Area : 6435 sq.kms.
Altitude : 1496 meters
Season : Throughout the year.
From 1874 until 1972 the hill station of Shillong was the capital of
Assam and known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. The colonists here
built a championship golf course
(The world’s wettest) and a Polo ground and soon the surrounding
hills were dotted with neat Victorian bungalows and churches.
Shillong is a quaint little hill station dotted with waterfalls
gurgling brooks pine groves and gardens.
Places of attraction
Arunachal Pradesh Museum: As the name suggests it depicts the art
and culture of the different tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. It is
located in the North-Eastern Council Secretariat.
Bishop and Beadon Falls: In a land with so much rainfall it is but
natural that spectacular waterfalls are readily available. These
falls cascade from a height of 135 and 120 mts. respectively into a
deep valley.
Wei T dem of Sweet Falls: Easily the prettiest it is located near
the Happy Valley. A gushing stream of water plunges into a deep cool
and inviting pool.
Botanical Gardens: 3.5 acres wide the beautiful garden and museum is
located just below the Ward Lake. It houses over 1200 varieties of
predominantly native plants medicinal and ornament. Further down is
a beautiful golf course called the Gleneagles of the East.
Butterfly Museum: Housed in a private residence between Police
Bazaar and Aiwa ‘Robert’ Hospital where butterflies are bred for
conservation and sale. Open 1000-1600.
Lady Hydari Park: This immaculate park is popular particularly with
young local couples and features a mini-zoo and well laid-out
flowerbeds. It is designed like a Japanese garden. Open from 10 am
-4.30 pm and 10 am to 12 noon Saturday.
Ward’s Lake: This attractive horse-shoe shaped lake set in a
landscaped botanical gardens and popular for boating is near Raj
Bhavan are a few minutes‘ walk further north. The Wad’s Lake named
after the chief commissioner William Ward was the focus of European
settlement.
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians: Better known as Don Bosco this
beautiful church has stained glass windows and high arches. It is
directly above the Grotto church. The All Saints Church opposite the
State Central Library is another attractive building of wood and
plaster.
Crinoline Falls: It has a swimming Pool surrounded by orchids potted
bonsais and a rock pool with reeds and water lilies. It is near Lady Hydari Park.
Meghalaya State Museum: The museums on Kacheri Road have some
interesting sculptures. Located in the complex housing the State
Central Library and exhibit the culture and art of Meghalaya. Open
from 10 am-4.30 pm daily except Sunday. Entry is free.
Riatsamthiah: This is also known as the Museum of Entomology on
Jaiaw Road 1.5 kms north of Police Bazaar .I t breeds butterflies
for conservations organizations around the world and is open from 10
am to 4.30 pm weekdays and 10 am to noon Saturday.
Excursions
Shillong Peak: The ‘abode of gods’, from which the city gets its
name, is the highest point in the state (1965 mts.), it gets its
name from the deity Shyllong or Lei Shyllong, which is worshipped
here. The peak offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding
hills and is accessible by chartered taxi or rickshaw.
Lewduh Bazar or Bara Bazar: Catch a glimpse of the colourful local
life with a visit here. Cheerful local women dominate this market,
the largest of its kind in the north-east. Oranges, pineapples,
vegetables, and meat are brought and sold. Small stalls sell
authentic Khasi food. It is well worth a visit to see authentic
local colour. It attracts tribal people, mainly women, who come to
buy all these things.
Elephanta Falls: 12 kms. Off the road to Cherrapunji Road is a
scenic spot with two high falls are set amidst dense fern covered
rocks. Walk down to the lowest pool for excellent views. The
mountain stream tends to dry up between November and May.
Umain Lake: Also called the Barpani Lake, this artificial lake is a
popular spot for anglers and also offers water sports facilities. It
is surprisingly undeveloped for tourism.
Lum Sohpetbneng Peak: It is also referred to as the Navel of Heaven
as per the Khasi mythology and is considered sacred.
It is set amidst a backdrop of deep forests. It offers peace of mind
and and solace.
Mawsynram : The wettest place on earth, it is also known for its
caves with stalagmite and stalactite formations with a giant
formation in the shape of a Shiva linga and water dropping
continuously on it.
Jowai: The headquarters of the Jaintia tribes, it is circled by the
Myntdu River. It is a pleasant township with many caves that were
put to good use by ancient warriors as hideouts. The famous Yale
Falls, the site of the Kopil Hydel Project is near. It is accessible
by bus from Bora Bazar.
Syndai, 40 kms further south, has many caves used by ancient
warriors as hide many caves used by ancient warriors as hide outs
including Krem Sweep, which has a vast chamber. India’s longest and
deepest Eocene Age cave with several cataracts and waterfalls is
Krem Um Lawan, 60 kms southeast of Jowai near Lumshnong.
Accommodation: Circuit House, Jowai.
Nartang : About 12 kms north of Jowai are the atmosphere remnants of
the ancient capital of the Jaintia Kingdom. Huge monoliths form
striking landmarks of the village and represent the culture of the
Hynniewtrep people. A 500- year old hill top temple of Goddess Durga
is an added attraction. Jowai is accessible by bus from Bara Bazaar.
Williamnagar: This district headquarters is named after the first
Chief Minister of the State and is situated on the banks of the
Simsang River. It is also a convenient location to visit Sisobibra
and a historical place where the Garo warriors fought with the
Britishers. There is a monument erected in their memory.
Tura: (220 kms from Guwahati) Headquarters of the West Garo Hills
District, Tura sits at the foot of the jungle clad 1,456 mts Nokrek
Peak. The District Headquarters of the West Garo Hills lie in the
Tura region and provides a spectacular view of the sunset against
the backdrop of low-lying plains with the Brahmaputra River flowing
through. Tura Peak is a delightful 5 kms trek and Tura Naphak Lake
is a further 112 kms away.
Balapakram Wildlife Sanctuary: 167 kms from Tura, lies Balpakram, or
the ‘Place of Perpetual Winds’. There is a small wildlife reserve,
the Balpakram Wildlife Sanctuary. It is right on the Meghalaya-Bangladesh
border and is noted for its wide variety of animals including red
panda, wild elephants and tigers. The majestic Balpakram plateau,
surrounded by steep cliffs, is sacred to both Garos and Khasis. The
Arabella Range and the Tura Range pass through the Garo forming the
lush green valley of Belpakram Reserve Forest. One of India’s
longest caves (4722 mts.) with a fine river passage lies to the
southeast of Tura. The spectacular Balpakram Plateau, Surrounded by
steep cliffs, is sacred to both Garos and Khasis.
Thad Laokein: According to an ancient legend, this picturesque lake
was formed when 290 members of a rebel Jaintia king general dug with
the ends of their bows. The Rolling Meadows surrounding the lake is
an invitation to relax. It is en route to Nartiang, 64 km. from
shillong.
Jakrem: Jakrem is 64 kms away from Shillong and is a popular health
resort with hot springs of sulphur water believed to have curative
properties.
Dawki: The colourful annual boat race on the Umgot River is an
attraction. Its close proximity to Bangladesh provides a window to
its culture. It is 96 kms from Shillong.
Ranikor: An anglers’ paradise, it is 140 kms from Shillong and has a
huge population of Masheers and carp. |
