State : Meghalaya, in the north
east of India.
Best time to Travel : September to May.
Weather Conditions : Pleasant, pollution-free.
Location : Situated in the headquarter town of Tura in the state of
Meghalaya, about 323 km via Guwahati
in India.
Know Garo Hills in Meghalaya
Garo Hills known for its abundance of wildlife attracts naturalists and
photographers to capture the multifaceted sights of a unique range of flora
and fauna. Two mountain ranges - the Arabella range and the Tura range, pass
through the Garo Hills, forming the great Balpakram valley in between. The
headquarter town of Tura is 323 Km via Guwahati, at an altitude of 657 Km.
The highest point in the Garo Hills is Nokrek Peak with elevation of 1412 m.
Tura has an amazing landscape of hills against a backdrop of low-lying
plains. A sunset view can be best seen from Tura Peak at 1,400 m and its
summit can be reached by a 5 km trek, partly by hiking and also by
rock-climbing.
Journey to Garo Hills in Meghalaya
Airport : Guwahati
is the nearest airport from where Shillong can be reached by bus or car.
Daily buses also connect Shillong
with Guwahati airport. Pawan Hans
Helicopters Ltd, under the aegis of the Government of Meghalaya, has
commenced regular helicopter flights connecting
Shillong and Tura to
Guwahati.
Railhead : Guwahati
is the nearest railhead and is well-connected to the rest of the country.
Road Transport : Both Deluxe and ordinary bus services are
available. Meghalaya Road Transport also run regular bus services in
Meghalaya.
Staying in Garo Hills (Meghalaya)
There are few accommodations and tourist lodges for the tourist coming form
all over the world to Meghalaya, India.
Sightseeing in Garo Hills (Meghalaya)
Siju Cave
Located on the cliff overhanging the right bank of the Simsang River in
south Garo Hills district, the cave is locally known as Dobakhol or the cave
of bats. The cave consists of innumerable internal chambers and labyrinths,
which have not yet been fully explored. The depth of the cave is yet to be
fathomed. The cave is totally dark with a perennial stream flowing out of
it, which abounds with different forms of aquatic life. The formation of
stalagmites and stalactites in these caves resemble those of blue grotto in
the isle of Capri.
Nokrek
The highest point of the Garo Hills region of the state is the Nokrek Peak.
A virgin canopy of thick, tall and lush green forests cover Nokrek and its
environs. The Nokrek National Park has been established at Nokrek and it
abounds in various wildlife including herds of wild elephants, rare
varieties of birds and pheasants, beside rare orchids.
Siju Bird Sanctuary
Just across the Siju Cave on the other side of Simsang river in the south
Garo Hills- where you can spot many rare and protected wild birds-during
winter some migrating birds have been visiting this places, which will be an
added attraction to wild life lovers.
Imilchang Dare
It is a waterfall of immense visual beauty. The deep green environs full of
large ferns, tall creepers and elegant climbers complete the desired effect,
making Imilchang Dare a memorable sight. The deep wide pool at the bottom of
the falls with its wide and expansive surrounding make it an exciting
natural swimming pool, full of fish of varied size and colour, besides being
an ideal picnic spot.
Sisobibra
Sisobibra is a place of historical importance where the Garos fought their
last battle against the British under the command of Pa Togan Nengminja. It
is just 12 km from Williamnagar on the way to Tura on the bank of the mighty
Simsang River.
Bhaitbari
Located on the western frontier of the state, Bhaitbari is a small village
of West Garo Hills district. The site is renowned for the archaeological
finds having been uncovered after protracted 'excavations' on the area. The
finds are of artifacts, which reveal the existence of planned places of
worship. The Bhaitbari excavations are certainly of immense historical and
anthropological interest and importance.
Chibragre
Meaning confluence of 2 rivers is just 25 minutes drive from Tura, a
veritable picnic spot with its lush green surrounding and breath taking
beauty. The traditional hanging bamboo cane bridge suspended over the Ganol
River from bank to bank lures many picnickers to try this swinging bridge.
Rongbang Dare
This sprightly fall though perennial, is at its best during the monsoon
months. It presents motorists deriving from Asanangre towards Willaimnagar,
a romantic visual of lasting satisfaction. Clustered on either side by vast
evergreen hills of Bamboo, the falls itself appears to be on the sway,
leaving the viewer with memories of ecstatic joy.
Williamnagar
Headquarter of East Garo Hills district encircled by the Simsang River -
has been named after the 1st chief minister of Meghalaya Captain Williamson
A. Sangma.
Rongdang Falls
Just above the famous Siju Cave in the midst of green thick jungle one can
see a beautiful waterfall cascading down.
