The capital of Meghalaya is also the centre-point located at an altitude of
1,496 metres above sea level. Shillong, which was made Assam's capital in
1874, remained so till January, 1974 following the formation of Mehalaya
outside Assam. The capital city derives its name from the manifestation of
the Creator called Shyllong born to a peasant girl.
Ward's Lake : Located in the heart of Shillong,
there stands a beautiful man-made Lake known as Ward's Lake. The lake and
its gradualy undulating grounds are hemmed in by lush green slopes. It has a
most pleasant, winding walk-a-way all around its parameter set in cobbled
sand stone.
Botanical Garden : A secluded but captivating spot with
plethora of indigenous and exotic plants is located just below the Ward''
Lake.
State Museum : Located at the State Central Library
complex, visitors can get a glimpse of the lifestyle and heritage of the
people.
Jharokha Art Gallery : In the heart of Shillong the only
art gallery run by a renowned artist Smt. Jaya Kaha who has successfully
held exhibitions of her paintings in big metropolises of India and abroad.
Spread Eagle Falls : Located on the ourskirts of the
city, lies a sparkling waterfall which looks like an eagle with wings spread
out. Hence , the name Spread Eagle Falls. The Falls has fairly steep cliffs
on three sides with a very deep pool beneath- a soothing setting amidst calm
nature.
The
Falls is locally known as Urkaliar or the falls into which Ka Liar slipped.
Bishop and Beadon Falls : Both cascade down the same
escarpment into a deep valley the mass of water dissolving into misty
sparks.
Sweet Falls : Near Lady Hydari Park a cool spot within
the city limits.
Elephant Falls : An exquisitely beautiful waterfalls is
located off the Shillong-Mawphlang Road about 10km off Shillong. It is one
of the most frequented of the several waterfalls and tourist spots in and
around Shillong.
Shillong Peak : An ideal picnic sot, 10kms from the
city. 1.965 metres above sea level, offers a panoramic view of the scenic
countryside and is also the highest point in the state. Obeisance is apid to
U Shyllong at the sanctum sanctorum at the peaks summit every spring time,
by the religious priest of Mylliem State. In the evening the city lights
below appear like a star-studded abyss.
Cherrapunji
(Sohra)
56kms form Shillong, situated in one of the rainiest rain-belts in the
world, 1,300 metres above sea level. A pleasant drive to see roaring
waterfall leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngthiang falls.
The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey.
Centre of Khasi culture and literature, it also has the oldest Presbyterian
Church and also an establishment of the Ramkrishna Mission.
Noh Kalikai Falls : A few kilometres to the west of
Cherrapunjee, a clear bubbling stream emerges from its steep mountain bed to
hurtle down a rocky precipice into a deep gorge, creating a captivating view
of breathtaking beauty.
A local legend is associated with the Waterfall from which it has derived
it's name.
Mawsynarm : 56kms from Shillong it is known for the
giant stalagmite formation shaped into a Shivallinga called locally as
Mawlymbun.
Dawki : 96 kms from Shillong is a border town, where one
can have a glimpse of the neighbouring country fo Bangladesh. The colorful
annual boat race during spring at the Umgot river is an added attraction. An
eye catching motorable suspension bridge spans the Dawki river connecting
Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
