Meghalaya

Meghalaya is an Indian state and located in north-east of India. The word "Meghalaya" literally means the Abode of Clouds in Sanskrit and other Indo-Irararian languages. The population numbered 2,964,007 in 2011. The state is bounded on the north by Assam and by Bangladesh on the south. The capital is Shillong also known as the Scotland of the East.Shillong has a population of 354,324.

About one third of the state is forested. The Meghalaya sub tropical regions  encompasses the state; its mountain forests are distinct from the lowland tropical forests to the north and south. The forests of Meghalaya are notable for the biodiversity of mammals, birds, and plants. It was previously part of Assam, but on January 21, 1972, the districts of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills became the new state of Meghalaya.

Meghalaya is predominantly an agrarian economy. The important crops of the state are potatoes, rice, maize, pineapples, bananas etc. The service sector is made up of real estate and insurance companies. The state has also become a hub of illegal mining activity. Meghalaya's gross state domestic product for 2004 is estimated at $1.6 billion in current prices.

Shillong, the capital of the state, is a popular hill station. There are several falls in and around Shillong. Shillong Peak is highest in the state and is good for trekking. It is also known as the "abode of the gods" and has excellent views. If one is not in a mood for camping, the state also offers many good hotels and lodging facilities.