North Garo Hills, a district in the Indian state of Meghalaya, is known for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. The region is predominantly inhabited by the Garo tribe, whose rich traditions and warm hospitality add to the charm of the area. Here are some of the best places to visit in North Garo Hills, Meghalaya:
Best Places to Visit
Resubelpara
Resubelpara is the district headquarters of North Garo Hills and a vibrant town that offers a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle. The town is surrounded by scenic hills and lush greenery, making it a pleasant base for exploring the region. Visitors can explore local markets, interact with the friendly Garo people, and enjoy traditional Garo cuisine.
- Key Attractions: Scenic town, local markets.
- Activities: Shopping, cultural immersion.
- Location: Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
Rongma Gitil
Rongma Gitil is a beautiful picnic spot located near Resubelpara. The area is known for its serene environment and scenic beauty, with lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy nature. Visitors can also explore the nearby trails for a short hike or nature walk.
- Key Attractions: Scenic beauty, serene environment.
- Activities: Picnicking, hiking, nature walks.
- Location: Near Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
Chisobibra
Chisobibra is a picturesque village located in North Garo Hills, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. The village is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Chisobibra is also known for its traditional Garo houses and friendly locals who are eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors.
- Key Attractions: Traditional Garo houses, scenic landscapes.
- Activities: Cultural exploration, village walks.
- Location: Chisobibra, North Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
Simsang River
The Simsang River is one of the major rivers in Meghalaya, flowing through the North Garo Hills district. The river is known for its pristine waters and scenic surroundings, making it a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The banks of the Simsang River are dotted with picturesque villages and lush greenery, offering a tranquil environment for visitors.
- Key Attractions: Pristine river, scenic surroundings.
- Activities: Fishing, boating, picnicking.
- Location: North Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
Rongdong Falls
Rongdong Falls is a stunning waterfall located in North Garo Hills, known for its natural beauty and serene environment. The waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs amidst lush greenery, creating a mesmerizing sight. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers. Visitors can also enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool at the base of the falls.
- Key Attractions: Scenic waterfall, lush surroundings.
- Activities: Photography, swimming, nature walks.
- Location: North Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
Asanang
Asanang is a charming village known for its cultural significance and natural beauty. The village is home to the famous Wangala Festival, also known as the Hundred Drums Festival, which celebrates the harvest season. Asanang is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills and lush forests. Visitors can experience the vibrant Garo culture, traditional music, and dance during the festival.
- Key Attractions: Wangala Festival, scenic beauty.
- Activities: Attending festivals, cultural immersion.
- Location: Asanang, North Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
Dainadubi
Dainadubi is a small town located in North Garo Hills, known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The town is surrounded by lush forests and is home to various species of flora and fauna. Dainadubi is a great destination for eco-tourism and nature walks. The town also has a vibrant local market where visitors can purchase traditional handicrafts and local produce.
- Key Attractions: Rich biodiversity, local market.
- Activities: Eco-tourism, shopping, nature walks.
- Location: Dainadubi, North Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
Babupara
Babupara is a quaint village located near Resubelpara, known for its serene environment and traditional Garo lifestyle. The village is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including hills and forests. Babupara is an excellent place to experience the local culture, interact with the villagers, and learn about their customs and traditions. The village also hosts traditional Garo festivals, which are a great way to immerse oneself in the local culture.
- Key Attractions: Traditional Garo lifestyle, serene environment.
- Activities: Cultural exploration, attending festivals.
- Location: Near Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
Summary Table
| Place | Description | Key Attraction | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resubelpara | District headquarters with scenic surroundings | Local markets, cultural immersion | North Garo Hills, Meghalaya |
| Rongma Gitil | Beautiful picnic spot with serene environment | Scenic beauty, hiking | Near Resubelpara, Meghalaya |
| Chisobibra | Picturesque village with stunning landscapes | Traditional Garo houses, lush greenery | North Garo Hills, Meghalaya |
| Simsang River | Major river with pristine waters | Fishing, boating, picnicking | North Garo Hills, Meghalaya |
| Rongdong Falls | Scenic waterfall amidst lush greenery | Photography, swimming | North Garo Hills, Meghalaya |
| Asanang | Village known for Wangala Festival | Cultural immersion, scenic beauty | North Garo Hills, Meghalaya |
| Dainadubi | Town with rich biodiversity and local market | Eco-tourism, shopping | North Garo Hills, Meghalaya |
| Babupara | Quaint village with traditional Garo lifestyle | Traditional festivals, serene environment | Near Resubelpara, Meghalaya |
How to Reach North Garo Hills
By Air
The nearest airport to North Garo Hills is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam, located approximately 160 km away. The airport has regular flights connecting it to major cities in India. From Guwahati, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach North Garo Hills.
By Train
The nearest railway station to North Garo Hills is Guwahati Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Guwahati, visitors can travel by road to reach North Garo Hills.
By Bus
North Garo Hills is connected by road with other towns and villages in Meghalaya. Regular bus services are available from towns like Tura, Shillong, and Guwahati. Private taxis and shared cabs are also available for travel within the region.
By Car
North Garo Hills can be reached by road via National Highway 37 (NH 37) and other state highways. The district has good road connectivity, making it convenient for visitors traveling by car.
Best Time to Visit North Garo Hills
The best time to visit North Garo Hills is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. These months are ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and experiencing the local culture. The monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall, which can affect travel plans but also enhances the natural beauty of the region. The summer months (April to June) are warm but manageable for outdoor activities.
Travel Tips
- Local Cuisine: North Garo Hills offers a variety of traditional Garo dishes, including smoked meat, bamboo shoot curry, and pitha (rice cake). Don’t miss trying the local rice beer and other tribal delicacies.
- Cultural Etiquette: North Garo Hills has a rich tribal culture and heritage. When visiting villages and cultural sites, dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions. It is advisable to seek permission before taking photographs of people.
- Language: The primary language spoken in North Garo Hills is Garo, along with English and Hindi. Nagamese is also understood by some locals.
- Currency: The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). It is advisable to carry cash, as card payments may not be widely accepted in remote areas.
Itinerary Suggestions
One-Day Trip
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to Rongdong Falls to enjoy the scenic beauty and take a refreshing dip. Then, head to Resubelpara to explore the local markets and shop for traditional handicrafts.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local eatery before visiting Chisobibra to experience the traditional Garo houses and interact with the locals. In the afternoon, visit Rongma Gitil for a relaxing picnic amidst nature.
- Evening: Conclude your day with a visit to the banks of the Simsang River to enjoy the tranquil environment and scenic views.
Weekend Getaway
- Day 1: Begin with a morning trek in the Satoi Range to explore the rich flora and fauna. In the afternoon, explore Resubelpara for shopping and cultural immersion. In the evening, relax at a local guesthouse and enjoy traditional Garo cuisine.
- Day 2: Start with a visit to Asanang to experience the vibrant Wangala Festival and immerse yourself in the local culture. Then, head to Dainadubi for eco-tourism activities and shopping at the local market. In the afternoon, visit Babupara to experience the traditional Garo lifestyle and participate in any ongoing festivals. End your trip with a visit to a local restaurant to savor authentic Garo dishes.
North Garo Hills’ blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and traditional lifestyle makes it a unique destination in Meghalaya. Whether you’re interested in exploring tribal villages, trekking through scenic landscapes, or experiencing vibrant local culture, North Garo Hills offers a variety of experiences for every traveler.
