MEGHALAYA
Meghalaya, of Scottish scenery and Indian charm is a beautiful state nestled amid Assam and Bangladesh. Meghalaya, literally meaning "Abode of the Clouds" takes distinction of being among the wettest places on earth. The Cherrapunji belt receives the highest rainfall in the world. Home to an extraordinary diversity of peoples, the Khasi, Jantia and Garo tribes, Meghalaya is one of the most picturesque states of India, which serves as an ideal gateway for people in search of beauty and tranquility. The panoramic landscapes, foggy hills, cascading waterfalls, serpentine rivers, and terraced slopes soothe the minds of weary travellers. Meghalaya is blessed with rich wildlife. The dense forests of Meghalaya are inhabited by many rare species of birds and animal including elephants, Tigers, Golden Cats, Binturongs, Slow Loris, Monkeys and birds like Hornbills, Partridges, Teals, Snipes and Quails. Meghalaya is dotted with numerous tourist spots. Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya has many beautiful sites such as Lady Hydari Park, Elephant falls, Ward's lake, Shillong peak, and the golf course, one of the best in the country.
Meghalaya wildlife holiday tour is full of treasure trove of Nature, with its rich variation of dense endemic and cultivated flora. Nature, in its plenteous abundance, had blessed Meghalaya with a unique array of plantation, ranging from tropical and sub-tropical to temperate or near temperate. This is due to the diverse physiology, varied and plentiful of rainfall and distinctive climatic and edaphic conditions of the state, within small regions. Biotic factors have also played an important role, at places decisive.
Meghalaya is also a happy hunting ground to the zoologists for its interesting, rare and diverse fauna wealth. It is said that about 50% of the entire wildlife population of mammal are found in the entire Indian sub-continent can be seen in Meghalaya Wild life natioinal parks and other sanctuaries in the North-East. Out of the above, nine genera of wildlife of mammals, such as Tupaia, Rhizomys, Cannomys, Chiropodomys, Micromys etc. are only found in Meghalaya Jungle and its adjoining areas.
Meghalaya is also a happy hunting ground to the zoologists for its interesting, rare and diverse fauna wealth. It is said that about 50% of the entire wildlife population of mammal are found in the entire Indian sub-continent can be seen in Meghalaya Wild life natioinal parks and other sanctuaries in the North-East. Out of the above, nine genera of wildlife of mammals, such as Tupaia, Rhizomys, Cannomys, Chiropodomys, Micromys etc. are only found in Meghalaya Jungle and its adjoining areas.
The species found in Meghalaya national parks are - Hoolock - the only tailless ape in India, Golden Cat, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Large Indian Civet, Binturong or Bear Cat, Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Pangolin.
Take a wildlife safari tours to explore Some species of various families of mammals namely Primates, the Cats, Civets, Mongooses, Dogs, Bear, Weasels, Bats, Rodents, Elephants, Gaur, Wild Buffalo, Serow, Deer, Pigs and Pangolins residing in the forests of Meghalaya. In Meghalaya wild population alos includes Hoolock Gibbon, macaques and langurs, Rhesus Macaque and Assamese Macaque. The Golden Langur is a very rare species of Meghalaya and is on the verge of extinction. Among lemurs, the Slow Loris is found in Meghalaya.
Human resource in tourism industry is an integral part of alluring tourists and raising their satisfaction. Meghalaya tourism has started various training programs for hotel staffs, Meghalaya tourism guides, taxi drivers; restaurant owners, which would help them, learn the nuances of hospitality sector and customer satisfaction. Meghalaya tourism has opened up Meghalaya Tourism reception centers, which assist and provide information about Meghalaya travel to discerning travellers. A wide range of holiday packages and vacation tours to Meghalaya can also be booked from these information centers. Tourists can also log on to the official website of Meghalaya tourism, which offers complete information about Meghalaya travel destinations, hotels, transport, and treks, history, culture, and fairs and festivals.
Tourist Attraction of Meghalaya
Uniam Lake, Kyllang Rock, Ward's Lake, Lady Hydari park, Polo ground, Mini zoo, Shillong peak, Nartiang, Nohsngithaing falls, limestone caves, Tura peak are some of the prime tourist attractions in Meghalaya. Meghalaya travel destinations also include Cherrapunji, Mawsynram, Jakrem, and Jowai.
Best Time To Visit Meghalaya
The best time to visit Meghalaya is on the months of March and July, when the weather is uniquely pleasant and caressing.
By Air
The nearest major airport is located at Guwahati in Assam, which is about 128 Kms from Shillong. Guwahati is well connected to Kolkata, New Delhi, Baghdogra and Bangkok by regular flights. Taxis can be hired from Guwahati Airport to Shillong. There is a helicopter service from Guwahati Airport to Shillong.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is at Guwahati, which is located at a distance of 103 Kms from Shillong.
By Road
Meghalaya Transport Corporation and Assam State Transport Corporation buses are available, that frequently ply from Guwahati to Shillong.
There are various means of transports available in Meghalaya. State Transport Corporation and private operators run bus services to Shillong and other places in Meghalaya. Taxis and Sumos are also available. The full taxi could be hired or shared with other travelers.
