Shillong

Shillong the capital of Meghalaya is a popular hill station with beautiful lakes and waterfalls. Situated at an altitude of 1496 m above sea level, it is one of the biggest hill station in India. Shillong was the capital of Assam, before the formation of Meghalaya as a new state in 1974.

Derived its name from a local deity Shyllong or Lei Shyllong, Shillong is called as the "Scotland of the east" because of it’s similarities to the terrain of Scotland. The main reason for tourists getting attracted to Shillong is its clean environment, greenery as well as unpolluted fresh air. Set in pine forests and lush green mountains, Shillong has few places worth visiting. Ward’s Lake, Shillong Peak, Elephanta Falls, Bishop’s Falls, Beadon’s Falls, Crimoline’s Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Lady Hydari Park, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christian, a polo ground and the famous 18 hole golf course.

Here are some important tourist attractions in Shillong;

Anglican Cemetery

It is is an old Anglican cemetery which has graves dating back centuries including those soldiers killed in the Lushai campaign in Mizoram.

Waterfalls

Fall together in the same gorge, Beadon Falls and Bishop Falls are the most popular waterfalls in Shillong. Both these are located at Mawprem, 3-km north. The Elephant Falls with the fern-covered rocks on which it falls, is located 12kms away. Set amidst the green vegetation, the falls provides an enthralling experience to tourists. Located in the Shillong Cantonment, about 6 km from the city is Spread Eagle Falls an eagle-like fall. Also called as Sati Falls and Urkaliar Falls, the fall has steep cliffs reaching to a deep pool beneath. Crinoline Falls near Lady Hydari Park gas a swimming pool surrounded by various flowers. The Meghalaya Tourism Department conducts occasions and other festivals at the bank of the swimming pool which is a prime attraction of this place. Sweet Falls near Happy Valley and Rengthiam Falls - 15kms from Shillong on the Shillong - Jowai highway are ideal for viewing the pristine beauty of nature.

Ward's Lake
The pretty Ward's Lake is located right in the heart of the city. Earlier known as Elliot’s Lake, Chief Commissioner Sir William Ward rebuilt it in 1893-94. It is a picturesque lake with a white wooden Japanese like bridge. The lake is popular for it’s short garden walk, boating and fishing. One portion of this lake has beautiful shades of the lotus and the winding pathway around the lake has a background of lush greenery and flowers.  Umiam lake, 16 kilometers from Shillong is also famous for fishing and boating.

Botanical Gardens
It is is located near to the Ward lake. Built in the early 1900, it has has variety of rare and exotic plants and trees. The well laid paved walks, the serenity etc makes the garden a favorite location for city residents as well as for tourists.

Thadlaskein Lake
It is an artificial lake located 56-km from Shillong and 8-km from Jowai off NH-44. Set amid the meadows, oak and the Myntdu River, this lake offers its tourists a serene and refreshing atmosphere. Legend says that this lake was dug by the followers of the Jaintia Chieftain U Sajar Nangli. 

Iewduh - Shopper's Stop
Also known as the 'bara bazar', it is one of the busiest market area in Shillong. Rrun mostly by women, one can get vegetables, fruits, grocery, utensils, clothes, footwear etc.

The Shillong peak 
The Shillong peak which is highest in the state is ideal for trekking. It is situated at a height of 1965 kilometers, about 5kms south of Shillong. Also known as the 'abode of the gods' the peak offers a panoramic view of the countryside. 

The Kyllang rock
The Kyllang rock, beyond Mairang off the Shillong - Nongstoin Road is a block of granite that rises to some 220 metres. One can get a grand view of the valleys to the north especially during winter months. Near Mawsmai, there is a complete view of the high falls, Noh-sngi-thiang across a wide gorge. 

The Butterfly Museum
It is at Wankhar and Co, Raiatsamthiah. The museum was started in the 1930's by Mr. Sikdar an entomologist. It has a good display of mounted butterflies and beetles from India and abroad. The butterflies are breeded here as a conservatory measure. Visit : 1000 -1600. Contact for more details 0364-2544473.

The Captain Williamson Sangma Museum
Stands on the premises of the State Central Library, it has ethnographic and archaeological objects. Visit : 100 - 1600, Monday to Saturday except 2nd Saturday and all Government holidays. Entry free.

All Saint's Church
Situated opposite the State Central Library, Shillong, is All Saints Church, a historic structure built in Tudor style. Built of wood and plaster it has beautiful stained glass windows.

Lum Nehru Park
Situated near to Orchid lake resort, at Umiam, about 15 km from Shillong, Lum Nehru Park is a charming park. The park is famous for its aviary, orchid-house and beautiful lawns and flowers.

Sohpetbneng Peak
Situated at a height of 1,343m, 20-km from Shillong, Sohpetbneng Peak is considered as one of the sacred peaks of Shillong. Set amidst a beautiful scenic view against the backdrop of forest, Sohpetbneng Peak is also known as 'Navel-of-heaven'.

Golf Course
The 18-hole Shillong Golf Course is one of the oldest golf courses in the world, and the second oldest in Asia. Started in 1889 as a nine hole course, it was later converted to 18 holes in 1924 by Captain Jackson and C. R. Rhodes. It is termed as the 'Gleneagle of the East' at the United States Golf Association Library and Museum. Set amidst lush greens and nestled among pine trees, the Golf Course provides a beautiful panoramic view.