Researchers say the state’s caves, cliffs, monoliths and rock formations could support sustainable geotourism, scientific research and new livelihood opportunities for local communities.
ROOPAK GOSWAMI
SHILLONG, Aug 9: Meghalaya’s caves, cliffs, monoliths and unusual rock formations may offer more than spectacular views. A new study has identified 14 potential geoheritage sites across the state and says they could form the basis of sustainable geotourism circuits combining geology, culture, education and local livelihoods.
The study, published in Geoheritage, was authored by Ravi Ranjan Kumar, Chiruplangki Suchiang, Rimi Deka, Lalminthang Kilong, Rohit Kumar Giri and Santosh Kumar. Four of the authors are from the Department of Geology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, while Giri is from NIT Raipur and Santosh Kumar from Kumaun University.
Titled “Potential Geoheritage Sites and Capacity Assessment for Sustainable Geotourism Development in Meghalaya, India,” the study is based on field investigations and assessment of geological features across the Meghalaya Plateau. The researchers also collected rock samples and examined thin sections to study minerals, textures and fossil content.
14 sites across four districts
The proposed sites are spread across East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills.
They include Mawmluh Cave, Arwah-Lumshynna Cave, Khoh Ramhah, Mawsup, Lum Kyllang, Therriaghat, Nartiang Monoliths, Nongkhlieh Karst, Sweet Falls, Laitlum Canyon, Garden of Caves, Mylliem Pluton and Nongpoh Pluton, among others.
The sites were evaluated for their geological distinctiveness, rarity, scientific value, educational potential, accessibility, safety and tourism potential.
Mawmluh Cave is already internationally recognised as one of the first 100 Global Stratotype Sections and Points. Its geological record defines the beginning of the Meghalayan Age, around 4,200 years ago.
At Therriaghat, meanwhile, the researchers highlight a well-preserved Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, providing a record associated with the mass extinction about 66 million years ago.
The story behind Meghalaya’s landscape
Other sites tell different geological stories.
Laitlum Canyon represents deep valleys, high cliffs and undulating landscapes. The Mylliem and Nongpoh plutons provide evidence of ancient geological processes, while the Nongkhlieh Karst represents the state’s distinctive limestone landscape.
The Nartiang Monoliths bring geology and cultural heritage together. The study describes the site as having a large collection of monoliths erected in a single area over centuries.
The researchers also point to the cultural associations surrounding places such as the Garden of Caves, where local traditions connect caves and rock formations with spirits, deities and the giant U Ramhah.
Sohra could be the starting point
The study sees particular potential around Sohra, where four of the proposed sites fall within a 15-km radius.
The area already attracts more than 500,000 tourists annually, according to the study. The researchers propose a two-day Sohra geotourism itinerary, with a broader four-day circuit extending towards the Therriaghat-Jowai corridor.
The idea is to give visitors more context about the landscapes they see—turning caves, rocks and valleys into stops along a geological trail rather than treating them simply as scenic attractions.
A possible livelihood opportunity
The researchers say geotourism could generate business for communities through local guiding, accommodation, transport, parking, handicrafts and local products.
They also suggest concepts such as GeoGift, GeoActivity, GeoHouse and GeoFood, including community-based accommodation and traditional Khasi food as part of the visitor experience.
With Meghalaya already receiving more than 1.2 million tourists annually, the authors see scope for developing specialised geological tourism alongside existing tourism products. They caution, however, that detailed economic projections would require further study.
The warning: protect before promoting
There is also a clear warning in the study.
Several of the proposed sites are vulnerable to human activity. The researchers recommend legal protection, site-specific management plans, visitor-capacity limits, signage, monitoring and community participation before these places are developed further for tourism.
The study uses around 350 visitors a day at Krem Mawmluh during peak season as a reference point for assessing visitor capacity.
That is significant for Meghalaya, where some popular natural attractions are already facing increasing visitor pressure.
A UNESCO Global Geopark?
The researchers go a step further in their conclusion, saying the exceptional geological and cultural value of Meghalaya’s landscape makes it a potential candidate for UNESCO Global Geopark designation. They argue that such recognition could support conservation and sustainable regional development.
This is a recommendation from the researchers, not an existing UNESCO designation.
For Meghalaya, the study offers a different way of looking at tourism: the state’s rocks and geological formations could become attractions in their own right, while also providing opportunities for research, education and community livelihoods.
But the researchers’ message is equally clear—the geological heritage has to be protected if it is to become a sustainable tourism asset.
