Nengkong Cave, situated at a distance of 14kms at the northern side of Baghmara (headquarters of South Garo Hills) in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, serves as a well-known tourist destination. This cave is surrounded by three more caves. The most prominent among the three is the Tetengkol Balwakol cave, which is 533kms long. Interestingly, this gigantic cave is recognised as the second longest cave in the Indian sub-continent.

Other than Telengkol Balwakol cave, the other two caves in the vicinity are – Dobbakol Chibe Nala, which is 2kms long, and the Bok Bok Dobhakol, which is 1km long. Dobbakol ChibeNala cave is situated in the ChibeNala river and is concealed by the huge rock which is 1978m long. Similarly, like Tetengkol Balwakol cave, the other two caves are also beautiful and adventurous.

By hiring a local taxi from Baghmara, one can reach Nengkong cave.

Often referred to as the ‘Land of Perpetual Wind’ and ‘Land of Spirits’, Balpakram National Park is located 167kms away from Tura in South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. Several mysterious stories and unnatural phenomena revolve around this Park. There are findings, but it cannot be convincingly explained by modern science and logic. The local Garo tribe people consider this land to be immensely revered and of great religious importance.

But apart from the unsolved mysteries, this Park, surrounded by beautiful landscape, curved green trees, canyons, thick dense forests, is a place worth visiting. The National Park is inhabited by different species of wild animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, wild buffalo, red panda, barking deer, golden cat, baboons, hoolock gibbons etc. More than hundred species of birds are also found here. Mid-April to mid-June is the suitable time for bird watching and wildlife study.

The Park is also rich in vegetation, with sub-tropical and deciduous trees adorning the Park. Blooming of orchid plants, pitcher plants can also be seen. The Balpakram National Park offers a unique and exciting experience. It allures tourists and nature lovers from all across the globe. One can stay at the guest house at Hattisil near the entrance of the Park, which is run by the Forest Department.

Recognised as one of the Biosphere Reserves in India by UNESCO, Nokrek National Park is situated at a distance of 45kms from Tura in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya state. The National Park has been named after the Nokrek mountain peak, which is the highest peak in Garo Hills. Varieties of plants adorning the hilly forest area make the Park look beautiful with all its greenery. One of the popular varieties of plants - Citrus Indica is found here.It has made a contribution in establishing the National Citrus Gene Sanctuary-cum-Biosphere Reserve in the region.

Known for its flora and fauna, the Park is home to various species of wild animals like red panda, Asian elephants, tigers, eight species of cats, the rare stump tailed macaque, the pig-tailed macaque, hoolock gibbon and seven species of primates.Stringent rules have to be followed while touring the core area where the red panda inhabits.Apart from that, the Park, is also a divine abode for bird watchers. Different species of birds can be spotted here.

Some of the well-known tourist attractions in the region are the Nokrek Peak and Rong’bang Dare waterfalls.

Situated on the eastern side of Tura town in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, Tura Peak, is a beautiful and magnificent hill, standing at a height of 872 metres above sea level. This majestic peak provides a panoramic view of the lower Brahmaputra valley and the golden-yellow plains of Bangladesh. A foot-track or a foot-path was constructed during the British colonial rule in India, which is still in existence. Tourists and ardent mountaineers can easily reach to the top of the Tura peak through this foot-track.

The natives believed that the peak provides a divine abode to the God ‘Durama’. Tura was originally known as Dura. But since the British could not pronounce the word ‘Dura’, the town came to be known as Tura.
The Tura range has been recognised as a reserve forest. An observatory, a Cinchona plantation and a tourist bungalow can also be found in its vicinity. While hiking, one may come across the rare hoolock gibbon, macaques, pheasants and varieties of other birds.

Balpakram National Park, Siju caves and Nokrek are some other tourist spots near the Tura peak which are worth visiting.

Chisobibra village is renowned, as the place where the last Garo warrior Pa Togan Nengminia Sangma battled and died fighting against the British colonizers. In the memory of this mighty and courageous fighter, a monument was erected here. Each year, Pa Togan Nengminia Sangma’s death anniversary is observed in an appropriate way.

The legendary Garo leader was defeated by the British in a battle which took place in Chisobibra, on the outskirts of Williamnagar on 12^th December 1837. He was a true leader leading his daring men into a fierce battle against the intruding British force. Their only weapon was a local spear called ‘Selu’, and thick plantain was used in order to protect themselves from bullets shot by the British invaders. But despite that, the bullets pierced through the plantain killing the warriors and marking them as martyrs of the land. It was at Chisobibra, that the brave leader, Pa Togan Nengminia Sangma breathed his last.

A collection or a garden of monoliths can be found in Nartiang village, which is located in a distance of about 22kms from Jowai, the district headquarters of Jaintia Hills and 60kms from Shillong. These monoliths stand as an affirmation of the Jaintia ruler’s strength. It was implanted to mark the reign of the former Jaintia King. The collection of monoliths certainly attracts tourists.

The Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958, has recognised this site as a place of national importance. The monoliths include Menhirs (upright stones) and dolmens (flat stones in horizontal position). The tallest and the biggest Menhir was erected by U Mar Phalyngki, who was an honourable lieutenant of the Jaintia King, in order to commemorate his win in battle. Other monoliths were erected by the followers of former Jaintia kings and various other clans of Nartiang village in the early 17^th century.

Dawki is a small and busy town situated in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. A beautiful drive from Shillong to the International trade route border town of Dawki, which is at a distance of 95kms, through valleys and ravines, provides an enchanting experience.

The river Umngot flows through this town. Umngot river is the site for the annual boat race which is held during March to April. It also serves as a popular fishing spot for fishermen from nearby villages. This river can be seen as a natural boundary between RiPnar of Jaintia Hills and HimaKhyrim of Khasi Hills, over which the Dawki bridge, a suspension bridge was constructed by the British. A portal to Bangladesh, Dawki is the place where major import and export transactions take place.

Known as the cultural hub of the Khasi Hills, Smit village is situated at a distance of 11kms from the city of Shillong in Meghalaya on the ShillongJowai Road. This delightful, pollution-free village, located on the outskirts of Shillong, cultivates wide range of diverse vegetation. The natural charm of this place is very endearing and pleasing.

The villagers practice Jhum cultivation, sericulture weaving and animal husbandry. Spices are cultivated which are primarily exported to other states. Smit village is also well-known for mining. Kaolinised rocks are found, and this kaolin, which is appropriate for the manufacture of white-wares, can be seen as one of the resources of the state.

The celebration of KaPomblangNongkrem in Smit, Meghalaya, has gained tremendous recognition. It is held during autumn (November month) and it solemnizes the evolution of Khasi Democratic States (HIMA), presently operating under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This thanksgiving custom devoted to Goddess KaBleiSynshar for a good harvest and prosperity of the people, is a five-day festival. One of the significant ritual carried out during the festival is the Pomblang ceremony, where goats are sacrificed and are offered to the administrative head of the Khasi state.

Nongkhnum Island, which is the biggest river island of Meghalaya, is located at a distance of 14kms from the district headquarters of the Western Khasi Hills in Nongstoin. Recognised as the second biggest river island in Asia, after Majuli in Assam, Nongkhnum island covers a total area of about 20 – 25 square kilometres. This island was created by the bifurcation of Meghalaya’s longest river, called Kynshi. Set amidst two rivers – Namliang and Phanliang, this island with its natural beauty, serves as a popular tourist spot.

The doorway to the island is through a narrow bridge located over the Weinia Falls. A walk from the bridge to witness the gushing waters of the Falls formed by the Kynshi river, is truly mesmerizing. Tourists can also take a tour through the villages of Mawthar, Mawduh and Lawsenear Nongkhnum island. Various fishing pools located within the island also attract tourists. With big trees and areas of grasslands, this island offers a serene atmosphere.