Meghalaya (translated ‘abode of the clouds’) in North East India is known for cultural diversity, tribes, rain-drenched hills, gushing waterfalls, caves, and living root bridges.
However, the fact that Meghalaya is dotted with several heritage sites and structures is a relatively lesser-known aspect of tourism in this state.
For those looking to discover and explore this heritage, we bring the ‘not to be missed’ historical monuments in Meghalaya that should be on your list when you travel here next.
List of 9 Historical Monuments in Meghalaya
- Megalithic Bridge on the Um-Nyankanah
- Megalithic Bridge on the Um-Kumbeh
- Nartiang Monoliths
- Kiang Nongbah Monument
- Megalithic Bridge Known as Thul-Um-Wi
- Stone Memorial of U-Maw Thodur-Briew, Nartiang
- Stone Memorial of U-Mawthoh-Dur, Bhoi Area
- Manipur Memorial, Shillong
- David Scott’s Monument, Cherrapunji
Megalithic Bridge on the Um-Nyankanah
- District:Jaintia Hills
- Location: Between Jowai and Jarain
This megalithic bridge is built over the Um-Nyankanah River, supported by huge stone pillars. According to local legends, the Jaintia Kings gave orders to build this bridge during the medieval period.
Also read: Shillong Travel Guide
They constructed several of these megalithic bridges built over 100s years to promote trade between their ruling cities and provide means of communication and movement of their armies.
For history buffs and heritage lovers, this stone bridge is one of the must-visit historical monuments of Meghalaya. The bridge is under Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) protection.
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Jowai
Megalithic Bridge on the Um-Kumbeh
- District: Jaintia Hills
- Location: Near Syndai
Built using colossal stone slabs, this megalithic bridge across Um-Kumbeh River is said to be constructed by Mar Phalangki and U Luh Lyngskor Lamare as per the local tradition.
Further reading: How to reach Shillong
It was supposedly built by order of the Jaintia king when he shifted his capital to Nartiang in order to carry out trade between the new capital and his old capital of Sutnga. The stones used are dated to be from the 18th century CE.
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Jowai
Narthiang Monoliths
- District: Jaintia Hills
- Location: Nartiang Road, Nartiang
- Opening Time: 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Nartiang Monoliths in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills are considered among some of the tallest in the world. These were built to honor the erstwhile Jaintia Kings and consist of Menhirs or Moo Shynrang and Dolmens or Moo Kynthai.
As per the local legends, the tallest of these monoliths, known locally as Moo Long Syiem stands 26 feet. It was erected between 1500 CE to 1835 CE by the famous war leader U Mar Phalynki to mark a momentous military achievement.
Most of the Meghalaya monuments among Nartiang Monoliths are dedicated to royalty and leaders of the Pnar tribe.
Of the several monoliths dotted across Garo and Jaintia Hills, Nartiang Monoliths feature one of the largest collections of menhirs and dolmens, making it one of the top historical monuments in Meghalaya.
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Jowai
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Kiang Nongbah Monument
“If my face turns eastwards when I die, we shall be free again within a hundred years. If it turns westward, we shall be enslaved forever.”
- District: Jaintia Hills
- Location: Jowai
A memorial to Jaintia King U Kiang Nangbah’s valor, Kiang Nongbah Monument, was constructed on the banks of the Myntdu River.
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It is located in Madlah Kmal Blai in Jowai’s Syntu Ksiar Valley. This historical monument is worth a visit for its significance in the history of India’s Independence struggle.
Places of interest near this monument that you could include in your trip include Syntu Ksiar, Tyrshi Falls, Ialong Park, and Thadlaskein Lake.
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Jowai
Also Read:
Megalithic Bridge Known as Thul-Um-Wi
- District: Jaintia Hills
- Location: Between Jowai and Jarain
Yet another megalithic stone bridge, Thul-Um-Wi boasts of remarkable design. It comprises large slabs of three gigantic spans spread across the river ‘Thul-Um-Wi’.
According to the local tradition, the Megalithic bridge was constructed after the Jaintia king gave orders to maintain trade and commerce with other cities under their rule.
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Jowai
Stone Memorial of U-Maw Thodur-Briew, Nartiang
District: Jaintia Hills
Location: Nartiang
This memorial is among the famous monuments of Meghalaya and is dedicated to the local tribe known as U-Maw Thodur-Briew.
Built of large megalithic stone, the stones are classified as menhirs (vertical stones), dolmens (horizontal stones), and cairn, with menhirs usually the most gigantic in size.
It can be observed that menhirs are erected generally in rows of three, four, five, and seven, with each measuring approximately 9 meters in height and the central one the highest of them all. A capstone appearing like a head or head is occasionally provided over menhirs.
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Jowai
Stone Memorial of U-Mawthoh-Dur, Bhoi Area
- District: East Khasi Hills
- Location: Bhoi area
Khasi tribes of Meghalaya erected many monoliths and megaliths as per their traditions to commemorate their heroes and tribe.
The Stone Memorial of U-Mawthoh-Dur is one such huge monolithic stone memorial of the local tribes of Meghalaya. Hence, it is commonly known as ‘U-Mawthoh-Dur’. The stone pillars are of varied shape and size and vary in design.
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Shillong
Manipur Memorial, Shillong
- District: East Khasi Hills
- Location: Shillong
One of the top Meghalaya historical monuments, Manipur Memorial is an octagonal monument built up of ashlar stone masonry. It was erected as a memorial to Mr. Quinton and other British military officers who died in Manipur in CE 1891.
The monument was raised over gradually receding platforms. Engraved on this memorial pillar is an inscription that describes the cause of death of these military officers of East India Company
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Shillong
David Scott’s Monument, Cherrapunji
- District: East-Khasi Hills
- Location: Cherrapunji.
The memorial pillar in Cherrapunji commemorates David Scott, an agent to the Governor-General on the North-East Frontier during the British period. He was considered one of the most dedicated, sincere, and clever workers.
Today the David Scott Trail is one of the most popular trekking trails in Meghalaya. It stretches over 100 kilometers, including places in Meghalaya, Assam, and Bangladesh.
The trail takes you to the picturesque villages of Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang in East Khasi Hills, covering approx. 16 km. On this trail, trekkers can witness various streams, waterfalls, sacred grounds, and tribal villages.
David Scott died on the 20th of August 1831 at 45 years. His memorial is in the shape of an obelisk constructed entirely of ashlar stone masonry raised over a square platform. An inscription is engraved on the memorial pillar.
The best time to visit Cherrapunji to explore David Scott’s Monument is during winter and summer. During these seasons, the weather remains cool, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
How to Reach
- Airport: Shillong
- Railway Station: Guwahati
- Bus Station: Cherrapunji
So these are the top historical monuments of Meghalaya you can visit on your next trip. Also, get insights into the local people’s history, lives, and culture.
History buffs, adventurers, and backpackers interested to discover new places should curate an itinerary with this list. Indian Holiday offers Meghayala tour packages equipped with meals, stays, and transfers to make your journey hassle-free.
Nikhil Chandra
Digital marketer by profession and a keen traveler, amateur photographer and avid book reader by passion, Nikhil Chandra’s writing and photographs have been published in various travel magazines and blogs including Travel & Leisure, Seat 61, Mode&Tendances, Oryx Magazine (Qatar air inflight magazine) among others. Holding a masters in Literature and Marketing Management, Nikhil Chandra applies his educational qualifications, professional experience, and wander wisdom to write on a range of topics that includes search engine, PPC, content marketing, photography tips and travel. He summarizes himself succinctly as a writer here and there and on this and that.
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