Your Guide to India

Tucked away in the hills of eastern sub-Himalayas is Meghalaya, one of the most beautiful state in the country. Nature has blessed her with abundant rainfall, sun-shine, virgin forests, high plateaus, tumbling waterfalls, crystal clear rivers, meandering streamlets and above all with sturdy, intelligent and hospitable people.

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is located at an altitude of 1496 metres above sea level. Shillong, which was made Assam's capital in 1874, remained so till January 1972, following the formation of Meghalaya. The capital city derives its name from the manifestation of the creator called Shyllong.

Map of Shillong (click to enlarge)

Places you can see in Shillong (Khasi Hills)

Shillong Peak
An ideal picnic spot, 1965 metres above sea level and 10 kms from the city, 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 at the peak's summit every springtime, 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
Ward's Lake is century old picturesque lake also known as Polok Lake. Located in the heart of the city, popular for short garden walks and boating. The local people however prefer to call it Nan Polok (Polok's Lake) after an executive engineer named Mr. Pollock. It has a most pleasant, winding walk-a-way all around its parameter set in cobbled sand stones, in the midst of picturesque, rolling flower beds and fairyland lighting. The lake has a striking arched bridge over it.

Umiam Water Sports Complex
The Water Sports Complex has been developed upon the mighty reservoir of the Umiam Hydro Electric Project, at Umiam, 16 kilometres before reaching Shillong. The campus consists of a beautiful Orchid Lake Resort, the Nehru Park. Besides it offers a wide choice of exciting water sports activities with row-boats, paddle-boats, cruise-boats, sailing-boats, water-scooters, speed-boats and a floating restaurant with ferry services.

Botanical Garden
A secluded but captivating spot with a plethora of indigenous and exotic plants and is located just below the Ward's Lake. It also houses a mini-aviary with rare and colourful species of birds. The secluded setting of the Botanical Garden with its well-laid paved walks makes it a favourite resort for city dwellers as well as tourists who desire to exercise their limbs.

Lady Hydari Park
Lady Hydari Park, stretching over a km is replete with roses and blossoms of exquisite hues and colours, is a feast to eyes. Owes its existence to Lady Hydari, the wife of an erstwhile Governor of Assam. It has an excellent mini zoo cum deer park.

Golf Course
Shillong Golf Course is considered to be the "Glen-eagle of the East". The site where the Golf Course is located provides a scenic view. It was set in an undulating valley covered with thick groves of pine and rhododendron trees at an altitude of 5200 ft in 1898 as a 9 (nine) hole course and later converted into a 18 (eighteen) hole course in 1924 by Captain Jackson and C. K. Rhodes.

State Museum
The State Museum is located in the state central library premises with a good collection of artifacts of North Eastern India in general and Meghalaya in particular.

Shillong Cathedral
As if to justify the desire of the British founding fathers of the city of Shillong to make it a little England, churches and cathedrals, large and small, have come up everywhere in the city. Some of these churches and cathedrals are so spacious and large that they can be easily accommodate a few thousand worshippers, at a time. Among such large churches of Shillong, mention can be made of the Shillong Cathedral, the Mawkhar Presbyterian Church, the jaiaw Presbyterian Church, the Laitumkhrah Presbyterian Church and the All Saints' Cathedral, as prominant landmarks of the City.

Bishop 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. At a short distance beyond the falls, there are two smaller falls which are none the less beautiful and captivating. These are the Wei Iaplam Falls and the Wir Phang Falls. A well paved footpath and a small wooden bridge facilitate access to these falls.

Spread Eagle Falls
Located within the Shillong Cantonment, on the outskirts of the city, lies a sparkling waterfall which looks like an eagle with wings spread. Hence the name Spread Eagle Falls. The falls is locally known as Urkaliar or the falls into which Ka Liar slipped. A soothing setting amidst the calmness of nature - a treat to the eyes.

Sweet Falls
Situated near Happy Valley at a distance of about eight kilometers from Shillong. It resembles a straight pencil of water emerging from a large size water pipe, as it drops vertically over a distance exceeding two hundred feet. Most suitable for a day's outing and picnic, Explore it!

Crinoline Falls
Located in the heart of the city adjacent to the Lady Hydari Park with its mini zoo, lies the Crinoline Falls which cascades through its jungle path. At the foot of the falls there is a well maintained Swimming Pool which caters to swimming enthusiast of all ages. Beside swimming there is an attached restaurant and regular evening programmes are arranged for the benefit of tourist and visitors.

Diengiei Peak
Located to the west of the Shillong plateau, Diengiei Peak is just two hundred feet lower than Shillong peak. The peak presents a spectacular view of green mountainous hills. The captivating hills are dotted with tiny shining villages. Diengiei Peak is accessible by the Umiam-Union Christian College-Mawmaram motorable road which takes off from National Highway-40 at Umiam. Atop Diengiei, a visitor is greeted with a commanding view of the Umiam lake with the city of Shillong in the background. On the top of Diengiei, there is a huge hollow, shaped like a cup, which some geologists believe could be the crater of an extinct pre-historic volcano.

Dwarksuid
An enigmatically beautiful pool with wide, rocky sand banks located on a stream alongside the Umroi-Bhoilymbong Road is known as Dwarksuid or Devil's doorway. Its lotus-like rock formations are captivatingly scenic and unforgettable.

Kyllang Rock
Located about eleven kilometres off Mairang, is a steep dome of red granite rising to an elevation of about five thousand and four hundred feet above sea level. According to geologists, the hard red granite rock is several million years old. The rock is accessible from its northern and eastern flanks, but inaccessible from its southern flank where its slope exceeds 800 over an incline of about six hundred feet. The southern side of Kyllang Rock is encumbered with enormous detached blocks of rock, while its northern side is clothed with dense forests, containing age-old red Rhododendron trees and oaks besides bushy, white Rhododendron trees which are not found elsewhere.

Sacred Forest Mawphlang
Only 4 km from Shillong, close to almost all large Khasi and Jaintia villages of yore, one finds a Forest-Grove variedly known as Ki Law Kyntang (Sacred forest), Ki Law Adong (Prohibited forest), Ki Law Shnong (Village forest) and Ki Law Kynti (Private forest).
The sacred-groves which have been preserved since time immemorial, are in sharp contrast to their surrounding grasslands. These groves are generally rimmed by a dense growth of Castanopsis kurzii trees, forming a protective hedge which halts intrusion of Pinus kasia (Khasi pine) which dominates all areas outside the sacred groves. Inside the outer rim, the sacred groves are virtually Nature's Own Museum. The heavily covered grounds have a thick cushion of humus accumulated over the centuries. The trees in every sacred groveare heavily loaded with epiphytic growth of aroids, pipers, ferns, fern-allies and orchids. The humus-covered grounds likewise harbour myriad varieties of plant life, many of which are found nowhere else.
One of the most celebrated sacred-groves of the State is the grove at Mawphlang about 25 kilometres off Shillong. This particular grove has for long years been a reservoir of interest for eminent and internationally known botanists.
The sacred-groves which make a unique contribution to the flora of the State are undoubtedly of immense interest to all naturalists.

Cherrapunjee (Sohra)
Better known as Sohra, Cherrapunjee is one of the most visited tourist spots of North Eastern India. Situated 56 Kms from Shillong and 1300 metres above sea level, known all over the world as the rainiest place on the planet. A pleasant drive to see roaring water falls leaping into deep gorges, including the famous Nohsngithiang falls is certainly an ever memorable visual treat. 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. Extensive limestone caves abound, with a large number of stalagmites and stalactites inside, the full length and breadth of the caves has 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.

Noh Kalikai Falls
A few kilometres to the west of Sohra (Cherrapunji), a clear bubbling stream emerges from its steep mountain bed to hurl down a rocky precipice, into a deep gorge, creating a captivating view of breathtaking beauty. The cascading waterfall compares favourably with the well known Job Falls of South India.
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.

Cascade County - Land of Silvery Cascades
A captivating uphill drive, about 10 kms off Shillong, through the idyllic country scenario will take you to the picturesque Elephant Waterfall - a real feast to the eyes and mind amongst the colourful blooms of Rhododendron and cheerful chirping of colourful birds. Meghalaya is the land of Waterfalls. Nohkalikai at Cherrapunjee, 56 Kms from Shillong is awe-inspiring. Other waterfalls are located at Mawsmai, Dain-Thlen, Sweet Spread Eagle, Bidon, Bishop, Krangsuri, Rongbang, Imilchang. Come and enrich your treasure trove of nature's panorama to add colour to life.

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.

Ranikor
140 Kms from Shillong, a place of scenic beauty. Ranikor is one of Meghalaya's most popular spots for angling, with an abundance of carp and other fresh water fish. Huge golden mahseers, the pride of the anglers are available here.

Dawki
96 Kms from Shillong, is a border town, where one can have a glimpse of the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. The colourful annual boat race during spring at the Umngot river is an added attraction.

Nongkhnum island the hidden beauty of the west
Nongkhnum Island is the biggest River Island in Meghalaya and the second biggest island in Asia, after Majuli Island in Assam. Located about 14 Kms from Nongstoin, the district hqs. of West Khasi Hills, it is 20 to 25 sq. kms in area. Travelling on foot from Nongstoin through the villages of Lawse, Mawduh and Mawthar, it takes about two and a half-hours to reach the Island. There is a wooden bridge over the Weinia Fall to enter the Island.
The Island is formed by the bifurcation of Kynshi River into the Phanliang River and the Namliang River. At the point of divergence, there is a beautiful sandy shore about 100 sq. meters in area. The Phanliang River forms a beautiful lake adjacent to the sandy beach. This lake is about 400 to 500 sq. meters. The River then moves along and before reaching a deep gorge, forms a pretty fall about 60 meters high, called Shadthum Fall. At the bottom of the fall, there is a beautiful pool where a variety of fishes can be found. It then continues its journey and finally reunites with the Namliang River, near a place called Thongrin.
The Namliang River first flows towards the north and then changes its course towards the west. It then reaches a gorge and forms two narrow falls. The first one is called Riatsohkhe fall and is near Mawthar village. The second one is the wonderful and beautiful Weinia fall, which is about 60 meters high. The River then flows further west till it reunites with the Phanliang River on the western rocky shore and then flow towards the west. After a distance of about 10 kms from the Island, it reaches the deepest gorge and forms the longest fall in the region of about 335 to 340 meters high, called Langshiang fall.
The area surrounded by the two Rivers, i.e. Phanliang and Namliang forms the Nongkhnum Island. Within the Island, there are big trees and areas of grassland and natural playground suitable for playing football and golf and even for landing a helicopter. There are plenty of fishing pools, especially near the sandy shore, called Wei-Phanliang. Angling is the only way to enjoy as well as protect the fishes.

Mawsmai Cave
The main entry to these cave lies very near to Mawsmai village.The main entry to these caves lies very near the village. the entry consists of afairly narrow vertical opening. Once inside the cave, one fonds large, amphitheatre-like halls with endless galleys connected to similar halls of varying size and shape. Myriads of stalagmites and stalactites can be seen all over the caves. The caves are dark inside, but when lighted by torch or other source of light, of any type, the reflection of light enlivens the internal environs and the caves seem to radiate a million crystal colours off its walls, stalactites and stalagmites. The caves are large enough inside to facilitate easy movement within them

Krem Mawmluh
The cave is situated approximately half a kilometre west of Cherrapunjee adjacent to the small hamlet of Mawmluh. This cave interestingly has a five river passage with impressive proportions. With a length of 4503m it is currently the 4th longest in the Indian sub continent.

Krem Phyllut
Situated in village Mawsmai, south of Cherrapunjee. The cave has a large section of fossil passage, two stream ways and three entrances. Length - 1003m.

Krem Soh Shympi (Mawlong, East Khasi Hills)
It has a large pothole entrance of 20m deep. The cave passage is very large with numerous formations at one end. Length - 760m.

Mawsynram
Located at a distance of 58 kms from Shillong.

Krem Dam
It is the largest sandstone cave in the Indian sub-continent. It has a very large entrance with a stream entering the cave and running down its main passage. Length -1297m.

Jowai (Jaintia Hills)
Jowai a picturesque town situated on the Shillong - Silchar national highway is circled by the Myntdu river. In the vicinity of Jowai are numerous thrilling caves & caverns used as hideouts during war time between Jaintia Kings and foreign intruders. The villages of Amlarem, Pdengshakap, Syndai and Nongtalang are dotted with such caves and caverns.

The Cave of Eocene age Krem Um-Lawan (Jaintia Hills)
A beautiful cave of the Eocene Age with an upper fossil passage and a lower active passage. It has numerous cataracts and waterfalls. It is presently the longest (6381m) and deepest (106.8m) cave in the Indian sub-continent.

Ka Krem Pubon Rupasor or The Rupasor Cave (Jaintia Hills)
It is the second largest among the caves of Syndai. It consists of a number of large halls replet6e with resplendent stalactites and stalagmites.

Krem Kotsati (Jaintia Hills)
This cave has 8 entrances with the main entrance through a deep pool. Portions of the beautiful river passage have to be traverse by swimming or by using inflatable rubber boat. Length: 3650m.

Krem Umshangktat (Jaintia Hills)
The entrance passage of 350 metres offers a comfortable stroll on moist sand. The last stretch requires a mild climb across fallen limestone blocks and debris to reach the collapse doline of the upper entrance. By the collapse there is a belly crawl passage which eventually terminates in a sizeable chamber. Length: 955m.

Krem Lashinng (Pdengshakap, 37 kms from Jowai)
A massive cave measuring 50m wide and 40m high.) Due to the huge amount of sticky and slippery mud in the cave, the best period to visit would be Feb/March. Length: 2650m.

Krem Sweep(Syndai) 47 kms from Jowai
The cave is situated just a few minutes walk from behind the village school in a depression. It has beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Length: 970m.

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

Mawsmai Falls
About two kilometeres to the south of the David Scott Monument at Sohra lies Mawsmai village located on the edge of the mawsmai Ridge. Mawsmai was the ancient seat of the Sohra Syiemship(Kingdom). Close to this village, on the ledge of the Mawsmai Ridge stands a conspicuous Observation-Tower, from where one gets an unforgettable view of the famed Mawsmai Falls whose waters cascade down for over seven hundred feet to join the swift river below, leaving an indelible impression on every visitor. The falls are also known as Nohsngithiang Falls. The mist covered hillocks in the gorge below the falls and the distant sparkling expanses of water over the plains of Bangladesh, provide a view of unparalleled beauty.

Events and Festivals of Shillong
Festivals:

Wangala
Wangala or the 100 Drums festival is held in the Garo hills in honour of the Sun God of fertility, according to Garo legend. Doregata dance and Pomelo dance are the other two major Garo Festivals and imbued with rhythm, fun and frolic.

The Khasis have the famous colourful Nongkrem dance an ancient religious ritual having it's origins in ancient times, and Shad Suk Mynsiem festival, a thanksgiving dance with display of traditional khasi fineries and also the jovial Harvest dance of the War's of Southern Meghalaya. The Jaintia tribe celebrates Behdienkhlam festival where decoration and artistic presentation reign supreme. And their Lahoo dancers in their ethnic traditional bright attire will force you to boogie to the tune of this indigenous vibrant melody.

Essentials

Reaching Shillong

By Air
For tourists visiting Meghalaya , the nearest airport is at Borjhar in Assam (Guwahati is the state Capital) about 124 km from Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. The flights that touch down in Guwahati originate from Delhi and Kolkotta.

By Train
There are several trains which are connected with Guwahati; from major cities of India. From there, rail passengers can commute to Shillong by Meghalaya Transport Corporation Buses and private tourists buses and taxis

By Road
From Borjhar Airport(Gwahati) to Shillong, tourists can avail of the services of private tourist bus and taxi operators. Shillong is connected to Guwahati by an excellent National Highway-40 and it takes 3 to 4 Hours to cover the distance of 103 Kms. Further, the National Highway-44 connects Shillong to Silchar in Assam, Aizawl in Mizoram and Agartala in Tripura.

Tourism Information Centers
Director of Tourism Nokrek Building Lower Lachumiere, Shillong - 793 001 Phone: 0364 - 2226054
MTDC Ltd. Orchid Hotel Polo Road,Shillong - 793 001 Phone: 0364 - 2224933

Hotels in Shillong
There are plenty of budget hotels there are some three star hotels too.

Climate of Shillong:

Best Season to visit Shillong:

STD Code Of Shillong: 0364