Meghalaya is a beautiful scenic state. The word Meghalaya means “abode of Clouds”. Exactly like its name Meghalaya is a wet and cloudy state. It is in the North East part of India. It lies near Assam. It is one of India’s youngest state after its split from Assam. It may be a dazzling mosaic of cross- cultural diversity today in its busy townships, but its original settlers made their homes in habitations that clung to the misty heights and verdant lowlands of the Garo, Jaintia and Khasi hills. The Garos of the Bodo family of the Tibeto-Burman stock reside in the Garo hills, the Khasis of the Mon-Khmer group and famed for their great stone memorials and the Jaintias who migrated from southeast Asia settled in the northern and southern plains. Today , people may speak English, and a majority of the population may practice Christianity, but the music of the Khasi and Jaintia hills is a seamless blend of western and tribal culture.
Agricultarists by tradition, the people of Meghalaya are also reputed for their weaving skills. And though hard working they also know how to enjoy with wonderful music , dance and good food. It’s capital Shillong is a beautiful hill station at 1496 m. It is also called the “ Scotland of the East”. It is known worldwide for its Golf Course which is one of the wettest and the best golf course in the country. Shillong has beautiful lakes and waterfalls and is placed among the green mountains and pine forests. Though comparatively lesser known , this hill station offers cool, serene and pollution free environment to the tourists.
Wards lake, Botanical garden, Golf Course, State Museum , Butterfly museum, Lady Hydari Park, Sohpetbneng Peak, Thadlaskien Lake, Jokrem Hill Resort, Dawki Border, Sweet falls, Bishop falls, Beadon falls and Elephant falls are places of tourist interest. Cathedral of Mary Help Christians, Grotto Church are some significant churches there.
