Have you ever heard of Garo Hills? If not, you are missing out on one of the most beautiful and diverse regions in India. Garo Hills is a part of the Patkai hill range that spans across Meghalaya, Assam, and Nagaland. It is home to the Garo tribe, one of the indigenous communities of Northeast India.
Garo Hills has a rich natural and cultural heritage that will amaze you with its scenic beauty, wildlife, caves, waterfalls, festivals, and traditions. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Garo Hills and why you should visit it at least once in your lifetime.
How to Reach Garo Hills
Garo Hills is located in the western part of Meghalaya, bordering Assam and Bangladesh. The nearest airport to Garo Hills is Guwahati International Airport in Assam, which is well connected to major cities in India and abroad. From Guwahati, you can take a bus or a taxi to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, which is about 100 km away.
From Shillong, you can either take a direct bus or a taxi to Tura, the largest town in Garo Hills, which is about 320 km away. Alternatively, you can also take a bus or a taxi from Guwahati to Hahim in Assam, which is about 200 km away. From Hahim, you can enter Garo Hills through a lesser-known road that passes through Nongkhnum River Island, the second largest river island in Asia. This route will take you to Balpakram National Park, one of the main attractions in Garo Hills.
The road conditions in Garo Hills are not very good and can be affected by landslides and floods during monsoon. Therefore, it is advisable to travel by a sturdy vehicle and hire a local driver who knows the area well.
Best Time to Visit Garo Hills
The best time to visit Garo Hills is between September and December, when the weather is pleasant and dry. This is also the time when the 100 Drums Wangala Festival is celebrated by the Garo people. This festival marks the end of the harvest season and is a grand spectacle of traditional dances, music, costumes, and rituals. You can witness the vibrant culture and spirit of the Garo people during this festival and join them in their festivities.
However, if you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy the solitude of nature, you can also visit Garo Hills between March and May, when the spring season brings out the best of flora and fauna. You can see various flowers blooming, such as orchids and rhododendrons, and spot different birds and animals in their natural habitat.
You should avoid visiting Garo Hills during monsoon (June to August) and winter (January to February), as these seasons can pose some challenges for travellers. Monsoon brings heavy rainfall that can cause landslides and floods, making the roads inaccessible and risky. Winter brings cold temperatures that can make camping and trekking difficult and uncomfortable.
Sightseeing Around Garo Hills
Garo Hills has a lot to offer for sightseeing enthusiasts who love nature and adventure. Here are some of the places that you should not miss when you visit Garo Hills:
Balpakram National Park:
This national park is also known as the “Land of Spirits” by the Garo people, who believe that it is the abode of their ancestors’ souls. The park covers an area of 220 sq km and has a diverse landscape of cliffs, plateaus, valleys, rivers, and forests. It is home to many rare and endangered species of plants and animals, such as red pandas, golden cats, elephants, tigers etc.
Siju Caves:
These caves are also known as the “Bat Cave” or the “Dobakkol Cave” by the locals. They are located near Simsang River and are one of the longest cave systems in India. They have impressive formations of stalactites and stalagmites that resemble various shapes and figures. They also house thousands of bats that fly out at dusk creating a spectacular sight.
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve:
This biosphere reserve is also known as the “Mother Gene Pool” by UNESCO because it has a high genetic diversity of plants and animals. It covers an area of 47 sq km and has the highest peak in Garo Hills, Nokrek Peak, which is 1412 meters above sea level. It is also the habitat of the citrus indica, the most primitive and original wild citrus fruit in the world.
Wari Chora Canyon:
This canyon is also known as the “Grand Canyon of Garo Hills” because of its resemblance to the famous American landmark. It is located near Jadisil Fish Sanctuary and has stunning rock formations and waterfalls that create a scenic view. You can also enjoy boating and fishing in the canyon.
Rongbang Dare Waterfall:
This waterfall is also known as the “Seven Sisters Waterfall” because it has seven streams that cascade down from a height of 103 meters. It is located near Tura Peak and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Meghalaya. You can also trek to the top of the waterfall and enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings.
Pelga Falls:
This waterfall is also known as the “Pelga Dare” by the locals and is a popular picnic spot in Garo Hills. It is located near Rongram River and has a height of 30 meters. You can also enjoy swimming and camping near the waterfall.
Naphak Lake:
This lake is also known as the “Naphak Pokto” by the locals and is a man-made lake that was created by damming Simsang River. It is located near Baghmara town and has a surface area of 10 sq km. It is a haven for birdwatchers and anglers, as it has many migratory and resident birds and fish.
Boldak Matchu Karam Rock:
This rock is also known as the “Balancing Rock” by the tourists and is a natural wonder in Garo Hills. It is located near Rongrenggiri village and has a huge boulder that balances on a smaller rock. It is believed that the rock was placed by a legendary hero named Matchu Karam, who fought against the British invaders.
Naka Chikong Rock:
This rock is also known as the “Huge Elephant Rock” by the tourists and is another natural wonder in Garo Hills. It is located near Balpakram National Park and has a massive rock that resembles an elephant’s head. It is believed that the rock was once a living elephant that was turned into stone by a curse.
Tura Peak:
This peak is also known as the “Tura Pahar” by the locals and is the highest point in Tura town. It is located at an altitude of 872 meters above sea level and offers a splendid view of Garo Hills and Bangladesh plains. You can also visit a sacred grove, a temple, and a garden on the peak.
You may also like to check out: Mysterious stories about places in Meghalaya that will creep you out!
Activities At Garo Hills
Garo Hills has a lot to offer for activity lovers who love thrill and excitement. Here are some of the activities that you can do when you visit Garo Hills:
Trekking:
Garo Hills has many trekking trails that will challenge your stamina and reward you with breathtaking views. You can trek to Balpakram Cliff, Nokrek Peak, Rongbang Dare Waterfall, Tura Peak etc. You can also join Tripoto’s guided treks that will provide you with all the necessary equipment and safety measures.
Camping:
Garo Hills has many camping sites that will let you experience the wilderness and tranquility of nature. You can camp near Pelga Falls, Naphak Lake, Wari Chora Canyon etc. You can also book Tripoto’s camping packages that will provide you with tents, sleeping bags, food, and bonfire.
Birdwatching:
Garo Hills has many bird species that will delight your eyes and ears with their colors and sounds. You can spot birds such as hornbills, parakeets, kingfishers, eagles etc. You can also join Tripoto’s birdwatching tours that will provide you with binoculars, guides, and transport.
Wildlife Spotting:
Garo Hills has many wildlife species that will fascinate you with their beauty and behavior. You can spot animals such as red pandas, golden cats, elephants, tigers etc. You can also join Tripoto’s wildlife safaris that will provide you with jeeps, guides, and permits.
Caving:
Garo Hills has many caves that will thrill you with their mystery and adventure. You can explore caves such as Siju Caves, Dobakkol Caves, Tetengkol Caves etc. You can also join Tripoto’s caving expeditions that will provide you with helmets, torches, ropes, and guides.
Fishing:
Garo Hills has many rivers and lakes that will tempt you with their fish bounty. You can fish for carp, catfish, trout etc.
Boating:
Garo Hills has many water bodies that will relax you with their calmness and serenity. You can enjoy boating on Naphak Lake, Simsang River, Wari Chora Canyon etc. You can also join Tripoto’s boating tours that will provide you with boats, life jackets, and guides.
Cultural Immersion:
Garo Hills has a rich cultural heritage that will enchant you with its diversity and uniqueness. You can learn about the history, customs, beliefs, and lifestyle of the Garo people. You can also interact with them, taste their cuisine, watch their dances, listen to their music, and participate in their festivals. You can also join Tripoto’s cultural immersion programs that will provide you with homestays, translators, and guides.
Homestays, Transport, and Connectivity: The Pros and Cons of Travelling in Garo Hills
If you are looking for accommodation in Garo Hills, you can find some hotels and government guest houses in bigger towns like Tura and Baghmara. Some villages near the main attractions also offer homestays where you can experience the local culture. The Forest Rest House is the only option to stay near Balpakram.
Transport in Garo Hills is not very convenient and comfortable, but it is adventurous and exciting. You can travel by bus, taxi, jeep, or bike, depending on your budget and preference. You can also hire a local driver who knows the area well and can take you to the best places. You should be prepared for bumpy roads, narrow bridges, and steep slopes. You should also carry some snacks, water, and medicines with you. Transport in Garo Hills will test your patience and endurance, but it will also reward you with scenic views and thrilling experiences.
You can stay connected with your loved ones and the world with Jio and Airtel, which have decent coverage in most parts of Garo Hills. However, some remote areas and Balpakram jungle may not have any network or internet service. So, it is advisable to carry a power bank and a local SIM card with you.
You should also share your travel plans and contact details with your family and friends before you go. Garo Hills will give you a chance to appreciate the importance of communication and information, but also to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
Also read: Here's How You Can Explore the Majestic Siju Cave of Meghalaya in One Night
Garo Hills is a hidden gem of Meghalaya that you must explore if you are looking for a destination that offers a blend of nature and culture. Garo Hills will surprise you with its scenic beauty, wildlife, caves, waterfalls, festivals, and traditions. You will also have a lot of fun and adventure doing various activities such as trekking, camping, birdwatching, wildlife spotting etc. Garo Hills is a place that will make you fall in love with Northeast India and its people.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your Garo Hills trip today and get ready to explore the Land of Spirits. And don’t forget to share your feedback and queries with us in the comments section below or contact us for more information. We would love to hear from you and help you plan your dream vacation. Happy travelling!
