Meghalaya means “cloud dwelling” It is a hilly region just above the land you can see the clouds floating. The biosphere of Meghalaya is magnificent with a wide range of mountains, gorgeous greenery everywhere, stunning waterfalls, and some great national parks. This place is perfect for various flora and fauna.
To protect and preserve the flora and fauna, Meghalaya has many national parks and sanctuaries with good features that are not less than home to them. The national parks in this state offer pleasant weather with annual rainfall and some fresh rainfalls attract tourists across the globe.
You can enjoy trekking through the Meghalayas’ challenging terrains, nature lovers and romantic couples can enjoy their trip by visiting beautiful waterfalls and relaxing on nature’s lap for some time.
This state is always a special trip for everyone, especially for the ones who always thinking of nature and its beauty. Overall, this cloud-dwelling state gives you memories that you never had in your life.
Here are 5 of the most popular national parks in Meghalaya
Explore the national parks and sanctuaries of Meghalaya, ideal destinations for tourists. These attractions offer a delightful experience year-round, with no specific best time to visit.
1. Nokrek National Park
- Location: West Garo Hills district, Meghalaya
- Area: 47.48 square kilometers
- Special Feature: Home to the rare Red Panda
Nokrek National Park is home to many flora and fauna. It is located far away from the town of Tura, in the hills of Garo. This park preserves many endangered species along with Hollock Gibbons.
This place is home to many wild animals including wild elephants which are the most visible species of this park. You will find many species of different kinds here that you can’t stop yourself from adoring.
This place is the hotspot of biodiversity in Meghalaya. One of the reasons for increasing curiosity to visit this park is the population of the red panda. Along with pandas, this place is home to eight different species of cats from tigers to marbled cats.
While you visiting for trekking you can also have a chance to see the Stump-Tailed Macaque near the park. You can also hear the calls of hoolocks almost everywhere in Nokrek.
Besides fauna, this place also has various plant species used for medicine and different kinds of citrus fruit plants. Most of the Nokrek region is covered with a huge canopy of thick, tall, and lush green forests. Science researchers discovered Citrus Indica within the Nokrek range. This park is the perfect destination in Meghalaya to not get bored.
What to Expect:
- Famous for: Nokrek National Park is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its importance in biodiversity conservation.
- Unique Flora and Fauna: Apart from the Red Panda, the park shelters the Asian elephant, Hoolock gibbons, and various species of wild citrus fruits.
- Rich Vegetation: The park boasts a dense tropical forest, making it a haven for botany enthusiasts.
2. Balpakram National Park
- Location: South Garo Hills district, Meghalaya
- Area: 220 square kilometers
- Special Feature: Known as the “Land of Spirits”
This national park is located in the South Garo Hills in Meghalaya, India with a height of close to 3000 ft and is surrounded by the Bangladesh border. Balpakram means ‘land of eternal wind’ according to the Garo people.
This place is home to different species like Bengal Tiger, red panda, Asian golden cat, Indian elephant, barking deer, and many other species. This park also includes a world heritage site in Meghalaya that was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.
This park is home to various flora and fauna. Its flora has pitcher plants and sub-tropical and tropical forests.
The lakes and rivers of this park are home to different bird species. The best time to visit this place is from November to March because in this period there is less rainfall with pleasant weather. This place is best to spend with your loved ones and with your family.
There are also some beautiful locations in this park best for the photoshoot and you can add a new post to your Instagram account.
What to Expect:
- Sacred Significance: The park holds spiritual significance for the Garo tribe, believed to be the resting place of departed souls.
- Canyon Beauty: The Balpakram Canyon offers breathtaking views and unique geological formations.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to wild water buffaloes, red pandas, and the Indian bison, among other species.
Also read: Meghalaya’s Famous Folk Dances Explained
3. Siju Bird Sanctuary
- Location: South Garo Hills district, Meghalaya
- Area: Approximately 5 square kilometres
- Special Feature: Houses the third-longest cave in the Indian subcontinent
Siju Bird Sanctuary is located in the South Garo Hills district near Baghmara city. This place is home to many bird species some of them are regional ones and some of them are migrated.
One of the beautiful creations of God is a bird, they are beautiful to watch and make you happy whenever you watch them. When these birds are present in nature their beauty increases. This place is perfect for seeing the birds along with nature.
During the winter season, the main attraction of this place is migrated Siberian ducks, these birds are treated to watch, and capturing the moment with them increases your Meghalaya memories.
You can also get a chance to explore Siju caves here. The best time to visit this place is from November to March, the perfect time to watch different kinds of bird species.
What to Expect:
- Bird Watcher’s Paradise: The sanctuary is a haven for various bird species, including the rare Grey Hornbill.
- Impressive Caves: The Dobakkol or the bat cave is a major attraction, known for its impressive stalagmites and stalactites.
- Riverine Beauty: The Simsang River flows through the sanctuary, adding to its scenic charm.
4. Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya
- Area: 29 square kilometers
- Special Feature: A significant conservation area in the region
Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. This place is wilder than you think. Birbah is the natural lake formed in the southern part of the sanctuary. The climate of this sanctuary is tropical monsoon with an average rainfall of 2500 mm.
Tropical moist deciduous forests with patches of tropical semi-evergreen forest are the main habitat of this region. ‘Kamrup Sal’ and ‘Khasi hill sal’ are classifications of deciduous forests.
In old jhum areas bamboo, especially Oxytenantheranigrociliata and Dendrocalamushamiltonii are found. By visiting this place you will explore more kinds of plant species and it is also a fun trip.
What to Expect:
- Diverse Ecosystem: The sanctuary is home to various species, including elephants, tigers, and bears.
- Birding Spot: It’s a hotspot for birdwatchers, with numerous avian species inhabiting the area.
- Lush Greenery: The sanctuary boasts a mix of dense forests and grasslands, offering a serene environment for nature lovers.
5. Baghmara Reserve Forest
- Location: South Garo Hills district, Meghalaya
- Area: Not specified
- Special Feature: Located near the Bangladesh border
This forest is located in the middle of the South Garo Hills near Baghmara. This forest is known for its wide range of flora and fauna.
You will get a chance to see many wild animals, rare species, endangered species, and many other kinds. The rare and dangerous wild pitcher plants also exist in this forest.
Along with flora and fauna, the Garo tribal people also live here. You will amaze by seeing their lifestyles and how they live with their traditions even in modern-day lifestyles. This trip will become an adventurous one and also a fun trip.
What to Expect:
- Varied Wildlife: The forest is home to diverse species, including the hoolock gibbons, slow loris, and various deer species.
- Scenic Beauty: The forest offers picturesque views with its dense canopy and the Simsang River flowing nearby.
- Proximity to Other Attractions: The forest is close to other attractions like the Siju Bird Sanctuary and the Balpakram National Park.
Why Visit Meghalaya?
Meghalaya, also known as “the abode of clouds”, is a state located in northeast India. It was formed on 21 January 1972 by separating two districts from the state of Assam. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong, often referred to as the “Scotland of the East” during British rule. The state is renowned for its heavy rainfall, making it the wettest region of India.
Approximately 70% of Meghalaya is forested, and it is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The state’s economy is primarily agrarian, with a significant commercial forestry industry. Meghalaya also has a rich cultural heritage, with the majority of its population practicing Christianity.
What is Popular Attractions in Meghalaya?
- Nohkalikai Falls
- Umngot River
- Khrangsuri waterfalls
- Mawsmai, Mawmluh, and Sohrarim forests (known for a large variety of orchids)
- Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
- Balphakram National Park
- Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
- Siju Sanctuary
- Baghmara Sanctuary (home to the pitcher plant Nepenthes khasiana)
- Laitmawsiang landscape
- Siju Cave (home to rare bat species)
- Nartiang Durga Temple (one of the 51 Shakti peethas)
- The town of Sohra (Cherrapunji) – holds the world record for most rain in a calendar month.
- Mawsynram village – holds the record for the most rain in a year.
- Meghalayan subtropical forests
- North Eastern Council Secretariat in Shillong
- Shillong Peak (highest point in Meghalaya)
- Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills (home to the largest known subterranean fish)
Additional Reading:
- Famous Places to Visit in Jowai,
- Top Reasons to Explore Cherrapunji
- Popular Folk Dances of Meghalaya
- Hornbill Festival Nagaland 2023 – Celebration, Dates, How to reach
- Namdapha National Park Travel Attractions
- North East India’s Best Tourist Places to See
- North-East India Famous Tourist Attractions Visit in June
- Top 20 Must-See Destinations in Arunachal Pradesh
- Top Tourist Places in Sikkim
- Assam Tourism Places to Visit
- Unknown Interesting facts about Kamakhya Temple
When should I visit Meghalaya?
Meghalaya, aptly named the “Abode of Clouds”, offers distinct experiences throughout the year. While the monsoon season, from June to September, showcases the state’s waterfalls in their full glory and transforms the landscape into a lush green paradise, it can also bring heavy rainfall, making some areas less accessible. The months between October and May are considered ideal for tourists, as the weather is pleasant, and one can explore the attractions comfortably.
What is the main festival of Meghalaya?
The primary festival celebrated in Meghalaya is the “Wangala Festival”, also known as the “100 Drums Wangala Festival”. It is a harvest festival celebrated by the Garo tribe, marking the end of the agricultural season. The festival is a vibrant display of Garo culture, with traditional dances, music, and rituals. Participants, adorned in colorful attire and feathered headgear, dance to the beats of drums, making it a captivating spectacle for visitors.
How many days are enough in Meghalaya?
To explore the main attractions of Meghalaya and soak in its natural beauty and cultural essence, a trip spanning 5 to 7 days is recommended. This duration allows visitors to experience the state’s highlights, including Shillong, Cherrapunji, and the Living Root Bridges, while also providing time for leisurely exploration and relaxation.
What is the best time to visit Shillong?
Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya and often referred to as the “Scotland of the East”, is best visited between September and May. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. While the monsoon season brings out the beauty of the city’s waterfalls and greenery, it can also be accompanied by heavy rainfall, which might disrupt travel plans.
What are the rainy months in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya, particularly the regions of Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, is renowned for receiving the highest rainfall in the world. The rainy season in Meghalaya typically starts in June and lasts until September. These months witness consistent and heavy rainfall, transforming the state into a verdant landscape and enhancing the beauty of its numerous waterfalls. However, travelers should be prepared for potential travel disruptions due to the intensity of the rain during this period.
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