After being in oblivion for years, Garo Hills have started to open up to a new era. An era of TOURISM. When one talks of Meghalaya, Shillong, Cherrapunjee or Mawsynram are the probable names that come to mind. But around 300 km west of Shillong lies this hidden gem. It is only lately that tourism has started gaining pace in the hills with better road connectivity and opening up of homestays and hotels. Frankly speaking, having born and brought up here even I haven't yet explored this place.
Garo Hills is one of the three hills besides Khasi and Jaintia Hills that make Meghalaya. Apart from clouds, these hills are home to the Garo Tribe. The blue-green hills are rich in biodiversity and houses two national parks and two wildlife sanctuaries besides several other protected areas. The National Citrus Gene Sanctuary within the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is also the home to Citrus indica or Indian wild orange which is considered to be the most "primitive" citrus.
Garo Hills is divided into five districts with Tura being the most important/central place in the region. Politically speaking, Garo Hills is home to former Lok Sabha Speaker and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and National People's Party (NPP) founder Shri Purno Agitok Sangma.
With so much packed in this little place, Garo Hills definitely has a lot to offer to travellers and tourists. Some of the popular must visits include Mapta Dare, Rongmeram Falls, Asanangre, Pelga Falls, Tura Peak, Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Chibragre Imilchang Dare, Siju Cave, and Balpakram National Park. As I mentioned earlier, I have not explored this place much and hence do not have any pictures. A few from Tura are here for you.
Even before you fall in love with this place and start planning, I would like to request you to practice responsible tourism while travelling to Garo Hills (and in fact everywhere). Let this untouched beauty remain as it is forever and not turn it into next Shimla or Nainital or Darjeeling or Ladakh where excess and irresponsible tourism is taking its toll. Bon voyage!
A more detailed blog can be found here.