MEGHALAYA, History and Geography:
Meghalaya was created as an autonomous state within the state of Assam on 2 April, 1970. The full-fledged State of Meghalaya came into existence on 21 January, 1972. It is bound on the north and east by Assam, and on the south and west by Bangladesh. Meghalaya, literally meaning the abode of clouds, is essentially a hilly state. It is predominantly inhabited by the Khasis, the Jaintias, and the Garo tribal communities. The Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, which form the central and eastern part of Meghalaya, is an imposing plateau with rolling grasslands, hills and river valleys. The southern face of the plateau is marked by deep gorges and abrupt slopes, at the foot of which, a narrow strip of plain land runs along the international border with Bangladesh.
Area – 22,429 sq. km, Population – 29,64,007, Capital – Shillong, Languages – Khasi, Garo and English.

Umngot River or Dawki stream – is a little waterway that courses through Dawki in the East Jaintia Hills. Its a completely clear waterway which is uncommon to discover in India, one can see the whole impression of the watercraft and it gives the inclination that the vessel is flying. The stream closes at the global outskirt of India Bangladesh. The characteristic magnificence of Dawki is framed by the Umngot River as it were. The stream in Dawki is additionally a prime angling spot. One can take a watercraft ride in this waterway, the ride keeps going upto a decent 30 to 40 mins and it is extremely wonderful. The waterway is the normal limit between Ri Pnar of Jaintia Hills with Hima Khyrim of Khasi Hills over which hangs a solitary traverse suspension connect. It is the portal to Bangladesh.

Mawlynnong – one of the cleanest villages in India is located about 92 km from Shillong. In 2003, it won the acclaim for being the cleanest village in Asia and another for being the cleanest in India in 2005. The village is locally referred to as ‘God’s Own Garden’ and is commended for its community-based eco-tourism initiative. Under this, the onus of keeping the village clean lies on every resident and to promote cleanliness, bamboo garbage bins dot the lanes, nooks and corners of Mawlynnong. The waste collected in the bins is sent to a pit and turned into manure. Smoking is prohibited here and so is plastic. Rainwater harvesting is considered very important and is practised by almost all its residents. In addition, the village boasts a 100 per cent literacy rate and most of the inhabitants are fluent in English. Since it is located on the Indo-Bangla border, one can enjoy a sweeping view of Bangladesh. Another reason to mark this place in your itinerary is the natural rock balancing phenomenon that is seen here – the unusual and curious sight of one boulder balanced on another. Tourists can also enjoy a trek to a single-decker living root bridge here.

A Living Root Bridge – are a form of tree shaping common in the southern part of the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya. They are handmade from the aerial roots of living banyan fig trees, such as Ficus elastica by the Khasi people and War Jaintia peoples of the mountainous terrain along the southern part of the Shillong Plateau. The pliable tree roots are made to grow through betel tree trunks which have been placed across rivers and streams until the figs’ roots attach themselves to the other side. Sticks, stones, and other objects are used to stabilize the growing bridge This process can take up to 15 years to complete. The useful lifespan of any given living root bridge is variable, but it is thought that, under ideal conditions, they can in principle last for many hundreds of years. As long as the tree they are formed from remains healthy, they naturally self-renew and self-strengthen as their component roots grow thicker.
Material – Living trees roots, Width – over 1.5 meters, Total length – over 50 meters, Design life – up to 500 years. 

Mawsmai Caves – Situated around 6 Kms from Cherrapunjee, the Mawsmai Caves are a major crowd puller that leaves tourists spellbound. These  limestone caves have the distinction of being the only caves in Meghalaya that are lit enough to enable tourists to enjoy the natural formations in awe. Though the caves are long, only a distance of 150 meters is open for tourists, while the other section is closed. The stalactites and stalagmites caves have innumerable forms, shapes and sizes inside leaving one to imagine as many life forms as possible. This magnificent natural wonder is the handiwork of years of natural abrasion and underground water.