Visit Meghalaya - Abode of Clouds

Meghalaya, a Sanskrit word meaning "the abode of cloud", was created as an autonomous State on 2nd April 1970. The full-fledged State of Meghlaya came into existence on 2nd January 1972. Meghalaya has precise historic, geographic and strategic significance for India. It is bound on north and east by the state of Assam, and on south and west by Bangladesh. The three physical division in the state are Garo (Western), Khasi (Central) and Jaintia (Eastern) hill divisions. In the Garo hills, the Tura range occupies dominantly a middle portion running west to east where the Nokrek peak is located. Khasi -Jaintia ranges are interwined with a curved-alignment. Spurs of ranges in Jaintia hills are shorter in height than the Shillong Plateau, hillbases lie side by side with flat lands, valley and meadows. Meghalaya is endowed with a rich variety of flora and fauna. Of about 17,000 species of orchids in the world, around 3000 varieties are found in Meghalaya. A botanical wonder, the pitcher plant, an insect eating plant is found in the district of Jaintia hills, West Khasi hills and South Garo hills of the state. Animals and birds that are found in the state are elephants, tigers, bear, jackal, leopard, golden langurs etc. The interesting birds found in the state include Hornbills, King Vulture, Crested Serpent, Eagle, Partridges, Teals, Snipes, Quails etc.