Located in the northeastern part of India, Meghalaya is undeniably one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, earning its moniker as the "abode of the clouds." It shares borders with Bangladesh to the south and Assam to the north, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultures deeply rooted in tribal traditions and folklore. Blessed by nature's abundance, Meghalaya has become a global attraction for those seeking both beauty and tranquility. Its tourist destinations are numerous, each offering a unique and captivating experience. But before embarking on your Meghalaya adventure, let's delve into some intriguing facts about this extraordinary state. And if you're considering exploring Meghalaya with a group, don't miss the opportunity to discover it through the lens of togetherness with a Meghalaya group tour package.
Here are 9 Things you need to know
1. Matrilineal Marvels of Meghalaya
Most of the tribal groups situated in Meghalaya follow a matrilineal system. It means that instead of the oldest son, the youngest daughter of the family inherits everything and she is the caretaker of her old parents and any unmarried siblings. If a family has no daughters, they adopt a girl from another family by performing religious ceremonies in front of the community. This custom is known as rap king. They can also select a daughter-in-law as the head of the house instead. Meghalaya has one of the largest surviving matrilineal cultures in the world.
2. Enchanting Living Root Bridges
Meghalaya is very famous for its Living Root Bridges. They are a kind of simple suspension bridge made of living root plants. These bridges are made through the process of tree shaping which involves training the roots of the Ficus Elastica tree to grow a certain way. It can take up to 15 years for the roots to become strong enough to hold the weight of human beings and the longer these roots survive the stronger they become. Meghalaya has living root bridges as old as 500 years. Its most famous root bridge is the Double Decker Root Bridge that has a root bridge stacked on top of the other.
3. Meghalaya: The Wettest Wonderland
Meghalaya is known as the wettest place on Earth. It has received the heaviest rainfall in the world. It is rarely the case that it is not raining in this beautiful state and it is known for receiving an average of 1,150 cm rainfall every year. Cherrapunji in Sohra has received the most rain in a month while the village of Mawsynram has the record for receiving most rain in a year. Due to a massive deforestation in recent years, flash floods have become a norm in this place. Due to a heavy rainfall, Meghalaya offers a huge variety of flora and fauna for you to fawn over. Pun intended!
Read Blog: Best Tourist Attraction In Meghalaya
4. Christian Heritage of Meghalaya
Being only one of three Indian states to have so, Meghalaya has a Christian majority with 75% of its population following the religion. Since the Garo and Khasi tribes make for a majority of the population their religion is the most prominent in the state with the rest of the tribes being majorly Hindu. Hindus make up for the largest minority in this state with an 11. 52% while Muslims are a mere 4. 39%. The reason for this majority is colonization. British India started converting indigenous tribes into Christians in the 19th century. Presbyterians and Catholics are the most common denominations present in Meghalaya today.
5. Language Diversity in Education
Did you know that Hindi is taught as an option subject in Meghalaya? You heard it right! Schools in Meghalaya; private, government or religious institutions only teach the students in English language. All the other languages of India like Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Garo, Khasi, Mizo, Nepali, and Urdu are taught as optional subjects. To regulate the matters of education in the state, the Meghalaya Board of School Education was set up in 1973. This board is majorly responsible for conducting the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) and the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) Exams.
6. Meghalaya’s agricultural backbone
Meghalaya is an agrarian economy which means the economy of Meghalaya is based upon growing crops and maintaining farmland. Almost 10% of the land in this state is under cultivation on which 80% of their population survives. One would think that the people of this state would be experts in the subject of Agriculture. But that is not the case! People here make limited use of modern techniques and therefore yield poor results and low productivity. Due to this a total of 12% of the state population is below the poverty line and the state still imports food from other Indian states.
7. The World's Largest Sandstone Discovered in Meghalaya
In 2018 it was discovered that Meghalaya has the largest sandstone in the world. A 25-day expedition later, scientists found a 24,583-meter-long canal in a cave. It is home to dinosaur fossils as old as 70 million years and you have to crawl through the cave to explore it. This sandstone is situated in the village of Laitsohum in the Mawsynram. Earlier this title belonged to Cueva El Samán in Venezuela but the Meghalaya cave is 6,000 meters longer than this. Meghalaya has 1,650 caves in total out of which only 1,000 have been explored so far.
Read Blog: 5 National Parks in Meghalaya
8. The Tradition and Impact of Jhum Farming
Jhum farming has been an age-old tradition in Northeastern India including Meghalaya. It involves the process of slashing or burning a patch of forest land destroying dried trees, shrubs and bushes. It is done under the belief that this improves soil quality. Although, in recent times this practice has become a threat to the natural biodiversity of the state as many dense patches of land have been lost because of it. It has become a significant problem in Meghalaya especially as most people depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
9. The Thriving Eco-Tourism Circuit
Meghalaya has one of the largest eco-tourism circuits in India and therefore, benefits a lot from it. A large part of the state’s economy thrives on Meghalaya tourism. Due to the many adventure sports like mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, and hiking, spelunking and water sports this state has to offer; it is a hit amongst Meghalaya tourists. Meghalaya tour places include Umiam lake, Cherrapunji, Elephant falls, Dawki, Mawlynnong village, Living Root Bridges, etc. Due to covid, a valid e-invite is necessary to travel to this Indian state.
Conclusion
So, Prepare yourself with these 9 crucial insights before embarking on your journey to Meghalaya is pivotal for an enriching and unforgettable experience. Meghalaya, often dubbed the "abode of the clouds," has so much to offer, from its lush landscapes to its vibrant tribal culture. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast eager to embark on trekking in Meghalaya's verdant hills or a traveler seeking to immerse yourself in the region's rich heritage, these tips will serve as your compass.
To make the most of your Meghalaya trip, consider crafting a well-thought-out Meghalaya Backpacking trip This can help you navigate the diverse range of experiences this incredible state has to offer, from the mesmerizing waterfalls to the mysterious caves and vibrant festivals.
If the allure of Meghalaya beckons, there's no better time to plan your trip. Whether you're organizing a solo adventure or a group expedition, Meghalaya has something for everyone. So, whether you're trekking through its pristine wilderness, indulging in its delicious cuisine, or simply enjoying the tranquil ambiance, remember these key insights to make your journey to Meghalaya an enriching and memorable one. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of this northeastern gem and the warmth of its people, as Meghalaya welcomes you with open arms. Visit our website Capture A Trip if you're looking for Meghalaya vacation packages.
