Tura

Tura Experience: Tura is a lovely place to be. I have traveled mostly to all the destinations in INDIA & I have even seen the sparking colours of the foreign countries but i have never seen such beautiful & breath taking place like Tura.I stayed in Tura for nearly one month & for few days i stayed in Shalom Guest house in Tura it was so homely experience even i also got sick there cause of excess of travelling here & there (just got flu) then also Owner of Shalom Guest house took so nice care of me i should say to everyone travelling to Tura they should stay in Shalom Guest House & see the homly experience themselves. About Tura it is such a nice place with nice mountain views & full of waterfalls.When you will visit Tura you will feel like you are not in India at all it is just sooo beautiful & loving place & people over there are so lovable & caring.

Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Food : The Local dishes of Tura is very rich in Taste & mostly they are nonveg.So vegetarian like me no need to worry cause they have so much vegetables also to serve you. Sight Seeing: As i mention above Tura is full of waterfalls & Picnic spots so you will love it a lot & ya dont miss to visit Tura Peak. Shopping : Tura is not so big city as there is only one big market but you might face problem if you are too much choosey for the branded things but for that also no need to worry as im planing to open a mix branded shop in Tura hehehhe.But overall you will like the market of Tura small & nice.

Activities & things to do: You can roam around all the places outside & inside the Tura & ya dont miss to taste the bettlenuts & pineapples as its a home of bettlenuts & pineapples.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: The nearest airport toTura is Guwahati & from there you can take Sumo Taxi Service or Catch a night bus. Warning : Please dont try to go from Guwahati latenight by hired taxi as on the way some places are effected by the millitants.Its better to travel in daytime. In tura dont argue with the people or auto drivers on the topic on politics otherwise you can put yourself in a big trouble. Whenever you go for the rivers please do ask the local people if you are planing to swim in the river & without any guide dont try to enter the forest area of Tura. Please dont miss-understand me but these are just some precatiouns so you can take care of yourself if you are travelling alone. I know you all will love it when you will reach your this Holiday Destination & if till then i will open my mix branded shop there do visit it with your all family hehehheheh.So all my friends happy & save Jouney......

Tura Experience: Tura is one of the beautiful & untouched place in India. Its such a lovely place that if anyone goes there he will never feel like coming back from this wonderful place its having amazing forests & breath taking waterfalls. Its a wonderful work on earth by God you can see.The nature is mind-blowing .

Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Food is wonderful over there specially for Non-vegetarians there is lots of stuff to have but vegetarians like me has to struggle little bit hehehhehe.There are not so many branded shops or anything just one bazar named as supermarket.

Activities & things to do: There are many things to do there.As there are so many picnic spots you can go & enjoy there,then you can go to see the waterfalls or ya dont miss to go & see the Tura peak.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: The best time to visit Tura is in Christmas & new year eve.The nearest airport to Tura is Guwhati airport 250 or 300kms from Tura from there you can go by taxi or buses.You can go from the helicopter service from Meghalaya Tourism but it runs only on some specified days in a week. Warnings : Please dont take it lightly : From Guwahati dont try to go alone & if you are going by private taxi better not to travel at night time cause many places on the way are effected by some bad groups. When you go to any jungle or waterfall or riverside in Tura please dont try to play with the nature over there do ask local people there how safe it is cause many places there are effected by witchcraft practicing people.SO PLEASE DONT PLAY WITH NATURE THERE. Dont try to get in any argument with the youngsters or auto drivers related to anything specially politics & if you think you have a warm blood try to keep it calm there otherwise you will be a Deadman. Dear Readers dont think i am threatening you but that's just for you so you can be aware.I have visited that places more than 10times & still do visit.I love that place like anything in this world.

Tura Experience: In the GPRS era of today, it would seem unlikely that pockets of the globe could remain for the most part, untouched. Ever since the first American Baptists set foot in these parts at the turn of the 19th century, the Garo Hills retain much of their pristine glory. Tucked away to the west of North East India's south-westernmost state, Meghalaya - the Land of the Storm Cloud, the Garo hills are inhabited by an indigenous people who call themselves A'chik - more popularly known as Garos. As in many indigenous cultures the A'chik have their own superstitions and taboos which include the belief in spirits embellished by a highly exaggerated narrative pulled from a veritable treasure chest of folklore passed down from generation to generation. The A'chik are among the few remaining matrilineal societies in the world, implying that clan lineage is derived from women. Individuals take their clan titles from their mother to offspring. Unlike the 'conventional' male-dominated lineage norm, it is the youngest daughter or the nokna who carries forward the clan name and property. Traditionally, sons would leave home at adolescence, and would be schooled in the art of warfare, protocol and such matters at the village bachelors' dormitory - the nokpante. They would leave the nokpante only upon taking a wife and were then required to move into the bride's home. An interesting spin on the A'chik form of matrilineal society is the fact that while lineage and property are passed down from mother to daughter, it is their men who are the decision makers in social or domestic matters. While this system fulfils the inherent need for females of any species to be protected and provided for it confers a degree of responsibility upon the men-folk ensuring a harmonious equilibrium between both sexes. Christianity, however, has played its part in influencing A'chik culture rendering the all-important nokpante all but extinct, with newly-wed couples preferring to set up their own nuclear homes.

Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Eats: Foodies can try out traditional Garo delicacies: like wak/do'o brenga - diced pork or chicken char-grilled in a section of tender bamboo, we'tepa minnow char-grilled in plantain leaf, wak/do'o kapa - pork or chicken cooked with ginger and green chilli in cooking soda, gominda wak - pumpkin pork etc. The more exotic fare can include entrails, tripe, and assorted smoked meat, highly recommended for the adventurous! For the faint of heart, there is the usual pan-Indian fare including vegetarian meals. Places to see: Hoolock Gibbons: Garo Hills is one of the very few places on this planet that still has a significant number of Hoolock Gibbons in the wild. Balpakram (Grand Canyon of the East): A National Wildlife Park in South Garo Hills is about 167 km from Tura. There is a great precipice or deep gorge in Balpakram and is popularly compared to the Grand Canyon in the U.S.A. It is believed that the spirits of the dead dwell temporarily before embarking on the final journey. It is also home to the rare Lesser Panda, the Indian bison and the Stag like Serow. A variety of medicinal herbs locally called dikge grow abundantly in Balpakram. It is most famous for its elephants which are believed to be existent in the highest density here. Best time to visit is from mid-April to mid-June. Clothes: thin light clothing. Not advisable to venture alone anywhere without a trained guide as wild animals abound and may even come to the premises of the guest house. Rongbang Dare: These Siju Cavewaterfalls in East Garo hills are simply spectacular and make a wonderful picnic spot with a great wade pool. Emangre: This is the only village where the traditional wood carving on the posts and beams of the nokpante still survive. Dombe Wari: These waterfalls in South Garo hills are not easily accessible. The trek to these waterfalls from the nearest motorable village, Emanasak, will take you about 4 hours. 3 km from Eman Asakgre there is a legendary lake on top of the hill believed to have been created by a merman when the eloped away with a beautiful wife of one boastful man. It is believed that Dombe, the beautiful woman, still lives in the underground water Kingdom. Ask your guide about the beautiful folklore that tells you about how this waterfall was formed. Pelga Falls: A definite 'must-see' and among the most beautiful waterfalls of the Garo Hills; just located at the distance of 7 km from Tura has become increasingly hot spot for anglers and picnickers in recent years. A typical traditional Garo bamboo bridge constructed over Ganol River is another added attraction. Asananggre: 18 km from Tura is a cultural hub of the Garo Hills. The biggest annual festival of the Garos the Hundred Drums Wangala Festival is organized on the every secondth Friday and Saturday of November. you can visit www.hundreddrumswangalafestival.blogspot.com Flora: The Venus Fly Trap and the Pitcher plant Fauna: Elephants, tigers, clouded leopard, leopard, leopard cats, birds, etc. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve Forest:- The Nokrek National Park is the highest peak in Garo Hills also called The National Citrus Gene Sanctuary-cum-Biosphere Reserve covering an area of forty seven square kilometres. Tura Peak: A beautiful and majestic hill stands on the eastern side of Tura at a height of 872 m above sea level overlooking the town of Tura. Imilchang Dare: Breathtaking waterfall with a deep, wide pool at the bottom of the fall, full of fish of varied size and colour, besides being an ideal picnic spot. Chibragre: The confluence of the Ganol and Rongram streams is Chibragre, a picturesque place which is very popular among picnickers and anglers alike just 9 kms from Tura on the Tura Guwahati road. Bhaitbari: This small sleeping hamlet of Bhaitbari came into national focus when ruins of ancient Kingdom dating back 4-8 A.D. were discovered here a few years ago. This place is just 8 km from Phulbari in West Garo Hills. Rombagre: located about 35 km from Tura is a beautiful fish culture water pool preserved and protected by the local villagers in the Simsang river. Rongbang Dare: is one of the many enchanting falls of Garo hills can be easily viewed from Tura-Williamnagar Road. Wadagokgre: (a historical place) one of the most interesting and attractive places in West Garo Hills where an excavation proved as one of the biggest cities, a religious centre cast out of the Bramaputra river from the fourth century A.D. or even earlier; a sprawling township with Buddhism, Hinduism and amalgamation of the two being widely practiced in that area. It is 75 km from Tura. Tasek Lake: located near Songsak is a large inland lake formed when the great earthquake of 1897 occurred. The lake has immense potential for fish culture. Sisobibra: 12 km from Williamnagar, amidst the thick jungles of Rongrengiri Reserve Forest, there lies a historical monument dedicated to Pa Togan Nengminza Sangma, a legendary Garo warrior and patriot who was killed by the British army. Baghmara Reserve (Pitcher Plants): is located just below the tourist lodge at Baghmara and any tourist interested to see the pitcher plant which also known as insect eating plants and locally known as Memang Koksi or 'Phantoms' Basket' can visit the pitcher plant reserve at Baghmara with prior permission from the Forest Wildlife Department. Siju Caves, Nengkong Caves: These limestone caves are famous for their pristine interiors. However, only a few caves have been explored and chartered. The rest of it is uncharted because the caves run very deep and far. The famous limestone caves of Siju are located near Naphak Lake and the Simsang stalactites in these caves resemble those of the Blue Grotto in the Isle of Capri. It is the third longest cave in the Indian sub-continent some of the finest river passages to be found any where in the world. The magnificent limestone rock formation inside christened Princess Di's Chamber by its British excavators will fill any visitor with awe. As per the latest report of Simon Brooks and his party of Bristol Exploration Clubs and Orpheus Caving Club from England who visited Siju in 1992 & 1994, the Siju Cave which is 400 metres in length is the most researched and unique cave in the world. Besides, there are lots of trekking, river rafting, angling, community fishing and caving potentiality in and around Siju. Siju Bird Sactuary: Close by on the other side of Simsang river Siju bird sanctuary is the home for many rare and protected birds and other wildlife. Varities of migratory birds etc can be found here especially the migratory Siberian duck also come here during winter months. At the entrance to this bird sanctuary after a steep climb of nearly 1 km there is a stretch of fantastic rock formations that will take your breath away. Nengkong: 14 km north of Baghmara has 3 well known caves Tetengkol Balwakol measuring 5,033 kms in length is the 2nd longest cave in the Indian Sub-continent. Two more caves-Dobakkol chibe nala almost 2 km long and another a little over 1 km long called Bok-bak dobakkol are also in the vicinity of the area. Chitmang Peak: a short distance to the north-west of Balpakram, Chitmang is the considered the final resting place for all spirits.

Activities & things to do: Eco tourism, adventure tourism

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: How to get to Tura:- Air: The nearest international airport is the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Borjhar, Guwahati. Fliers also have the option of disembarking at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at Kolkata then flying into Guwahati on any of Indian, Jet Airways, SpiceJet, Kingfisher Airlines, Deccan or Indigo flights. Direct flights to Guwahati are also available from New Delhi. The Pawan Hans helicopter service run by the state-owned Meghalaya Transport Corporation flies on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Guwahati (Rs. 1,525) and Shillong (Rs. 1,200). Travel light. The maximum baggage allowed is 10 kg with no hand-baggage; also, children below the age of 10 are not permitted to fly. Rail: The nearest railhead Guwahati is well connected from other parts of the country. Trains are available everyday to Guwahati from Kolkata's Howrah Station and take around 18 hours. Guwahati also has direct trains from New Delhi. India's fastest train, the Rajdhani Express takes about 36 hours. Trains from the South India include the Bangalore-Guwahati Express, Chennai-Guwahati Express and Guwahati-Trivandrum Express. A word of caution, do check ahead for strikes, road blockades or any agitation programme. The region is politically unstable and getting stranded en route a less desirable option. Road: Buses ply from Kolkata to Guwahati via Siliguri with the option of breaking journey at Siliguri. Buses to Tura are available both from Siliguri and Guwahati, although the latter is the better and more convenient option. There are two slots for the bus service; the earliest is 0630 hrs and the latest 2030 hrs. This journey takes around seven hours and a seat for one costs Rs. 250. Buses leave from the newly built Inter-State Bus Terminal. Sumo (jeep) shared services are available twice a day (7 am and 2pm) from Baralumukh in Guwahati. A seat will cost Rs 300 per head and take 5 hours. For the heavier built, consider blocking (and paying for) two seats, drivers tend to pack the vehicle pretty tight. Where to Stay: 1 - Rikman Continental, Tura Bazaar. Ph: +91 3651 220759/ 223858. Room rates range from Rs 850 to Rs 3000. Hotel and Bar attached. 2 ? Hotel Sundare (pronounce: soon ? daa ? ray), Tura Bazaar. Ph: N/A. Room rates range from Rs 750? Rs 3500. 3 ? Orchid Lodge, Araimile, New Tura. Ph: +91 3651 232039. Room rates range: N/A 4 ? Hotel Nataraj, Tura Bazaar, Tura. Ph: +91 3651 223189. Budget hotel. 5. Bed and Breakfast: Bliss Home Stay (B&B) Rates from Rs 2000/-. Ph:+919862475197 email:blisshomestay@gmail.com One can stay with a Garo family as a paying guest which will be arranged on request.

Tura Experience: Tura is a small sleepy town placed on West Garo hills in Meghalaya. It is simply beautiful with only one market place called Tura Bazaar. There are lots of streams and waterfalls nearby. It is a haven for birdwatchers. There are many orchids in full bloom in the wild.

Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Well, not many good hotels around. Meals will be available at some roadside joints (dhabas) - do not expect decent restaurants.

Activities & things to do: Trekking and lazing around the innumerable water falls.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: Reach Guwahati and move on to Tura by bus or chopper service.