Meghalaya
Meghalaya, one of the smallest states in India, occupies the plateau and rolling hills between Assam and Bangladesh.It is the home of Tribals who were influenced by the Hindu culture. They established the tribal district council and the tradition they followed were the kingship. The Tribals who inhabited here were the Khasis, Jaintias, Garo, Mikirs and the Cacharis.
They inhabited the region before the start of the Christian era. These tribes is said to have evolved from the migrants who belonged to the Indo-Chinese linguistic family, the Tibeto-Burman and the Mon-Khmer. The sub- families of the Tibeto-Burman`s were the Naga, Kukichin and Bodo. The Bodos were divided into small groups as Garo, Kachari, Mechs, Dimasa, Tippea, Lalung, Rabha, Chutiyas. The Garo Hills were occupied by the British in 1872. These tribes had their own kingdoms, until they came under the British administration. Presently people of Meghalaya are predominantly Christians. The state has a high literacy rate along with mostly English medium teaching.
Meghalaya The British authority in Meghalaya was a blessing in disguise as it led to the improvement of the landscape and the development of roads. The British included Meghalaya into Assam in 1835. Thus the region enjoyed a semi-independent status by virtue of the Treaty relationship with the British crown. Before attaining full state hood, Meghalaya was given a semi-autonomous status. When Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal on 16 October 1905, Megahlaya became a part of the province of ` Assam and East Bengal`. When the partition was reversed in 1912, Meghalaya became a part of Assam. At the time of Independence of the country in 1947, Meghalaya consisted of two districts of Assam and enjoyed limited independence.
In pursuance of Section 52A of the Government of India Act of 1919, the Governor declared the areas in Meghalaya, other than the Khasi States as backward areas. However the Government of India regrouped the backward areas into two categories as `excluded` and `partially excluded`. The Assam Reorganization( Meghalaya) Act accorded an independent status to Meghalaya. The Act came into effect on April 2nd1970 and thus an autonomous state of Meghalaya was created. The autonomous state had a Legislature in agreement with the Sixth schedule of the Constitution. In 1971, the Parliament passed the North-Eastern Areas Act, 1971, which offered full statehood to Meghalaya. Meghalaya attained statehood on 21 January 1972. Meghalaya was evolved in 21 January 1972 by the carving of two districts of the state of Assam evolved Meghalaya.
Main attraction of Meghalaya:
SHILLONG
It is the capital city of the state of Meghalaya. Situated at an altitude of 1496m above the sea level, it is a well known hill station and a popular tourist destination across the country. This place was named the ‘Scotland of the East’ by the Britishers. Located 56kms from Cherrapunji, the wettest place on earth, it creates a perfect atmosphere with wonderful lakes and waterfalls for the visitors. To reach Shillong, Guwahati is the nearest airport and railway station. By road, it is connected to every part of Meghalaya. The best season to visit this place is during the month of October-March.
TURA
It is located as a town in the Garo hills surrounded with scenic natural beauty. Situated at about 2,500 ft above the Tura town, it is basically a peak in Meghalaya and headquarters of the West Garo hills. River Brahmaputra is flown through the Tura town towards Bangladesh. Guwahati is the main airport and railway station to reach this place. By road, it is laso well connected to almost all the places in Meghalaya. The month of October to March is the best period to visit Tura Peak.
NONGSTOIN
Nongstoin is located about 93 kms from Shillong. A very unique stone embroided with natural color is found here which makes this place special from others. Earlier this city was the known for its famous saw mill and the log works associated with it. Khasi hills are only some distance away from Nongstoin. Jakrem, Ranikor are the nearest places of attraction. By air route, Shillong Barapani is the nearest airport and Guwahati is the closest railhead. Road transports are always available through bus services. This place can be visited throughout the year.
NONGPOH
It is situated in East Khasi hills and forms a portion of it. it has a very pleasant climate due to which it was considered once a good halting place for tourists visiting shillong. Thick green forest and beautiful lakes make it a tourist holiday spot of Meghalaya. It is located 53 kms from shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. The Road Side Market and the Orchid Lake are some of the nearest places of attractions. To visit this place the closest airport and railway station is Guwahati and road transports can also easily accessible. The best time to visit this place is throughout the year.
How to reach Meghalaya:
How to Reach Meghalaya by Road
Road routes are mapped out conveniently for travelers. The National Highway has efficient transports deporting passengers from Guwahati to Shillong. Other connecting buses from Shillong to the rest of the major cities are conveniently connected.
How to Reach Meghalaya by Rail
The State of Meghalaya has no railroads either. The nearest railway station is the Guwahati railway station that has again well connected road routes to Shillong.
This beautiful land of abundant natural beauty has immense tourist attraction. Log on to northeastindia.com to know about How to reach Meghalaya.
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