Meghalaya

Meghalaya

Cherrapunji – one of the wettest places of the world – is in Meghalaya or the land of the clouds.

Besides, there are snowy peaks, tropical regions, fast-flowing rivers, scintillating scenery, natural caves having stalagmites and stalactites, multihued cultural heritage and modern tourism.

Meghalaya is the only state in North East India to have a rich deposit of uranium.

The people of Meghalaya follow the matriarchal system. They have a rich colorful heritage.

Meghalaya is the exotic place for the pitcher plant and the orchid. There are many other indigenous flora and fauna here. Many medicinal plants used in many health sciences grow naturally here.

Meghalaya also has many of the headquarters of important departments.

The communication network to Meghalaya is well-developed. The hospitality industry is also flourishing here.

Meghalaya is known for the traditional cottage industry.

Meghalaya is also the largest producer and exporter of ginger, cinnamon and pineapples. It also grows cherries, grapes, apples, plums, peaches, and oranges among other fruit and vegetables.

The tourist destination spots are Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki ( on the Indo-Bangladesh border)

Tourists do not need any permit to visit Meghalaya.

Meghalaya has a lot to offer to the discerning visitor. Meghalaya has waterfalls, snow-caped mountain peaks, wonderful scenic locales, and of course the typical indigenous flavor in the cuisines besides the tropical verdant forests.

NOMENCLATURE

The term ‘Meghalaya’ connotes the ‘Abode of clouds’.

Meghalaya has peaks that provide exhilarating views as you find amidst the fogs and clouds.

MEGHALAYA: BASIC FACTS

Meghalaya got the status of state of the Indian union on January 21, 1972.

This region was a part of Assam before that date.

In fact, the capital of undivided Assam was in Shillong which is now the capital of Meghalaya.

The total area of Meghalaya is 22,429 sq. km.

MEGHALAYA: POPULATION PATTERN

According to the 1991 Census, the total population of Meghalaya is 23, 18,822.

The majority of the population is from the Pnar tribe including the Khasis and the Jaintias besides the Garos.

People of these tribes and their sub-tribes trace their roots to very ancient times. Each of these tribes has its typical cultural heritage.

MEGHALAYA: OCCUPATION SETUP

The majority of the local population depends on agriculture and allied activities for livelihood.

Some of them have also taken to sericulture, horticulture and handicrafts besides other cottage industries including the cane and bamboo sector. 

Many of the Nepali people are into the dairy sector.

There are also considerable numbers of Bengalis and Nepalis besides Assamese.

People of other communities from India are also in Meghalaya. Most of these communities reside here for business purposes.

There is also a sizeable section of people from other parts of India who do various government and company jobs in Meghalaya.

MEGHALAYA: ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

Meghalaya has seven districts.  These are the Ri-Bhoi District, East Khasi Hills District, West Khasi Hills District, Jaintia Hills District, East Garo Hills District, and the West Khasi Hills District. 

Ri Bhoi District was constituted on June 4, 1992; the East Khasi Hills District and the West Khasi Hills District were formed on October 28,1976; the Jaintia Hills District  on February 22, 1972; while the East Garo Hills District and the West Garo Hills Districts were constituted on October 22, 1976

MEGHALAYA: LOCATION

Meghalaya is located between 85 o 49’ and 92 o 52’ longitude and 20 o 1’N and 26o5N latitude.

MEGHALAYA: BORDERS & BOUNDARIES

Meghalaya has a common border with Bangladesh on its western and southern frontiers.

Meghalaya also shares a common boundary with six districts of Assam on its northern, and eastern sides..

On the north are the four Assam districts of Karbi Anglong, Kamrup, Nagaon, and Goalpara; while on the east are the other two Assam districts of Cachar.

MEGHALAYA: CAVELOGISTS’ PARADISE

For the adventure tourists, Meghalaya offers the excitement of exploring the caves.

The longest and the largest caves – some with fantastic stalagmites and stalactites draw visitors in hordes any part of the year. 

You will find such exotic caves in the Jaintia Hills and also in the Garo Hills districts of Meghalaya. 

MEGHALAYA: WORLD’S WETTEST PLACES ARE HERE

Cherrapunji or Sohra – two of the wettest places of the world – are situated in Meghalaya.

MEGHALAYA: A CULTURAL CAULDRON

Meghalaya is also a cultural melting pot. Many tribes and sub-tribes have been living here peacefully.

They include the Pnars including the Khasis and the Jaintias besides the Garos and people of other communities including the Assamese, Bengalis, Biharis, Marwaris, Nepalis and the communities from other parts of India who work in various government offices and companies. 

Each tribe, sub-tribe and community has its own typical language and rich cultural heritage.
 
MEGHALAYA: HEALTHY RESORT

The climate of Meghalaya is salubrious.

In fact, Meghalaya is deemed as a popular and economical health resort.

MEGHALAYA: PRECIOUS BIOLOGICAL HOTSPOT

Meghalaya is a bio-hot spot.

Meghalaya is the habitat to many exotic flora and fauna.

Mention may be made of orchids, bamboos and broom plants besides the exotic and endangered pitcher plant.

Meghalaya is also the habitat of colorful species of butterflies, reptiles and animals.

MEGHALAYA: ECONOMICAL HILL STATION

Meghalaya has many hill stations.

Meghalaya is the nearest to the gateway to the North East – Guwahati in Assam.