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Meghalaya

Meaning 'abode of the clouds', Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful states of the country. A small state in the north eastern part of the country, picturesque Meghalaya is situated between the Brahmaputra valley in the north and Bangladesh in the south. Geographically known as 'Meghalaya Plateau' or the 'Shillong Plateau', the area consists of oldest rock-formations.

Most of the state is covered by the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills. The common sight of white clouds hanging on mountain tops enthralls tourists the most. Not surprisingly, Meghalaya also receives a lot of rainfall. The state is also full of beautiful lakes, springs and rivers. Many nature lovers are compelled to opine that in Meghalaya, nature is at its best.

The refreshing mountain air, the whispering pines, the babbling streams, the hospitable atmosphere, the pleasant climatic condition and exotic flora and fauna gives the tourist to Meghalaya, tremendous value for money. Nature in all its glory; limpid lakes, expansive rivers, unpolluted rushing streams breaking into waterfalls, twisting and turning, disappearing into the jungle. This is MEGHALAYA, nature's bounty.

Shillong, the capital of the state and a popular hill station of eastern India, is full of attractions. More interesting is the fact that most of the tourist attractions of Shillong are pure natural delights like lakes, water falls and parks. The myriad of attractions include Ward's lake, Shillong peak, Spread Eagle falls, Crinoline falls, Sweet falls, Elephanta falls, Beadon falls, Shillong Golf Course, Polo Grounds and Umian Lake. Cherrapunji, located at a distance of 56 kms from Shillong is the wettest place on earth. The orange groves and limestone caves of Cherrapunji are a must-see for tourists.

The Garo hills has a number of beautiful lakes and caves. Thadlaskein, the most beautiful of the lakes, is believed to have been built by ancient foot soldiers with the points of their bows. Tourist lodges have recently been built to attract tourists in a big way. Tura is another beautiful town of the state. The Tura peak offers a splendid view of the landscape below. Another attraction is the wide distribution of megaliths in the place. The age of most of them still could not be ascertained.

Meghalaya is a treasure trove of Mother Nature, with its richly varied and dense endemic, exotic and cultivated floral treasure. Nature in its generous abundance has bestowed in Meghalaya a unique vegetation. It is a natural lover's and botanist's paradise. Embrace the plethora of Orchids - Lady's Slipper, Blue Vanda, Leopard Orchid, Foxtail Orchid and many others. Don't miss the bird of paradise or lipstick plant! The rare carnivorous pitcher plant - a botanical wonder, is unique even in the tropics.