don Bosco Center Indigenous Cultures. This museum is a masterpiece of creativity as it beautifully exhibits information on the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland through diverse exhibits.

Elephant waterfalls

Only 12 km from Shillong, Elephant waterfalls are peacefully located close to the Shillong Peak. Khasi locals call them with the name of ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew’. These are basically a 2-tiered rugged waterfall nestling with abundance of abundance of greenery. Visit here to explore successive falls which cascade from mountains on rocky steps. It is an ideal place to plan a day picnic amidst nature at its best.

Umiam Lake

This lake in Shillong is frequented by both nature lovers as well as adventure enthusiasts. Water of this lake is extremely pristine and clear. It is an ideal place to delve into adventure as one can partake in numerous fun activities here, including speed boating, sailing, kayaking, water-skiing and rowing.

Food

Food of Meghalaya is deeply rooted to the state’s rich cultures. It brings to you an assortment of flavours which cannot be found anywhere else. Try Jadoh red which is rice cooked with pork meat. Doh-Khlieh, a delicious salad, is also cooked in every household. There is a tradition of serving soups before meals in Meghalaya and thus, Nakham Bitchi, made with dry fish, can be seen in every household. Rice remains the staple food of the state and is thus, consumed in many forms. Pumaloi remains a popular rich dish. Also, those who love sweets must taste Pukhlein (a sweet rice dish) and Sakin Gata (rice mixture and roasted sesame seeds).

Shopping

Shopping in Meghalaya is all about mingling with locals, understanding their cultures and buying some beautiful handicrafts. Lewduh market is the biggest market in Shillong where plenty of handloom and handicraft items are found. Police Bazaar remains popular during evening hours where numerous shops, multi cuisine restaurants and hotels are lined up. No traveller visiting Meghalaya ever misses a chance to buy Naga and Manipuri shawls. Scottish Dress Materials also make great souvenirs. Khasi scrub is also a must buy here which is sold in almost every shop.

Away From Civilization, Yet So Close

People in Meghalaya are still very traditional in a true sense. During interactions with locals, you will discover that many people don’t know how to speak Hindi or English. Rather, locals still speak in their tribal languages, such as Khasi. But this hasn’t stopped them from learning the ropes of globalization. In spite of the day-to-day conversational challenges, the people of Meghalaya are still extremely warm, friendly and welcoming. Today, you’ll find people living in closed communities building access to healthcare, schooling and religion.

Ladies Rock

One of the only states in India to practice matrilineal tradition, men in Meghalaya move to a woman’s house after marriage. The youngest woman of the household inherits the family property, carries the family lineage and the children take their mother’s family name.

Self Governance

While the state holds elections periodically, the people in Meghalaya have a unique way of self-governance. Unlike many parts in India, Meghalaya doesn’t have the concept of Panchayat system. Instead the tribes still practice the local way of governance called Durbaars. Each tribe in the village would typically host a Durbaar to address the local issues; agrarian, economic or interpersonal. Ironically, the Durbaar consists of only men, in spite of practicing a matrillineal society. The Durbaar arrives at decisions by taking a vote of mouth, during the discussions.

Pioneering Environmentalists

One of the striking facts about Meghalaya is that the land in the state is owned by local tribal communities and not the government. This land has been preserved by the communities, with some of it being conserved as centuries old forests. In fact, some of the villages in Meghalaya boast of forests as old as 800 years or more. This has helped foster the eco equilibrium of the state, while cultivating a sense of ‘respecting the nature’, ahead of human development.

You Can Meet Mr. Lazy

As funny as it may sound, you’ll find people in Meghalaya named as Lazy, Help Me, Bless, Heaven, and so on. On inquiring with the locals, it seems some of the tribes give these names to their children, with some inspiration from the Bible. Of course, not having known the meanings of these words, the generations have passed these and similar names on to their children, making them an integral part of the Meghalayan culture.

  

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