Quick Facts

Quick Facts

1. Geography & Climate

✅ Location: Western Meghalaya, about 323 km from Shillong and 220 km from Guwahati.
✅ Altitude: 349 meters (1,145 feet) above sea level.
✅ Climate:

• Summer (March-June): Warm & humid, 25-35°C.
• Monsoon (July-September): Heavy rainfall, lush greenery.
• Winter (October-February): Pleasant & cool, 10-25°C.

 Best Time to Visit: October to April (pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities).

2. Culture & People

Tura is primarily inhabited by the Garo tribe, one of the three major tribes of Meghalaya. The Garo people follow a matrilineal society, where property and family lineage are passed down through the mother’s side.

✔️ Languages Spoken: Garo, English, Hindi, Khasi, and Assamese.
✔️ Festivals:

• Wangala Festival (100 Drums Festival) – Celebrated in November, marking the end of the harvest season. Features traditional music, dances, and rituals.
• Dore Rata Dance Festival – A major dance festival of the Garo community.

 Music & Dance:

• The Garos are known for their vibrant music and dance forms, often performed during festivals.
• Traditional musical instruments include Kram (drum), Chigring (string instrument), and Olongga (horn trumpet).

3. Tourist Attractions in Tura

 1. Nokrek National Park & Biosphere Reserve

✅ Why Visit?

• A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to the rare Red Panda.
• Famous for elephants, leopards, rare orchids, and medicinal plants.
• Ideal for trekking, wildlife spotting, and nature walks.

 Distance: 12 km from Tura.

 2. Tura Peak – Best Viewpoint in the Garo Hills

✅ Why Visit?

• Offers a 360° panoramic view of Tura and surrounding hills.
• Has a British-era bungalow and an observatory.
• Ideal for trekking and sunrise/sunset views.

 Distance: 5 km from Tura.

 3. Pelga Falls – A Hidden Gem

✅ Why Visit?

• A beautiful cascading waterfall surrounded by greenery.
• Ideal for picnics, relaxation, and photography.
• A bamboo bridge nearby offers scenic views.

 Distance: 7 km from Tura.

 4. Siju Caves (Bat Caves)

✅ Why Visit?

• One of India’s longest limestone caves, known for its stunning rock formations.
• Home to thousands of bats and rare cave-dwelling species.
• Also known as "Dobragre Cave."

 Distance: 132 km from Tura (Day trip recommended).

 5. Rongbang Dare Waterfalls

✅ Why Visit?

• A breathtaking waterfall amidst dense forests.
• Less crowded, making it a peaceful escape into nature.

 Distance: 35 km from Tura.

 6. Chibragre Picnic Spot

✅ Why Visit?

• A beautiful riverbank picnic area with crystal-clear water.
• Ideal for swimming, fishing, and relaxation.

 Distance: 9 km from Tura.

4. Local Food & Cuisine in Tura

Tura’s food is heavily influenced by Garo tribal cuisine, which features smoked meats, bamboo shoot dishes, and fermented foods.

✔️ Must-Try Garo Dishes:

1. Doh Neiiong – Pork cooked with black sesame seeds.
2. Wak Pura – Smoked pork cooked with bamboo shoots.
3. Kappa (Rice Soup) – A traditional Garo rice-based dish.
4. Pila Pitha – A sweet rice cake made during festivals.
5. Garo Fish Delicacies – Freshwater fish cooked with indigenous herbs.

 Where to Eat?

• Local markets like Tura Bazar & Rongkhon Market for authentic street food.
• Small eateries serving home-style Garo meals.

5. How to Reach Tura?

 By Air:

• Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport (220 km from Tura).
• From Guwahati, take a shared taxi or private cab (6-hour journey).

 By Train:

• Nearest railway station: Guwahati Railway Station (220 km).
• From there, take a taxi or bus to Tura.

 By Road:

• From Shillong: 323 km (7-8 hours drive).
• From Guwahati: 220 km (5-6 hours drive).
• State transport buses and private taxis available.

6. Accommodation in Tura

✔️ Budget Stays:

• Circuit House
• Hotel Rikman Continental

✔️ Mid-Range Hotels:

• Hotel Polo Orchid Tura
• The Tura Guest House

✔️ Eco-Resorts & Homestays:

• Nokrek Eco Lodge
• Local Khasi & Garo homestays

7. Festivals & Events in Tura

 Wangala Festival (100 Drums Festival) (November) – The biggest festival of the Garos, featuring traditional dances, music, and drumming.

Tura Winter Festival (December) – A cultural extravaganza showcasing Garo traditions, rock concerts, and food fairs.

 Agricultural Fair (February) – Highlights the rich farming traditions of the Garo Hills.

8. Why Visit Tura?

✅ For Nature Lovers: Tura offers pristine forests, hills, and waterfalls.
✅ For Adventure Seekers: Trekking, caving, and wildlife safaris at Nokrek National Park.
✅ For Culture Enthusiasts: Experience the Garo tribal culture, festivals, and music.
✅ For Offbeat Travel: Less crowded than Shillong, perfect for peaceful getaways.

Tura is an underrated gem of Meghalaya, offering a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and culture. Whether you're exploring the wildlife of Nokrek, trekking to Tura Peak, or witnessing the vibrant Wangala Festival, Tura promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Garo Hills.