Tura at a Glance: Entry, Timings & Key Info
| State | Meghalaya |
| Famous For | Garo Hills, Nokrek National Park, Wildlife |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Ideal Duration | 3-4 days minimum |
| Language | Garo, English, Hindi |
| Nearest Airport | Guwahati Airport (GAU), 220km from city |
| Nearest Railway | Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) |
| Entry Fee | Free – ₹20+ (varies) |
| Best For | nature and adventure seekers |
Tura: What Makes It Worth Visiting
Tura is the second-largest town in Meghalaya, nestled in the heart of the Garo Hills. It serves as the administrative center of the West Garo Hills district and offers a glimpse into the unique culture of the Garo tribe.
Reaching Tura requires travel from Guwahati, the nearest major airport and railway station. Allow at least 3-4 days to explore the town and its surrounding attractions. Prioritize booking transportation and accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
How to Reach Tura: Road, Train, Air & Bus Routes
train Train to Tura: Nearest Station & Schedules
Nearest Station: Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) — Main railway station for trains from other parts of India. Located in Guwahati, 220km from Tura.
- From Delhi: 28-32 hours (₹1500-3000)
- From Mumbai: 36-40 hours (₹2000-4000)
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
flight Flying to Tura: Nearest Airport & Transfers
Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport (GAU), 220km from city
- Delhi: 2.5 hours (₹4000-8000)
- Mumbai: 3.5 hours (₹5000-10000)
Airport transfer:
- Taxi: ₹3000-4000
- Shared Taxi: ₹800-1200 (to Guwahati city, then another to Tura)
directions_bus Bus to Tura: Services & Timings
- From Guwahati: 8-10 hours (₹500-800)
Trains are generally more comfortable, but buses are more direct.
Best Time to Visit Tura: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Best months: October to March
| Season | Temperature | What to Expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Time: October to March | 15-25 degrees C | This is the best time for trekking, wildlife spotting, and experiencing local fe | Best ✓ |
| Shoulder Season: April to May, September | 20-30 degrees C | Fewer crowds than the peak season, and you might find better deals on accommodat | The heat in April/May can make trek |
| Avoid: June to August | 22-32 degrees C | The heavy rainfall makes trekking dangerous, and wildlife spotting is difficult. | Some accommodations may be closed d |
Peak season note: Book accommodations and transportation in advance, as this is peak tourist season. Prices may be slightly higher.
2-Day Tura Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 — Top Highlights
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
⛰️ Nokrek National Park
Nokrek National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, famous for its diverse flora and fauna. It's a critical habitat for the endang…
💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning for the best chance of spotting wildlife. Talk to local villagers for ins
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
⛰️ Tura Peak
Tura Peak is the highest point in the Garo Hills, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It's a popular trekking d…
💡 Tip: Carry binoculars to get a better view of the surrounding landscape. The sunrise from Tura Peak is pa
Day 2 — More to Explore
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
🪨 Siju Cave
Siju Cave, also known as the Bat Cave, is one of the longest caves in India. It's a natural wonder with impressive stalactite and …
💡 Bring a waterproof camera to capture the unique formations inside the cave. Be respectful of the cav
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
⛰️ Balpakram National Park
Balpakram National Park is known as the 'Land of the Spirits' and is rich in biodiversity and local folklore. It's home to various…
💡 Talk to the local villagers to learn about the folklore and legends associated with the park. Bring
🏖️ Pelga Falls
Pelga Falls is a scenic waterfall located near Tura, offering a refreshing escape into nature. It's a popular spot for picnics and…
💡 Visit during the weekdays to avoid the crowds. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the waterfall.
Top Places to Visit in Tura: Must-See Attractions & Things to Do
| # | Place | Entry | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ⛰️ Nokrek National Park | ₹20 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) | 1-2 days | 06:00-17:00 daily |
| 2 | ⛰️ Tura Peak | Free | 4-5 hours (round trip) | Open during daylight hours |
| 3 | 🪨 Siju Cave | ₹10 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) | 3-4 hours | 09:00-16:00 daily |
| 4 | ⛰️ Balpakram National Park | ₹20 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) | 1-2 days | 06:00-17:00 daily |
| 5 | 🏖️ Pelga Falls | Free | 2-3 hours | Open during daylight hours |
| 6 | 🎨 Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum | ₹10 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) | 2 hours | 10:00-16:00 daily |
⛰️ 1. Nokrek National Park
Nokrek National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, famous for its diverse flora and fauna. It's a critical habitat for the endangered red panda and various species of orchids.
📍 Getting there: Taxi from Tura, approx. 2 hours
⛰️ 2. Tura Peak
Tura Peak is the highest point in the Garo Hills, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It's a popular trekking destination for both locals and tourists.
📍 Getting there: Trek from Tura town
🪨 3. Siju Cave
Siju Cave, also known as the Bat Cave, is one of the longest caves in India. It's a natural wonder with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.
📍 Getting there: Taxi from Tura, approx. 4 hours
Food & Restaurants in Tura: Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Must-try dishes: Nakham Bitchi, Wak Pura, Kappa, Pumal, Jadoh
| Dish / Specialty | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Momos, Thukpa | ₹₹ (₹500-800 for two) | Hawakhana |
| Nakham Bitchi, Wak Pura | ₹ (₹200-400 for two) | Various locations in Tura |
🛺 Street Food: Tura Bazaar — Pumal, Momo, Thukpa (₹50-150 per person)
Tura Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹1200-1800/night | ₹2000-3000/night | ₹3500+/night |
| Food/day | ₹200–400 | ₹500–800 | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport | ₹100–200 | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Entry fees (avg) | ₹50–100 | ₹100–200 | ₹200–400 |
| Total (2 days) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹4,500 | ~₹11,000 |
Day Trips from Tura: Best Nearby Destinations
| Place | Distance | Drive Time | Famous For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shillong | 320 km | ~6 hrs | Hill Station, Scotland of East, Waterfalls |
| Cherrapunjee | 350 km | ~6 hrs | — |
| Guwahati | 220 km | ~4 hrs | Kamakhya Temple, Brahmaputra River, Gateway City |
Hotels in Tura: Best Accommodation for Every Budget
💰 Budget
Hotel Polo Orchid
₹1200-1800/night
Hawakhana, Tura
Hotel Rikman Continental
₹1000-1500/night
Araimile, Tura
🏨 Mid-Range
Hotel Chandimare
₹2000-3000/night
Near Tura Bazaar
Hotel Tura
₹1800-2500/night
Near DC Office
⭐ Luxury
Circuit House Tura
₹3500+/night
Near Tura Circuit House
Pine Wood Hotel
₹3000+/night
Near Tura Mission Compound
Tura Travel Tips: Safety, Money & Getting Around
- ✓ Overcharging by taxi drivers: Negotiate the fare beforehand.
- ✓ Fake guides: Verify the credentials of the guide before hiring.
- ✓ Light cotton clothes are suitable for the day, but bring warm layers for the evenings. Comfortable trekking shoes are essential.
- ✓ ATMs are available in Tura, but it's wise to carry enough cash.
- ✓ Airtel and Jio offer good coverage. A local SIM card costs ₹200-300.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Tura
How many days are enough for Tura?
3-4 days minimum is ideal for Tura. Day 1 covers Nokrek National Park and Tura Peak, while Day 2 explores Siju Cave and Balpakram National Park.
What is Tura famous for?
Tura is famous for Garo Hills, Nokrek National Park, Wildlife.
What is the best time to visit Tura?
The best time to visit Tura is October to March. Pleasant and dry weather makes it ideal for exploring the hills and national park. Skies are usually clear, offering great views.
Is Tura worth visiting?
Yes, Tura is worth visiting for Garo Hills, Nokrek National Park, Wildlife. It is especially recommended for nature and adventure seekers and can be combined with a visit to Shillong.
What is the budget for a trip to Tura?
A 2-day trip to Tura costs approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person including accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget accommodation starts at ₹1200-1800/night per night.