Geologically, the timeline we currently live in is known as the Meghalyan age. The state rests on the border of Bangaladesh, but at a substantial elevation, known as the Shillong Plateau.
Nokhalikai Falls
Dainthlen Falls
Given its tropical location & some of the heaviest rainfall in the world, the state is home to dense forests ranging from deciduous Pine forests in the vicinity of the capital, Shillong to dense tropic vegetation as you near the Bangladesh border. Beautiful mountain ranges & valleys & some of the cleanest, clearest rivers in the world, further set the stage.
Australian Pines in Shillong
Between October to March, some of these rivers run so clear, that you can see clean to the bed & it gives the illusion that the boats are floating on air instead of water.
Suspension Bridge - Shnongpdeng
View of clear waters from Suspension bridge
Due to being part of the ocean bed before the Indian Sub-Continent’s merger with Asia, the terrain is mostly made of limestone, and coupled with heavy rains, have given rise to some of the longest cave networks in the “World!” One can also see various ancient sea fossils embedded to the surfaces of these caves as you explore them.
Newly Opened Cave Network
Guess which way we took?
Ancient Sea Fossils embedded in Cave Walls
Mawphlang Sacred Grove
Mawphlang Sacred Grove
Mawphlang Sacred Grove
Mawphlang Sacred Grove
The state is populated by three main tribes, the Khasis, Jaintias & Garos, and the various districts of the state get their names from these tribes. Unlike the norm in most of the world, these tribes are “Matrilineal”, meaning the family name & property is passed down from mother to daughter. You can see women in control of almost all aspects of life in this region. These tribes live in great harmony with nature, as is evidenced by the many Sacred Groves (Similar to the Devara Kadus found in Malnad), where one is not allowed to even pluck a leaf. You can hence get the opportunity to visit actual, untouched, virgin forests, the magic of which, hits you from the moment you step inside.
These tribes have also learned the art of training the roots of living rubber trees, to create living bridges across rivers. These bridges take 100s of years to form, and the famous double decker bridge of Nongriat, accessible by a 3000 step deep ascent into a lush jungle valley, is even a UNESCO heritage site.