Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Its picturesque setting and
salubrious climate were considered suitable for sanatoriums and holiday
homes for British civilians, suffering from the sweltering heat of the
plains. It is described as 'Mini London'. There are many legends surrounding
the name Shillong. One says that it originated from the name of a handsome
youth called Shyllong.
Golf Links
Shillong's Golf Course is considered one of the best in India. It is
situated in the center of the city, close to the polo ground. It was
established in 1898, by a group of British Civil Service officers. Golfers
from all over the world come here to test their skills.
Lady Hydari Park
Lady Hydari Park was named after the wife of Sir Akhbari Hydari, the first
Indian Governor of Assam who assumed charge on the eve of independence. It
has a very attractive garden and the best months to see the flowers in bloom
are April to October. Next to the park, is a mini zoo, where many species of
birds and animals are kept.
Museum of Entomology
This place is a treasure house of various kinds of exquisite Meghalayan
butterflies and insects, some of which are bred and reared by naturalists
and then preserved. The most beautiful and sought after Meghalayan butterfly
is 'Kaiser-I-Hind'.
Shillong Peak
Forested Shillong Peak, at 1,965 metres above sea level, acts as a vast
catchment area. A steep winding road goes right to the top of the peak. On a
clear day, you can see the Himalayan peaks and plains of Sylhet from the
summit.
Ward's Lake
This artificial lake located in Shillong received its name from Sir William
Ward, Chief Commissioner of Assam in 1893-94, because he took a personal
interest in beautifying it.
Waterfalls
In and around Shillong, there are numerous waterfalls, especially during
the monsoon when they run in milky white torrents: Bishop Falls, Elephant
Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls and Beadon Falls are
best known. Bishop or Suna Pani Falls are located west of Mawprem in
Shilong. They are 135 metres high and particularly impressive in monsoon.
The beautiful Elephant or Umdiengpun Falls are enroute to Sadew, 12
kilometres from Shillong City.
Cherrapunjee has a rich historical heritage and was the first British
outpost in this part of the country. Sohra is the original Khasi name for
Cherrapunjee. It is 1300 metres above sea level and 56 kms from Shillong.
This place is one of the rainiest rain-belts in the world. A pleasant drive
to see roaring waterfalls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed
Nohsngithiang Falls. The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves
and orange honey. Centre of Khasi culture and literature, it also has the
oldest Presbyterian Church and also an establishment of the Ramakrishna
Mission.
In the Khasi Hills are a number of ancient monoliths and table stones,
which are either memorials where the ashes of the dead are deposited in
cairns or cenotaphs, commemorating memorable events. The upright stones
represent men generally and are of considerable size, sometimes projecting 6
metres (20 feet) or more above ground.
The most important town in the Jaintia Hills district is Jowai, 1,380
metres above sea level, situated 64 kms from Shillong. The annual festival
of Behdeinkhlam is celebrated in great style in Jowai. En-route from
Shillong to Jowai, one passes through grassy meadows, colourful graveyards,
rice terraces, woods of oak or whispering pine and the meandering Myntdu
River.
This is located in the Jaintia Hills about 65 kms from Shillong and 24 kms
from Jowai. There are clusters of monoliths in Nartiang that are among the
tallest anywhere in the world.
The district headquarters of the West Garo Hills is Tura, which is situated
657 metres above sea level. Tura has a picturesque landscape of hills
overlooking the sweeping curves of the mighty Brahmaputra River on the
plains below. The Tura Peak is very close to town and it is the ideal place
for rock climbers, hikers and naturalists.
