Shillong Tourism, India

Shillong

Shillong is a hill station and the capital of Meghalaya, a state in northeastern India, which means "The Abode of Clouds". It is the headquarters of the East Khasi Hills district. Shillong is the 330th most populous city in India with a population of 143,229 according to the 2011 census. It is known as the "Scotland of the East" due to its picturesque hills and natural beauty.

Shillong tourist places

Some popular tourist attractions in Shillong include:

Elephant Falls

• Named after an Elephant like stone at its foot, the Elephant Falls are amongst the most popular falls in the North-East, situated next to Shillong. It is a tourists' paradise with three layers of the falls accessible to the layman from different vantage points. The Britishers named this fall so owing to the presence of an elephant-shaped rock on one side of the fall. However, the stone disintegrated and was washed away due to an earthquake in 1897. Elephant Waterfalls is a superb place for spending some time in the midst of nature while capturing the incredible moments for your keepsake.The breathtaking Elephant falls were referred to as 'Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew' by the local Khasi people, which means 'The Three Step Waterfalls', as these falls consist of three mesmerising falls in succession. The first of the three waterfalls are tucked between the dense trees and are very broad. The second waterfall reduces to thin strands of water and is almost negligible in winters due to the receding water levels. The third and the most visible waterfall is the tallest with clear water flowing like a sheet of milk on the dark rocks in the backdrop. Out of the three, the third waterfall tends to strike the visitors as the most impressive. Elephant Falls is a great stopover destination before one heads for further journeys into Meghalaya. Located 12 km away from the capital city of Shillong, it is one of the most visited falls in the beautiful state.

Ward's Lake

• Ward’s Lake is amongst the popular tourist attractions of Shillong which is a must-visit. It is also known as Pollock’s Lake (Nan Polok) because of a popular engineer during the per-independence era. It is said to be around a 100 years old. The establishment of this lake was planned by the then Chief Commissioner of Assam, Sir William Ward. Construction was done by Colonel Hopkins in the year 1894. It lies in the middle of the city of Shillong and the lake is surrounded by a lush garden with flower beds and cobble-stone footpaths and a mesmerizing fountain. There is a wooden bridge in the middle of the lake where one can even feed the fish in the lake. Boating is also one of the activities that can be done in the lake. There is a cafeteria too with a variety of refreshments and beverages. It is equally popular amidst locals and vacationers.

Shillong View Point, Laitkor Peak 

• The highest point in the city, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.At a distance of 13 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Shillong Peak is an enchanting vantage point located at Laitkor area of Shillong, Meghalaya.
• At a distance of 13 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Shillong Peak is an enchanting vantage point located at Laitkor area of Shillong, Meghalaya. Situated in the outskirts of the Shillong, it is one of the popular viewpoints in Meghalaya and among the prominent places to experience Shillong Tourism.
• Placed at an altitude of 1,965 m (6,446 feet), Shillong Peak is the highest peak in Meghalaya. According to historians, Shillong is named after this hill. As per the locals, the patron deity 'Leishyllong' resided at the hill and protects the city against all evils. Besides, the top of the Shillong Peak has a sacred spot that is dedicated to U Shulong and special rituals are organised here in each spring to honour the spirit of U Shulong.
• The peak offers an enchanting 360 degree view of the entire Shillong city, surrounding waterfalls, the Himalayan Range, Bangladesh Plains and the lush greenery nearby. At the peak there is a high tower with a telescope. An ideal retreat for visitors, the location also features a radar station of the Indian Air Force.
• Due to security reasons at the air base, travellers need to show their original ID cards and surrender their cameras at the check post before entering into the viewpoint area. Foreigners are not allowed to enter this area as it is controlled by Indian Air Force.

    

Lady Hydari Park

• Located conveniently in the Laban area in Shillong is the popular Lady Hydari Park, named after the first lady of the state and wife of the Governor of Assam, Lady Hydari. The first thing that catches your eye when you set foot in this park is that it is built in the form of a Japanese style garden. The vibes get stronger when you catch a glimpse of the round-shaped hedges, willow trees with leaves touching the ground as well as the many scattered small ponds. There is also a small lake where one can find ducks and colourful fishes.
• Tourists of all age groups visit the beautiful Lady Hydari park and stroll on the paved walkways in the evenings, exploring and admiring the beautifully manicured lawns with an alluring collection of orchids and rhododendrons. During winters, one can visit the park during the afternoon and relax in the lawn area. It is an ideal place to visit with children because there is a nice playing area for them. The museum and the mini zoo inside the park premises makes for a good learning experience. Lady Hydari Park apart from strolling around provides a lot of photography opportunities as well as boating activities.

Don Bosco Museum

• Acclaimed as one the finest museum in Asia on the promotion of indigenous and tribal cultures, Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC) or Don Bosco Museum as it is popularly known is a major tourists' attraction that provides a glimpse of the rich and multi-cultural lifestyles, history and traditions of the indigenous peoples of North East India. The museum, showcasing many galleries, gives an insight into the beautiful and diverse cultural richness of the eight States of India's North East under one roof. The Museum, run by the Salesian of Don Bosco of the Catholic Church, houses and documents the various indigenous cultures, arts and crafts of North East India..

Mawphlang Sacred Forest

•  A sacred forest located near Shillong, known for its unique biodiversity and cultural significance.
• Known as ‘Nature’s Own Museum’, this forest is one of the oldest and most famous sacred groves of Meghalaya, harbouring a diversity of flowering and medicinal plants, trees, mushrooms, birds and insects. The forest is located in the village of Mawphlang – meaning ‘moss-covered stone’ in Khasi – which is amongst the numerous settlements named after monoliths. Spanning a land area of 193 acres, the forest is protected by members of the Lyngdoh clan. It is believed to be the abode of the Khasi deity, Labasa, who is said to protect the clan and the village from all harm. As goes the local saying: “There cannot be a kingdom without a sacred forest, and no sacred forest without a kingdom.”

Catholic Cathedral

• 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 construction of the present shrine was started after the first church built at this site got destroyed in a fire in 1936. In order to ensure that the cathedral is earthquake resistant, rock trenches were filled with sand and a strong foundation was laid. This cathedral was given the status of a shrine in 1980, on completion of the Catholic Church's 100 years in North East India.
• The architecture of Cathedral Catholic Church makes it one of the most beautiful buildings in the state. A bronze monument of the Calvary was inaugurated in 1934 while transepts were added during 1970s. Stained glass windows made in France during 1947 add a classic charm to this shrine's building. It also features terracotta stations on the Cross and houses the grave of Shillong's first archbishop Hubert D'Rosario. The cathedral has an underground grotto church, which was carved out of a hill and is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.

Airforce Museum

•  A museum showcasing the history of Indian Airforce in the region.
• At a distance of 13 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Air Force Museum is a museum located in Upper-Shillong of Meghalaya. Situated near Elephant Falls, it is one of the popular museums in Meghalaya and among the top places to visit in Shillong.
• The Air Force Museum forms a part of the Indian Air Force's Eastern Command in Shillong. This museum is a tribute to the glorious past of the defense of our nation. It hosts aircraft models, actual machines and technology demonstrations used by the IAF Eastern Command. The museum displays the uniforms worn by the air force pilots, missiles, rockets, pictures of Indo-China War and Indo-Pakistan War, medals and miniature models of air crafts.
• The huge MI 4 helicopter, played a central role in the 1971 war, is displayed in the museum lawn and makes for a remarkable sight. Another attraction is the Streak Shadow Microlight that's a part of the famous Microlight series. This splendid aircraft took its first flight in 1988. Caribou DHC 4, the fighter plane used for bombings in eastern Pakistan during the war of 1971, is the highlight of this place. The museum has a special section that houses a collection of several musical instruments. Visitors can also see Python's skin in the museum.
• Visitors are required to deposit a valid photo identity at the security as the museum is situated inside the campus of the Air Force Eastern High Command headquarters, and can be collected before leaving the premises. Foreigners are not allowed into the museum.

Shillong is also a hub of music and art. It is home to a vibrant music scene and hosts several music festivals throughout the year. The city is also a popular shopping destination, known for its local handicrafts and traditional shawls.

Shillong is a great place to visit for those who are looking for a combination of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. It is a perfect place for trekking, hiking, and bird watching.