The romantic city of Shillong is one of the important tourist destinations in the northeast. It is often referred to as the "Scotland of the East" due to its striking similarity with the Scottish highlands. The city derives its name from "Leishyllong"-the Superpower or God who is believed to reside on the Shillong peak.
Elephant Falls was the British name of what the local Khasi people once referred to as Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew (or “Three Steps Waterfalls”) since the falls actually consisted of three sections in succession. We learned from a sign here that the British renamed the falls because there used to be a rock resembling an elephant near the left side of the main falls. However, that rock was destroyed in an earthquake back in 1897.
At the distance of 96 km from Shillong, there is a place called Dwaki where Umngot river flows. The water of the river is so clean (crystal clear) that you can see the bottom of the river and you can clearly see the shadow of the boat on the water. It looks like as if the boat is flowing on air,
Living root bridges are a form of tree shaping common in the southern part of the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya. They are handmade from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees by the Khasi and Jaintia peoples of the mountainous terrain along the southern part of the Shillong Plateau
One of the most popular attractions of Shillong, Ward’s lake is a must-visit place when in this pristine north-eastern city. Also known as Pollock’s Lake, this artificial water body is encircled by an extensive lush garden and lies in the middle of the city.
Cathedral Catholic Church, also known as the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, is a beautiful shrine located in the heart of Shillong. This cathedral falls under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong, which administers similar shrines in Meghalaya's Khasi and Jaintia hills.
The cleanest village in India, Mawlynnong Village is also known as God’s Own Garden and for all the right reasons. In 2003, Mawlynnong was awarded the title of the cleanest Village in Asia by Discover India. Alongside cleanliness, the village have achieved a lot- be it 100 percent literacy rate, or a women empowerment scenario that the rest of the world can only dream of.
The Shillong peak is often bounded by fog due to its high altitude. The peak is not steep and is in a semi-circular form. It is approachable through the Upper Shillong or Jowai Road. If you really wish to treat your eyes to the lovely views of Shillong, trek up to the peak. As per the region’s mythology, the local deity Leishyllong who protects the city has her abode on this peak.
Umiam Lake (commonly known as Barapani Lake) is a reservoir in the hills 15 km (9.3 mi) north of Shillong in the state of Meghalaya, India. It was created by damming the Umiam River in the early 1960s. The principal catchment area of the lake and dam is spread over 220 square km.
The Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures’ exhibition of cultural artifacts thematically arranged from floor to floor in the different galleries along with excellent paintings depicting various aspects of the cultures of North East India forms the first and most visible aspect of DBCIC.
One of the most popular tourist attractions of Shillong, Lady Hydari Park is equally popular amidst locals and tourists. Covering an area of over a kilometer, this well-manicured lush garden also consists of a mini zoo. This zoo is home to around 140 reptile species, 73 avifauna species along with other mammals such as deer and serow. The park gets its name from the wife of the Governor of Assam, Lady Hydari.
