Meghalaya, the 21st state of the Indian Union, was declared a full fledged state on January 21, 1972. Tucked away in the north eastern region of India, Meghalaya is a land of raw natural beauty which has a distinct other - worldly appeal to it. The higher ridges of the state lie in the coniferous belt, gradually sloping down to sub-tropical and tropical zones.

Of the 17,000 species of orchids in the world, about 1250 exist in India, of which nearly 300 are found in Meghalaya. The Khasi Hills boasts of the age-old Sacred Forests, many of which, are preserved to this day, by traditional religious sanction. The Mawphlang Sacred Forest, 20 kms from Shillong, represents the wisdom of the elders of yore, in preserving the fragile ecological system.

Meghalaya is also rich in wildlife. The state has two national parks and two wildlife sanctuaries. Species like the Golden Cat, Golden Langur and Hoolock Gibbon are endemic to Meghalaya.

Air: Guwahati, 124 kms from Shillong, is the nearest airport.

Rail: Guwahati is the nearest railhead.

Road: Buses run by the Meghalaya Transport Corporation and private buses and taxis ply regularly between Guwahati and Shillong. 

The Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation has regular conducted tours. Local sightseeing include the Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Don Bosco, Lady Hydari Park, Wards Lake, Golf Links, and Orchid Lake Resort. A tour to Cherrapunjee includes the Maswmai Falls, Cherra Bazaar, Maswmai Cave, Noh Kali Kai Falls, Ram Krishna Mission, and Thangkharang Park.

For more information contact :
Tourist Information Centre,
Meghalaya Tourism Development
Corporation Ltd.,
Police Bazaar, Shillong
Tel : 226220 

For adventure tours contact :
Meghalaya Adventurers Association,
C/o Hotel Centre Point,
Police Bazaar, Shillong - 793001
Tel : 225210
Fax : 0364-225293