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About Meghalaya

Tura is a city and a municipality in West Garo Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. One of the largest towns in Meghalaya, Tura is a valley located at the foothills of the Tura Hills and right below the Tura Peak. The climate in Tura is moderate throughout the year and has a large number of interesting and unexplored areas. The native god Durama was believed to reside in the hills. The name Tura is said to be a corruption (by the British) of the god's name.

It is part of the Siwalik Hills ranges. It is 220 kilometres from the nearest city Guwahati and is also the district capital of the West Garo Hills district. It is filled with small rivulets and green valleys all around. The principal languages are Garo, ( Hajong language/Hajong ), Koch language/Koch, Bengali, Hindi and English. In 1973, the town was made the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tura.

The capital city of Shillong is 323 kilometres away and can be accessed via buses or the shuttle helicopter service.

Tura is a cultural and administrative centre of the Garo tribes. To visit popular tourist destinations such as Balpakram, Nokrek and Siju cave, one needs to pass through this town.

The State of Meghalaya is situated on the north east of India. In the hills of eastern sub-Himalayas is Meghalaya, one of the most beautiful state in the country. Nature has blessed her with abundant rainfall, sun-shine, virgin forests, high plateaus, tumbling waterfalls, crystal clear rivers, meandering streamlets and above all with sturdy, intelligent and hospitable people.

Emergence of Meghalaya as an Autonomous State on 2nd April 1970 and as a full-fledged State on 21st January 1972 marked the beginning of a new era of the geo-political history of North Eastern India. It also marked the triumph of peaceful democratic negotiations, mutual understanding and victory over violence and intrigue.

about-meghalaya

How to Reach Tura

By Air
Guwahati is the nearest airport which is only 128kms from Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya which can be reached by bus or car. Daily buses also connect Shillong with Guwahati airport. Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd, under the aegis of the Government of Meghalaya, has commenced regular helicopter flights connecting Shillong and Tura to Guwahati. A helicopter service operates between Guwahati, Shillong (30 min) and Tura (60 min), which is convenient and economical. Some helicopters land at upper Shillong and others at Umroi Helipad in the downtown.

By Road
Ranchi is linked to every important part of the country by road. Ranchi is located at the junction of National Highways 23 and 33. Extensive road network is under way to facilitate road transport and make Jharkhand accessible from any corner of the country. Buses (Birsa Khadgarha and Ratu bus stands) are available to take you to any part of the city 24/7.

By Rail
Ranchi is linked to North, East, West and South by rail. The main Railway Station in Jharkhand is also located in Ranchi. South Eastern Railways connect it to other major cities like Patna, Rourkela. Another important railway station is in Hazaribagh.

Resources

Food

There are many varieties of food available, the common one is the traditional Garo food. Traditional Garo food includes boiled rice, different preparations of Pork, beef, chicken and dry fish. Some of the delicacies of Garo Food are Nakam Bitchi (it is dry fish made with chillies and soda), Wak Pura (it is Pork cooked with crushed rice).

Major Mineral Resources

Coal, Limestone, Sillimanite, Dolomite, Fireclay, Felspar, Quartz and Glass-sand.

Principal Forest Produce

Timber, Bamboo, Reed, Cane, Ipecac, Medicinal herbs and Plants, Cinnamon, Lemon-grass and Thatch-grass.

Principal Agricultural Products

Rice, Maize, Patato, Cotton, Orange, Ginger, Tezpata, Arecanut, Jute, Mesta, Banana and Pineapple.

Wild Life

Animals: Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Bear, Panther, Wild Boar, etc.

Birds: Duck, Hornbill, Myna, etc.

Annual Celebrations

Wanagala

It is a traditional Garo dance; celebrated after harvesting. Wangala is best showcased at the 100 Drums festival which takes place annually, 30 km away from Tura in a place called, Asanang. The men and women are dressed in traditional attire and they dance to beat of the 100 drums.

Christmas

It is celebrated in a grand and extravagant way. The party spirit pervades throughout starts from Christmas and continues even after the New Year celebration. So, the entire celebration last for more than a week. The occasion is filled with carol songs, dinner parties, social gatherings and many more events. In short, a week long of Merry making.

Durga Puja

It is celebrated in the months of October and is celebrated in a grand fashion with 'pandals', 'dhak dhol' and the smell of 'dhoop' all over town. The number of idols The 'Bishorjon' is a colourful parade of trucks carrying the idols of the various pandals away at the end of the festivities.

sahastradhara

Sahastradhara

A majestic hill stands on the eastern flank of Tura, the largest town in the Garo hills area of Meghalaya. It rises 872 m above sea level over looking Tura. A tourist-bungalow, an observatory and a Cinchona-plantation are located at Tura Peak and its environs.

shillong-peek

Shillong Peak

Shillong peak is located at a distance of 10 kms from the center of the city at the scenic southern limits of Shillong. It is an Ideal picnic spot situated an altitude of 6445 feet above sea level. This is the highest point (1965mtrs) in the state.

sohpetbneng-peak

Sohpetbneng Peak

Against the backdrop of a green forest, the sacred peak is regarded as the 'Navel of Heaven' as per Khasi mythology. If you are seeking peace of mind, this might be your ideal retreat.

naphak-lake

Naphak Lake

Located at a distance of 112 kms from Tura, it is ideal for fishing, and bird-watching, with the river Simsang flowing nearby.

chibragre

Chibragre

Located in West Garo Hills District. The meaning of Chibragre is 'Chi' = water; 'bra' = join; 'gre' = hill or place. Lying at the confluence of Ganol and Rongram rivers, just 9 kms from Tura on the Tura Guwahati road is an ideal picnic spot.

Dawki

Dawki

Dawki is located in Jaintia Hills District. Travelling from Shillong to the International trade route border town of Dawki is a splendid drive of 95 kilometres passing through deep gorges and ravines, which is certainly a thrilling experience. On approaching Dawki is the Umngot river, the venue of the annual boat race held during March - April at Umsyiem.

Shillong-Cathedral

Shillong Cathedral

The beautiful church was built by the British. It is as spacious as to accomodate a few thousand worshippers.

Umlawan-Cave

Umlawan Cave

This is located in Jaintia Hills District. The sleepy hamlet of Lumshnong village came into lime-light recently when it has been confirmed that the Umlawan cave situated in this village is the longest and also the deepest in the sub-continent. The Umlawan cave is inter­connected with two other caves namely Kot-Sati and Umskor caves.

Balpakram

Balpakram

Located in the South Garo Hills District. The Balpakram National Park is about 165 kms from Tura. The literal meaning of Balpakram is the "land of perpetual winds". There is a great precipice or deep gorge in Balpakram and is popularly compared to the Grand Canyon of U.S.A.

Krang-Suri-Falls

Krang Suri Falls

Krang Suri is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the District. It is located in the Amlarem Civil Sub Division. To transform the place into a tourists destination the District Administration has initiated steps to construct Chisseled and graveled footpaths and view points to enable visitors to better appreciate the beauty of the waterfall and its surroundings.