Is 508 kms from Shillong via Guwahati. Headquarters of the East Garo Hills District, it is situated on the banks of the Simsang river.
The town of Williamnagar is situated in the north-eastern region of Meghalaya. The destination is also the headquarters of East Garo Hills District. Situated at an altitude of around 600 metres above sea level, Williamnagar lies on the banks of Simsang River and is a popular tourist location.
Williamnagar was named after Captain Williamson A. Sangma, who was the first Chief Minister of Meghalaya. During the medieval era and the Mughal period, the destination was divided into various tracts of land. With the transfer of power from Mughals to British, the district was divided into two districts namely, East Garo Hills and West Garo Hills districts in October 1979.
An important historical relevance attached to this place is the opposition of Garos, the main community of the destination, against the intrusion of the British into the Garo hills. This was their last and the major protest that took place during 1837.
Williamnagar is inhabited mainly by the Garo tribe along with Dalus, Banais, Boros, Hajongs, Koches and Rabhas. The Garo people are engaged in jhum-cultivation or slash-and-burn agriculture. They follow their traditional religion, Songsarek, which has roots in agriculture. Dakgipa Rugipa Stugipa Pantugipa or Tatara Rabuga Stura Pantura is the main godhead worshipped by the people.
One of the popular festivals of the region is Wangala, which is celebrated in the month of October. The celebrations are accompanied with the folk dance, Wangala dance. The region is inhabited by Garo, Bengali, Hindi and English speaking populace.
Williamnagar can be reached by flights, trains and buses. The airport nearest to the destination is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport of Guwahati. Travellers can also board trains that are served by Guwahati Railway Station, which is the closest station to Williamnagar. The Meghalaya Transport Corporation runs buses on regular basis from Shillong, Guwahati and Tura to Williamnagar.
The ideal time to visit Williamnagar is during the winter season extending from the month of September to May.