Travel Guide toMeghalaya
Abode of the Clouds
Why travel to Meghalaya ~ Introduction
Where the clouds touch the earth.
“Meghalaya's landscapes are so stunning that they take your breath away and leave you in awe.”
— Ruskin Bond(Author)
Hidden away in the subtle hills of eastern sub-Himalayas is Meghalaya, one of India's most beautiful states. It is a land blessed with bountiful rainfall, sunshine, virgin forests, high plateaus, breathtaking waterfalls, clear rivers, and meandering streams; a land of ancient cultures where the people are intelligent and friendly. In Sanskrit, Meghalaya means 'the abode of clouds' and signifies the state's rightful claim as being the wettest place on the planet. Most of the state is covered by vast expanses of tropical primary forests and flourishing biodiversity of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Some of the small pockets of forests are known as sacred groves which have been preserved since ancient times by local communities due to religious and cultural significance.
Three ancient tribes inhabit the land and live a free autonomous lifestyle which allows for their practices to be preserved. While the Khasis and Jaintas come from the ancient lineage of Proto Austroloid Monkhmer race who are considered one of the first settlers in India and reside in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, the Garos belong to the Tibetan-Burman race and reside in the Garo Hills. The cultures of Meghalaya have a matrilineal society where inheritance and lineage is passed on to women. In his observations, anthropologist David Roy notes this aspect as "a man is the defender of the woman, but the woman is the keeper of his trust."
Agriculture is the predominant source of livelihood for the people while other sources include mineral-based industries, forestry, horticulture, and small emporiums that promote traditional arts and crafts. The flowers of Meghalaya are renowned around the world and in recent years an approach to organic and sustainable farming has been extensively promoted in the state.
The fascinating close relationship that can be observed when humans live alongside and in tune with their natural environment can be observed in the lifestyles of the people of Meghalaya. From creating sacred forests to building bridges out of living roots, beliefs in forest spirits and stone monoliths, and a compassionate approach towards nature, Meghalaya delights with plenty of secrets for travelers who seek an adventure off the beaten path.
Travel to Meghalaya for its culture
Keepers of a matrilineal legacy.
Meghalaya is home to three indigenous tribes, the Khasis, the Jaintias, and the Garos. The three tribes live in distinct parts of the state; the Jaintias occupy the Jaintia Hills of eastern Meghalaya, the Khasis occupy the Khasi Hills of central Meghalaya and the Garos reside in the western Garo Hills. The Khasis and Jaintias along with the Bhois and Wars are collectively known as the Hynniewtrep people. Belonging to the Proto Austroloid Monkhmer race, they are one of the earliest ethnic groups of settlers of the Indian sub-continent. The Garos who prefer to call themselves Achiks and their land Achikland, belong to the Bodo family of the Tibeto-Burman race and are believed to have migrated from Tibet.
The people of Meghalaya predominantly follow a matrilineal system where lineage and inheritance are passed down through the women of a family, where remarkably the youngest daughter inherits all the property and cares for aged parents and unmarried siblings. When there is no daughter in a family it is not unusual for the parents to choose another female such as a daughter-in-law as the heir to the house and all their possessions. It is worth mentioning that Meghalaya has one of the world's largest surviving matrilineal cultures.
As per tradition, the Khasis believe that their religion is given by God and is based on the belief in one supreme God who is the creator U Blei Nongthaw. A Khasi is a deeply religious person with an intense love for life. He believes that life is God's greatest gift and is accounted for in the hereafter. The Jaintias have the same religion but have also been influenced by Hinduism. The Garos too believe in one supreme creator Rabuga who is the sustainer and commander of the world. Other spirits act as his representative, and are appeased by sacrifices but never worshipped. Though many tribals have today converted to Christianity, the ways of the ancients still remain a part of their lifestyle and culture.
Weaving is an ancient craft of the three tribes, used on both cloth and cane. Cane mats, stools, and baskets are famous artifacts. The Khasi cane mat called Tlieng can last for around 30 years. Musical instruments like the mouth organ, flute, and cup violin are also made from cane and bamboo, along with other indigenous products such as tobacco pipes and tribal weapons. In recent years, horticulture has been promoted with an approach to sustainable organic farming resulting in making some of Meghalaya's flowers the best in the world.
Explore Experiences“A man is the defender of the woman, but the woman is the keeper of his trust.”
— David Roy(Anthropologist, on Meghalaya's matrilineal society)
Travel to Meghalaya for its environment
Sacred groves and plunging waterfalls.
Meghalaya is a mountainous land geographically rich with stretches of valleys and highland plateaus that remain laced with caves, waterfalls, and forests. Almost seventy percent of Meghalaya is richly endowed with beautiful forests, considered to be among the richest botanical habitats in Asia. Most of the state consists of dense and open forest lands which fall under reserved forests, protected forests, and national parks. There is a rich diversity in the types of forests here; there are sub-tropical pine forests, grasslands, bamboo forests, evergreen forests, and moist deciduous forests.
Small pockets of ancient forests known as sacred groves can be found across the state which have been preserved by the communities for hundreds of years due to religious and cultural beliefs. These forests are reserved for community rituals and remain protected from all exploitation. Collectively, they protect and preserve numerous rare plant species and act as corridors for animals. A fascinating 325 species of orchids are found in the state.
The faunal diversity of Meghalaya is equally stunning with the presence of more than 140 mammals including elephants, bears, red pandas, wild cats such as tigers and leopards, civets, and primates such as the hoolock gibbon. The state's numerous limestone caves are home to India's rarest bat species. Meghalaya is a very important bird habitat hosting more than 600 species of which many are endemic to the region. Almost a quarter of India's butterfly species can be found in this tiny state.
“Almost seventy percent of Meghalaya is richly endowed with beautiful forests, considered to be among the richest botanical habitats in Asia.”
— Botanical Survey of India
Wei Sawdong Falls
Hidden near Sohra, Wei Sawdong drops in three clear tiers into turquoise pools below. A steep bamboo stairway leads down to the viewpoint, and the falls run their fullest through the monsoon months.
Plan your travel to Meghalaya during festivals
Festivals of Meghalaya
Nongkrem
The Nongkrem Dance is the most important festival of the Khyrim state, celebrated for harvest thanksgiving by the Khasi tribe. This five-day festival is associated with goat sacrifice and is held at Smit — a vibrant spectacle of traditional dance, music, and community celebration.
Wangala
Wangala is the greatest traditional festival of the Garo tribes, a harvest festival dedicated to the sun god of fertility. The Garos celebrate this festival at every harvesting period in late autumn with the famous 100-drum dance, feasting, and community gatherings.
Shad Suk Mynsiem
Shad Suk Mynsiem is a spring festival celebrated by the Khasi people in Shillong, marking the beginning of the sowing season. Young men and women perform traditional dances in elaborate costumes — a joyful celebration of spring and renewal.
Behdeinkhlam
Behdeinkhlam is the most important festival of the Jaintia people, celebrated in Jowai to drive away evil and plague. The festival features dramatic rituals, tall decorated structures called 'rots', and a mud-splashing ceremony that is both solemn and exhilarating.
Our Travel Experiences in Meghalaya
Our Travel Experiences in Meghalaya
With over a decade of experience as a leading boutique tour operator in the region, traveling to Meghalaya with Greener Pastures has its merits. Expect hassle-free, insightful journeys in the hands of passionate experts.
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Discover Meghalaya
Shillong, the waterfalls and standing stones of the Jaintia Hills, the river at Dawki, the clean village of Mawlynnong, and the falls and caves of Cherrapunji.
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Meghalaya Alive!
Six days in Meghalaya at an easy pace — a cliffside resort at Cherrapunji, lakefront cottages above Umiam Lake, and days out to the root bridges, the Umngot river and Shillong.
View DetailsThe Seasons of Meghalaya
A living watercolor of Meghalaya's landscape. Select a month to watch the seasons transform.
January
WinterClear skies, ideal for trekking to root bridges
February
WinterHigh 63°Low 43°Rain 1"Humid 65%Dry and pleasant, perfect travel weather
March
WinterHigh 70°Low 50°Rain 3.5"Humid 60%Warming up, cherry blossoms in Shillong
April
SpringHigh 73°Low 55°Rain 8"Humid 72%Pre-monsoon showers, lush greenery returns
May
SpringHigh 75°Low 59°Rain 12"Humid 80%Heavy rain begins, waterfalls intensify
June
MonsoonHigh 77°Low 64°Rain 24"Humid 88%Monsoon arrives, extraordinary rainfall
July
MonsoonHigh 77°Low 66°Rain 28"Humid 90%Peak rainfall — wettest place on earth
August
MonsoonHigh 77°Low 66°Rain 22"Humid 89%Heavy rains continue, roads can be difficult
September
MonsoonHigh 75°Low 63°Rain 14"Humid 85%Monsoon retreats, spectacular waterfalls
October
AutumnHigh 72°Low 55°Rain 5"Humid 78%Post-monsoon freshness, lush & uncrowded
November
AutumnHigh 64°Low 46°Rain 1.2"Humid 72%Dry, clear skies — excellent for all activities
December
WinterHigh 59°Low 41°Rain 0.4"Humid 70%Cool and crisp, perfect holiday season
Winter
Nov – Mar · 39°F – 63°FDry and cool with clear skies. Days are pleasant for trekking and exploration. Nights can be quite cold, especially at higher elevations. This is peak travel season.
Spring
Apr – May · 55°F – 77°FWarming days with pre-monsoon showers beginning. Cherry blossoms bloom in Shillong. A beautiful time to visit before the heavy rains arrive.
Monsoon
Jun – Sep · 64°F – 77°FThe wettest place on earth lives up to its name. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram receive extraordinary rainfall. Waterfalls are at their most spectacular. Travel is challenging but unforgettable.
Autumn
Oct – Nov · 50°F – 72°FPost-monsoon freshness with occasional showers. The landscape is lush and vivid. Crowds are thin and the light is golden. Excellent for photography.
Trekkers crossing a living root bridge
Traditional Khasi archery
Sunset over the Khasi hills
A stream over mossy rocks
Rolling hills under a wide sky
Ward's Lake in Shillong
Travel news from Meghalaya.
Stories from the field, our upcoming experiences, and other travel related news from Meghalaya.