By Our Editor
Tourism has become a thriving industry which provides jobs to many local aspirants and at the same time gives an opportunity of meeting people from various cultures across the country and the globe as well. Such contacts enlighten the local population who all along might have lived in isolation and so not aware of life beyond their boundaries. Improvement in travel conditions, rising real incomes and longer periods of paid vocation have all played important parts in growth of tourism. After attaining statehood in 1972, Meghalaya too started becoming more aware of tourism potential and hence devoted attention in planning and in identifying beautiful and attractive natural spots so that they could be further developed like road connectivity and affordable hotels for in-coming tourists. Tourism involves large numbers of people both as vacationers and as workers in different sectors serving them. Meghalaya, literally the ‘Abode of Clouds’ is gifted with abundant beautiful scenic spots, lakes and waterfalls, fascinating caves, flora and fauna and eco-destinations.
Umiam Lake, 17kms from Shillong and adjacent to Guwahati-Shillong National Highway, is the biggest artificial lake in Meghalaya. Water sports complex is an added attraction and nearby is the Orchid Lake resort offering hospitality and accommodation. Adjacent to the resort is Lum Nehru Park, popular picnic spot. Jarain Pitcher Plant Lake in Amlarem subdivision, West Jaintia Hills district is beautiful to look at because of carnivorous pitcher plants and Thadlaskein Lake by the side of Shillong-Jowai road in West Jaintia Hills district is historical lake. Come summer time when rain falls heavily and incessantly for days nature lovers would really be delighted to listen to the musical cascading of different waterfalls in Meghalaya. In and around Shillong there are numerous waterfalls: Bishop Falls, Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls and Beadon Falls are the best known. The majestic Nohkalikai Falls and Dainthlen Falls of Sohra and Nohsngithiang Waterfalls of Mawsmai are splendid. Tyrchi Falls, about 6kms from Jowai lies hidden from viewers travelling on Shillong-Jowai National Highway but its thunderous roar is quite audible. Pelga Falls in Garo Hills surrounded by high green hills is a sight that inspires about environment beauty. These are but few of the many beautiful lakes and waterfalls which are located in different parts of the state.
Kynrem Falls 12kms from Sohra is an attractive tourism spot and is the seventh highest waterfall in India. During monsoon it is a marvelous sight to witness the cascading waterfall plunging 305 metres below. But quarrying activities nearby have threatened its survival and ecology of the area because boulders are not only destroying the neighborhood but are also imminent danger to human lives and property. After the road from Laittyra to Umwai was constructed Kynrem Falls has been great centre of tourism and tourists visiting Sohra make it a point to include it in their itinerary. Villagers should understand about tourism potential and hence their cooperation for preservation and improvement is priority because in the end they are the ones to chiefly gain.