Tura – The Heart of Western Meghalaya

Tura is a quiet, culturally rich hill town located in Western Meghalaya, far removed from the crowded tourism circuits of Shillong and Cherrapunji. For years, tourism in Meghalaya largely revolved around the eastern part of the state, leaving Tura and the Garo Hills relatively untouched. This geographical and psychological distance, with a travel time of over seven hours between Shillong and Tura, unintentionally preserved the region’s pristine forests, tribal traditions and slow-paced hill-town charm.

In recent years, as travellers increasingly seek offbeat destinations, community-led tourism and authentic experiences, Tura has finally begun to emerge on the tourism map of North East India. What makes Tura special is not the checklist sightseeing but the experience of nature, wildlife, indigenous Garo culture and landscapes that still feel raw and unfiltered.

Situated at the foothills of the Nokrek range, Tura acts as the gateway to the Garo Hills, a region known for dense forests, rare wildlife and some of the least disturbed ecosystems in Meghalaya.

Cultural and Regional Context of Tura

Tura lies in the heartland of the Garo tribe, one of the three major indigenous communities of Meghalaya, along with the Khasi and Jaintia. The Garos follow a matrilineal system similar to other tribes of the state, but their language, customs and folklore are distinct. Christianity is the dominant religion, blended seamlessly with traditional beliefs and community festivals.

Unlike Shillong, which has a strong colonial influence, Tura feels deeply indigenous. English and Garo are widely spoken, and visitors are generally welcomed with warmth and curiosity rather than commercial expectation. This makes Tura ideal for travellers interested in slow travel, cultural immersion and nature-based tourism.

How to Reach Tura

For most travellers, Guwahati remains the main entry point to Tura. Guwahati Airport and Railway Station are well-connected with the rest of India and serve as the most reliable hubs for onward travel.

From Guwahati, Tura is approximately 200 kilometres, and the drive usually takes around four and a half to five hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. The route passes through the Assam plains before gradually entering the forested hills of Meghalaya, making the journey scenic and pleasant.

An alternative option is Bongaigaon, which is closer to Tura at around 165 kilometres. Travelling via Bongaigaon can save about an hour of road journey, but local taxi availability is limited and often more expensive compared to Guwahati. For convenience, safety and flexibility, Guwahati remains the preferred choice, especially for travellers booking customised tour packages.

If you plan to combine Shillong and Tura in one itinerary, be prepared for a long drive of over 300 kilometres, usually taking seven to eight hours. Most travellers visit Shillong first and then move westwards to Tura, allowing a gradual transition from popular destinations to quieter landscapes.

The Essence of Sightseeing in Tura

Tura is not a destination meant for rushed sightseeing. It rewards travellers who take time to explore forests, walk village paths and sit quietly amid hills and rivers. Sightseeing here is immersive rather than exhaustive.

Tura Peak and Reserve Forest

The Tura Peak marks the western end of a long forested ridge that runs across much of western Meghalaya. Rising to about 872 metres above sea level, the peak is covered in dense greenery and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and plains.

The area forms part of a Reserve Forest and is home to several endemic plant and animal species. Reaching the peak involves a trek of roughly two hours one way, making it suitable even for travellers with moderate fitness. At the top, there is a government Tourist Bungalow, and the silence of the forest is often broken only by bird calls and rustling leaves.

Nokrek National Park and Biosphere Reserve

Just about 2 kilometres from Tura town, Nokrek National Park is one of the ecological highlights of Meghalaya. Recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Nokrek is known for its incredible biodiversity and conservation importance.

The park is home to rare wildlife such as the Red Panda, Asiatic Elephant, Tiger, Clouded Leopard and Pig-tailed Macaque. Nokrek is also famous for being the natural habitat of wild citrus species, believed to be the genetic ancestor of modern oranges.

Access to Nokrek is regulated, and visitors are encouraged to explore the park responsibly with local guides. For wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and serious travellers, Nokrek offers one of the most authentic forest experiences in North East India.

Pelga Falls and Ganol River

Located around 7 kilometres from Tura town, Pelga Falls is a scenic waterfall on the Ganol River and a popular spot for locals. The area is especially beautiful during and just after the monsoon when the river is full, and the surrounding forests turn intensely green.

A distinctive feature here is the traditional bamboo hanging bridge, built in the Garo style, spanning the Ganol River. Walking across this bridge offers a unique cultural experience and a glimpse into indigenous engineering techniques that have been used for generations.

Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Tura

Tura enjoys a pleasant subtropical hill climate throughout most of the year. Summers are mild, with temperatures generally ranging between 20°C and 30°C, making it comfortable even during peak months.

Monsoon arrives by June and continues till September, bringing heavy rainfall that transforms the landscape into a lush green paradise. While roads can occasionally be affected, this is also when waterfalls and forests look their best.

Winters are cool and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 18°C. This is an excellent time for trekking, wildlife exploration and village walks.

The best time to visit Tura is from October to April, although travellers who enjoy monsoon scenery will find the rainy months equally rewarding.

Food and Local Cuisine in Tura

Food in Tura reflects the simplicity and earthy flavours of Garo cuisine. Rice is the staple, accompanied by vegetables, smoked meats and mildly spiced preparations. Pork is especially popular, often cooked with local herbs and minimal oil, allowing natural flavours to shine.

Chicken, freshwater fish and seasonal greens are widely available. While luxury dining options are limited, local eateries and homestays provide wholesome, freshly cooked meals that are deeply satisfying for travellers willing to explore regional food traditions.

Hotels, Homestays and Travel Facilities

Accommodation options in Tura are steadily improving, with a mix of small hotels, government tourist lodges and community-run homestays. While Tura does not yet offer luxury resorts, it makes up for this with authentic stays and warm hospitality.

For travellers planning a seamless journey, curated Tura tour packages that include accommodation, transport, sightseeing and local guides are the most efficient way to explore the region comfortably and responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tura

Many travellers ask whether Tura is safe for tourists, and the answer is yes. Tura is considered safe, with friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere, though basic travel precautions should always be followed.

Another common question is whether Tura can be visited as a weekend trip. Due to long travel times, Tura is better suited for a minimum stay of three to four days to truly experience the region.

Visitors often ask about permits. Indian tourists do not require special permits to visit Tura or Nokrek, while foreign travellers should check current regulations before travel.

Connectivity is another concern. Mobile networks work reasonably well in town areas, but internet connectivity can be slow or intermittent in remote forest regions.

Why Visit Tura with NBTT

Tura is not a destination to be rushed or explored superficially. It requires local knowledge, careful planning and respect for nature and culture. This is where NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited brings its deep expertise in North East India tourism.

Whether you are looking for customised tour packages, nature-based sightseeing, cultural immersion or wildlife exploration, NBTT ensures responsible travel with local insights, reliable logistics and thoughtfully designed itineraries.

For personalised Tura and Garo Hills travel planning, call NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited at +91 9733300696 and explore one of Meghalaya’s most underrated destinations the right way.