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.
 

Umiam Lake, the biggest artificial lake in the state of Meghalaya is located at a distance of around 15kms from Shillong on the Guwahati-Shillong National Highway. This beautiful lake is among the popular tourist spots of Meghalaya. Umiam lake was constructed as a result of a hydro-electric power project. Also referred to as ‘Badapani’ (Big Water), this lake is the perfect place to feel the natural radiance of Shillong.

Surrounded by emerald-green trees and variety of Khasi pines, this majestic lake allures hundreds of tourists from all over the country. Apart from adoring and appreciating its endearing beauty, this lake also provides opportunities for many adventurous activities. One can engage themselves in activities like kayaking, water skiing, scooting and boating. The water sports complex offers variety of activities which includes row boats, paddle boats, cruise boats, sailing boats, water scooters and speed boats.

Umiam lake, with its lovely green meadows and colourful flowerbeds, make an ideal spot for picnics. This lake has some resemblance to the lakes of Scotland. Tourists must make sure to visit this enthralling place.

Visiting Hours: 9am to 5pm (all days of the week)

A waterfall brings no less joy and excitement to the mind. There in lies the real beauty and bounty of the nature. Meghalaya, the land of waterfalls beckons no less tourists in season and out of season who make it an occasion to see and feel the real beauty in the lap of the nature. But have you ever heard visited the Pelga Falls? The tiny spot of interest for the tourists is situated 7 kms away from Tura town where the authorities have made it an ideal spot to promote tourism. Without the foot path the tourists would have failed to reach the roaring water fall in the in tiny place of Garo hills. Pelga fall is not alone to strike the attention of the tourists. At a stone’s throw distance is a traditional bamboo bridge of the Garo people over the river Ganol which keeps throbbing with tourists footfalls.

Situated on the Tura-Williamnagar Road, is the Rong’Bang Dare waterfalls, which is a tributary of the Simsang river. It falls a little ahead of Rombagre village. The real charm and grandeur can only be felt when one goes down to the place at the bottom of the waterfalls. This scintillating waterfall of immense visual beauty is best during the monsoon months.

Motorists driving from Asanagre towards Williamnagar can enjoy a picturesque view of the waterfall. Despite the fact that the fall is situated about crow-flight kilometres away from the highway, the broadness and depth of the waterfall is enough to make it clearly visible and is sheer ecstasy. Surrounded amidst vast evergreen hills of swaying bamboos, this waterfall leaves the viewers with memories of blissful joy.