The word `Meghalaya` means the abode of clouds. Meghalaya is about 300 km long in the east west and 100km wide with a total area of about 22,429 km square. Meghalaya is a hilly strip in the eastern part of the country. The state is bounded by Assam on the North and Bangladesh on the South. About one-third of the state is covered with forests. Meghalaya subtropical forests cover the state. The forests are notable for their biodiversity of animals, birds and plants.

Geographically Meghalaya is known as the Meghalaya Plateau. It consists of rocks, which are rich in valuable minerals like coal, limestone, silimanite and uranium. The central part of the plateau consisting of the Khasi hills has the highest elevations. The land has abundant rivers. The important rivers (in the Garo region) are Daring, Sanda, Bandra, Bhogai, Dareng and Simsang, Nitai and the Bhupai. There are beautiful waterfalls in Meghalaya. The highest point in Meghalaya is the Shillong Peak which overlooks the city of Shillong. It has an altitude of 1961 m. The highest point in the Garo hills is the Nokrek Peak with an altitude of 1515 m.

The climate of Meghalaya is humid. Meghalaya is the wettest state of India with an average annual rainfall of 1200 cm. The town of Cherrapunji holds the world record for the heaviest rain in a month, while the village of Mawsynram, near the town of Cherrapunji, holds the distinction of having the heaviest yearly rains. For most of the year, western part of the plateau experiences the highest temperature. The Shillong area (with the highest elevation) experiences lowest temperature. The maximum temperature in this region does not go beyond 28 degree. The temperature during the winter is sub-zero degrees .