Things To Do
in Tura
Tura is a bustling town located in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India. It is known for its scenic beauty and lush greenery, surrounded by hills and forests. The town serves as an important commercial and educational hub in the region, with various markets and educational institutions.
Tura is also famous for its unique cultural heritage, including traditional Garo dances and festivals.
- "kiddan" - How are you?
- "shukriya" - Thank you
- "tuhada naa ki hai" - What is your name?
- "ki haal chaal" - How are things?
- "chalo" - Let's go
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $30
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $30
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike in the Nokrek National Park, where you can witness the lush green landscapes and diverse wildlife. Early morning is the best time to spot various birds and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
After lunch, visit the beautiful Siju Caves to explore the stunning limestone formations. It's a great opportunity to learn about the natural history of the area.
Wind down by visiting the local markets, where you can shop for handicrafts and enjoy delicious snacks. The vibrant atmosphere in the evening is sure to enhance your experience.
Kickstart your day with a visit to the Naphak Lake, perfect for a peaceful morning walk or a boat ride. Enjoy the serene surroundings and local flora.
Explore the local village life by taking a guided tour to experience traditional lifestyles and customs. Interact with locals to gain insights into their daily routines.
Visit the Tura Peak to witness a stunning sunset over the hills. It's a picturesque spot that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions
- Beautiful landscapes and natural scenery, including hills and forests
- Access to various outdoor activities like trekking and bird watching
- Welcoming and friendly local communities
- Growing tourism sector and improvements in infrastructure
- Limited healthcare and educational facilities in some areas
- Occasional transportation challenges, especially in rural areas
- Economy largely dependent on agriculture and small-scale industries
- Environmental concerns related to deforestation and pollution
- Infrequent access to modern amenities and services
Best Activities in Tura
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking and wildlife spotting in the lush forest with unique flora and fauna.
Exploring the limestone caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Trekking and birdwatching in a biodiverse area with breathtaking landscapes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Tura with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Tura
Visit one of these nice places.
Tura Peak offers panoramic views of Tura town and the beautiful surrounding landscape. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying the scenic beauty of Tura, India.
Nokrek National Park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, along with stunning landscapes. It's an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and photographers looking for unique and beautiful views.
Food in Tura
Tura Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant rice dish cooked with pork meat, Jadoh is a must-try local delicacy in Tura. The rice is often seasoned with ginger, garlic, and a mix of traditional spices, offering a burst of flavors unique to the region. Recommended place to try: Local eateries and food stalls.
Must-Try!
Chowmein, a popular Indo-Chinese dish, is also a beloved street food in Tura. Local variations may include fresh vegetables and local seasonings, giving it a unique twist. Recommended place to try: Street food vendors around the Tura market area.
A traditional Garo dish made with fermented rice powder and fish, Awan Bangla offers a distinct taste of the local culinary heritage. It is often prepared as a savory side dish or snack. Recommended place to try: Local Garo households or traditional food festivals.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Tura better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Tura Market is a bustling hub of local food culture, offering a wide array of fresh produce, spices, and street food. Visitors can sample a variety of street snacks, including momos, fried fish, and local sweets, while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the market.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Tura, it's important to show respect to elders, whether by using appropriate honorifics or following customs like touching their feet.
Modesty in clothing is highly valued in Tura, especially for women. It's respectful to dress in a manner that aligns with local cultural norms.
When dining, it's polite to eat with your right hand, remove your shoes before entering someone's home, and accept food and drinks with your right hand.
Safety
Tipping in Tura
Ensure a smooth experience
In Tura, India, tipping is not a common practice and it is generally not expected in most situations. However, in upscale restaurants or hotels, a small tip of around 5-10% may be appreciated for exceptional service, but it is not mandatory.
Payment in Tura, India is predominantly cash-based, and credit card acceptance may be limited to larger establishments. It is common to pay for goods and services in cash, and it is advisable to carry sufficient cash when traveling in Tura. ATMs are also available in the city for cash withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Tura is during the summer season (March to June) when the weather is warm and pleasant. Expect clear skies and lush greenery during this time.
Tura experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (July to September). Visitors can expect lush and beautiful landscapes, but should be prepared for heavy rain and potential travel disruptions.
The autumn and winter months (October to February) are also a good time to visit Tura, with cool and comfortable temperatures. The area may become misty and foggy, but visitors can expect a serene and peaceful atmosphere during this time.
Tura at Night
Hiking in Tura
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful national park known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, Nokrek offers various trekking paths among lush greenery.
Located near Tura, this sanctuary provides scenic hiking routes alongside rivers and through dense forests, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
The highest point in Tura, it offers panaromic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, with well-marked trails for hikers.
Known for its accessible trails, Ronalds Peak is a popular hiking spot that offers spectacular views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
A tranquil trail that leads through picturesque landscapes, paying homage to the soldiers, it's suitable for a peaceful hike.
Aiports
How to reach Tura by plane.
Located in Guwahati, Assam, approximately 190 km from Tura, it serves as the major international gateway for the northeastern region of India.
Situated in West Bengal, around 500 km from Tura, Bagdogra Airport is a key international airport serving the region, especially for travelers heading to the hill stations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
Located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, about 600 km from Tura, this airport connects the state with numerous international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Khasis are one of the indigenous ethnic groups of Meghalaya, known for their matrilineal society and rich cultural heritage.
This group is primarily located in the Jaintia Hills and is known for their contributions to the region's coal mining industry and unique cultural practices.
The Mizos are a native tribe from nearby Mizoram, known for their distinct cultural practices and languages.
The Nepali community has settled in Tura, contributing to the diversity and culture, with a blend of Indo-Nepalese traditions.
The Bodos are an ethnic group from Assam, with some members residing in Tura; they are known for their unique language and cultural richness.
This category includes various smaller ethnic groups, migrant workers, and communities from different parts of India.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is immensely popular in Tura, with many local clubs and tournaments organized throughout the year. The sport sees enthusiastic participation from both youth and adults.
Cricket is another favorite sport in Tura, with many residents passionately following national teams as well as engaging in local matches.
Traditional sports such as wrestling and various indigenous games are also celebrated in Tura, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage.
Badminton has gained popularity among the youth of Tura, with many schools and communities encouraging participation in the sport.
Athletics, including running and field events, is promoted by schools and local organizations, fostering a competitive spirit among young athletes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tura.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Garo cuisine prominently features meat and fish, several eateries in Tura offer vegetarian and vegan options to accommodate dietary preferences. Look for dishes like chutney with steamed rice, vegetable stews, and locally foraged greens for a satisfying plant-based experience.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy rice-based dishes such as Jadoh and Awan Bangla, which are naturally gluten-free. Additionally, many restaurants in Tura are receptive to customizing meals to cater to gluten-free requirements, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for individuals with this dietary restriction.