Khasi Hills - Beautiful Hill Area of Meghalaya

“Different destination diverse features” this is the common thought that comes in mind when we plan a trip on holidays. However, finding the best location for holidays is confusing task because there are numerous finest Indian tourist places when we search on google. Khasi Hill range is the place I have selected as the top tourism location of India for today. Khasi hills are basically part of Garo-Khasi area of Meghalaya. 

Earlier these hills were part of rich agricultural state Assam. Here travelers will get subtropical jungle Eco region that means if you reach this place you will get a chance to watch the natural beauty closer.

​If I say Khasi region is full of tribal then it’s somewhat true. Stunning images of Khasi states that how important this place is. There are countless waterfalls, jungle areas and reserve where you can visit in Khasi range. You might hear the world’s wettest place Cherrapunji that is closer to Khasi hills.

When we talk about Khasi Hills district it is divided in two parts, one is West Khasi and other is East Hills. The top peak of such range is Lum Shyllong at good altitude of 1968 meters from the sea level. However, Lum is just a few kms away in the south direction from Shillong town.

​Meghalaya state is mostly covered with hills, but some locations are too good to visit. You will not get similar destinations throughout the world and Khasi hill ranges are one of them. The headquarters is in Shillong for Khasi hills. As per census the average population of this location is 824,059 that is a big part of the whole Meghalaya population.

​Geography: The district headquarters is in Shillong which is another quite tourist destination.

​Greenery, valley and jungles are the best tourist attractions of the Khasi hills. The north part of the hills are bounded by plain area of RI-Bhoi region. Rolling grasslands of the plateau of the Shillong are impressive and the river valley is another attraction for travelers. Once you reach the spot don’t forget to attain sharp waterfalls in the South direction of Khasi Hills. Some part of the hills are under the rural development block bordered by Bangladesh country.

Climate: Summer is hot, though winter is not that chilled but it is the best place to visit on rainy or winter season. Monsoon comes in May that continues till end of September. In summer you might face the humidity so you can plan a trip to Khasi hills between December and March.

Attraction in Khasi Hill ranges:

However, you will find limited areas in the Khasi hills for tourism though surrounding locations are available where you can reach on your holidays. You can enjoy the wonder hill areas and the stunning cities located closer to Khasi hills.

Such cities and tourism spots are mentioned in the below list:

1. Shillong is the best holiday spot closer to this hilly region.
2. Next place is Cherrapunjee that is wettest place of the earth known for living stem bridges.
3. Nohkalikai Falls are listed as top waterfalls of the world. This fall is again closer to Cherrapunjee.
4. Nohsngithiang Falls, Kynrem Falls and Umiam Lake are some more impressive spots closer to Khasi hills. Umiam is the manmade lake located on the way to city Shillong.

​Apart the mentioned places Mawlynnong village is another spot closer to Pynsursla block. This place is famous for its cleanliness so you must reach the village and enjoy their hospitality. Even you will face heavy rainfall in this village, but still the land areas are beautiful and completely clean. The root bridges, cottages and jungle areas are famous attractions of Mawlynnong village.

​How to reach Khasi Hills?

Reaching Shillong is the best option for Khasi hills and you will get the buses and private taxis for Shillong from various parts of Meghalaya state. Guwahati is properly connected to Shillong and Silchar is also having the direct connection through NH 44 to Shillong. Distance between Silchar and Shillong is nearly 240 km only.

The closest railway station for Shillong is again Guwahati that is connected to almost every big city of India. Umroi airport is available at only distance of 35 km from Shillong, but it is connected through private planes so you won’t get frequent service to reach the spot.

Goecha La Pass - Best Highway Pass of Sikkim

Whenever I try to find the best place of tourism in India the first thing is look for the highest peak locations. I have personal interest to visit the most impressive hill stations especially for my vacations. Today my target is Goecha La Pass that is 4940 meters above the sea level. This is the high hill pass located at Sikkim, India. You can easily view the best Himalaya ranges from this Pass.

​If you read my previous post you might know about the world’s second largest peak Mt. Kanchenjunga. Once you reach to Goecha La Pass you can easily view this mount, though it is the base camp for trekkers to Himalaya Mountains. 

Goecha La is listed as most romantic elevated altitude trekking location in the Himalayas. Now when talk about the trekking at any particular place then we should know the dissimilar features of the location. This is must, because if you are not aware of the place then you might face the difficulties in unknown spot. Sikkim is the complete different spot then other states of India. The finest part of Sikkim is the state is full of greenery, natural scenery and amazing valleys. 

​The procedure I follow to find the best tourist place for my visit is searching the images of particular place. I was searching the location today and found that Goecha La Pass is missed by me. Nearly 400 places are described on my site, but I missed to search and discover this La Pass. When I saw the images of this place through different sources it was big surprise for me. Goecha La Pass is the best romantic trekking trail where a person must visit in his life, at least once. However, there are limited spots to visit in Goecha La Pass, but each attraction point is best then world. 

Just imaging you are walking through enchanting Tshoka forests with your partner. This could be a memorable moment of your life and you can also visit to vast Dzongri, Thansing meadows, blue water lake, view of Kanchenjunga and icy trail at Goecha La.

​Route to Kanchenjunga National Park starts from Goecha La Pass, which means you can enjoy two different tourist places of Sikkim. This trekking route is full of pictorial lush flora, the views of this high bypass is amazing too. 

Important facts about trekking in Goecha La:

To start trekking you have to reach Yuksom town that is closer to Sachin pass. Once you reach this location you will join conventional Dzongri to Goecha La trail. Following the route you will reach to descend steep forest and from this portion you have to overpass the Dzongri to Goecha La track. 

The Goecha La is beautiful place and the entire route is having big grazing valley and impervious forest. Reaching Dzongri top is pretty and dangerous too. From this portion you will reach to Black Kabru Pandim, then Kabru North and later Kabru Dome peaks. 

Some of the Camping companies are having offers and packages for Goecha La Pass. You can contact the firms for booking as they are professional trained performers. 

Few firms that are offering general services for trekking are:- 

Accommodation:	The institutes are having guest house and Camping sight for  the visitors.
Meals:	You have to select the type of meal like if you eat Veg then  select the appropriate option.
Trek equipment’s:	This could be vary from company to company. You might get  Sleeping bag, tent, mattress, kitchen tent and toilet tent.

Trekking Permits:

These institutes are having registered permit from the state   government as well as tourism department.

Medical facilities: For emergency treatment these firms are having initial medical facility. 

​Qualified & experienced trekkers: The teams are having leader, best guide and supporting staff for trekkers. 

For booking, the firms have provided the online form that is easily accessible from any corner of the world. However, it’s better if you book the ticket two months before your trip, because many people from different regions regularly search for the free dates and book this wonder adventure land as per their choice. 

How to Reach Goecha La Pass?

By Train: Closest railway station for this Indian tourist place is New Jalpaiguri a major rail hub of Sikkim. Trains from Kolkata, Delhi, Dehradun and many other cities are available for NJP. 

By Flight: If you are looking for the air route for this tourism spot then you can attain to Bagdogra airport. Flights for this domestic airport is available from metro cities such as Kolkata, Delhi and some more.

By Road: Whichever hill station you select road is the best way to reach the spot. Similar condition applies for Goecha La Pass as well. You can get the direct bus from Dehradun and some big cities of Sikkim.

Gopalpur - Beach City of Odhisa

We always look for the interesting places for our vacations. However, we try to reach those places that are famous and crowded because we are not aware of many secret destinations. Today  our target is one of sea shores of Odhisa such as Gopalpur. It is the city at the coastal area of Ganjam region, Odisha. The state is using the port of Gopalpur for their commercial purpose. Berhampur is just 15 km away from Gopalpur. 

  

 

According to a report of the 2001 census Gopalpur had the population around 6660. 

Do you love to reach historical places than there are spots in Gopalpur that will attract you most. Most ancient locations of the city are commercial port, though the condition of the port is not good at the moment but state government is trying to repair it. This metropolis were known as a fishing village, though it became the biggest trading center at the time of BEIC (British East India Company) arrival. BEIC started their business with Burma through this route and they created lots of warehouses and go-downs. 

Attraction in Gopalpur:

Gopalpur Beach: 16 km distance is nothing but a small route to reach the Gopalpur beach from Brahmapur. Actually Gopalpur is located on the border of AP (Andhra Pradesh). You can enjoy the coconut groves, gentle sand dunes and casuarinas in this area. 

Old Jetty: A wonder spot of town, though it is in ruins according to the present situation. It is the monument of Gopalpur famous for its glorious history. Sailors of the city started visiting other countries from this point. It was the major source for the sailors to reach Indonesia and Rangoon.

Taptapani: A striking village located near the Gopalpur city. You have to cover the distance of 67 kms to reach the Taptapani. If we try to solve the name, meaning it is hot water. This place is famous for hot spring which attracts the voyagers from different places to Gopalpur. 

Dhavaleshwar: The exquisite location and best picnic spot is Dhavaleshwar. Once you reach this spot you can enjoy the Mahanandi River and is just few distance far. People recognize Dhavaleshwar as heaven for visitors. 

Gudahandi: Next place to visit in the city is a land of molasses. 3 hills with greenery is a famous part of this area. Gudahandi is little far from Gopalpur as this place comes under Khaligarh area. 

Taratarini Temple: A shrine on Taratarini hill at only a distance of 30 km is next place to visit in Gopalpur. Here you will see the two idols and temples of Hindu Goddess Tara and Tarini. 

Pati Sonapur Beach: Do you want to enjoy the splendor beaches of India? Visit Pati Sonapur beach that is one of the famous destinations of Gopalpur. It is only 20 km far from Berhampur, though Gopalpur is 35 km distance from this beach. 

Padmatala Sanctuary: 37 kms far from city famous for pond, greenery and wild animals. Wildlife Safari is available in this region so enjoy watching dangerous animals live here. 

Lakhari Santuary: One more national park of the city is Lakhari Park located in Lakhari Valley. The most popular animal of this park is an elephant. However, there are many more wild animals in the sanctuary. 

Lighthouse: A lighthouse constructed in 1871 is next spot to visit in Gopalpur. It was built for the assistance of coastal ships comes from Rangoon. 

Aryapalli Beach: A charming, peaceful beach named as Aryapalli is available for you. You only have to travel 30 km distance from Berhampur to attain the area. You can easily hear the wave sound at this place because less people visit this beach as the waves get higher anytime here. 

How to reach Gopalpur?

By Air: Closest big air hub for Gopalpur is Bhubaneswar that is directly linked to many big cities of India. 

By Rail: Closest and important station for Gopalpur is Berhampur and East-Coast Railway connects this station to many broad cities of the nation. 

By Road: Local or nearby people love to reach the spots of Gopalpur through bikes or their own vehicles. However, if you are coming to this destination from Berhampur then you have to cover the gap of 16 km. Bhubaneswar is 190 km far, Taptapani is 66 km away, Barkul is 75 km distant and Kolkata is 670 km away from Gopalpur.