Tura, located in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya at 25.5147°N, 90.2159°E, is the second-largest town in the state and the cultural and administrative heart of the Garo community. Unlike the Khasi-dominated eastern regions of Meghalaya, Tura offers a completely different cultural landscape. Sitting at the foothills of Tura Peak, the town serves as the primary base camp for exploring the deep, relatively untouched jungles of the Garo Hills, including the UNESCO-listed Nokrek Biosphere Reserve.
Tura
The Cultural Capital of the Garo Hills and Gateway to Nokrek National Park
History & Culture
The Garo Tribe (A·chik)
Tura is the epicenter of the Garo people, who call themselves A·chik Mande (roughly 'hill people'). Like the Khasi, the Garos are a matrilineal society, where lineage and property pass down from the mother to the youngest daughter. Historically, they were known as fierce warriors and headhunters who defended their heavily forested hills from invaders traversing the Assam plains. Today, their rich animist traditions are celebrated alongside widespread Christianity.
Origin of the Name
Local legends state that the town's original name was 'Dura', named after the powerful local deity Durama who was believed to reside in the nearby hills. When the British arrived to establish an administrative headquarters in the late 19th century, they mispronounced 'Dura' as 'Tura', and the colonial name stuck. Tura grew from a remote British outpost into the bustling commercial hub of western Meghalaya.
The Garo Tribe (A·chik)
Tura is the epicenter of the Garo people, who call themselves A·chik Mande (roughly 'hill people'). Like the Khasi, the Garos are a matrilineal society, where lineage and property pass down from the mother to the youngest daughter. Historically, they were known as fierce warriors and headhunters who defended their heavily forested hills from invaders traversing the Assam plains. Today, their rich animist traditions are celebrated alongside widespread Christianity.
Origin of the Name
Local legends state that the town's original name was 'Dura', named after the powerful local deity Durama who was believed to reside in the nearby hills. When the British arrived to establish an administrative headquarters in the late 19th century, they mispronounced 'Dura' as 'Tura', and the colonial name stuck. Tura grew from a remote British outpost into the bustling commercial hub of western Meghalaya.
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
Tura's greatest geographical significance is its proximity to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve and National Park, located about 45 km away. Nokrek is a UNESCO-designated biosphere, famous worldwide among botanists for being the natural habitat of *Citrus indica* (the Indian wild orange). This rare fruit is considered by scientists to be the progenitor of all cultivated citrus fruits in the world. The reserve is also home to a significant population of the rare Hoolock Gibbon and red pandas.
Wangala Festival (The 100 Drums)
The most famous cultural event in the Garo Hills is the Wangala Festival, a post-harvest thanksgiving ceremony to the sun god, Misi Saljong. It is usually held in November in a village near Tura (Asanang). It is famously known as the "100 Drums Festival" because the climax of the multi-day celebration involves 100 traditional Garo drummers playing simultaneously while men and women perform the elaborate, synchronized Wangala dance. It is the best time to experience Garo culture, traditional attire, and rice beer (bitchi).
Travel Guide to Tura
How to Reach
By Road from Guwahati: Tura is much closer to Guwahati (Assam) than to Shillong. The drive from Guwahati to Tura is about 220 km (5-6 hours) via the NH217.
From Shillong: It is a long, arduous 300+ km journey (10-12 hours) via a winding road through the hills. Night buses and shared sumos operate daily between Shillong and Tura.
Best Time to Visit
October to March: The weather is pleasant and dry, making it ideal for hiking to Tura Peak and exploring the national parks. November is particularly special if you wish to attend the 100 Drums Wangala Festival.
Monsoon (June to September): Extreme rainfall makes the forest roads difficult to navigate, and trekking in Nokrek or to Pelga Falls can be dangerous.
Local Attractions Nearby
Tura Peak: A popular hiking spot right above the town, offering views all the way to the Brahmaputra River in the plains.
Pelga Falls: A scenic waterfall 7 km away, popular for angling and picnics, featuring a traditional bamboo bridge.
Siju Caves & Balpakram: Siju (the bat cave) and Balpakram (the 'Land of Spirits') are spectacular sites requiring multi-day expeditions from Tura.
Tips for Visitors
Plan for Long Drives: The Garo Hills are vast and attractions are spread far apart. Renting a sturdy SUV or hiring a dedicated driver from Guwahati or Tura is highly recommended over relying on spotty local transport.
Try Garo Cuisine: Garo food is distinct from Khasi food. Try 'Nakham Bitchi' (a spicy dry fish soup) and pork cooked with bamboo shoots. It is deeply flavorful but can be very spicy.
Carry Cash: While Tura town has ATMs, the moment you head out towards Nokrek or Siju, digital payments will fail due to zero network connectivity. Carry sufficient cash for the duration of your rural stay.
Language barrier: Unlike Shillong where English is ubiquitous, Hindi or Assamese are often more useful than English when interacting in the rural Garo markets outside of Tura town.