East Garo Hills Tourism

East Garo Hills is one of the 11 districts in the Indian state of Meghalaya, located in the northeastern region of the country. It is a part of the Garo Hills region, which is known for its scenic beauty, rich culture, and diverse flora and fauna. 

History

The history of East Garo Hills dates back to ancient times when the Garo people, an indigenous community of the region, inhabited the area. The Garos have a rich and unique culture, which is reflected in their art, music, dance, and religious practices. The region was ruled by various chieftains and kings until it became a part of British India in the 19th century.

During the British rule, the Garo Hills region was administered as a part of the province of Assam. However, in 1972, when Meghalaya was formed as a separate state, the Garo Hills region was included in it. Since then, the region has witnessed significant development in various fields, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and tourism.

Geography

East Garo Hills is located in the eastern part of the Garo Hills region, bordering Assam to the north and east. It covers an area of 2,603 square kilometers and is characterized by its hilly terrain, dense forests, and numerous rivers and streams.

The region is rich in natural resources, including coal, limestone, and forest products. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people, and the region is known for its production of rice, maize, and fruits such as oranges and pineapples.

Demographics

According to the 2011 census, the population of East Garo Hills was 317,917, with a population density of 122 persons per square kilometer. The majority of the population is made up of the Garo tribe, who are the indigenous inhabitants of the region. Other ethnic communities living in the district include the Rabha, Hajong, and Koch.

The literacy rate in East Garo Hills is 64.39%, which is lower than the state average of 74.43%. The district has a high concentration of rural population, with only a few urban centers such as Williamnagar, the district headquarters.

Economy

Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for the people of East Garo Hills, and the district is known for its production of rice, maize, and fruits. The region is also rich in natural resources, including coal, limestone, and forest products, which contribute to the economy of the region.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on promoting tourism in the Garo Hills region, which has the potential to generate employment and income for the local people. The district is home to several tourist attractions, including the Naphak Lake, the Siju Caves, and the Balpakram National Park.

Culture

The Garo people have a rich and unique culture, which is reflected in their art, music, dance, and religious practices. The region is known for its traditional music, which is characterized by the use of various musical instruments such as the dama, the gong, and the flute.

The Garo people also have a rich tradition of weaving, and the region is known for its production of textiles such as the dokmanda, the gando, and the sajok. The Garo Hills region is also famous for its traditional dance forms, including the Wangala and the Do-dru-Sua.

Religion plays an important role in the lives of the people, and the region is home to several religious sites, including the Rong’bang Dare Water.

State :

Meghalaya

How to Reach East Garo Hills