MEGHALAYA
 Nestled in the south western part of Bangladesh and north eastern part of Assam, Meghalaya is quite a state endowed with precise historic, topographic and strategic importance for India. Meghalaya meaning house of cloud is a state with geographical condition depicting the place having some neighbouring sites like Goalpara, Kamrup, Nagoan and Karbi all districts of Assam from its north and on the eastern side lie Cachar and from the south-west corner is Bangladesh.
Historical Background
The state of Meghalaya houses tribes like Khasis, Jaintias and Garos each have there respective historical backgrounds. It is assumed that Khasis were the earliest immigrants to east Assam where they established a new centre. All the tribes mentioned above had their own kingdoms which were snatched by the advent of British in India. Later, the state of Meghalaya was merged into Assam by the British in 1835. When India got its freedom in 1947, Meghalaya was declared as an autonomous state under aegis of Assam creating dissatisfaction in the heart of people of Meghalaya which later bore seed of several peaceful and constitutional rallies demanding absolute freedom of the state. Meanwhile, the government of Assam implemented Assamese as a new state language which was quite unfamiliar to the tribes of Meghalaya. The incident ostensibly gave Meghalayans a reason to raise their voice more strongly and finally, the state in 1972 was declared as an absolute state of Republic of India.
Culture of the State
The state of Meghalaya expresses its cultural aspects on social and economic patterns of the people of the land. Tribes like Khasi, Garo and Jaintia who reside in different parts of the land have brilliantly reserved the culture of their land. Meghalaya in its cultural entirety is a land mostly dominated by Christians. They came from a different country and now are part of the culture of the state. The tribes of Meghalaya are well versed in their respective occupations like people of Khasi and Jaintia districts are handy in wood weaving with artistic designs along with fabricating other musical instruments, jewels and other minor crafts.
Major Tourist Places
Shillong - The Capital of the State
The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong is a land with dominance of three important tribal groups. Nestled at the height of 1,496 meters from the surface of sea, the city offers tourist fascinating blends of charming attractions also showcasing a pleasant landscape. You will see here man made Ward’s Lake offering some awesome visual sights encompassed with cobbled sand stones paths and floral decked lighting arrangements. There is also a botanical garden housing exotic plants and rare species of aural assets. The capital city also has a cathedral so spacious that it could admit around thousands of devotees at one go. There are many churches and cathedrals like that constructed the then British ruler of the state.
Elephant Falls
Elephant falls is the name of a natural creation made when the stream of river water cascades from mountains down to fern covered rocks. This outstanding creation of nature draws attention of many travellers. The elephant falls is located at the distance of just 12 kms from the capital Shillong and can be accessed through by roadways. Again, while making your way to the waterfalls you will also come across two other cute waterfalls named Wei Laplam Falls and Wir Phang Falls.
Tura Peak
There is a Garo Hills in Meghalaya which houses a unique hill famous as Tura Peak located at the eastern side of Tura. The peak with the height of 800 metres from sea level provides awesome bird’s eye view of Brahmaputra valley but you will also see golden yellow plain of the nation Bangladesh. In addition you will also see the observatory, bungalow for tourists and a Cinchona-plantation.
Golf Course
The city of Shillong has also perfect blend of tourist attraction called Golf Course which is set in valley forested with thick pine and rhododendron trees at the height of above 5000 feet. The golf course initially had nine holes which were later extended to 18 by Captain Jackson in 1924.
Ward's Lake
This beautiful site engineered by Mr. Pollock is one of the most popular places of capital Shillong for boating and gardening. You will like the lake which has the arched bridge beautified by the dazzling and arresting visual attractions.
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