Meghalaya
মেঘালয়
The Abode of Clouds, home to the wettest place on Earth, living root bridges, and unique matrilineal society. A land of pristine waterfalls, sacred groves, and indigenous Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo cultures.
About Meghalaya
Meghalaya, meaning "Abode of Clouds," is a state of extraordinary natural beauty in Northeast India. Home to Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, the wettest places on Earth, the state is renowned for its unique living root bridges created by the indigenous Khasi people over centuries using rubber tree roots.
The state is distinguished by its matrilineal society where lineage is traced through women, and property is inherited by daughters. With its pristine waterfalls, sacred groves, limestone caves, and rich tribal culture, Meghalaya represents one of India's most ecologically and culturally diverse regions.
Major Cities
Shillong
Scotland of the East, state capital, hill station, and cultural center.
Tura
Garo Hills headquarters, tribal culture center, and gateway to western Meghalaya.
Jowai
Jaintia Hills headquarters, limestone caves, and traditional Jaintia culture.
Tourist Attractions
Living Root Bridges
Unique bio-engineering marvels created by Khasi people using rubber tree roots.
CherrapunjiCherrapunji
Wettest place on Earth, Nohkalikai Falls, and spectacular valley views.
East Khasi HillsMawlynnong Village
Asia's cleanest village, living root bridge, and sky walk experience.
East Khasi HillsDawki River
Crystal clear waters, boating, and India-Bangladesh border river.
West Jaintia HillsMawsmai Caves
Limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites formations.
East Khasi HillsElephant Falls
Three-tiered waterfall near Shillong, popular trekking destination.
East Khasi HillsCulture & Traditions
Matrilineal Society
Unique social system where lineage and property pass through women, youngest daughter inherits.
Festivals
Wangala (Garo harvest festival), Nongkrem Dance, Behdienkhlam, and Shad Suk Mynsiem.
Sacred Groves
Protected forest patches (Law Kyntang) preserved by communities for spiritual and ecological reasons.
Meghalayan Cuisine
Red rice cooked with pork and spices
Pork curry with black sesame seeds
Fermented soybean curry with pork
Steamed rice cake wrapped in leaves
Traditional rice beer, ceremonial drink
Economic Profile
State GDP
Growing economy in Northeast
Literacy Rate
Above national average
Forest Cover
Highest forest cover in India
Key Industries
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Mining (Coal, Limestone)
- Agriculture & Horticulture
- Handloom & Handicrafts
Agricultural Products
- Rice, Maize, Potato
- Orange, Pineapple, Banana
- Ginger, Turmeric, Black Pepper
- Areca Nut, Betel Leaf
Notable Personalities
P.A. Sangma
1947-2016
Former Lok Sabha Speaker, politician
Agatha Sangma
Born 1980
Youngest Union Minister, politician
Lou Majaw
Born 1947
Bob Dylan of India, musician
Caralynn Khongsai
Born 1994
International footballer