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The Abode of the Clouds – Meghalaya
Literally and
figuratively this north eastern state consisting of the Garo Hills,
Khasi Hills and the Jaintia Hills is the abode of the clouds. However,
the place remains ideal for those blessed with an adventurous heart.
Those who listen to the call for Caving, Boating, Camping and Biking
this is the place to go for a holiday.
 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
ThThe 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
rhlateau and 150 species of grass are available. In the upper hill
regions from 1500 metres 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, 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.
How to get there ?
By Air: Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is connected by
helicopter service from Guwahati. Or else, one could take the daily
flights to Guwahati and then travel by road - 100 kms (approx)
By Rail: Shillong is connected by North Frontier & North Eastern
Railway via Guwahati. The nearest Rail head is Guwahati (127 Km.). |
