South Garo Hills Tourism

South Garo Hills is one of the 11 districts of Meghalaya, an Indian state located in the Northeast region of the country. The district was created in 1976 and is situated in the southern part of the Garo Hills division of Meghalaya.

History

The Garo Hills region has a rich history, dating back to the pre-colonial era. The Garo people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of the region, have a distinct culture and traditions that have been preserved for centuries. The Garo Hills were ruled by local chieftains until the arrival of the British in the 19th century. The British established their rule in the region and introduced administrative reforms.

During the colonial era, the Garo Hills region was part of the Assam Province. After India gained independence in 1947, the Garo Hills became part of the newly created state of Assam. In 1972, Meghalaya was formed as a separate state, and the Garo Hills division became one of its districts. South Garo Hills was created as a separate district in 1976.

Geography

South Garo Hills is situated in the southern part of the Garo Hills division of Meghalaya. It is bounded by West Garo Hills district to the north, East Garo Hills district to the east, Bangladesh to the south, and West Khasi Hills district to the west. The district covers an area of 1,850 square kilometers and has a diverse topography.

The district is characterized by hilly terrain, with the highest peak being Nokrek Peak, which is located in Nokrek National Park. The district is home to many rivers and streams, including the Simsang River, which is the largest river in the region. The Simsang River is a major source of water for the people living in the district.

Demographics

South Garo Hills has a population of around 1,42,334 people, according to the 2011 Census of India. The district has a literacy rate of 63.1%, which is lower than the national average. The Garo language is widely spoken in the district, along with English and Hindi.

The Garo people are the largest ethnic group in the district, and they account for around 80% of the population. Other ethnic groups include the Koch, Hajong, Rabha, and Bengali communities.

Economy

The economy of South Garo Hills is largely based on agriculture and forestry. The district is known for its production of oranges, bananas, pineapples, and other fruits. The district is also home to several tea gardens, which produce high-quality tea.

Forestry is another major contributor to the economy of the district. The forests in South Garo Hills are rich in timber and other forest products, which are sold in local and regional markets. The district also has a significant mining industry, with coal and limestone being the major minerals extracted.

Tourism

South Garo Hills has a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, which make it a popular tourist destination. The district is home to several tourist attractions, including the following:

1. Nokrek National Park: This is the largest national park in Meghalaya and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
2. Siju Cave: This is one of the longest caves in India, and it has several chambers and passages that visitors can explore.
3. Balpakram National Park: This park is located on the Indo-Bangladesh border and is known for its diverse flora and fauna.

State :

Meghalaya

How to Reach South Garo Hills