Shillong Peak : An ideal picnic spot, 1965 metres above sea level,
offers a panoramic view of these country side, and is also the highest
point in the State. Obeisance is paid to U Shulong at the sanctum sanctum at
the peak's summit every spring time, by the religious priest of Mylliem
State. In the evening the city lights below appear like a star studded abyss.
Sohpetbneng Peak : 1,343 meter, 20 Kms from Shillong, regarded as
sacred by the Hynniewtrep people, is set amidst a beautiful scenic view
against the backdrop of a sacred forest. This 'Navel of Heaven' as per Khasi
mythology is a heavenly peak which offers to fill the spiritual void and
emptiness, to those who seek and desire solace and peace of mind.
Ward's Lake : Located in the heart of the city, popular for
short garden walks and boating, celebrated its centenary recently.
Umiam Lake : Umiam (Barapani), 17 Kms from Shillong, offers
water sports facilities including sailing, water skiing, water scooter. The
Orchid Lake Resort and the adjacent Lum Nehru Park is an ideal quiet holidy
resort. - Botanical Garden : A secluded but captivating spot with
plethora of indigenous and exotic plants and is located just below the
Ward's Lake.
Lady Hydari Park : A popular charming tourist draw, the
adjacent mini Zoo is an added attraction.
Golf Course : The third oldest golf course in India. Developed in
1889 as a nine hole course, was later converted to 18 holes in 1924 by captain
Jackson and C.R. Rhodes. It is termed as the 'Geneagle of the East' at
the United States Golf Association Library and Musuem.
State Musuem : Located at the State Central Library Complex,
visitors can get a glimpse of the lifestyle and heritage of the people.
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christian : At Laitumkhrah, it
attracts devotees and visitors alike.
Bishoop and Beadon Falls : Both cascade down the same
escarpment into a deep valley, the mass of water dissolving into misty sparks.
Elephant Falls : 12 kms on the outskirts of the city, the
mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of
fern-covered rocks.
Spread Eagle Falls : A soothing setting amidst the calmness of
nature - a treat to the eyes.
Sweet Falls : Situated near Happy Valley, most suitable for a
day's outing and picnic, Explore it !
Crinoline Falls : Near Lady Hydari Park, a cool spot within the
city limits.
Cherrapunjee (Sohra) : Better known today as Sohra, 56 Kms from
Shillong, known all over the world as the rainiest place on the planet
'Earth'. It is 1,300 metres above sea level and one of the most visited
tourist centre of north-eastern India. A pleasant drive to see roaring water
falls leaping into deep gorges, including the famous Nohsngithiang falls.
The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves, orange, honey, a
headquarter of the Syiem of Sohra and a Centre of the Khasi Culture and
literature. The oldest Theological College in this region is located here,
established by the Welsh Presbyterian Missionaries in 1888, known as
Cherrapunjee Theological College. There is also a well known establishment of
Ramkrishna Mission and a school run by them. Extensive limestone caves
abound, with a large number of stalagmites and stalactites inside, the full
length and breadth of the caves have not been adequately explored. In
addition, the natural beauty is complemented by springs and sacred forests.
12 Kms from Cherrapunjee is situated a beautiful Park'Thangkharang'.
Besides housing a bird sanctuary, the spot commands an imposing almost 180
degree view of the plains of Bangladesh. The ideal time to visit is during the
monsoons when the gorges become resplendent with several seasonal waterfalls.
Located near Cherrapunjee are the Kshaid Dain Thlen Falls or the falls
where the mythical monster of Khasi legend was finally butchered. Thlen is the
khasi name for a mega monster, which according to local legend and belief
personifies the devil himself. Axes used by the people as they butchered
the Thlen made deep scars on the surface of the flat rock where Thlen was
butchered. These axe-marks are still intact and visible.
Mawsynram : 56 Kms from Shillong and is known for the
Giant Stalagmite formation shaped into a Shivalinga and found inside a cave
known locally as 'Mawjymbuin' One and half Kilometres off the right hand side
of the Shillong Mawsynram - Balat - Ranikor Highway, very near Weiloi Village,
once comes across a unique geological formation called Symper Rock. It is an
almost flat topped loaf-shaped rocky dome, which rises sharply from the midst
of the surrounding hillocks.
From its base, one has to take an exciting uphill trek to reach the summit
of the rock. From the top of the hill one can see the gorgeous surrounding
hills and valleys and the plain and fast moving rivers of Bangladesh.
Jakrem : 64 Kms from Shillong, a potential health resort
having gushing hot-spring of sulphur water, believed to have curative
medicinal properties. People from all parts of the region flock to the
hot-spring at Jakrem for bathing themselves in its waters. A well kept
secret indeed.
