|  In
and around Shillong
Shillong, located at a height of 1, 496
mts above sea level, is the capital of Meghalaya. The city derives its name from
the deity Shyllong or Lei Shyllong, which is worshipped at the Shillong Peak.
Shillong Peak
An ideal picnic spot, it is
just 10 kms from the city. Located at an altitude of 1965 m, it offers a panoramic
view of the idyllic surroundings.
Lewduh Bazar
Earlier known as Bara Bazar, this market is the largest of its kind in the North-East.
Oranges, pineapples among other fruits as well as vegetables, meat and fish are
sold here.
Ward's Lake
Located in the heart of the city, it is popular for short garden walks and boating.
Umiam Lake
17 kms before Shillong, Umiam, also known as Barapani, offers water sports like
sailing, water skiing, and water scooter. The Orchid Lake Resort, designed by
eminent architect Charles Correa, which overlooks the lake and the adjacent Lum
Nehru Park are ideal holiday resorts.
Botanical
Garden
A secluded but captivating
spot with a plethora of exotic plants.
Golf Course
Developed in 1889 as a nine hole course, it was later converted to an 18 hole
course, in 1924. It is termed as the 'Gleneagle of the East', at the United States
Golf Association Library and Museum.
State Museum
Located at the State Central Library complex, it offers a glimpse of the lifestyle
and heritage of the people.
Catholic Cathedral, Laitumkhrah
Shillong is full of churches and waterfalls. The most beautiful church by far
is the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, perched atop a hill, the high arches
and stained glass windows adding to its grandeur. Directly below, carved out of
the hill is the Grotto Church. The All Saints Church opposite the State Central
Library is another attractive building of wood and plaster.
The
Butterfly Museum that had begun breeding butterflies as an effort at conservation,
houses a solid collection of mounted butterflies from India and abroad. The Lady
Hydari Park is another popular spot, with its mini-zoo, a children's section and
well designed flower beds.The Sohpetbneng Peak, 20 kms from Shillong, set against
the backdrop of a sacred forest is another must-visit.
Sorting beetlenut
64 kms from Shillong, is the quaint Thadlaskein
lake - a popular picnic spot. The lake, legend goes, was dug by the ends of the
bows of the members of 290 clans of a rebel general of a Jaintia raja. Also 64
kms from Shillong is Jakrem, a popular health resort with hot-springs of sulphur
water, said to have medicinal properties. Dawki, a border town, 96 kms from Shillong,
affords one a peek at Bangladesh. The fascinating annual boat race on the Umgot
river, during spring, is another attraction. 140 kms from Shillong is Ranikor,
a scenic spot and an angler's haven, thanks to a teeming population of carp and
mahseers.
The main shopping centres in the city are Police Bazar, Bara
Bazar and Laitumkhrah. For handlooms and handicrafts, one can visit Meghalaya
Handicrafts, Khadi Gramodyog and Purbashree.
Falls
Situated near Happy Valley, the Sweet Falls are ideal for picknicking.The Bishop,
Beadon and Elephant Falls are other crowd-pullers of the region. The Elephant
Falls lie 12 kms on the outskirts of the city, near the Shillong Peak.
Cherrapunjee
Situated in one of the heaviest rain-belts in the world, Cherrapunjee is 56 kms
from Shillong, and perched at an altitude of 1300 m. This lovely town with its
beautiful Nohsngithiang waterfalls, is also famous for its limestone caves and
orange honey. The town now known as Sohra, and the village of Mawsynram on a neighbouring
hill, compete with each other for the record of the wettest place on earth. A
centre of Khasi culture and literature, Cherrapunjee also boasts the oldest Presbyterian
Church. The Ramakrishna Mission, which has been actively disseminating education
in the region, has a large centre here. Before the limestone caves, are a series
of giant pillars or megaliths that have been erected near a stream. Such megaliths
are peppered throughout the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and are believed to commemorate
great acts or to honour deceased chieftains.
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Winter: October to March.
About 10 kms from Jowai, 65 kms east of Shillong, Nartiang was the summer capital
of the Jaintia Kings. A park of towering megaliths said to be placed there by
a giant called U Mar Phalyngki, is the predominant landmark of the village. The
tallest megalith here is 8 metres high and 2 metres wide. A 500 year old temple
of Goddess Durga is the other major attraction of the area.