West Garo Hills

Tourist places in West Garo Hills, West Garo Hills Travel Info

District Overview

West Garo Hills district is a scenic and culturally rich district located in the western part of Meghalaya, bordering Assam and Bangladesh. Known for its rolling hills, dense forests, rivers, and vibrant tribal traditions, the district forms an important part of the Garo Hills region. Tura serves as the district headquarters and is the main administrative, educational, and commercial center.

The district is predominantly inhabited by the Garo tribe, one of Meghalaya’s major indigenous communities, known for their matrilineal society, festivals, and close connection to nature. West Garo Hills is ecologically significant, housing parts of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized area rich in biodiversity. Agriculture, horticulture, forest-based livelihoods, and eco-tourism are central to the district’s economy.

West Garo Hills district is ideal for nature lovers, eco-tourists, cultural explorers, researchers, adventure travelers, and visitors seeking an authentic hill-district experience in Northeast India.

Best Time to Visit

West Garo Hills district experiences a mild subtropical hill climate. Summers (March to May) are pleasant, while the monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall that turns the region lush green but may disrupt travel. Winters (October to February) are cool and comfortable.

The winter and post-monsoon months are the best time to visit, offering clear weather suitable for sightseeing, trekking, and cultural exploration.

  • Peak season: October to February with pleasant weather
  • Off-season: June to September due to heavy monsoon rains
  • Best months: November to January for travel and nature activities

Transportation & Getting Around

West Garo Hills district is accessible mainly by road. Tura is well connected to Guwahati via NH-17 (NH-217). The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, approximately 220 km away, while the nearest major railway stations are in Guwahati and Goalpara (Assam).

Local transportation includes Meghalaya Transport Corporation buses, private buses, shared taxis, and local vehicles. Road travel is the primary mode of transport within the district due to hilly terrain.

  • Nearest airport at Guwahati (approx. 220 km)
  • Road connectivity via NH routes
  • Shared taxis and buses for local travel

Nearby Places & Day Trips

West Garo Hills district offers several nearby destinations suitable for short trips focused on nature, wildlife, and culture. These locations showcase the district’s ecological and cultural diversity.

  • Nokrek Biosphere Reserve: Around 40 km, known for rich biodiversity
  • Simsang River: Flowing through the district, ideal for scenic views
  • Baghmara: About 170 km, a gateway to South Garo Hills and wildlife areas