The flourishing eco-tourism of Tura, Meghalaya, should come as no surprise to anyone. This charming little hamlet has seen an increasing number of tourists each year and continues to remain one of the most culturally thriving regions in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. Being the administrative hub of the Garo tribes who call this place home, Tura is strongly rooted in its traditional values. A wide range of wildlife species that reside in the deep forests and mountainous regions of Tura, in addition to its magnificent natural wonders, makes this region even more richly diverse and scenically unique. Find out more about tourism in this splendid little town with the help of this travel guide.

By Air:

The nearest airport from Tura is the Shillong Airport located around 35 km away. The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam has better connectivity than Shillong Airport to major across cities across India though but is located much farther away at a distance of around 200 km. Public and private transportation to Tura is available from both airports. Travellers also have the option to avail the services of Pawan Hans Helicopter from both Guwahati and Shillong.

By Rail:

The nearest railway line from Tura is the Guwahati train station, about 200 km away, in Assam. Travellers can catch a bus or hire a private car to reach Tura from the railway station.

By Road:

National Highway 40 connects Tura to both Guwahati and Shillong. Daytime sumo services and overnight buses run from both cities to Tura; public buses are available daily from the Interstate Bus Terminus in Beltola, Guwahati and private buses are available from Machkowa in Guwahati. Taxis to Tura can be hired from Tourist Taxi Stand near Police Bazaar in Shillong, and from near the ASTC Complex in Guwahati.

Summer (April-June):

The peak tourist season in Tura is during the summer months. The temperatures average between 16-30⁰C and the weather is warm and pleasant enough to thoroughly enjoy the outdoors. While rain may be expected at any time in a place like Meghalaya, summers are usually the driest time of the year in Tura.  

Monsoon (June - September):

Monsoon months in Tura receive moderate to heavy rainfall, which can be an unfavourable time for most travellers to visit. The beauty of the town increases immensely during this time though, but chances of flooding in some of the major tourist spots in the region make this an unsuitable travel season.

Winter (October - March):

Winters in Tura are not as chilly as they are in northern India, and can actually be pleasant enough to enjoy a trip to this part of the state during the winter months. The average temperature ranges between 4-15⁰C and most of the tourist spots like the Siju caves and the wildlife sanctuaries remain open as well during the winters.

Trek to the Top of Tura Peak:

At a height of 872 metres, the Tura Peak overlooks the town of Tura. Earlier known as Dura, the name of the peak was changed after being constantly mispronounced as Tura by the British. The Tura Peak is a popular location among trek enthusiasts and an old foot trail on the mountain serves a very convenient purpose for the same. From the top of the peak, one can enjoy wonderful views of the Brahmaputra Valley and the golden plains of Bangladesh.

Explore the Siju Caves:

The Siju Caves are situated along the banks of the River Simsang and are known to be the third-longest cave line in the Indian subcontinent. The caves are so deep that a major portion of them remains unexplored by humans. The caves are also home to a large number of bats, which has given it the nickname of ‘dabokhol’, or the ‘bat cave’. Visitors will also get to see stalagmite formations in the cave that have formed over the years.

Explore Local National Parks:

Situated just 2 km away from the town of Tura, Nokrek National Park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the year 2009 and is the first biosphere of its kind in northeast India. It is home to a wide range of species like the red panda, Asian elephant, marbled cat, tigers etc. The Balpakram National Park is situated at a height of about 3000 feet above sea level and covers an area of 220 sq. km., located at a distance of about 167 km from the town of Tura. The national park was established in the year 1987 and is now home to an extensive variety of flora and fauna.

Tura is a traditionally remote region that has intentionally been kept away from commercialization. Travellers to this part of the district won’t find many restaurants but can enjoy local cuisine at indigenous food stalls and tea shops. Guesthouses and homestays are run by the locals who often offer home-cooked meals to their visitors. Shillong is located just 35 km away; all different varieties of cafes and restaurants can be found just a short distance away in the capital city.