The abode of clouds

Shillong

The abode of clouds

 

 

National Highway 44 connects Shillong with cities such as Guwahati and Silchar. 35 km from the city, at Umroi there is an airstrip suitable for small aircrafts. The nearest airport and railway station is at Guwahati in Assam. The preferred options of  travelling to Shillong  are in a car or in a MTDC bus (Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation) from Guwahati. The journey imbibes a fresh feeling of a union with nature as one rides through the tree lined roads. In the four hour ride one can see the great “Barapani” lake.

The highest point of Shillong is the Shillong peak at 1965 meters above the sea level and about 10 km from the city itself. On a clear fogless day it provides a spectacle of an eagle’s view of the city. It takes your breath away. The spiritual pastor of Mylliem State offers prayers at the sanctum during Spring. If the view of the human abode below is breathtaking during daytime, then the view at night is awe inspiring. The city and other dwelling lights render an almost ethereal aura.

 

Wards Lake is a century old lake is set amidst beautiful surroundings. The story behind the origin of the lake goes like this. A Khasi prisoner, bored with the penitentiary routine requested the warden for some creative release by permitting him to create some construction over the Wards Lake. He was permitted to do so and what stands today is a marvelous site of the Wards Lake or Polok's Lake as the locals prefer to call it. This century old picturesque (horseshoe-shaped) artificial lake lying beneath the Raj Bhavan (Governor's Residence) is located at the heart of the city and is extremely popular for its garden walks and boating. The lake is chock-full of fish it's a common sight to see tourists feeding fish from the bridge. The lake is encircled by a winding walk-way and is inter spread with gently sloping flowerbeds and innovative illumination, edged in by luxuriant greens. There is a beautiful garden jest nearby, which is called as The Botanical Garden. As the name suggests, various trees and plants complement it to the fullest.

 

Situated in Shillong is also, Lady Hydari Park named after the wife of Sir Akhbari Hydari, the first Indian Governor of Assam. Spread over four hectares area, Lady Hydari Park is eye-catching with roses and blossoms of exquisite colors. A specialty is that this park is landscaped in Japanese style. Mini zoos coupled with a deer park add to the charm of the park. There are about 73 birds, 140 reptiles and mammals in this zoo. 

 

Crinoline Falls, Gunner’s Falls, Spread Eagle Falls or Sati Falls, Sweet Falls, Elephant Gait, Elephant Falls, and Beadon Falls are the major water falls.

The Elephant Falls located just outside the Shillong city at a distance of approx 10 kilo meters provides a unique sight wherein the water column carves out its way and surrenders to gravity at two successive locations. The gigantic stream accumulated just at the pinnacle comes crashing down the terrain and rebounds only to cover a short distance and once again leap into a daunting gorge. The very sight of natural pandemonium is enough to make one miss a heartbeat and leap with joy. The surrounding basin sheltered by the sky like green vegetation provides a perfect backdrop to this enchanting picnic spot. 

 

Smack in the middle of the Shillong city is another natural splendor. The Crinoline Falls cascading down the luxuriant woodland create a graceful waterfall. The pool created by the fall has been creatively carved out to serve as a well sustained Swimming Pool. A dip in this pool is a foregone conclusion for the allure of the lagoon would drag and float the most ardent watch babies. The pool is perennially abounded with screeching hordes outdoing each other and feasting on the nature's bounty. An attached restaurant provides relief for the tired spirits and the adjacent area nourishes the heart with some soul stirring cultural programs.

The Bishop's Waterfall is often referred to as the twin brother of the Beadon Waterfall since both tumble down the same escarpment into a yawning gorge. As the gushing stream of water plunges and crashes into a cavernous lagoon the sprinkled droplets create a mystic rainbow that stretches across the spectrum. The emerald pool formed at the bottom is inviting and it's a fantastic idea to trek up or down the hills along the stream discovering the marvels of nature. Although a few hotels and local vendors offer grub for the famished do not expect a five star spread from these simple souls who are untouched from the mean grasps of bottom lines and profits.

The normal trends of Indian waterfalls do not apply to the unique waterfalls in Meghalaya. These waterfalls are almost always at their full glory and rarely dry up or become a trickle as is the case with rest of the waterfalls. The Beadon waterfall is surrounded by verdant forests from every side and the sight of the creamy torrent gushing down almost a 100 feet and crush the resilient rocks below is awe inspiring. The clear water stream and the picturesque surroundings make for a memorable sight. The sight is always in demand and provides an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy a half day trek cum picnic with the entire family. An operational hydroelectric powerhouse is situated at the base of the falls.

Considered to the first 18 hole Golf Course in India the Shillong Golf Club (an altitude of 5200 ft) is any Putters dream come true. The Shillong Golf Course is sometimes equated with "Glen-eagle Course" in the United States because of its beauty and unique location. The Golf Course is picturesquely set amidst pine trees and rhododendron bushes. The course initiated as a 9 (nine) hole course in 1898 was later converted into a full fledged 18 hole course by Capt Jackson in 1924. This enchanting Golfing paradise is also often visited for the enormous panoramic view it presents of the Shillong city and against the backdrop of snow-covered Himalayan ranges. 

 

The romantic city of Shillong has been one of the important tourist destinations of the North East. Lying in the cradle of the tall pine conifers and pineapple shrubs, Shillong's undulating terrain is a constant source of attraction for tourists from both home and abroad. One will probably arrive at Police Bazaar in the heart of the city, where most of the hotels are located. This is where the main buzz occurs, including a market where you can buy local products from the emporiums and roadside stalls. Although small, the market offers a wide range of things including dresses, shoes, accessories, warm clothes and bamboo crafts. The Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes add color to this Hill City. The Khasis are probably the only matriarchal society in the north-east. Interestingly in Shillong the bridegroom leaves his parents and goes to stay in the bride’s house to stay after marriage, something that would shock and stir the Hindu majority of the country!

 Connections by air, road and rail are available at a distance of
101kms in Guwahati from anywhere in India. Shillong airport at Umroi connects to only Kolkata. Guwahati is the nearest major airport, which is nearly 100 km away from Shillong. Shillong can be reached by taxi car and the fare is about Rs 2000. Guwahati Airport is well connected to many major cities in India, including Delhi, Agartala, Aizwal, Kolkata and Imphal. Delhi and Kolkata are the international airports close to Guwahati, both are nearly 1100 km from Guwahati. International travelers can connect to Guwahati through Kolkata or Delhi.

Shillong bus stand is located at the city center and regular bus services to Guwahati are available. The State Road Transport Public buses and the private tourist bus providers operate bus services from Shillong to the many cities in Meghalaya and the neighboring state. The bus stand is located in the heart of Shillong. Nearest railhead to Shillong is Guwahati, which is at distance of 100 km away. Shillong can be reached by taxi car and the fare is about Rs 2000. The Paltan Bazaar Railway Station in Guwahati is a major railway junction on the North-East Frontier Railway. Guwahati is well connected with all the major railheads of India.

About 56 km from Shillong is Cherrapunji village (East Khasi Hills district), now called Sohra. Located on the Shillong plateau about 55 km southwest of Shillong, Cherrapunji and Mausynram (another village nearby) are reputed to be the wettest places in the world. The heavy rains here often swell the waters of the Nohsngithiang waterfall. The town is famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. It has the oldest Presbyterian Church. Krem Mawmluh is a 4.5-km-long cave near Cherrapunji.  

The summer capital of the Jaintia kings, Nartiang, is about 65 km east of Shillong. There is a park of megaliths, some of which are as high as 8 m. A 500-year-old temple of Durga is another attraction at Nartiang.

En route Nartiang, 64 km from Shillong, is the small lake of Thadlaskein. It is a beautiful picnic spot.

About 13 km from Shillong is the village of Nongkrem. It is the seat of the Syiem of Nongkrem, whose estate extends up to Shillong. The traditional Nongkrem Dance festival is held here around autumn and draws large crowds of visitors.

Sixty-four kilometers from Shillong is Jakrem, a popular health resort having hot springs of sulfur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties. Dawki, a border town, 96 km from Shillong, provides a glimpse of Bangladesh. The colorful annual boat race during spring at the Umgot River is an added attraction. At a distance of 140 km from Shillong is Ranikor, an angler's paradise containing a huge population of carp and mahseers.