Most Interesting Places to Visit in Shillong
Shillong is also commonly referred to as the “Scotland of the East”, is the capital of Meghalaya and located in the Khasi province of India’s northeast region. Being famous for its beautiful scenes, moderately cool climate, and colorful lifestyle, Shillong gives tourists a rich amalgamation of scenic beauty, traditions, and urbanism. Regardless of whether one wants excitement, a natural environment, or just plain loneliness, Shillong offers all what helps it become the ultimate destination a traveler would want.
Here below is a guided tour through some of the most exciting tourist attractions to visit in this beautiful hilly town.
1. Umiam Lake
The Umiam Lake is like Scottish Lake and is an artificial lake that is 15 kms away from Shillong. As this lake is set up in the middle of green hills, tourists especially the photographers or lovers of the beautiful sceneries can enjoy a lot. The site has water handicaps of boat, kayak, and other related facilities. Nehru Park is the park nearby and is perfect for picnics and that is why many families and tourists prefer this park for leisure only.
2. Elephant Falls
Close to Shillong there are the Elephant Falls which one can drive right up to the water falls. This is a tree tiered waterfall surrounded by thick vegetation making it an ideal place for nature photographers. The name of the waterfall is a translation of Mt. Elephant which has been badly damaged in the recent earthquake and which was in form of an elephant. There are many stairs for the tourists to climb down in order to see the falls from different angles and the last tread is the best.
3. Shillong Peak
Located at the altitude of 1,965 meters above the sea level, it is built at the Shillong Peak, the highest peak of that territory. However the peak boasts of a view of the city and the green valleys and the distant hills. The weather is also so good and on a clear day you are able to see the Himalayas mountain ranges from the window or land. It is also culturally associated with the Khasi tribe where they еще conduct various form of worship for their spirits. It is a perfect place to go for hiking, photo shoots and have a little of relaxation from the noise of city life.
4. Ward’s Lake
Ward’s lake is a calm and quiet horseshoe shaped lake situated in the heart of Shillong; it is adorned with gardens on the surrounding areas. It is also an ideal destination for a nature walk, a boat trip and taking some fish for a feed. In addition, such features as the area around the house and the utilities being landscaped with flowers, beauty of a wooden bridge constructed over the lake may as well act as strong selling points. For couples, families and anyone seeking to spend a quiet day out in nature, a perfect destination is at Ward’s Lake.
5. The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures
Beautiful though the state capital is, it also hosts several indigenous communities. The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures is a museum that provide an experience and understanding about the cultures of the people of Northeast India. Located in different floors in the building, the museum is made up of items, clothes, handcrafts and history, lifestyle and diversity of the region or country. The new additional topping is the S kywalk on the top floor from where tourists can get a breathtaking view of Shillong makes the museum even more attractive.
Most Interesting Places to Visit in Shillong
6. Laitlum Canyons
If you like seeking adrenalin rush or prefer a place not populated with tourists, Laitlum Canyons will be the perfect destination. About 14/23 km away from Shillong, lie the Laitlum Canyons which present beautiful sceneries of deep gorge’s, mist landed valleys and rolling hills. That is really ‘Laitlum’, translated it means ‘end of the hills’ and the canyons do make one realize they are in the middle of nowhere. Talking a new twist there are stairs that leads downwards towards a village showcasing some features of the Khasi Village.
7. Police Bazaar
Every explorer cannot afford to leave Shillong without feeling the pulse of the city at the Police Bazaar which is a commercial area. Here, you will get both, local Khasi stores, new age stores, and stalls that sell Khasi traditional artwork, dress, and food. Nowhere else in Shillong would you find the energy of Police Bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs and new fashionable clothes or eat the local food, such as momos and chowmein.
8. Mawphlang Sacred Forest
The Mawphlang Sacred Forest being an aboriginal forest of the Khasi community is located about 25 km from Shillong. This is a forest that has always been preserved by the traditions of the population and is considered to be inhabited by the spirits of the forest. The important facts of the particular flora, medicinal plants, and cultural objects of the forest are explained to the guests during the guided tours. Being surrounded by tall trees one feels quite strange that this forest has not been tread upon for ages.
9. David Scott Trail
Speaking of the favorites of the trips, one of the oldest and the most beloved routes for trekking in Meghalaya is the David Scott Trail. They include Sir Bernard paradise, a 16 km trail that has both historical and natural features of interest – it is named after a British officer. The trek involve valleys and rivers crossing through Khasi villages and sightings of waterfalls and suspension bridges. Walking is moderate, so everyone, including those who are still new to trekking or hiking, can do it.
10. Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians.
Blessed with neo-gothic façade set amidst nature, this Catholic cathedral church is located in Laitumkhrah locality which is said to have one of the oldest church building in the city of Shillong. A pleasant Interior and home of stained glass, mostly gothic architecture make the place attractive to lovers of architecture and also lovers of tranquility. The cathedral church also has a characteristic religious importance to the Christians of this state of Meghalaya.
Most Interesting Places to Visit in Shillong
11. Lady Hydari Park
Originally called after Lady Hydari, the wife of the initial Governor of Assam, this Japanese styled park has become a common choice for families and admirers of nature. The park also has beautifully tended lawns, a mini zoo, and even a deer park, and as such is a favourite place for children to visit. Flower beds filled with lots of colours are there accompanied with serene environment is an excellent place for relaxation for the people who really want to enjoy the beauty of Shillong in green valley.
12. Shillong Golf Course
It is a well-known golf course sometimes famously referred as the ‘Gleneagles of the East’; the Shillong Golf Course is one of the oldest golfing venues in India. It has an 18-hole golf course it naturally set amidst pine trees and a spacious green area that will sure delight any golfer. Still if there is no interest in golf the site is worth visiting just for the view or even to take a stroll in such a nice and calm atmosphere.
13. Air Force Museum
If anyone is an aerophobe or has interest in Army and war history, then, Army Air Force Museum Shillong is really a good place to visit. This museum is in Upper Shillong and various aircraft models, fighter planes and Indian Air Force uniform are displayed there. It is divided into three major parts of historical background of Indian Air Force and their participation in different operations. The museum serves both informative and also pride inspirational to visitors particularly students of defense and aviation.
14. Mawsynram
Sited around 40 miles from Shillong, Mawsynram equals the record of Cherrapunji to take the honours of being the wettest place on earth. This town has the highest world record in rainfall and thus attracts many rain lovers. The beautiful green forests, rain fed plains and hills enshrouged in mists makes Mawsynram, is Magical. Rain can be very persistent sometimes but the interest to visit the caves and waterfalls of the area is really incredible.
15. Sohra (Cherrapunji)
While literally excluding the city from any visit, a tour of Meghalaya would be incomplete if Cherrapunji, only 54 km from Shillong, was not on the itinerary. Cherrapunji offers the tourists the opportunities for exciting travelling – living root bridges, waterfalls, limestone caves. The two living root bridges are the most elevated of the region; the Nohkalikai Falls and the Mawsmai Caves are other interesting places to visit. Another interesting road is from Shillong to Cherrapunji where alive can find many hilly terrains and valleys on either side of the roads.
Conclusion
Shillong can be described a destination that is endowed with natural resources, rich in culture, and has adventure to offer. People looking for natural beauty, adventure, attunement with the local culture, or a quiet blend of nature, Shillong has it all. It’s beautiful and serene here; starting from the boat ride on Umiam Lake to the colorful Police Bazaar. Some time later Al couldn’t restrain himself, and swallowing the food in his mouth, he said, ‘So pack up tight, dear travelers, to come to India’s own Scotland!’
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