Snigdha TiwariGaro Hills is a famous hill range in Meghalaya. It is one of the well-known travel attractions in the state that are visited by travelers on a large scale. These hills form a major part of the Garo-Khasi Hills in Meghalaya and are not less than a haven for nature enthusiasts.
The West Garo Hills is the most scenic stretch of Meghalaya and is known for its natural caves, perennial waterfalls, and mountain streams.
One of the most prominent ones and a must-visit is the Rongbangdare or the Rongbang Falls which is a tributary of the Simsang River, the gurgling cascade drops down the steep cliffs of the West Garo Hills and cuts through lush bamboo forests.
Here are the 6 Beautiful Places To Visit In West Garo Hills:
1. Tura Peak
Located in the West Garo district of Meghalaya, the Tura Peak is a challenging 1400 m high mountain peak, frequented by ardent mountaineers that is one of the most popular peaks of the Tura Range in West Garo Hills of Meghalaya.
At the top of this peak, there is a tourist bungalow, an observatory and a Cinchona plantation. There is also a foot track from the base to the top of the peak, which is a feast for mountaineers and trekkers.
Also, the massive yellow plains of Bangladesh welcome your eyes at the peak – an unforgettable sight with the view of the Brahmaputra valley plains.
So, don’t forget to explore the Tura Peak when you travel to Tura in Meghalaya.
2. Siju Caves
The Siju Caves are located on the lateral side of the Simsang River near the Naphak Lake in Meghalaya. Locally the Siju Water Caves are renowned as the Dobakkol caves.
The limestone caves of Siju, or the Siju Water Caves of Meghalaya are world famous limestone caves carved by with a grand river network inplay and are deemed as India’s third longest cave network. The river passages of the Simsang River through the terrain caved way the highland with one of the beautiful natural phenomenon of the world.
Again, these are the 3rd largest caves in the Indian Subcontinent. Also known as ‘the cave of bats’, these caves have several chambers forming unexplored mazes.
So, if you ever wanted to visit a place so secluded that it remains untouched by humans, a place where the nature blooms in full splendour? That’s what the Siju Caves of Meghalaya have in store for you – truly a God’s creation where you can seek solace in the abode of clouds.!
Check Out 3 Beautiful Places To Visit In Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills
3. Rongbangdare WaterfallsÂ
Rongbang Dar aka Rongbangdare Waterfall is a famous tourist attraction located in the district of Tura, Meghalaya that lies close to the village of Chinabat is nature’s bounty in true words.
The mighty Simsang River and its tributaries have created many waterfalls in the Garo Hills region. Rongbangdare Waterfalls is one of the more popular and visually stunning landmarks of this naturally rich region.
But you will need to negotiate a cool and fresh mountain stream to get a clear view – there is an attractive and sturdy hanging bridge for those who want to avoid getting wet.
The bridge also have a unique vantage point for clicking some pictures of the gushing stream and the lush vegetation that cradles the waterfalls.
This picturesque waterfall amidst plantain groves. An exciting hike route and a traditional bamboo bridge takes you across to the scenery where the waterfall drops to a pool that you won’t like to miss when you’re in Meghalaya.
Check out 6 Beautiful Places To Visit In Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills
4. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
Located in the West Garo Hills and it is about 2 km away from the Tura Peak and a haven for biodiversity in Meghalaya, Nokrek Biosphere Reserve lures nature and wildlife lovers around the year.
It is home to the extremely rare Red Panda. The presence of Red Panda here has got the world wondering.
The park is also home to many rare and endangered species including the clouded leopard, Jungle Cat, Serow, Giant flying squirrel, wild buffalo etc.
UNESCO added this National park to its list of Biosphere Reserve in the year 2009. So, if you want to see the Red Panda then don’t forget to visit.
Check out 6 Beautiful Places To Visit In Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills
5. Aminda Rangsa Art Village
Tucked away in the lap of nature and accompanied by the beautiful landscapes, rugged terrains and a dense forest, Aminda Rangsa Art Village located about 25 km from Tura, is a perfect getaway for travelers.
The village is famous for it’s wood and stone carvings, the work of its most famous artist Handum Marak.
Everywhere you wander in this village, you will run into a special piece of intricate design, created out of locally-sourced and abundantly available materials.
Apart from being a delight to art lovers, Aminda Rangsa Art Village provides a great example of a sustainable lifestyle by utilizing traditional building and living practices – a must visit for the conscious and modern traveller.
6. Chibragre
Located approximately 25 km from Anthurium plantation and does not take more than half an hour to reach, Chibragre is a popular picnic spot for the people of Tura in the Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.
It is a beautiful place with natural features adorably scattered all over the place. The hills, valleys, streams and rivers contribute much to the aesthetic value of the place.
The lush greenery that is spread all across the region is the most attractive feature here that makes this place a perfect choice for picnics and also you can hang outs with family and friends.
River Gangol and river Rongram meet at Chibragre and continue their flow towards Rongram, Garobadha and Mancachar (Assam) before they finally meet with the mighty Brahmaputra and flow together into the Bay of Bengal.
Chibragre is quite a popular spot both amongst the natives of Meghalaya as well as the tourists of the place.
