Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a state in northeastern India whose name means the abode of clouds, celebrated for its extraordinary rainfall, living root bridges and rolling green hills. Its capital is Shillong, once known as the Scotland of the East. It is among the wettest places on Earth.

Meghalaya is a hilly plateau of deep gorges, waterfalls and dense forests, including the towns of Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, which receive some of the highest rainfall in the world. The climate is cool and exceptionally wet.

The state is home to the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia peoples, many of whom follow matrilineal traditions in which lineage and inheritance pass through women. Christianity is widespread, and the culture is known for music and vibrant festivals.

Inhabited by indigenous matrilineal tribes and influenced by British and missionary contact in the 19th century, Meghalaya was carved from Assam to become a full Indian state in 1972. Shillong served as a hill station and regional center.