The name Meghalaya means abode of clouds in Sanskrit. The state lives its name as the climate is wet for most of the year. This state is located in the hilly regions of northeast India. It receives the highest rainfall in India. The topography of the state is mainly comprised of Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Let us take a tour through some mesmerizing facts about Meghalaya.
12 Mesmerizing Facts About Meghalaya
1. Cleanest Village
The cleanest village in India and in Asia is in Meghalaya. It is called Mawlynnong. Cleanliness is a community responsibility. All the villagers make an effort to maintain hygiene. The rules are also very strict regarding plastic use and smoking.
2. Christianity is the religion of the majority
Around 70% of Meghalaya’s population follows Christianity. 13% of people are Hindu and 4% follow Islam. Only 13% population is of other religions. Thus, Meghalaya has a unique demography as compared to other states.
3. English
English is the official language of Meghalaya. It serves as a unifying link amongst the diverse population. Other languages used include Khasi, Garo, Pnar, and Bengali.
4. Matrilineal System
The lineage and inheritance are tracked through the women of the family. The eldest woman is the head of the family. Meghalaya is the only Indian state to have a matrilineal system. Thus, this characteristic makes the state very unique. It is where women get the much overdue respect and significant role in the society they deserve.
5. The tree root bridges
One of the most famous tourist places in Meghalaya is the tree root bridge of Cherrapunji. These bridges are made of roots of living trees and they are formed in the shape of suspended bridges over the river. They are made from the roots of rubber fig trees.
6. Highest rainfall
The Mawsynram village has the record for receiving the Highest rainfall on earth. The average annual rainfall recorded in this area is around 11,871 millimeters. The heaviest annual rainfall in the world was recorded at Cherrapunji, India, which received 26,470 mm of rainfall between August 1860 and July 1861.
7. Traditional wisdom
The native tribes in Meghalaya and their following generations have unique traditions. They have learned to live in a sustainable way and fulfill their basic needs without harming the environment. One such example is that the villagers use grass to thatch their roofs so as to soundproof their hut from the downpouring rainfall that makes a deafening noise.
8. Cascading waterfalls
Nohkalikai Falls which is located near Cherrapunji is recorded to be the highest plunge waterfall in India. It is situated at a massive height of 1115 feet. Meghalaya is filled with lush green mountains and cascading milky waterfalls which is one of the major tourist attractions and which makes this place look like paradise.
9. Underground cave
Meghalaya has the longest natural cave in India. It is located in the Jantia hills. It is called Krem Liat Prah. It is known for its humongous trunk passage named as the aircraft hangar. There are 1248 registered caves ready for exploration.
10. Meghalaya got separated from Assam
Initially, Meghalaya was a part of the Assam state but in 1972 it became an autonomous state. The districts of Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills were merged to form this state. This was a result of the Meghalaya moment which gave the state its unique identity and position.
11. Rich biodiversity
One of the most fascinating things about Meghalaya is its storehouse of rich biodiversity. It Has three wildlife sanctuaries. The sacred Groves Forest of Meghalaya are home to a very diverse range of flora and fauna. They have rare species of plants and animals and forest conservation has helped to maintain the ecological balance of the plane to sustain these life forms. Rare orchids, mammals, reptiles, insects, and birds are found in these forests.
Conclusion
The excitement of unexplored caves, the mystic of mysterious and sacred forests, and charming waterfalls look like a scene right out of a fantasy movie. But these are for real in mesmerizing Meghalaya. The popular spots not only attract tourists and adventurers but are a sight of awe to the human eye. This place is magnificent and enchanting.
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