‘Wild and verdant’ is an apt phrase to sum up the Garo Hills. This western chunk of Meghalaya is home to most of the wild species that are found in the state – from wild pachyderm herds and the enigmatic Hoolock gibbon to elusive predators. The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is one of the most prized eco-systems in the country while Balpakram is not only an adventurer’s delight, it is also home to many myths and legends.
Meghalaya’s highest elevations occur in the Khasi Hills and the southern edge is home to the planet’s rainiest stretches. People have been visiting destinations like Sohra and Mawsynram for generations to witness the madness of the monsoons while cosmopolitan Shillong offers a distinct blend of small-town charm mixed with a modern urban vibe. The Khasi Hills offer extremes – whether you want to conquer a raging rapid, take a scenic road trip, sleep under the stars or lounge in a café with a book – there are options for all.
A garden of monoliths, boats floating on crystal-clear waters, curtains of waterfalls over weathered rocks tucked in a secret forest – these are images that the Jaintia Hills conjures. Meghalaya’s eastern section has been in the thick of North-eastern history, being mentioned in the chronicles of the Ahoms and other neighbouring cultures. The Jaintia Hills also provide the mesmeric scenery that one expects from Meghalaya as routes dart between highland meadows and steep tropical landscapes.
‘Wild and verdant’ is an apt phrase to sum up the Garo Hills. This western chunk of Meghalaya is home to most of the wild species that are found in the state – from wild pachyderm herds and the enigmatic Hoolock gibbon to elusive predators. The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is one of the most prized eco-systems in the country while Balpakram is not only an adventurer’s delight, it is also home to many myths and legends.
