Romance in Peaks
Shillong
This beautiful city is called “Scotland of the East” due to its prominent similarity with the Scottish highlands. This romantic city has always been a prime tourist destination in the northeast. Shillong’s rising and falling terrain, cradle of the tall pine conifers and pineapple shrubs, are a constant source of attraction for tourists from both home and abroad.
Tourists Attractions of Shillong
The place is full of waterfalls, hills, lakes, Museums and churches which mark the beauty and wealth of this place. Where the Spread Eagle Falls is a famous picnic spot, the Sweet Falls is the most beautiful of all the waterfalls lying about 5 km from the Happy Valley and about 96 m in height. The Elephant Gait and the Elephant Falls are beautiful sights especially in the rainy season and are favorite picnic spots. Shillong Peak, the highest point of Shillong, is located 5 km to the south of the city and is 1961 meters (6,433 feet) in altitude and is often surrounded with fog. The peak itself is not steep, but rather semi-circular like that of a crown placed on the flat and extensive top of the Shillong Hill. The Ward Lake, an important tourist site is a horseshoe-shaped artificial lake abounds in fish and feeding the fish from the bridge is a favorite pastime of the tourists. The lake has a charming winding walk-a-way in the midst of rolling flowerbeds and fairyland lighting with gradually undulating grounds. In the State Museum, visitors can catch a glimpse of the heritage and lifestyle of the Khasi tribe here. The Botanical Garden near Ward Lake has secluded but captivating spot with plethora of indigenous and exotic plants and is located just below the Ward's Lake. The most beautiful church is that of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians.
Other Attractions of Shillong
Cherrapunjee (56 km) is situated in one of the rainiest rain-belt in the world, 1,300 m above sea level, this lovely town is famous for its limestone caves and orange honey and is a centre of Khasi culture and literature. Mausynram (another village nearby) are reputed to be the wettest places in the world. Sohpetbneng Peak 1,343 m (20 km) regarded as sacred, is set amidst a beautiful scenic view against the backdrop of a sacred forest to those who seek and desire solace and peace of mind. Umiam Lake (17 km) offers water sports facilities including sailing, water skiing, water scooter The Orchid Lake Resort and the adjacent Lum Nehru Park is an ideal quiet holiday resort. Elephant Falls 12 km on the outskirts of the city, the mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern covered rocks. In Nartiang (65 km) there is a park of megaliths, some of which are as high as 8 m. En route Nartiang, 64 km from Shillong, is the small lake of Thadlaskein. It is a beautiful picnic spot. At 64kms from Shillong is Jakrem, a popular health resort having hot springs of sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties.
How to Reach Shillong
The nearest airport and railhead is Guwahati in Assam. Both Deluxe and ordinary bus services are available. The Guwahati–Shillong Road connects the two cities. Pineapple plantations and pine trees on both sides line the road makes the journey all the more memorable. There are frequent buses to Guwahati.
