Meghalaya

National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways

National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.

National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation is a fully owned company of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India. The company promotes, surveys, establishes, designs, builds, operates, maintains and upgrades National Highways and Strategic Roads including interconnecting roads in parts of the country.

Corridors

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Ranikor Maheshkhola Baghmara

Ranikor - Maheshkhola - Baghmara (RMB) Package-1…

Ranikor - Maheshkhola - Baghmara (RMB) Package-2…

Ranikor - Maheshkhola - Baghmara (RMB) Package-3…

Ranikor - Maheshkhola - Baghmara (RMB) Package-5…

Ranikor - Maheshkhola - Baghmara (RMB) Package-6…

Shillong-Dawki PKG-I

Shillong-Dawki PKG-II

Shillong Western Bypass PKG-I

Shillong Western Bypass PKG-II

Shillong Western Bypass PKG-III

Geographical Location

Nestled in the eastern sub-Himalayas, Meghalaya is one of India's most scenic states. Blessed with abundant rainfall, sunshine, pristine forests, high plateaus, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, and meandering streams, it is a haven of natural beauty. The state is bordered by Assam to the north and Bangladesh to the south and west.

The state experiences the full force of the monsoon, with its climate varying by altitude. The Khasi and Jaintia Hills enjoy a pleasantly temperate climate - neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter. In contrast, the Garo Hills have a warm, humid climate, except during the winter months. The sky over Meghalaya is rarely without clouds, adding to the region's misty charm. The British colonialists had christened the state as the “Scotland of the East”.

Capital: Shillong | Largest City:
Districts: 12 | Total Area: 22249 sq km

Meghalaya is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship, particularly in bamboo and cane products, weaving, and wood carving. The Garos, Khasis, and Jaintias, the region's three ancient tribes, are highly skilled in creating intricate bamboo and cane items. These handcrafted products, including baskets, mats, hats, musical instruments, and furniture, are both functional and artistic, captivating tourists with their beauty. Bamboo’s abundance in the region has allowed these crafts to thrive, with many products gaining recognition in both national and international markets. Cane and bamboo work, along with weaving, is a primary occupation for the tribes, contributing to Meghalaya's unique artistic identity.

The tribes of Meghalaya have distinct and beautiful costumes and jewellery. The Khasis wear the Jainsem and Tapmohkhlieh, while the Jaintias share similar attire with additions like the Kyrshah and Dakmanda. The Garos wear the Rigitok. These costumes, crafted with traditional designs, are unique to each tribe. The jewellery of the Khasis and Jaintias is also similar, featuring pendants called Kynjri Ksiar and Palia.

Meghalaya, home to diverse tribes living in harmony, boasts a rich tradition of music and dance. The state's folk music, often accompanied by traditional instruments like drums, flutes, and cymbals, tells stories of birth, marriage, love, and nature. The Garos sing songs about festivals, heroism, and life events, while the Khasis and Jaintias celebrate nature, praising lakes, waterfalls, and hills. Meghalaya also embraces Western music, with local rock bands performing at national and international concerts. The state has hosted major rock events, blending traditional and modern musical influences.

Nongkrem Dance
This religious dance, performed as a thanksgiving to God for a good harvest, peace, and prosperity, is typically held in October and November.

Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem
This annual spring dance celebrates the harvest and sowing seasons, with girls and boys wearing colourful clothes and jewellery. Only unmarried virgins are allowed to participate.

Doregata Dance
Doregata Dance is a lively tradition where women attempt to knock off their male partner's turban with their heads.

The Chambil Mesara or Pomelo Dance
This skilled solo dance involves a performer hanging from a pomelo tied to their waist, throwing it around without moving their hips. Expert dancers can toss two fruits hanging on the cord simultaneously.

Traditional cuisine:

Meghalaya's staple food is rice, often served with spicy meat and fish dishes. The Khasi and Jaintia communities enjoy dishes like Jadoh, Ki Kpu, Tung Rymbai, and pickled bamboo shoots, while the Garos are known for rice with Kapa, steaming foods like Minil Songa, Sakkin Gata, Nakam, dry meat, and bamboo-cooked dishes. The Garos also eat a variety of animals and brew rice beer for ceremonies. Pork is a key staple, and non-vegetarian cuisine dominates the region's food culture.

Nongkrem Dance

This religious dance, performed as a thanksgiving to God for a good harvest, peace, and prosperity, is typically held in October and November.

Tourist Places

Jakrem

Jakrem is a serene destination in Meghalaya famed for its natural hot springs, celebrated for their therapeutic qualities. Rich in minerals, the warm waters are thought to offer relief for ailments such as joint pain and various skin conditions. Both locals and travellers are drawn to these soothing springs, seeking relaxation and natural healing in a tranquil setting

Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji, locally called Sohra, is a scenic hill town. Renowned for its unique living root bridges crafted from the aerial roots of rubber trees, the town offers a blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. To the northeast, the Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point provides sweeping vistas of lush green gorges. The nearby hills are home to some of India’s most striking waterfalls, including Noh-Kalikai, Dain-Thlen, and Kynrem, all cascading dramatically from dense, forested cliffs.

Umiam Lake

Meghalaya, home to some of India's densest primary forests, is a key ecotourism destination, boasting diverse flora and fauna. It has two national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries. Adventure tourism thrives here with activities like mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, caving, and water sports. Umiam Lake offers various water sports, including rowboats, sailing boats, and speedboats.

Nongkhnum Island

Nongkhnum Island, the largest river island in Meghalaya and second in Asia, lies 14 km from Nongstoin. Formed by the bifurcation of the Kynshi River, it features a sandy beach, a lake, and the 60-meter Shadthum Fall before the river reaches a gorge.