The Other Meghalaya
Most visitors to Meghalaya experience only the Khasi Hills around Shillong and Cherrapunji. But western Meghalaya — the Garo Hills — is an entirely different world. Wilder, less visited, and home to a culture that's distinct even from Meghalaya's other tribes.
The Garo people are matrilineal (like the Khasi) but linguistically and culturally belong to the Bodo-Garo group — more closely related to tribes of Northeast Assam and Arunachal than to the Khasi-Jaintia communities.
Nokrek National Park & Biosphere Reserve
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Nokrek is one of the last remaining habitats of the red panda in India (though sightings are rare). More commonly seen:
The park is also known as the "Citrus Gene Sanctuary" — wild ancestors of oranges and lemons still grow in the forest. Permits required.
Tura Peak
The highest point in the Garo Hills at 872 metres. A moderately challenging half-day trek through tropical forest. Sunrise views over the valley are spectacular.
Waterfalls
The Garo Hills receive enormous rainfall and are laced with waterfalls — many with no official names or tourist infrastructure.
Pelga Falls
A beautiful 45-metre waterfall near the Simsang River. Accessible by road + short walk.
Naphak Lake
A peaceful lake near the Bangladesh border, popular with local visitors.
Wangala Festival
The Garo people's Wangala Festival (October–November) is a thanksgiving harvest celebration involving:
Tura hosts the main celebration — one of Northeast India's most vibrant folk festivals.
Getting There
Tura is the main town of Garo Hills, 220 km west of Shillong (about 6 hours by road — the route passes through Assam).
Guwahati to Tura: 4–5 hours.
