Minister in-charge of Tourism, Paul Lyngdoh, on Friday informed that the state government is set to launch the Sohra Trails, a new initiative aimed at promoting adventure tourism in Meghalaya.
Speaking after attending a conclave on Adventure Tourism, Lyngdoh revealed that the project has already secured funding and is ready to move forward. “We have got sanctions for the Sohra trails which will be again another opportunity for adventure tourism to experience the trails of our Sohra region. The trail is a segment that comprises of various trails connecting villages of Sohra where people especially tourists will walks those trails. It is a circuit combining clusters of villages within Sohra region. The tender process will begin very soon,” he said.
The Sohra Trails will feature a series of interconnected routes across villages in Sohra, designed to allow tourists to immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty while engaging in adventurous activities. Lyngdoh emphasized that this initiative would enhance the state’s adventure tourism offerings, which are already a major draw for visitors. “Adventure tourism is a key part of our tourism package because many visitors come to Meghalaya for the unique experiences our hills, valleys, and caves provide. We want these experiences to be immersive,” he added.
In addition to the Sohra Trails, Lyngdoh announced that the historic David Scott Trail would soon be declared a heritage site, further boosting the state’s tourism appeal.
Lyngdoh noted the importance of the conclave, which marked the first time an event of this nature had been organized in Meghalaya. “This is the first time that a conclave on adventure tourism is being organized in Meghalaya, and we have the pleasure of having the Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha visiting us and joining the conclave as the chief guest,” he said.
He highlighted that representatives from various northeastern states, as well as Uttar Pradesh, participated in the conclave, alongside media representation from the Indian Express Group. “This provides visibility to Meghalaya tourism. It is a huge opportunity for tourism in general and adventure tourism in particular,” Lyngdoh added.
During the conclave, Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, Women and Child Development and Mission Shakti from Odisha, advocated for greater collaboration between states in the tourism sector. She proposed an exchange program under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, saying, “Odisha will send self-help group leaders to Meghalaya under Swadesh Darshan, and we will also welcome delegations from Meghalaya. This will allow for interaction and mutual learning.”
Parida also discussed Odisha’s focus on enhancing safety in tourism, explaining that tourist sites in Odisha are being equipped with CCTV and other advanced tools to ensure visitor security. “We are making Odisha a safe and peaceful destination for tourists,” she said, expressing particular interest in Meghalaya’s long caves, which she believes offer great potential for adventure tourism.
The Shillong conclave highlighted key topics such as revitalizing local economies through adventure tourism, conducting skilling workshops for tour operators and stakeholders, and exploring the vast potential of Meghalaya’s natural landscape for responsible adventure tourism.
India, with its diverse topography, holds immense potential for adventure tourism. However, the sector remains underdeveloped and requires a structured approach. The Indian government has emphasized the importance of adventure tourism and introduced safety standards and protocols to ensure a secure experience for tourists. Workshops like this are crucial for raising awareness among operators and promoting responsible and safe adventure tourism across the country, including in Meghalaya.