Tura is one of those places that makes you wonder why it’s not already on everyone’s travel list. Tucked away in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, it’s peaceful, green, and full of little surprises. While most travelers head straight to Shillong or Cherrapunji, Tura quietly offers its own kind of magic—with fewer crowds and more nature. If you're browsing Meghalaya tour packages, make sure Tura is on the itinerary.
The moment you reach Tura, you’re greeted with rolling hills, fresh air, and a slower pace of life. It’s the kind of place where you can chase waterfalls, explore mysterious limestone caves, hike through forest trails, or just sit back and take in the view at a quiet sunset point. If you're lucky, you might even spot some wildlife at Nokrek National Park!
Whether you're a nature lover, a peace seeker, or someone looking for a new adventure, Tura has something for you. It's Meghalaya’s underrated treasure—ready to be explored!
When it comes to the best places to visit in Tura, Tura Peak definitely tops the list. Rising to approximately 872 meters above sea level, this scenic spot lies on the eastern side of Tura town in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district. It offers breathtaking views of the Brahmaputra valley and even parts of Bangladesh on a clear day.
The trek to Tura Peak is one of the most popular places to see in Tura for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The 5 km trail is moderately challenging and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. As you ascend, you’ll pass through lush forests rich in flora and fauna—look out for hornbills and gibbons!
At the top, you'll find a view tower with panoramic views of Tura town, the surrounding hills, and the Jinjiram River. There’s also a tourist bungalow, an observatory, and a cinchona plantation that add to the experience.
- Weather: 24°C – 33°C
- Time Required: Around 1 to 2 days
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry Fees: Free
2. Balpakram National Park
If you're diving into Tura sightseeing, one place that absolutely cannot be missed is Balpakram National Park—often called the "Land of Spirits." Located about 120 km from Tura, this park is one of the most intriguing and biodiverse tourist places in Tura Meghalaya.
Balpakram is a paradise for wildlife lovers, home to rare species like the red panda, Asian golden cat, clouded leopard, and even the endangered Bengal tiger. It’s not just about animals though—this national park is rich in folklore and natural wonders like deep gorges, limestone caves, and plateau formations.
The name Balpakram itself means "land of the perpetual winds," and it has a mystical charm that locals associate with ancestral spirits. Apart from wildlife spotting, you can explore beautiful spots like the Balpakram Gorge, believed to be a resting place for departed souls.
- Weather: 24°C – 33°C
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fees: ₹50 per person
Among the top places to see in Tura, Nokrek National Park is a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Located just 2 km from Tura Peak, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is one of the most important tourist places in Tura Meghalaya, especially for those who want to experience the raw beauty of the Garo Hills.
The park is famous for being the home of the elusive red panda, wild elephants, macaques, leopards, and several species of hornbills. It also boasts a rich collection of medicinal plants and rare orchids, making it a biodiversity hotspot. The park is wrapped in lush greenery and cloud-kissed hills, offering nature trails and trekking routes that are as refreshing as they are scenic.
One of the highlights here is the Nokrek Peak, the highest point in the Garo Hills, which offers stunning views of the surrounding forests.
- Weather: 24°C – 33°C
- Time Required: half to full day
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 20 for Indians and INR 250 for foreigners
Siju Cave is one of the top attractions in Tura, especially for those who love exploring nature’s mysteries. Located near the Simsang River, this limestone cave is famous for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, along with a deep, dark charm that feels straight out of an adventure movie.
Often called the "Bat Cave" because of its large bat population, Siju is also one of the longest caves in India. It’s not just a cave—it’s an experience. Trekking to its entrance through the lush Garo Hills is a treat in itself, with river views and forest trails all around.
Without a doubt, Siju Cave deserves a spot on your list of the best places to visit in Tura. It's thrilling, mysterious, and beautifully wild—just like Tura itself.
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
- Entry Fees: INR 50 per person
5. Rongbang Dare Waterfall
Rongbang Dare Waterfall is one of those hidden gems that makes Tura sightseeing truly special. Tucked away in the lush greenery near Nokrek National Park, this beautiful waterfall is surrounded by thick forests and chirping birds—making it the perfect spot for a peaceful nature escape.
The waterfall cascades down rocky steps, creating a refreshing mist and a soothing sound that instantly calms the senses. Whether you're a nature lover or just someone looking for a quiet picnic spot, Rongbang Dare offers the perfect setting.
It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Tura, especially if you enjoy scenic walks and untouched landscapes. Don’t forget your camera—this one’s a postcard view waiting to happen!
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
- Entry Fees: Free
Pelga Falls is a serene and picturesque waterfall located approximately 7 kilometers from Tura in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. It's one of the top attractions in Tura, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature's beauty. The waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff, surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for picnics and relaxation.
Visitors can enjoy soft adventure activities in Tura like short treks to reach the falls, angling, and fishing. The area is relatively free from crowds, providing a tranquil environment for those looking to unwind. Additionally, the nearby traditional bamboo bridge over the Ganol River adds to the charm of the location.
Pelga Falls stands out as one of the best places to visit in Tura, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
- Time Required: All Day
- Timings: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Entry Fees: Adult - INR 10, Child - INR 5
Chandigre Village is one of those hidden gems that truly surprises you. Tucked away at the foothills of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, just 30 km from Tura, this peaceful village perfectly blends nature and Garo culture — making it one of the most soulful tourist places in Tura Meghalaya.
The highlight? The Chandigre Rural Tourist Resort. It’s not your usual stay — here, you get to sleep in traditional bamboo cottages called Nok Achik, sip on homemade juices and wines, and wake up to the sights of lush tea and coffee plantations. It’s quiet, cozy, and refreshingly local.
If you're into Tura sightseeing, Chandigre also acts as a great base for exploring nearby gems like Nokrek National Park and Rongbang Dare Waterfall.
- Time Required: 2-3 days
- Timings: Open all-day
- Entry Fees: Free
Naphak Lake is one of the peaceful gems among the top Tura tourist places. Tucked away near Tura in the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya, this scenic man-made lake is perfect for anyone looking to unwind amidst nature. Formed by damming the Ganol River, it’s surrounded by lush greenery and is a great spot for birdwatching, especially with its proximity to the Siju Wildlife Sanctuary.
The calm waters of the lake also make it ideal for fishing or simply soaking in the views. A short drive from Tura followed by a pleasant walk through a forest path will lead you to this serene retreat. It's one of the best tourist places in Tura Meghalaya to enjoy a slow day—maybe with a book, a picnic, or just good conversation.
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Timings:
- Open Daily
- From April 1st to September 30th: 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- From October 1st to March 31st: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
The best time to visit Tura
The best time to visit Tura is between October and April, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing. During these months, the temperature stays cool and comfortable, making it ideal for exploring top attractions in Tura like Nokrek National Park, Siju Caves, and other scenic spots.
Avoid the heavy monsoon season (June to September), as the region experiences significant rainfall, which can make travel difficult and some places inaccessible.
Tura is a scenic town located in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. Depending on where you’re coming from, there are multiple ways to reach it. Here’s how to reach Tura:
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati, Assam) – approx. 220 km from Tura.
- Alternative Airport: Shillong Airport (Umroi, Meghalaya) – approx. 160 km from Tura.
- From the Airport: You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Tura. The journey takes around 5–7 hours depending on the starting point.
By Train
- Nearest Major Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station – well connected to major cities in India.
- Closer Option: Dudhnoi Railway Station (about 100 km from Tura) – limited connectivity.
- From the Station: Buses and taxis are available from Guwahati; the drive takes around 6–7 hours.
By Road
From Guwahati:
- Via Nongstoin – approx. 220 km (6–7 hours)
- Via Goalpara and Dudhnoi – approx. 180 km (5–6 hours)
From Shillong:
- Via Nongstoin – approx. 160 km (5–6 hours)
Bus Services:
- Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) and private operators run buses from Guwahati, Shillong, and nearby towns to Tura.
Local Transport in Tura
Auto-rickshaws, shared cabs, and taxis are available for getting around the town.
Pro Tip: Best Route
- From outside Northeast India: Fly to Guwahati → take a cab or bus to Tura.
- From within Meghalaya or Assam: Road travel via NH17 is your best bet.
Tura isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience wrapped in nature, culture, and quiet charm. From the misty hills of Nokrek to the dramatic depths of Siju Cave, every spot has its own story. Whether you're chasing waterfalls like Rongbang Dare, relaxing by Naphak Lake, or exploring cultural gems like Chandigre Village, Tura leaves you with memories that stay long after the trip ends. This Tura travel guide gives you a glimpse of what awaits in this lesser-known corner of Meghalaya. So if you're looking to escape the usual tourist crowds and explore truly unique Tura tourist places, Tura is calling—and it’s totally worth answering.
