About Tura
Tura is the District Headquarters of West Garo Hills District in the State of Meghalaya. Tura is one of the oldest towns in the region and stands as the second-largest town in the state. Situated at the foothills of the majestic Tura Peak, the town enjoys a scenic setting. Its bustling streets and lively markets reflect the dynamic atmosphere of Tura, making it a hub for commerce, education, and community life in the Garo Hills region.
Location
Tura is situated in the western part of Meghalaya and is characterized by its hilly terrain and verdant landscapes. Located at 25°31’N and 90°13’E, the town is nestled at an average elevation of 349 meters (1145 feet) above sea level. Its climate is defined by a Humid Subtropical climate, with pleasant winters transitioning into humid and salubrious conditions in summer. During the monsoon season, Tura experiences heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunder and lightning, adding to the region’s lush greenery and fostering a vibrant ecosystem.
The primary mode of transportation to Tura is via road. Located at a distance of 220 kilometers from Guwahati and 313 kilometers from Shillong, the journey is made accessible by vehicles such as Tata Sumo, Xylo, and local buses, which operate daily.
Several homestays and hostel facilities are available in town, catering to the growing interest in tourism. With tourism steadily picking up, visitors can enjoy a comfortable stay while exploring the attractions and natural beauty of the town and its surroundings.
Culture
Tura is primarily inhabited by the Garo Tribes, although other ethnic groups such as the Hajongs, Rabhas and Koches are also found in the region. Additionally, the district boasts a diverse population including Bengalis, Assamese, Nepalese, Marwaries, Biharis and individuals from various parts of India.
The principal language spoken in the region is Garo, also referred to by its endonym “A•chikku”. Christianity stands as the predominant religion, with nearly 90% of the population embracing it.
Among the vibrant cultural celebrations in Tura is the Wangala Festival, a harvest festival held in honor of Saljong, the Sun-God of fertility. This annual celebration marks the end of a period of toil, heralding good harvests and the onset of winter. It is hosted at Chibragre Wangala A’dam, located 12 kilometers from Tura, the festival showcases the rich Garo heritage through traditional dances and the rhythmic beats of the 100 drums festival.
Education
With numerous academic institutions, Tura stands as the educational hub of the Garo Hills Region. Among it, Tura Christian Girl’s Higher Secondary School is the oldest, established in 1920. Additionally, the town is home to other renowned schools including Tura Public School, Sherwood School, Aeroville School, Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Mothers’ Union Secondary School, Little Flower Secondary School, Hawakhana Deficit Higher Secondary School, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Mt. Sinai Secondary School, Tura Town Higher Secondary School, Captain William School, and Nokrek Heights School.
