Tura Tourism

Tura is a town located in the West Garo Hills district of the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is situated at an altitude of 657 meters above sea level and is about 220 kilometers from the state capital, Shillong. Tura is the second-largest town in Meghalaya and is the headquarters of the West Garo Hills district. 

History

Tura has a rich history dating back to the 13th century when it was ruled by the Garo tribes. The Garo Hills region was known as "A·chik" and was ruled by several Garo chiefs, known as "Nokmas." The British East India Company established its presence in the region in the 19th century, and Tura became an administrative center for the Garo Hills district. During the British era, Tura witnessed a rapid transformation in terms of infrastructure and economy. After India gained independence in 1947, Tura became a part of the newly-formed state of Assam. In 1972, Meghalaya was carved out of Assam as a separate state, and Tura became a part of Meghalaya.

Geography

Tura is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, which flows through the Garo Hills region. The town is surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and scenic valleys. The climate of Tura is subtropical, with mild winters and hot summers. The region receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September.

Demographics

As per the 2011 census, the population of Tura was 70, 844. The majority of the population belongs to the Garo tribe, which is one of the major tribes of Meghalaya. Other communities that are present in Tura include the Hajong, Rabha, Koch, and Nepali communities. The town has a literacy rate of 88.87%, which is higher than the national average.

Economy

Tura's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with the main crops being rice, maize, and vegetables. The town is also known for its bamboo products, which are exported to other parts of the country. Tura is a major trading center for the Garo Hills region and has several markets where farmers sell their produce. The town also has a growing tourism industry, which is discussed in detail later in the article.

Culture

Tura has a rich cultural heritage, with the Garo tribe being the dominant community. The Garos have their unique customs, traditions, and language. The traditional dress of the Garos is known as "Dakmanda," which consists of a long skirt and a blouse for women, and a loincloth for men. The Garos celebrate several festivals throughout the year, the most famous being the "Wangala" festival, which is held in November every year. The festival is a celebration of the harvest season and is marked by traditional dance, music, and feasting.

Tourism

Tura is a popular tourist destination in Meghalaya and is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Tura are:

1. Nokrek National Park: The Nokrek National Park is located about 20 kilometers from Tura and is home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The park is known for its dense forests, waterfalls, and trekking trails.
2. Siju Caves: The Siju Caves are located about 60 kilometers from Tura and are known for their limestone formations and underground rivers. The caves are also home to several species of bats.

State :

Meghalaya

How to Reach Tura