Discover The Natural Beauty And Cultural Richness Of Shillong: Top 7 Tourist Places To Visit

Shillong is a hill station located in the northeast Indian state of Meghalaya. It is known for its picturesque natural beauty, pleasant climate, and rich cultural heritage. The town is nestled in the midst of rolling hills and lush greenery, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Shillong is also home to a vibrant music scene and is often referred to as the "Rock Capital of India". If you are planning to visit Shillong, here are some of the top places to visit:

Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls is a popular waterfall named after an elephant-shaped rock that used to be present near the falls, but was destroyed in an earthquake.

The Elephant Falls consists of three sections, which can be accessed through a well-maintained pathway and a flight of stairs. The first section of the waterfall is the widest and most impressive, with water cascading down from a height of about 20 meters. The second section is a smaller waterfall, located upstream from the first section, while the third section can be accessed by climbing down a steep staircase and crossing a narrow bridge over a stream.

The Elephant Falls is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, take a dip in the pool below the falls, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Ward's Lake

Ward's Lake is a man-made lake that was constructed in the late 19th century by the British, and is named after Sir William Ward, the then Commissioner of Assam.

The lake is surrounded by a lush green garden and offers stunning views of the nearby hills. It is a popular spot for boating, with pedal boats and rowing boats available for rent. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake or relax on one of the many benches scattered throughout the garden.

The garden around the lake is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including several species of orchids, bamboo groves, and colorful flowering plants. There is also a small aviary in the garden that houses a variety of birds, including parrots and lovebirds.

Shillong Peak

Shillong Peak is the highest point in Shillong, standing at an elevation of 1,965 meters (6,447 feet) above sea level. Located about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the city center, Shillong Peak offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and waterfalls. On a clear day, visitors can even see the plains of Bangladesh from the peak.

The peak is accessible by road and has a well-maintained pathway leading to the top. Visitors can also choose to trek up to the peak, which is a popular activity for adventure enthusiasts. The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including dense forests, small villages, and meandering streams.

At the summit of Shillong Peak, visitors can enjoy a range of recreational activities, including a picnic, photography, and hiking. There is also a small park at the top of the peak, which has a viewing platform offering 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures

The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC) is a unique cultural center that showcases the rich and diverse cultures of the indigenous people of Northeast India, including the seven states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.

The center was established by the Salesian congregation in 2003, and is spread over an area of 6,500 square meters (70,000 square feet). The museum has seven floors, each dedicated to a particular aspect of the region's culture, including history, art, music, dance, religion, and traditional practices.

The exhibits at the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures include a range of artifacts, photographs, audiovisuals, and interactive displays that offer a comprehensive overview of the region's indigenous cultures. Visitors can learn about the various tribes and communities that inhabit the region, their traditions, beliefs, and customs.

Apart from the exhibits, the center also has a library and research center that houses a vast collection of books, journals, and other materials related to the indigenous cultures of the region. The center also hosts various cultural events, workshops, and seminars to promote awareness and appreciation of the region's diverse cultures.

Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani Lake, is a popular tourist destination located about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) north of the city of Shillong. The lake is a man-made reservoir that was created by damming the Umiam River.

Spread over an area of 220 square kilometers (85 square miles), Umiam Lake is surrounded by lush green hills and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The lake is a popular spot for boating, with a range of water sports activities available, including kayaking, water skiing, and fishing.

The lake is also a popular picnic spot, with several small islands and parks located along its shore. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake, relax in one of the many gardens and parks, or take a boat ride to explore the islands.

Laitlum Canyons

Laitlum Canyons is a scenic tourist destination located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from the city of Shillong. Laitlum translates to "End of Hills" in the local Khasi language, and the canyons offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

The canyons are a popular spot for hiking and trekking, with several trails leading down to the bottom of the canyon. Visitors can explore the lush green forests, meandering streams, and small villages that dot the landscape. The trek can be challenging, but the stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys make it worth the effort.

At the bottom of the canyon, visitors can enjoy a picnic by the stream, relax in the serene surroundings, and take in the natural beauty of the area. The canyons are also a popular spot for photography, with several viewpoints offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

The best time to visit Laitlum Canyons is during the winter months, between November and February when the weather is pleasant, and the views are clear. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and carry sufficient water and food as there are no shops or restaurants in the vicinity.

Lady Hydari Park

Lady Hydari Park is named after Lady Hydari, the wife of the first governor of Assam, who played a significant role in the development of the park.

Spread over an area of 4.3 hectares (10.6 acres), Lady Hydari Park is a beautiful landscaped garden that features a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park is home to several species of trees, flowers, and shrubs, including the exotic orchids for which the region is famous. The park also has a small zoo that houses several species of birds and animals, including deer, Himalayan black bears, and leopards.

Visitors to Lady Hydari Park can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lush green gardens, relax on the well-manicured lawns, and take in the serene surroundings. The park also has several walking trails, including a nature trail that offers visitors a chance to explore the flora and fauna of the region.