Are you looking for a destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, nature and wildlife? If yes, then you should consider visiting Williamnagar, a hidden gem in Meghalaya, India.
Williamnagar is a small town that lies on the banks of the Simsang River, surrounded by lush green hills and forests. It is the headquarters of the East Garo Hills district and was named after Captain Williamson A. Sangma, the first chief minister of Meghalaya.
Williamnagar has a rich and diverse heritage, as it was once the capital of the Garo Kingdom and the site of many battles during the British rule. Williamnagar also boasts of some amazing natural attractions, such as caves, waterfalls, rock formations and national parks. In this article, we will explore some of the best things to do in Williamnagar, the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, and how to reach this beautiful town.
Things to do in Williamnagar
Williamnagar offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the things you can do in Williamnagar:
Simsang River
The Simsang River is one of the main attractions of Williamnagar, as it flows through the town and offers scenic views and recreational opportunities. The river originates from the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve and passes through several villages and towns before joining the Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh.
The river is home to many species of fish, including electric eels, which are considered sacred by the Garo people. You can enjoy fishing, boating or swimming in the river, or just relax on its banks and watch the sunset. The river also hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, such as the Simsang Festival in December, which features various competitions and shows.
Siju Cave
The Siju Cave is another natural wonder that you should not miss when visiting Williamnagar. The cave is located about 45 km from the town and is the third longest cave in India. The cave has two chambers, one with stalagmites and stalactites, and the other with a large lake. The cave is also known as Dobakkol or bat cave, as it houses thousands of bats of different species. You can explore the cave with a guide and marvel at its unique formations and inhabitants.
Balpakram National Park
If you are a wildlife lover, then you should definitely visit the Balpakram National Park, which is about 80 km from Williamnagar. The park covers an area of 220 sq km and has diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to many endangered animals, such as elephants, tigers, leopards and red pandas.
You can also spot many birds, butterflies and orchids in the park. The park also has a spiritual significance for the Garo people, who believe that it is the abode of the dead souls. You can take a safari or a trek in the park and witness its beauty and mystery.
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is another biodiversity hotspot that you can visit near Williamnagar. The reserve is about 100 km from the town and covers an area of 47 sq km. The reserve has a variety of plants and animals, including some rare species such as citrus indica , which is the ancestor of all citrus fruits. You can also see some ancient megaliths and stone carvings in the reserve. The reserve also offers some adventure activities such as trekking, camping and rock climbing.
Naka Chikong
Naka Chikong is a rock formation that lies in the middle of Ildek river in Badaka village. The rock resembles a giant mushroom and has a hole in its center. The rock is believed to have been formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. You can reach the rock by taking a boat ride from Williamnagar or by walking along the river bank. The rock is a popular picnic spot for locals and tourists alike.
Domre Falls
Domre Falls is a waterfall that is located in Mejolgre village, about 15 km from Williamnagar. The waterfall has a height of about 40 meters and creates a rainbow effect when sunlight falls on it. The waterfall is surrounded by greenery and rocks, making it a picturesque spot for photography and relaxation.
Mrik Wari
Mrik Wari is a place near Simsang river that has some interesting rock formations that resemble elephants. The rocks are said to be petrified elephants that were turned into stone by a curse from a goddess. The place also has some ancient inscriptions and carvings on the rocks that depict stories from Garo mythology. You can visit Mrik Wari by taking a boat ride from Williamnagar or by driving along the river road.
Best time to visit Williamnagar
The best time to visit Williamnagar is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C during this period and the skies are clear and sunny. This is also the time when you can enjoy the festivals and events that take place in Williamnagar, such as the Simsang Festival, the Wangala Festival and the Christmas celebrations. You can also witness the blooming of orchids and other flowers in the national parks and biosphere reserves.
The monsoon season from June to September is not a good time to visit Williamnagar, as the weather is humid and rainy. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C during this period and the rainfall is heavy and frequent. The roads and trails become muddy and slippery, making it difficult to travel and explore. The river levels also rise, making it unsafe for boating and fishing.
Where to stay in Williamnagar
Williamnagar has limited accommodation options, as it is a small town that is not very developed for tourism. However, you can find some decent hotels, resorts, homestays and campsites that offer basic amenities and services. Here are some of the places where you can stay in Williamnagar:
Hotel Rikman Continental:
This is a budget hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, TV, Wi-Fi and room service. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine. The hotel is located near the Simsang River bridge and charges about Rs. 1000 per night for a double room.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Simsang Eco Resort:
This is a mid-range resort that offers spacious and cozy cottages with attached bathrooms, TV, Wi-Fi and balcony. The resort also has a restaurant that serves local, Indian and continental cuisine. The resort is located near the Simsang River bank and charges about Rs. 2000 per night for a double cottage.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Nokrek Homestay:
This is a homestay that offers a unique and authentic experience of staying with a Garo family. The homestay offers simple and clean rooms with shared bathrooms, TV, Wi-Fi and home-cooked meals.
The homestay also organizes cultural programs, village tours and trekking trips for the guests. The homestay is located in Nokrek village, about 10 km from Williamnagar, and charges about Rs. 1500 per night for a double room.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Balpakram Campsite:
This is a campsite that offers an adventurous and eco-friendly experience of staying in tents amidst nature. The campsite offers tents with mattresses, blankets, pillows and lanterns. The campsite also provides common toilets, showers, kitchen, dining area and bonfire. The campsite is located in Balpakram National Park, about 80 km from Williamnagar, and charges about Rs. 1000 per night for a double tent.
Where to eat in Williamnagar
Williamnagar has limited dining options, as it is a small town that does not have many restaurants or cafes. However, you can find some places that serve local, Indian and Chinese cuisine at reasonable prices. Here are some of the places where you can eat in Williamnagar:
Simsang Restaurant:
This is a popular restaurant that serves delicious Garo dishes such as doh khleh (pork salad), doh neiong (pork curry), nakham bichu (fish soup) and sakkin gata (rice beer). The restaurant also serves Indian and Chinese dishes such as biryani, noodles, momos and fried rice. The restaurant is located near the Simsang River bridge and charges about Rs. 200 per person for a meal.
Naka Chikong Cafe:
This is a cozy cafe that serves hot and cold beverages such as tea, coffee, juice and milkshakes. The cafe also serves snacks such as sandwiches, burgers, cakes and pastries. The cafe is located near the Naka Chikong rock formation and charges about Rs. 100 per person for a snack.
Domre Falls Canteen:
This is a canteen that serves simple and tasty food such as rice, dal, sabzi, roti and chicken curry. The canteen also serves local delicacies such as putharo (steamed rice cake), tungtap (dried fish chutney) and jadoh (rice cooked with meat). The canteen is located near the Domre Falls entrance and charges about Rs. 150 per person for a meal.
Mrik Wari Dhaba:
This is a dhaba that serves spicy and flavorful food such as paratha, chole bhature, pav bhaji and paneer butter masala. The dhaba also serves non-vegetarian dishes such as chicken tikka masala, mutton rogan josh and fish fry. The dhaba is located near the Mrik Wari entrance and charges about Rs. 200 per person for a meal.
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How to reach Williamnagar
Williamnagar is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Meghalaya and Assam. You can reach Williamnagar by air, rail, road or bus, depending on your preference and budget. Here are some of the ways you can reach Williamnagar:
By air:
The nearest airport to Williamnagar is the Guwahati International Airport, which is about 250 km away. The airport has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and other cities in India. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Williamnagar, which will take about 5 hours and cost about Rs. 3000 for a taxi and Rs. 500 for a bus.
By rail:
The nearest railway station to Williamnagar is the Guwahati Railway Station, which is about 240 km away. The station has trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and other cities in India. You can take a taxi or a bus from the station to Williamnagar, which will take about 5 hours and cost about Rs. 3000 for a taxi and Rs. 500 for a bus.
By road:
You can drive to Williamnagar from Guwahati, Shillong, Tura or Baghmara, which are the major towns in Meghalaya and Assam. The roads are well-maintained and scenic, passing through hills, forests and rivers. You can rent a car or a bike from these towns or hire a driver.
The driving time and distance from these towns are as follows:
Guwahati to Williamnagar: 5 hours, 250 km
Shillong to Williamnagar: 4 hours, 200 km
Tura to Williamnagar: 2 hours, 100 km
Baghmara to Williamnagar: 1 hour, 50 km
By bus:
You can also take a bus to Williamnagar from Guwahati, Shillong, Tura or Baghmara, which are the major towns in Meghalaya and Assam. The buses are comfortable and affordable, running at regular intervals throughout the day. You can book your tickets online or at the bus stations. The bus fare and duration from these towns are as follows:
Guwahati to Williamnagar: Rs. 500, 6 hours
Shillong to Williamnagar: Rs. 400, 5 hours
Tura to Williamnagar: Rs. 200, 3 hours
Baghmara to Williamnagar: Rs. 100, 2 hours
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Williamnagar is a hidden gem in Meghalaya that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, nature and wildlife. It is a place where you can experience the beauty and diversity of the Garo Hills and the Simsang River. It is a place where you can enjoy various attractions and activities such as caves, waterfalls, rock formations and national parks. It is a place where you can relax and rejuvenate in the lap of nature.
If you are looking for a destination that is offbeat, adventurous and serene, then you should visit Williamnagar. You will not regret it.