Meghalaya Tourism
Meghalaya, the abode of clouds, has been on the tourist map of India for the last several years. It is the state with the highest level of rain fall in the country. It is also the only state in India with an Austro-Asiatic society. The state has abundant natural attractions including forests and wildlife apart from its scenic beauty. The capital city, Shillong, is known as the "Scotland of the East". It is a renowned hill station with bracing climate, pine-scented walks, an excellent golf course and enchanting Himalayan scenery. Meghalaya is also famous for its natural healers. The Khasis and Garos being ancient races have an intimate knowledge of secret herbs which can cure several diseases even after all conventional methods have failed. There are also a number of fairs and festivals which can be themed into holiday packages alongwith other elements like nature and adventure. Meghalaya has several significant advantages over other tourist destinations in the North East as it has a unique blend of different cultures, relatively strong infrastructure like roads, hotel rooms and transport facilities. The tourist attractions are scattered in all the districts of the state and the details are as given below :

East Khasi Hills

Besides the capital of Shillong which is world renowned for its beautiful greenery, parks, artificial lakes and the golf links (Gleneagles of the East), the district has a powerful attraction in Cherrapunjee. The bird sanctuary at nearby Thangkarang with the awesome view of the imposing waterfalls set against the backdrop of Bangladesh plains is a bonanza for tourists, both foreign and domestic. Besides the above, there are in existence a number of caves, waterfalls and terrain which is a trekker's delight. As the district and the state as a whole is blessed with a salubrious climate the year round there is tremendous potential for tourism in the areas of cave exploration, trekking, rock climbing, hand gliding etc.

Ribhoi (West Khasi Hills) District

The State Govt. with GOI support has invested extensively in creating water sport facilities in one of the largest artificial lakes, Umiam, in this district. A resort designed by the world famous architect Charles Correa overlooks the banks of this lake with the nearby Nehru Park providing an added attraction.

Jaintia Hills District

This district boasts of one of the biggest monolith collections in the world at Nartiang which is a mere 15 km away from the district headquarter of Jowai. Besides this feature, there is an artificial lake at Thadlaskein which is a heritage site of the Jaintias. Further on, about 70 kms. from Jowai, are the longest caves of India at Lumshnong. Many foreign tourists have in fact been coming to this area. Other caves can be found in Syndai near Bangladesh border. At Saphai on the Assam border, exists a massive lake which can be developed into a prominent resort along the lines of the Umiam Lake Resort.

West Garo Hills District

In this district is the Nokrek sanctuary, which was described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'Land where the elephants dance'. Besides the above, the area is teeming with wildlife and there are elephant crossings which can be identified and watch towers etc. can be erected for the convenience of tourists.

South Garo Hills District

This district has perhaps the best potential for tourism in the areas of nature, wildlife and adventure. Firstly, it possess the Balpakram National Park with its abundance of wildlife and flora. Secondly, the Simsang river flows along the entire district and has given rise to the Atong culture, an ethnic tribe who have their roots in faraway Tibet. Near the national park lies the famous Siju caves and the bird sanctuary. There are also identified elephant crossing zones in a place called Mandai Aigitok.

East Garo Hills District

This district is densely forested and on the road to Williamnagar, the district capital, one can invariably meet elephants. There are also hot springs in Resubelpara, and impressive waterfalls at Ronghang.