Districts of Meghalaya

East Garo Hill District

East Garo Hills district is an administrative district of the state of Meghalaya. It is bordered by the South Garo Hills on the south, West Garo Hills on the west and East Khasi Hills on the east and Assam on the north. It is a district of hilly terrain having the Arbella Range which cuts through the south-central part of the district. There is the Simsang valley which runs through the southern part of the district.

History of East Garo Hills

The East Garo Hills district was upgraded from a sub-division to a full fledged district in the year 1976. The district headquarters are located in Williamnagar which was previously known as Simsanggiri. It is christened as Williamnagar after the name of Captain Willianson A Sangma, the founder chief minister of Meghalaya. Williamnagar is located on the vast plain lands along the bank of Simsang River in Simsanggre. These plains are historical in the sense that the Garos made their last resistance to the British intrusion in these hills during the year 1837.

Geography East Garo Hills

The district has hilly terrain and dissected from each other. There is also a valley named the Simsang valley which runs through the southern part of the district. The Simsang River is one of the longest rivers in Garo hills and flows through this district. The rest of the district has low hills and plain fringes in the border parts near Assam. There are also other few rivers which run through the district. The district is a home to rich flora and fauna found here. The district covers an area of 2603 sq kms.

Demography East Garo Hills

According to the 2011 census, this district had a population of 317,618.the district has a sex ratio of 968 females for every 1000 males and the literacy rate is 75.51%. The language spoken in this district is A’tong, which is an Indo-Burman language.

Climate in East Garo Hills

The best season to visit the East Garo hills is during the winter season. The summers here are hot an dry and the temperature ranges from 22°C to 30°C . The monsoon here starts from the month of June and lasts till September. The winters here begin from the month of October and lasts till February.

Economy East Garo Hills

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of the district. Almost 90% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Rice is the main crop grown here. Apart from that, fruits like pineapples, oranges, bananas, and jack fruit are also grown here. There are also orchids which are grown here by many. A small part of the population is also engaged in small scale industries like weaving, carpentry, bamboo-working and dairy farming. Mining is another important industry here.

Tourist Places in East Garo Hills

There are several places of tourist importance in this district. Though transportation facilities are not fully equipped, there are people from neighboring places who visit to experience the natural beauty. Some of the attractions in this district include Dainadubi, Darugiri Forest, Rong'Bang Falls, Mendipathar, Nongalbibra, Naphak or Napak, Nongchram, Rajasimla, Resubelpara, Williamnagar, Rongrengiri, Darugiri Reserve Forest.

Transportation in East Garo Hills

Guwahati is the nearest airport from where Shillong can be reached by bus or car. Daily buses also connect Shillong with Guwahati airport. Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd, under the aegis of the Government of Meghalaya, has commenced regular helicopter flights connecting Shillong and Tura to Guwahati. Guwahati is the nearest railhead and is well-connected to the rest of the country.Both Deluxe and ordinary bus services are available. Meghalaya Road Transport also runs regular bus services in Meghalaya.

Quick Facts and Figures

• Latitude: 25° to 26° N
• Longitude: 89° to 91° E
• Population density: 73 Per Sq. K.M. (1991)
• Literacy Rate: 75.51%
• Average rainfall: 276.8 mm
• Temperature: 34.14 C (Max.) 7.35 C(Min)
• Postal Code: 794111
• STD Code: 03658
  

East Khasi Hill District

East Khasi Hills district is an administrative district of the state of Meghalaya. The East Khasi Hills District is a part of East Khasi Hills. The district headquarters are located in Shillong. The East Khasi Hills district forms a central part of Meghalaya and.is bounded by the Ri-Bhoi district on the north, Jaintia Hills district to the east and the West Khasi Hills district to the west. The district has seven development blocks.

History of East Khasi Hills

The East Khasi Hills district was carved out from the erstwhile Khasi Hills district (which was a whole and later divided to East and West parts). It was divided on 28th October 1976. On June 4th 1992, the East Khasi hills district was further divided into two administrative districts of East Khasi hills district and Ri-Bhoi district.

Geography of East Khasi Hills

The district covers an area of 2748 sq kms. It forms the central part of the state of Meghalaya. The northern part of the district is bordered by the Ri-Bhoi district which gradually rises to the Shillong plateau. There are numerous river valleys and gorges on southern side of the district. The most important feature is the Shillong plateau with the river valley which leads to gorges and ravines and then to the border of Bangladesh. The Shillong peak is the highest point in this district. It offers a picturesque view of the whole town of Shillong along with the bordering mountains.

Demography of East Khasi Hills

According to the 2011 census, the East Khasi Hills district recorded a population of 824,059. It has a sex ratio of 1008 females for every 1000 males and the literacy rate is 84.7%. The Khasis inhabit the eastern part of Meghalaya. The traditional Khasi male dress is ‘Jymphong’. This is a longish sleeveless coat without collar, which is tied up by thongs in the front. The Khasi traditional female dress is rather complex with several pieces of cloth, giving the body a cylindrical shape The staple food of Khasis is rice. They also take fish and meat. Use of rice-beer is a must for every ceremonial and religious occasion. In the Khasi society, the youngest daughter gets the ancestral property.

Climate of East Khasi hills

The climate of East Khasi hills ranges from temperate to tropical and sub-tropical type. The entire region is influenced by the south-west monsoon which generally begins from the month of May and till September. The weather is humid for most of the months and its gets colder between December and March

Economy of East Khasi Hills

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of this district. Apart from that, people are engaged in small scale industries and mining.

Tourism in East Khasi Hills

The East Khasi Hills has the maximum number of tourist spots. Every year, many tourists from adjoining areas and from far away places come to explore the beauty of the district. Some of the tourist places in the district include the beautiful towns of Shillong and Cherrapunji, falls like Nohkalikai Falls, Nohsngithiang Falls, Kynrem Falls, lakes like Umiam Lake and Mawlynnong Village. Other tourist places in the district include:

• Ward's Lake and Botanical Garden
• Meghalaya State museum
• Lady Hydari Park
• Shillong Peak
• Elephant Falls
• Spread Eagle Falls
• Bishop & Beadon Falls
• Golf Course
• Cathedral Church (Mary Help of Christian)
• Sweet Falls
• Crinoline Falls
• Shillong Viewpoint
• Laitshyngiar Cave
• Dainthlen Falls, Sohra
  

Transportation in East Khasi Hills

By Air: For tourists visiting Meghalaya, the nearest airport is at Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Borjhar in Guwahati  about 124 km from Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. The flights that touch down in Guwahati originate from Delhi and Calcutta and besides the Government carrier (Indian Airlines), several private airlines are also operating on a daily basis. From Borjhar Airport to Shillong, tourists can avail the services of private tourist bus and taxi operators.

By Rail: There are several trains which are connected with Guwahati from major cities of India. From there, rail passengers can commute to Shillong by Meghalaya Transport Corporation Buses and private tourist’s buses and taxis.

By Road: Shillong is connected to Guwahati by an excellent National Highway-40 and it takes 3 to 4 Hours to cover the distance of 103 Kms. Further, the National Highway-44 connects Shillong to Silchar in Assam, Aizawl in Mizoram and Agartala in Tripura. Day and night bus services are available from Shillong to all major towns of Meghalaya and also other capitals and important towns of Assam and North Eastern States. Helicopter Services are also available from Shillong to Tura and Guwahati.

Quick Facts and Figures

• Latitude: 25°07” & 25°41” N
• Longitude: 91°21” & 92°09” E
• Population density: 292 Per Sq. Km. (2011)
• Literacy Rate: 84.70 %
• Average rainfall: 12,000 mm
• Temperature: 28ºC C (Max.) 3.8C (Min)
• Postal Code: 793001
• STD Code: 0364
  

Ri-Bhoi District

Ri-Bhoi district is an administrative district of the state of Meghalaya. The district headquarters is at Nongpoh located at 53 km away from the state capital Shillong and 50 km from Guwahati. The district is bounded by districts of Kamrup, Marigaon and Nagaon on the north, the Karbi Anglong district on the east, the East and West Khasi Hills districts on the south and the West Khasi district on the west.

History of Ri-bhoi district

It is one of the newest districts which came into existence on 4th June 1992. This district was carved out from the East Khasi Hills district.

Geography of Ri-bhoi district

The district covers an area of 2448 sq kms. The district headquarters are located 53 kms away from Meghalaya state capital Shillong and 50 kms from Guwahati. The district is bounded by Karbi Anglong district of Assam in the east, Khasi hills in the west, Kamrup district of Assam in the north and east khasi hills in the south. The district is characterized by irregular land surface with hill ranges sloping towards the north into the Brahmaputra valley. The important rivers flowing through this district are Umtrew, Umsiang, Umran and Umiam. Forests cover a large part of the geographical area of Ri Bhoi District.

Climate of Ri Bhoi district

The district enjoys a moderate climate. It is hot during the summer and cold during the winter. The average summer temperature is 34° C and the average winter temperature is 17 ° C.

Demography of Ri-bhoi district

According to the 2011 census, the total population of this district was 258,380. the sex ratio is 951 females for every 1000 males and the literacy rate stands at 77.22%. the languages spoken are Khasi and Amri, which is a Tibeto-Burman language related to Karbi language.

Economy of Ri-bhoi district

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. This district was named as one of the country’s 250 most backward districts. The district is currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme.

Tourism in Ri-bhoi district

There are few tourist places in this district as Umiam Lake, Lum Sohpetbneng, Lum Nehru Park, Dwar Ksuid, Umroi Airport, Nongkhyllem Wild Life Sanctuary and Orchid Lake Resort.

Transportation in Ri-bhoi district

By Air: The nearest airport is at Umroi.It is the only airport in the state of Meghalaya.

By Rail: The National Highway No.37 origination from Jorabad to Shillong passes through the District. Nongpoh is connected from Guwahati by road only. So on reaching Guwahati, one can reach Nongpoh by buses, Taxi, Vans. The approximate distance from Guwahati to Nongpoh is about 42 Kms which will take about one and half hours to reach Nongpoh.

By Road: The national highway NH 37 passes through this district. There are only road transportation facilities, even though the condition is still unfavorable.

Quick Facts and Figures

• Latitude : 91' 40'16" E
• Longitude: 25'40' to 26'20'N
• Population density: 81 Per Sq. K.M.
• Literacy Rate: 77.22%
• Postal Code: 793102
• STD Code: 03638
  

South Garo Hills District

The South Garo Hills district is an administrative district of the state of Meghalaya. The district headquarters are located in Baghmara. The district is bounded by East Garo Hills on the north, the West Khasi Hills district on the east, the West Garo Hills district on the west and the country of Bangladesh on the south. The South Garo Hills district was created on 18th June 1992.

History of South Garo Hills

The South Garo hills district history is not very clear because of the complete absence of concrete or written records before the coming of the British. The history of the district is totally based on oral traditions, the legends, folksongs, folklore and other circumstantial evidences of its early inhabitants.
During the Mediaeval period and the Mughal era some large estates borders Garo hills. Early records states that the Garo people were in conflict with the zamindars of these laege estates. Towards the close of the 18th Century, the contact between the garo and British began. It was due to the regular conflict between the Zamindars and the Garos which led to the annexation of the Garo Hills in 1873. The first Deputy Commissioner of the unified district was Captain Williamson. In October 1979, the district was divided into two districts namely East Garo Hills and West Garo Hills districts. On June 1992, the West Garo Hills district was further divided into two administrative districts of West and South Garo Hills. Baghmara is the district headquarters of South  Garo Hills.

Geography of South Garo Hills

The district covers an area of 1887 sq kms. The district has hilly with difficult terrain. The majority of forests fall in this region and the tropical vegetation covers the elevated area up to 1000. The Flora and Fauna of the district is very wide as evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous forests, bamboo thickets and grasslands including riparian forests are found in the district, and a person can enormous number of animals, birds in the district forests. Someswari, Moheskola, Moheskola, Mahadeo are the important rivers.

Demography of South Garo Hills

According to the 2011 census, the population of South Garo Hills is 142574. The sex ratio is 944 females for every 1000 males and the literacy rate is 72.39%. The language spoken here is A’tong which is a Tibeto-Burman language.

Climate of South Garo Hills

The climate of the district is not that hot in summer. The average temperature during the summer ranges from 28 ° C to 37° C.  Winters here begin from the month of October and last till February. The average winter temperature ranges between 10° C to 22° C.

Economy of South Garo Hills

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. This district was named as one of the country’s 250 most backward districts. The district is currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme.

Tourism in South Garo Hills

The district has few places of tourism importance. Some of them are of important due to its historical significance, and others are famous due to their associations with the tradition and culture of the Garo people and many of them again have become popular for their scenic beauty. The tourist attractions include Balpakram Sanctuary, Boldak Matchu Karam, Chidimak, Matchru, Areng Patal, Goncho Dare, Dikkini Ring, Rongsaljong Agal, Rongsobok Rongkol and Siju Cave.

Transportation in South Garo Hills

By Road: Baghmara, the headquarters of the district, is connected by road with nearest town Tura as well as with the state capital Shillong. The road distance between Baghmara to Tura is 122 kms. The road distance between Baghmara to the state capital Shillong is 445 kms. Buses and taxis by private transport services run regularly connecting Baghmara with the nearest town of Tura. There are also Auto services in and around Baghmara for the convenience of office goers and others.

By Rail: The nearest rail head is at Guwahati, the capital of Assam which is about 342 kms from Baghmara.

Quick Facts and Figures

• Latitude:25° 27' N
• Longitude: 90° 42 ' E
• Population density:77 Per Sq. km
• Literacy Rate:72.39%
• Postal Code:794102
• STD Code:03639
  

West Garo hills District

West Garo Hills district is an administrative district of the state of Meghalaya. The district headquarters are located in Tura town, which is the second largest town in the state after Shillong.. The West Garo Hills district is located in the western-most part of the State of Meghalaya and is bordered by East Garo Hills district on the east, the South Garo Hills on the south-east, the Goalpara district of Assam on the north and north-west and the country of Bangladesh on the south.

History of West Garo hills

On October 1976, the Garo Hills district was divided into two districts namely the West Garo Hills district and the East Garo Hills district. The West Garo Hills district was further divided into two districts namely the present day West Garo Hills district and South Garo Hills district on June 1992.

Geography of West Garo hills

The district covers an area of 3714 sq kms. The West Garo hills district is characterized by hilly terrain on the northern, western and south-western borders. The district is bounded by three major hill ranges namely the Tura Range, Arbella Range and the Ranggira Range. There are also a number of river flowing through these ranges namely the Kalu, Ringgi, Somewari, Jinjiram, Rongai, Didak, Bogai, Dareng and Nitai. There is also the Simsang River which has its source in the Tura range.

The district is nature's wonderland and is blessed with beautiful hills, crystal clear rivers, streams & water falls, green virgin forest and a wide variety of flora & fauna. The district has a rich and unique flora and it is supposed to be the original home of the Citrus. The majority of the forests found in the district are Dilma, Dhima, Chimabangsi, Rajasimla Ildek, Darugre, Rongrenggre, Songsak, Siju, Rewak, Emangre, baghmara, Phulbari, Rongmatchokgre, Rongchugre, Singimari. The fauna is also very wide, enormous variety of species and mammals are seen in the district.

Climate of West Garo Hills

The climate of the region is largely controlled by the seasonal winds and South-West monsoon. This district experiences a fairly high temperature for most part of the year as the district being relatively lower in altitude to the rest of Meghalaya. The average rainfall in the region is 330 cms. The winter season is normally dry. The region has mostly dense tropical mixed forest, and a small patch of temperate forest in the higher parts of the Tura region.

Demography of West Garo hills

According to 2011 census, the West Garo Hills district has a population of 642, 923. The sex ratio is 979 females for every 1000 males and the literacy rate stands at 68.38%. Garo is the predominant population class in this district. There is however mixed population in this district along with Garos, there are Bengalis, Assamese, Nepalis and other ethnic groups residing together.

Economy of West Garo hills

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. This district was named as one of the country’s 250 most backward districts. The district is currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme.

Tourism of West Garo hills

The West Garo hill district is also blessed with some beautiful tourist destinations. The tourist can enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of this place. Some of the tourist attractions in this district are Tura Peak, Bhaitbari, Kata Beel, Darga of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba, Nokrek, Mir Jumla’s Tomb, Arbella Peak, Rongbang Dare, Sasatgre, Asanangre.

Transportation in West Garo Hills

By Air: Helicopter services are available from Tura the District headquarters to Shillong and Guwahati.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Guwahati, capital of Assam. Guwahati is 220km. from the district headquarter Tura.

By Road: Tura, the headquarters of the district, is well connected by road with other places in the district as well as with the rest of the Meghalaya and Assam. Shillong the capital of the State is at a distance of 323 km from Tura. Regular day and night bus services are also available from Tura to Guwahati and Siliguri. Tura is also connected to Dhubri in Assam by road and river transport. The National Highway 51 connects Paikan on National Highway 37 in Assam with Tura, the district headquarter which extends further to Dalu, near the Bangladesh border.

Quick Facts and Figures

• Latitude: 90° 30' and 89° 40' E
• Longitude: 26° and 25° 20' N
• Population Density: 139 per sq. km (2001)
• Literacy rate: 51%
• Average rainfall: 3300 mm
• Postal Code: 794001
• STD Code: 3651

West Jaintia Hills District

Jaintia Hills district is an administrative district of the state of Meghalaya. The district headquarters are located in Jowai. The Deputy Commissioner heads the district administration.

History of West Jaintia Hills

The Jaintia Hills district was created in 22nd February 1972. It occupies and area of 3819 sq kms. One of the notable factors in this district is that the villages which are clustered around a particular area recognize themselves as components of a single political entity. There are ‘Elakas’ of a single political settlement. The Elaka is run by a chief known as Doloi and he is the territorial ruler.  The Doloi performs certain responsibilities and he is the representative of the people of that Elaka. The old political system is still prevalent in this district. Jaintia Hills was earlier known as ‘Ka Ri Khadar Doloi’ in local language or ‘The Land of the Twelve Tribal Chiefs’. It is because in earlier times, Jaintia Hills was ruled by twelve Dolois who had their own Elakas.

Geography West Jaintia Hills

The district covers a total area of 1683 sq kms. The district is bounded by Assam on the north and east, East Khasi Hills district on the west and the country of Bangladesh on the south. It shares the international border with this country of Bangladesh. The district is part of the Meghalaya subtropical forests eco-region. The main rivers of the district are Umngot, Myntdu, Lukha, Myntang.

Demography of West Jaintia Hills

According to 2011 census, Jaintia Hills district has a population of 392,852. the district has a sex ratio of 1008 females for every 1000 males and the literacy rate is 63.26%. the language spoken here is Hmar/Biate.

Climate of Jaintia hills

The climate of Jaintia hills is very pleasant. The climate is neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter. The monsoon season starts here in the month of May and lasts till the month of September. Summer here starts from the month of April and last till the month of September. The winter season begins from the month of October and last till the month of March.

Economy West Jaintia Hills

Agriculture and mining are the predominant occupation of people on this district. With the abundance of limestone, there are also a number of cement factories which has been set up in the district. Coal mining at sites like Lad Rymbai is one of the major activities of the people. Jaintia Hills district is the largest producer of coal in the state. Coal mines can be seen all over the district. The coal mined here is transported to Assam and Bangladesh.

Tourism in  West Jaintia Hills

The Jaintia Hills district has untouched natural beauty and picturesque locations. Some of the tourist places across the district include Thadlaskein-Lake, Kiang-Nangbah-Monument, Iale-falls, Stone-Bridge, Lubha-Bridge, Syndai-Caves, Syntu-Ksiar, Summer-Palace, Borghat-Temple, Letein-Valley, Umhang, Dawki-Bridge, Waikhyrwi, Nartiang Temple, Lechka, Sutiang-Fort, Nartiang-Monoliths, Memjubel, Ialong, Iawmusiang, Rupasor-Bathing-Ghat and Shrine-of-Our-Lady-of-Good-Health.

Transportation of West Jaintia Hills

Jowai the Headquarter of the District is connected with Shillong and Silchar by N.H.44. All five block Headquarters in the district have also been connected by roads. Important places connected by metaled roads are Khanduli, Garampani and Dawki. Recently, Jowai-Amlarem-Dawki road has been declared as National Highway. Khliehriat has already grown into a township. The Ladrymbai area is also growing very fast and in due course will conglomerate with Khliehriat town. One can reach Jowai (Hq) by Sumos, Indicas, Buses that ply on the road starting from the Jowai Stand, Shillong ( near Anjali Cinema Hall).

Quick Facts and Figures

• Latitude: 20° 58’ to 26°3’ N
• Longitude: 91° 59’ and 92° 51’ E
• Population density: 159.69 Per Sq. km (2011)
• Literacy Rate: 63.26%
• Average rainfall: 1854.20 mm
• Temperature: 24 C (Max) 14 C(Min)
• Postal Code: 793150
• STD Code: 03652
  

West Khasi Hills District

West Khasi Hills District is an administrative district in the state of Meghalaya. The West Khasi Hills district is presently the largest district of Meghalaya. It is bordered by Kamrup district of Assam on the north-west, the Ri-Bhoi district on the north-east, East Khasi Hills district on the east, the East Garo and South Garo Hills districts on the west and the country of Bangladesh on the south.

History of West Khasi Hills

The West Khasi Hills district was carved out from Khasi hills district on 28th October 1976. It is the largest district of Meghalaya.The district has been least explored till recent years.

Geography of West Khasi Hills

The West Khasi Hills district has diverse geographical features. There are hill ranges from east to western direction of the district. The western section is covered with dense jungles with an elevation of 600 to 900 meters. The southern part is dominated by hill ranges of elevation of 150 meters close to the plains of Bangladesh. In the northern and the central portion of the district, there are hill ranges with varied elevations. The district spread across an area of 5247 sq kms. There are two important river systems in the district, the Kynshi and the Khri, with a number of tributaries.

Demography of West Khasi Hills

According to the 2011 census, the West Khasi Hills district has a population of 385,601. The sex ratio is 981 females for every 1000 males and the literacy rate is 79.3%. The predominant language is Khasi.

Climate of West Khasi Hills

The climate of the region experience northern and southern foothills, while the climate is temperate in the central upland zone and the district experiences tropical climate in the western, northern and southern parts of the district. The South- West monsoon during the summer results in heavy rainfall. The average annual rainfall ranges between 1200 mm to 3000 mm per annum.

Economy of West Khasi Hills

The economy of the district largely depends on Agriculture.  It is the major occupation of the people. Tourism is also another sector that contributes a huge share to the economy of the district.

Tourism in  West Khasi Hills

The West Khasi Hills District has many tourism destinations with beautiful natural landscapes and hills. Some of these include Ranikor, Mawlangkhar, Mawthadraishan, Nongkhnum River Island, Thum Falls, Weinia Falls, Langshiang Falls, Jakrem Hot Spring and Kyllang Rock.

Transportation of West Khasi Hills

The nearest air destination is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport located in Guwahati which is approximately two and half hour drive from Nongstoin. The closest rail is also the Guwahati railway station, located about 159 kms from the district headquarters. However the best way to travel to West Khasi hill is by road. Bus, taxi and sumo services are easily available from almost all the cities of Northeast.

Quick Facts and Figures

• Latitude: 25 10' and 25 51' N
• Longitude: 90 44' and 91 49' E
• Population density: 56 per Sq. km
• Literacy Rate: 79.3%
• Average rainfall: 1200 mm to 3000 mm
• Postal Code: 793119
• STD Code: 3654