Meghalaya Biodiversity
Meghalaya, also known as “Scotland of East” as the Britishers called it, is home to rich and lush biodiversity, astonishing peaks along diversified cultures. It has a plethora of viewpoints one can visit to enjoy and relax in the lap of nature. Meghalaya tourism has got an 80% boost in the last ten years and the abode of clouds is now safe for travelers too.
History of Meghalaya
There are various legends, convictions, and discoveries about the Khasis, Jaintias, and Garos. It is said that Khasis were the earliest migrants who advanced across northern Myanmar to Khasi in the plain of East Assam where they set up a new focus. Khasis phonetically addresses the Mon-Khmer discourses spoken in South-East Asia. In the year 1972, Meghalaya turned into an undeniable state in the Republic of India.
Our favorite destinations to visit in Meghalaya are, starting with the capital city Shillong. Shillong depicts the phenomenal beauty through Elephanta Falls, Ward’s Lake, Air Force Museum, Mattilang Amusement Park, Laitkor Peak, and a beautiful 18 hole Golf Course, set up in 1898, besides a picturesque setting and salubrious climate. Cherrapunji is our next stop which is famous for living root bridges, very rarely found elsewhere in the world, and also offers various caves and lakes to explore. Mawlynnong is a village that is located 90 km from Shillong. It is Asia’s cleanest village and is therefore called “God’s own Garden”. It has nice, clean, well-developed roads along with a loving and helpful community who lives there. The Jaintia Hills district's headquarters is Jowai. A short drive from Jowai will take you to a tranquil park where you can see the Nartiang Monoliths (which also happen to be the tallest in the world). The Krang Suri Waterfall, not far away, has camping facilities. One can camp at Shnongpdeng and enjoy beautiful sunset boat rides on the river Dawki in the crystal clear transparent waters, stay in a school at Majuli, and visit Sohra where there are homestays run solely by independent women. The best time to visit is during the dry season: Dec -Jan.
The Khasi tribe of Meghalaya is one of the world's remaining matrilineal societies, descended only via female lineage. The land is owned by the family's youngest daughter, and offspring are given the mother's clan name. At first, locals may be surprised to see you alone, but they will go out of their way to make you feel protected and secure. We would advise you to connect with other women travelers too to know their experience, problems faced by them, and the best places to stay if you are traveling alone. Make a contingency plan for every eventuality, Research about your travel beforehand, Take that leap of faith. You will undoubtedly feel safe while traveling.
The Khasi tribe of Meghalaya is known for the improved social status of their women. The Meghalaya Khasi Society is one such society, commonly known as matrilineal, that pursues parental authority, title, inheritance, post-marital residence, and female succession. That is rare in other societies. In this society the question of the illegitimate child, the abandonment of the child, the dowry and the burning of the bride are unknown. The tribal custom of the bride price is based on the recognition of the importance of the role of women in economic activity. In Khasi society, women participate in commerce that is elsewhere in the hands of men. From the above, it can be concluded that the emancipation of women in Meghalaya's unique women-centered society is evident in all its glory. The women of rural Khasi society are free from any restrictions and can freely participate in any function of social and religious importance. They can also move freely without the company of men or other people and without the permission of men or other older people.
Individuals of Shillong relish the Dohneiiong dish. It is a pork curry dish where pork is seared and presented with a rich, thick sauce.
Minil Songa is a well-known Garo clan dish that is a rice arrangement. It is rice with a rich nutty character and an exceptional texture. The wealth of starch makes the dish gluey. For its planning, rice is bubbled inside new bamboo, and afterward, it is filled in as titbits.
Sakin Gata is a rice cake ready with white rice and it is a well-known sweet dish of Meghalaya. This rice is kept in water for the entire night for making the dish, and afterward, sugar is added. There are substitute layers of rice blend and broiled sesame seeds on the banana leaves. It is put in an exceptional cooking pot for cooking and served quite hot.
Meghalaya tourism organization tries its level best to cater to the tourists. It recently organized the Meghalaya Locality Beautification Competition where locals stand a chance of winning a handsome prize of INR 5,00,000-10,00,000. It gives updates about the laurels the state has one and to channelize the sharp minds of the youth it arranges creative writing and photography contests as well. In this way, it promotes the state by rewarding the people without any external advertisement costs.
Meghalaya is one of the magical ‘seven sisters’ states in the Northeastern part of India. Its meaning is ‘abode of the clouds’ (Megh = Clouds, Alay = Home) Meghalaya is lush green speckled with waterfalls. If you enjoy the offbeat locations, soaking up in nature in its true essence, and are exhilarated by the possibility of adventure then Meghalaya is the place for you.
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