Indian Talent, Global Content
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Indian Talent, Global Content |
January 2009: What's in the breeze |
Rediscovering Beauty in Meghalaya
"Abode of the Clouds”, Meghalaya—the destination that soothes the minds of weary travelers. Clouds are always found during the monsoon in the tropical forest valleys of the Garo Hills or in the temperate pine forests of the Khasi hills. Meghalaya is bounded by Assam in the north and east and the plains of Bangladesh in the south and west. The name Meghalaya describes the climatic phenomenon of the region, which receives torrential rain. In fact, the Mawsynram in the Cherrapunjee belt receives the highest rainfall in the world. It is 56 kms from Shillong and is famed for the giant stalagmite formation, which has been shaped into a Shivalinga, called locally as 'Mawjymbuin.' Meghalaya became the 21st State of the Indian Union, when it achieved full-fledged statehood in 1972. Home to the Khasi, Garo, Jaintia and some lesser known tribes, Meghalaya boasts of a unique matrilineal lineage system practiced by all the three major tribes with some degrees of variation. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, differs from other hill stations in some ways. It is conveniently motorable and has a pleasant climate throughout the year. Also, unlike many other hill stations, it is not overcrowded in summer. Shillong derives its name from the Shillong Peak, the highest point in Meghalaya overlooking the Shillong city. You can hear many interesting legends related to this place, while scaling the summit. Famed as one of the celebrated hill retreats in the country, this town still retains quite a bit of its picturesque past— the ‘Raj mystique’, cosmopolitan character and westernized lifestyle. A reputed tourist destination point is the Forested Shillong Peak. At 1,965 meters above sea level, it acts as a vast catchment area. A steep winding road goes right to the top of the peak. On a clear day, you can see the Himalayan peaks and plains of Sylhet from the summit. Another tourist spot is Ward's Lake the artificial lake located in Shillong. It received its name from Sir William Ward, the Chief Commissioner of Assam in 1893-94, because he took a personal interest in beautifying it. In and around Shillong, there are numerous waterfalls—the Bishop Falls, Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls and Beadon Falls are among the best known. These are a beautiful sight, especially during the monsoon when they run in milky white torrents. In the Khasi Hills are a number of ancient monoliths and table stones. While some commemorate memorable events, others are memorials where the ashes of the dead are deposited in cairns or cenotaphs. Meghalaya is a dream destination for cavers (speleologists) from around the world. There are more than 1000 caves in Meghalaya. The longest one is that of the Krem Laitprah//Um Im-Ladit, which is 22.2 Km long and located in Nongkhlieh Elaka of the Jaintia Hills. If one wants to go caving in Meghalaya, one should go under the guidance of experienced cave guides. Meghalaya is also known for its trekking spots. The Shillong Golf Course is considered to be the "Glen-eagle of the East" at the United States Golf Association Museum. The site where the Golf Course is located provides a scenic view. It is set in an undulating valley covered with thick groves of pine and rhododendron trees at an altitude of 5200 ft. When it was first established in 1898, it was a 9 (nine) hole course. Later, in 1924, it was converted into an 18 (eighteen) hole course by Captain Jackson and C. K. Rhodes. The British founding fathers often came to this place for relaxation. In their efforts to make the city a ‘little England’, churches and cathedrals, came up everywhere in the city. Some of these churches and cathedrals are so spacious that they can easily accommodate a few thousand worshippers at a time. The North-Eastern region of India is considered to have one of the most varied selections of flora and fauna in the world. Meghalaya has a large number of wild animals, the most common of which is the Asian Elephant. The elephant population is mainly concentrated in the Garo Hills, though they can also be found in parts of Jaintia Hills and Ri Bhoi District. There are a few royal Bengal tigers as well. Some of the other animals are the Himalayan Bear, the Bear Cat, Leopards, Wild Cat, Slow Loris, three species of Macaques, the Common Langur, the Hoolock Gibbon and many species of Deer. There have also been reported sightings of the Malayan Sun Bear, but these could not be authenticated. The Hoolock Gibbon, which can truly make the hills come alive with their calls, are heard in the jungles of Siju, Balpakram and Nokrek. The Garos consider them sacred, and if a group decides to stay near a village, it is considered a good omen. Apart from having a variety of animals, Meghalaya also has a number of rare birds. The terrain being hilly, only a few wetland birds are found in the state. Migratory ducks can be spotted in the Umiam Lake and the Siju Bird Sanctuary. The birds found in the hills normally inhabit thickly wooded forests and are not easily seen. The Great Indian Hornbill, found in the Garo Hills, is easy to spot in the Balpakram National Park. The lesser or Grey Hornbill is also seen around Siju. The Balpakram National Park, aptly known as "The Land of Eternal Wind” in the local Garo language, is shrouded in mystery. With its breathtaking scenery, amazing variety of wildlife, magnificent and charming tribal lore, legends, beliefs and sentiments, it is a Traveller’s Paradise. This pocket of pristine beauty named Balpakram National Park is close to the international boundary of Bangladesh. Another popular spot is the Jakrem, situated 64 kms from Shillong. A popular health resort, it has hot-springs of sulphur water, which is believed to have curative medicinal properties. If you enjoy the sheer thrill of a quick drizzle, come to Meghalaya, for a sudden shower is never far away. The rolling mists in the valleys lend it a mysterious charm that is hard to resist. The hills and gurgling waters flowing through their hearts create a kaleidoscope of alluring waterfalls all over the green landscape of Meghalaya. The hills are ever alive with the sound of music, be it crickets and bird-song or the electronic hum of various music groups. The morning praises the euphony of traditional horns and chimbals, while the evenings pulsate with the rhythm of ubiquitous acoustic guitars, where Rock is a way of life! If music be your love, then love will a part of life in the cold climate of Meghalaya. Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. 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