Meghalaya literally means abode of the Clouds. Meghalaya is a small state in north-eastern India. It is a hilly strip in the eastern part of the country about 300 km long and 100 km wide. It is bounded in the south and southwest by Bangladesh and other sides by Assam. The state has seven administrative districts - the East and West Garo Hills, the East and West Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Ri-Bhoi and the South Garo Hills. Meghalaya is one of the most picturesque states of India, and the ideal retreat for people in search of beauty and solitude. It is a happy land of breathtaking beauty, undulating hills, rolling grasslands, cascading waterfalls, snaking rivers, terraced slopes and thrilling wildlife. Shillong, the hill town is the capital and the headquarter of the central district of Meghalaya. This beautiful hill station is also known as the “Scotland of East” for its undiluted beauty and considered as one of the most charming places of the entire North East. Khasi, Garo and English are the main languages which are spoken by the people in Meghalaya. The climate of Meghalaya is moderate but humid. Meghalaya is among the wettest places on earth. Cherrapunji receives annual average rainfall of 450 inches, the highest ever recorded in Asia and the second highest in the world. While the village of Mawsynram, holds the distinction of seeing the heaviest yearly rains. 

The Khasis, Jaintias and Garos tribes were the original inhabitants of this state. Tribals constitute about 85 percent of Meghalaya's population. About fifteen percent of the population is defined as non-tribal which include 54,000 Bengalis and 49,000 Shaikhs. These tribes follow the matriarchal law of inheritance by which, custody to property and succession of family position runs passes from the mother to the youngest daughter. The Khasis and Jaintias belongs to the Mongolian race, while the Garos belong to the Tibeto-Burman race. Their cultural traits and ethnic origins remain distinctive, mainly due to their geographical isolation. The tribal people of Meghalaya are very short, muscular, robust, social, cheerful, hardworking and great lovers of music and beauty. A unique characteristic is their habit of chewing unripe betel nut with dried tobacco, betel leaves and lime. The traditional costume of these tribes are the 'Jainsem' and the 'Dhara',though the younger

generation has now taken to western clothes. Animism, Hinduism, and Christianity are the main religions. There is also a small minority of Muslims and even smaller groups of Buddhists and Sikhs. The majority of the population here has converted to Christianity, while non-Christians continue to worship, and practice old cultural beliefs. 

There are various tourist spots in Meghalaya, where nature unveils herself in all her glory. The tourist spots can be seen in the three different areas in Meghalaya, namely the Khasi hills, Jaintia hills and Garo Hills. Shillong, the capital city is located in the Khasi hills. Shillong has a number of beautiful sites like the Uniam Lake, Kyllang Rock, Nartiang, Ward's lake, Lady Hydari park, Polo ground, Mini zoo, Elephant falls, Shillong peak, overlooking the city and the golf course, one of the best in the country. 
 

Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, also known as the wettest place of the world are located in Meghalaya. Cherrapunji is known for the famous Nohsngithiang falls, limestone caves and some natural stone formations. The Garo Hills form the western part of Meghalaya, and are paradise for naturalists. The place offers a panoramic view of the sweeping curves of Bhramhaputra and the low lying plains. The sunset from Tura peak, the highest point of the place at about 1400 m is a wonderful experience.