MEGHALAYA
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Facts Capital: Shillong
Climate
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INTRODUCTION:
Meghalaya is literally the
'Abode of the Clouds'. The name describes the climatic phenomenon that brings
torrents of rain to this region. Meghalaya is a region of great scenic beauty; a
panorama of lush, undulating hills, fertile valleys, 250 species of orchids,
meandering rivers, waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams and lakes. It was
declared the 21st State of India on 21 January 1972. It united the areas of the
Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills. The state approximately 22,429 square kms in area
lies between the latitudes 25.10-26.50 N and the longitudes of 85.49 0 - 92.52
E. It is bounded by Assam in the north and the east and the plains of Bangladesh
in the south and west. The State is divided into three hilly regions - the Garo
Hills (Western Meghalaya), the Khasi Hills (Central Meghalaya) and the Jaintia
Hills (Eastern Meghalaya).
Climate
The state of Meghalaya is directly influenced by the southwestern monsoon that
originates in the Bay of Bengal. The monsoon begins in May and continues until
October. Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills district has one of the heaviest
rainfalls in the world with a July average of 959 cms. The climate from November
to April is almost dry. Winter begins in December and lasts until February.
The Language
The principal languages in Meghalaya are Khasi, Garo and English. However, the
state language is English
Flora & Fauna
In Khasi Hills, there are more than 2,000 flowering plants in a radius of ten miles from Cherrapunjee. There are 150 species of ferns and a profusion of mosses, fungi and lichens. More than 250 species of orchids, 25 species of balsams, 20 species of palms, wild species of apples and 150 species of grass are available. In the upper hill regions from 1500 m and above, in the central plateau of Khasi Hills, coniferous vegetations like pines, oaks and ferns are found. This makes a distinct and interesting natural vegetation belt. The dense jungles in Meghalaya provide a natural habitat for various wildlife - mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. Balpakram, in the East Garo Hills is the centre of wild elephants population. The other wild animals found here include: tigers, bisons, and hoolock gibbons, boars, barking deer, sambars, leopards, apes and monkeys. Among reptiles, many kinds of snakes, poisonous and non-poisonous lizards are found here. There are also a wide variety of birds found in the higher altitudes. A special mention of the approximately 500 species of butterflies found in Meghalaya needs to be made, with some of them being very rare.
Places of Interest:
Shillong is the capital of
Meghalaya. Its picturesque setting and salubrious climate were considered
suitable for sanatoriums and holiday homes for British civilians, suffering from
the sweltering heat of the plains. It is described as 'Mini London'. There are
many legends surrounding the name Shillong. One says that it originated from the
name of a handsome youth called Shyllong.
Golf Links
Shillong's Golf Course is considered one of the best in India. It is situated in
the center of the city, close to the polo ground. It was established in 1898, by
a group of British Civil Service officers. Golfers from all over the world come
here to test their skills.
Lady Hydari Park
Lady Hydari Park was named after the wife of Sir Akhbari Hydari, the first
Indian Governor of Assam who assumed charge on the eve of independence. It has a
very attractive garden and the best months to see the flowers in bloom are April
to October. Next to the park, is a mini zoo, where many species of birds and
animals are kept.
Museum of Entomology
This place is a treasure house of various kinds of exquisite Meghalayan
butterflies and insects, some of which are bred and reared by naturalists and
then preserved. The most beautiful and sought after Meghalayan butterfly is
'Kaiser-I-Hind'.
Shillong Peak
Forested Shillong Peak, at 1,965 m above sea level, acts as a vast catchment
area. A steep winding road goes right to the top of the peak. On a clear day,
you can see the Himalayan peaks and plains of Sylhet from the summit.
Ward's Lake
This artificial lake located in Shillong received its name from Sir William
Ward, Chief Commissioner of Assam in 1893-94, because he took a personal
interest in beautifying it.
Waterfalls
In and around Shillong, there are numerous waterfalls, especially during the
monsoon when they run in milky white torrents: Bishop Falls, Elephant Falls,
Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls and Beadon Falls are best
known. Bishop or Suna Pani Falls are located west of Mawprem in Shilong. They
are 135 m high and particularly impressive in monsoon. The beautiful Elephant or
Umdiengpun Falls are enroute to Sadew, 12 kilometres from Shillong City.
Cherrapunjee
has a rich historical heritage and was the first British outpost in this part of
the country. Sohra is the original Khasi name for Cherrapunjee. It is 1300 m
above sea level and 56 kms from Shillong. This place is one of the rainiest
rain-belts in the world. A pleasant drive to see roaring waterfalls leaping into
deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang Falls. The lovely town is also
famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. Centre of Khasi culture and
literature, it also has the oldest Presbyterian Church and also an establishment
of the Ramakrishna Mission.
56 Kms from Shillong, it is known for the giant stalagmite formation shaped into a Shivalinga, called locally as 'Mawjymbuin'.
64 kms from Shillong, a popular health resort having hot-springs of sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties.
In the Khasi Hills are a number of ancient monoliths and table stones, which are either memorial where the ashes of the dead are deposited in cairns or cenotaphs, commemorating memorable events. The upright stones represent men generally and are of considerable size, sometimes projecting 6 m (20 feet) or more above ground.
The most important town in the Jaintia Hills district is Jowai, 1,380 m above sea level, situated 64 kms from Shillong. The annual festival of Behdeinkhlam is celebrated in great style in Jowai. En-route from Shillong to Jowai, one passes through grassy meadows, colourful graveyards, rice terraces, woods of oak or whispering pine and the meandering Myntdu River.
This is located in the Jaintia Hills about 65 kms from Shillong and 24 kms from Jowai. There are clusters of monoliths in Nartiang that are among the tallest anywhere in the world.
The district headquarters of the West Garo Hills is Tura, which is situated 657 m above sea level. Tura has a picturesque landscape of hills overlooking the sweeping curves of the mighty Brahmaputra River on the plains below. The Tura Peak is very close to town and it is the ideal place for rock climbers, hikers and naturalists.
WILDLIFE IN MEGHALAYA:
The state has two National Parks - Nobrek and Balpakam, and two wildlife sanctuaries - Nongkyllem and Siju.
Balpakram is a fertile virgin land. The unsurveyed belts of limestone and coal
deposits, along with sea shells fossilized into rocks in Balpakram Hill provide
immense scope for geological and archeological studies. The fauna of this area
includes elephants, wild buffaloes, gaur (Indian bison), sambar, barking deer,
wild boar, capped langur as well as predators such as tigers, leopards, clouded
leopards and the rare golden cat.
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the Garo Hills district, 2 kms from Tura
Peak. The reserve is one of the least disturbed forest tracts of the
sub-Himalayan ranges. It is the first biosphere reserve of its kind in the
northeast region. The Garo Hills contain many natural limestone caves. The
famous Siju Cave is located very close to the Nophak Lake near the Simsang River
Game Reserve. The cave is filled with water and is miles long.
ADVENTURE IN MEGHALAYA:
Meghalaya, being one of the most beautiful hill states of India, is very suitable for a lot of adventure activities.
The deepest and longest of the caves in South Asia are located on the hills of
Khasi Hills. Every year expert cavers from all around the world explore the
hills of Meghalaya, to find new caves and map them. Some very large caves with
beautiful formations are well mapped and are closeby, with good accessibility.
Caves are located in almost all the districts of the state that add to the
abundance of natural beauty of Meghalaya. This state probably has more caving
potential than any other state in India. These caves mainly stalactite and
stalagmite caves of various formations, are truly nature's gift and wonder.
Select & venture - Siju, Mawsmai, Mawsynram, Syndai - only to name a few caves.
Regarding visit to the caves, we shall be in a position to coordinate such
visits with an organisation that has taken a study on the caves of Meghalaya
known as Meghalaya Adventurous Association whose address for correspondence is
as follows:
The beautiful hill slopes of Meghalaya are ideal for trekking. Trekking between villages of colourful hill tribes is also very interesting. The trekking potential in Meghalaya is unique, in the sense that terrain is rugged like in Himalayan areas but with the advantage of not being snowbound.
The Water Sports Complex has been developed upon the mighty reservoir of the Umiam Hydro Electric Project, at Umiam, 16 kilometres before reaching Shillong. The campus consists of a beautiful Orchid Lake Resort and the Nehru Park. Besides, it offers a wide choice of exciting water sports activities with row-boats, paddle-boats, cruise-boats, sailing-boats and water-scooters.
Meghalaya is also an ideal location for biking and camping holidays.
Golf: Shillong Golf Course
is referred to as the "Gleneagle of the East" at the United States Golf
Association Library and Museum. This museum, which happens to be the largest of
its kind in the world, exhibits the only piece on display from India as that of
the Shillong Golf Course.
The site where the Shillong Golf Course is located provides a scenic view.
Developed in 1898, as a 9 holes course, it was later converted to 18 holes in
1924, by Capt. Jackson and C.K Rhodes - both did a remarkable job in preserving
its natural beauty and carved out the cost amongst pine trees. It is the third
oldest golf course in India and was first surveyed in 1933. Since then, no major
modification been carried out over it.
The location and setting on this course are amongst the best found in the
country. With the implementation of the improvement plans, it could develop into
a top class facility and provide much relief to both the golfing population and
the tourism industry.
FESTIVALS OF MEGHALAYA:
Among the Garos, the most important festival is the Wangala or the Hundred-drum Festival held from Nov. to Dec. This is a harvest festival celebrated in honour of Saljong, the Sun-God of fertility. The festival marks the end of the period of toil in the fields, bringing a good yield of crops. Everybody - young & old joins in the festivities. The men beat the drums and move forward in rhythmic union. Doregata Dance Festival is another interesting dance. In this dance, women try to knock off the turbans of their male partners, using their heads. Another dance that requires exquisite skill is the Chambil Mesara or Pomelo Dance. This is a solo dance form, in which the performer dangles a pomelo or any other fruit on a cord tied to his waist and then hurls it round & round.
The Khasis have two important festivals - Nongkrem Dance held in Oct. / Nov. and
Shad-Suk Mynsiem, held in April. Nongkrem Dance is held annually for five days
together. It is a religious festival for thanksgiving to God Almighty for good
harvest and to pray for peace and prosperity in the community. It is celebrated
in the month of November. An important part of this festival is 'pomblang' or
decapitation of the goats, offered by the subjects to the Syiem of Khyrim. The
Syiem is the administrative head of the state. Offerings are made to the
ancestors of the ruling clan.
Behdienkhlam is the most important dance festival of the Jaintias. It is
celebrated after the sowing period is over. At Jowai town, this festival can be
seen being celebrated in July. Youngmen make a symbolic driving away of the evil
spirits by beating the roofs of every house with bamboo poles. The climax of the
celebrations is the tussle, as seen in a tug-of-war, for a large undressed beam
of two groups of people opposed to each other. The Jaintias have also another
Dance festival for entertainment called the Laho Dance, where young men and
women dance to the merriment of the audience.