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  • 01Tura Peak

    Tura Peak

    Tura Peak is one of the most popular peaks of the Tura Range in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. This fantastic peak stands tall at a height of 872 m above sea level. It is maintained by the Nokrek National Park.

    Legends say that this peak was once the home of the Gods and was originally called Dura. However, the British mistook it as Tura, and the place has been called the same ever since. From the Tura peak, one can see the Brahmaputra valley plains and also the plains of Bangladesh.

    At the top of this peak, there is a tourist bungalow, an observatory and a Cinchona plantation. There is also a foot track from the base to the top of the peak, which is a feast for mountaineers and trekkers. The best and most feasible way to reach Tura is by taking a tourist bus from Shillong.

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  • 02Pelga Falls

    Pelga Falls

    Pelga Falls is an extremely popular destination for tourists who are anglers and picnickers. It is an absolute paradise for nature lovers, as the ambience of the place is extremely calm and peaceful. The Tourism Department has also constructed a footpath that leads to the falls. On reaching the falls, there is a beautiful view-point to enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.

    It is a fantastic place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax your body and mind for a fresh start. Another added attraction to this place is the traditionally built bridge over the Ganol river, that is constructed entirely with nothing but bamboo.

    There are also small food-joints near the Pelga Falls where one can indulge themselves in the taste of some local Garo delicacies. Pelga falls is located 7 km from Tura, and the best way to reach there is to take a local taxi from Tura.

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  • 03Tura

    Tura

    Tura is the district headquarter of West Garo Hills and the second largest town in Meghalaya. The town is located in Tura Hills and right below the Tura Peak. The town derives its name from the native god Durama who is believed to reside in the hills and blesses the residents of the area.

    Tura is believed to be a misspelled word which was adopted by the British once they took over the control of the region. The beautiful town is filled with small rivulets and green valleys all around. It serves as the perfect base camp for tourists visiting different destinations in Garo Hills such as Balpakram, Nokrek and Siju Cave.

    There are lots of waterfalls around this town which attract thousands of tourists all around the year. It is also a nice place to shop local handicraft and take them home a a perfect souvenir from Garo Hills.

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  • 04Nokrek Biosphere

    Nokrek Biosphere

    Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, or Nokrek National Park is extremely popular for activities such as camping, bird watching and observing different animals in their natural habitats. Nokrek happens to be the highest peak of Garo Hills, and also the home to several different species of plants and animals.

    There are rare species of orchids like white meranti, wild lemon, lali, chempaka and grand rasamala which are found in the reserve. One can also see a variety of rare, endangered and endemic species of animals here. Some of them are the hillock gibbon, pig tailed macaque, Himalayan black bear, elephant and giant flying squirrel.

    There is also a thrilling track through some thick tropical forests from Nokrek to Tura for trekkers and adventurers. A breathtaking view of the mighty hills mingling with river Brahmaputra at a distance ends this journey. The best way to reach the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve would be by taking a tourist bus either from Shillong or from Tura.

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  • 05Chibragre

    Chibragre, in the Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, is a popular picnic spot for the people of Tura. It is located approximately 25 km from Anthurium plantation and does not take more than half an hour to reach the spot.

    River Gangol and river Rongram meet at Chibragre and continue their flow towards Rongram, Garobadha and Mancachar (Assam) before they finally meet with the mighty Brahmaputra and flow together into the Bay of Bengal.

    A small depression in the area serves as a perfect spot for swimming, and the vast sandy beach operates as an excellent picnic spot for over a hundred people. A view point has also been constructed at the top, but the real fun lies in staying at the beach, having a swim in the cool water, cooking on the sand and spending time with family and friends. The best way to reach Chibragre is by taking a bus from Tura.

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  • 06Rongbang Dare

    Rongbang Dare

    Rongbang Dare is a very small, picture-perfect waterfall near Chinabat village. It is to the right of Tura-Asanangre-Williamnagar State highway, and is a beautiful site for people visiting the area. During the monsoon season, the fall becomes twice as beautiful with the snowy white water flowing like a continuous bed of cotton.

    Adding to the beauty of the Rongbang Dare is the tall evergreen forests of bamboo that is present on either sides of the falls. It is a small but delightful view for every person who passes across this area.

    For tourists who are looking to stay here, there are several hotels and guesthouses with excellent lodging and dining facilities in the neighbouring town of Tura. One can easily reach the Rongbang Dare by taking a local cab from Tura.

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  • 07Sasatgre Village

    Sasatgre Village

    Sasatgre Village lies at the foot of the Nokrek Peak, in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. This beautiful little village is filled with several houses that are well-built in a typical Garo pattern. These houses are firm, airy and spacious.

    A visitor coming to this village can really learn a lot about the Garo traditions, because even up to this day, the Sasatgre villagers are firmly tied to their customs and culture. Sasatgre gains its popularity mainly from the excellent oranges that it produces every year. They have a vast orange plantation, and the entire village is surrounded by dark green orange trees.

    People love the oranges of Sasatgre as they are not only tasty and juicy but also healthy. The village is now on the side-line of the Nokrek Gene Sanctuary cum Biosphere Reserve. One can reach Sasatgre by travelling through a jerry-built road from Oragitok village which lies on the Tura-Williamnagar Highway.

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  • 08Bhaitbari

    Bhaitbari

    Bhaitbari is a small village on the bank of the river Jingjiram in West Garo Hills district. Bhaitbari gained its popularity after an archaeological exploration was conducted in the village in 1991 and 1992. This exploration led to some very interesting findings for the people.

    There is a mud-cum-burnt brick fort that runs in the shape of a horse-shoe for over 5 km in the north-south direction on the banks of the river Jingjiram. There was also a beautiful temple made of burnt brick which was unearthed during this exploration.

    The third impressive discovery was that of an Octagonal Temple with eight miniature "Shiv Lings". Fourth was the most thrilling discovery of a "Stupa" which is associated with Buddhism. However, nothing is definitely known about this site as yet. Bhaitibari is approximately three miles from Phulbari, on the way to Tura. One can come here by booking a cab from Tura.

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  • 09Darga Of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba

    Darga Of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba

    Dargah of Hazrat Shah Kamal Baba is located on the Indo-Bangladesh border, 80 km from Tura, West Garo Hills. Built in the 16th century during Raja Mahenranarayn’s reign, it’s said to have been made in the span of just a night. The shrine is also known as Pirsthan.

    A legend goes that during the Raja’s reign, the place was captured by a demon who threatened to kill all the mortals. It was at that time that Shah Kamal Baba happened to visit the place and drive the demon away. The Dargah is known for its annual prayer-fair or ‘Urs’, which has been a tradition since the pre-partition time.

    Devotees from near and far flock the shrine to submerge themselves in the divinity of Peer Baba and seek his blessings. The Pirsthan has a history of never letting its devotees go back empty-handed.

    The Dargah is situated at a serene spot and has a structure and design that is typical of the Mogul architecture. The structure was renovated in the years 2008-2009 at the behest of the Waqf Board of Meghalaya. If one is in search of some solace and divine experience then Pirsthan is the place to be in.

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  • 10Rangapani

    Rangapani

    Rangapani village is a beautiful ecological destination in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. The earthly remains of Mir Jumla, the army general of the great Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, still lies here. Mir Jumla died of malaria while returning from his excursion in the North-East.

    The Muslim association of this village is responsible for maintaining his tomb. Rangapani is not only popular for the historical significance that it holds, but also for the magnificent scenic beauty of the place.

    The calm environment with the fresh blowing breeze is absolutely delightful. The deep green hills that can be seen at the distance, with the narrow streets rolling through them are a treat to the eyes. Rangapani is located 40 km from Tura, near Mancachar on the Assam border. The best way to reach here is to hire a tourist vehicle from Tura.

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  • 11Daribokgre Rural tourism

    Daribokgre Rural tourism

    Daribokgre, a hamlet in the Garo hills is just 3 km from Nokrek National Park. Since the advent of technology and machineries in agriculture, the use of manual labour has become increasingly less, forcing the village people to resort to other means such as rural tourism to sustain the economy.

    The Daribokgre village is one such example. The prime motive of the Daribokgre Rural Tourism is to acquaint and involve travellers into the rural lifestyle. The project mainly aims at accommodating travellers who come to visit the Nokrek National Park or the Nokrek Peak, which is the highest peak in Garo hills.

    The village community works together to provide a comfortable stay to its guests. One can rent a hut or a tree house at minimal rates, ranging from Rs. 200-400. The huts are furnished in simple taste and also come with wooden floored hygienic bathrooms.

    Simple meals along with local Garo delicacies are also prepared at the request of the visitor. While experiencing the amiable hospitality of the Daribokgre Rural Tourism, a traveller can also enjoy other activities like nature walks, bird watching and trekking. One can reach Daribokgre by booking a tourist bus from Tura.

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  • 12Wadagokgre

    Wadagokgre

    Wadagokgre is a fascinating destination in West Garo Hills, for people who are interested in history and civilization. The Archaeological Survey of India had taken up an excavation in the area, and found out that it was one of the biggest cities and also a religious centre, that was cast out of the river Brahmaputra in the fourth century A.D.

    This excavation has brought into light that the Wadagokgre township was sprawling with Buddhism and Hinduism, and also a combination of both, which is widely practiced in the area. This ancient township was located on the bank of the river Brahmaputra, which happened to flow from that area almost 2000 years back.

    The entire town was well fortified, and tanks as well as temples built of burnt bricks were also found inside the premises. But to everyone's amazement, not a single bone was found in the entire area. One can reach Wadagokgre by booking a tourist vehicle from Tura.

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  • 13Kata Beel

    Kata Beel

    Kata Beel, a large placid pond surrounded by palm trees in Garo hills is a great spot for fishing, angling and picnics. The scenic pond is located near Nogorpara village, about 70 kilometres away from Tura, precisely on the Tura-Garobadha-Ampatigiri-Mahendraganj road. Legend has it the pond was dug and constructed at the order of Lengta raja of the Garos.

    Traditionally, the term Kata Beel quite simple means ‘Kata’- cut and 'Beel'- lake. Picnickers especially flock the place on sultry summer months. The still waters cradled in the concave depression perfectly reflects the sky above, making it seem as if the skies have come down to the earth, creating a great spectacle.

    Kata Beel covers a hectare of land which is surrounded by plantations of palms. It is currently being maintained and looked over by the Garo Baptist Church and is also responsible for the auctioning of the fishing rights, the proceeds of which are used in the maintenance of the pond.

    The best and most feasible way to get to Kata Beel is to book a private cab from Shillong or taking the regular transport buses that are available from Guwahati-Tura or Shillong-Tura.

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  • 14Mir Jumla's Tomb

    Mir Jumla's Tomb

    Mir Jumla's Tomb is located at Rangapani, near Mancachar in Garo Hills. The tomb is located on a small hillock and has been maintained by the local Muslim associations for over centuries. The tomb reflects a remarkably long grave which bears witness to how huge a man Mir-Jumla was.

    Mir Jumla was an extra-ordinary Mughal General, and was appointed as the Governor of Bengal by Emperor Aurangzeb. Shortly thereafter, Mir Jumla raised an attack on Assam as the head of a huge army, to conquer one of the local rulers who had captured some of the Mughal territories on the Bengal frontier.

    Mir Jumla had gained considerable success in the initial parts, but soon the difficult routes and the malaria-infested climate started to change things for the Mughal army. Eventually, it forced Mir Jumla to return with his men without having fully conquered the territory of Assam.

    Yet, before the brave General could set foot on the lands of Bengal, he was too run down by malaria, which eventually led to his death. Mir Jumla's Tomb is at a place called Rangapani, 40 km from Tura. To reach this place, one may choose to hire a tourist vehicle from Tura.

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  • 15Arbella Peak

    Arbella Peak

    Arbella Peak stands above the sea level at a height of 999 m. The range on which the peak is located goes by the same name, i.e., the Arbella Range. The peak is located en-route the Guwahati-Tura highway of Tura’s north eastern border in Asanangre village.

    The Garo Hills are celebrated for their unique flora and fauna and their wealth in wildlife, and the Arbella Range is no exception. The Arbella Peak is packed with greenery - exquisite orchids and shrubs. Besides these, one can also find a diversity of birds and pheasants, making it a haven for nature lovers.

    The drive to the top amidst lush forest cover is an adventurous one. On reaching the top, one gets a beautiful view of the entire range. The hills overlapp one another and fade away into the horizon, leaving a bluish tint.

    In the days of the British Colonialists, a rest house was built at the top of the peak which still serves the purpose of providing shelter to the visitors. For more sporty tourists, craving for some athletic adventure, they could surely trek up to the summit of 40 km. Daily buses connect Guwahati, Shillong with Williamnagar (Garo Hills).

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