Place: Shillong
Located: Shillong is situated at an average altitude of
4,908 feet (1,496 m) above sea level, with the highest point being Shillong
Peak at 6,449 feet (1,966 m).
Brief description about the place: Shillong is a hill
station in Meghalaya state of India. Shillong is the capital and largest town in Meghalaya. It is
also known as Scotland of the East. Shillong receives heavy rainfalls during
monsoon and the rainy season usually lasts longer than in the rest of India.
Shillong offers many sightseeing places like beautiful waterfalls, serene lakes
and natural beauty. It is a must visit destination in India.
Things to do in Shillong:
•Umiam Lake: A beautiful lake north of Shillong, which resembles
the 'Lochs', or lakes of Scotland, and is a must-see for all tourists. This
lake is man-made and is better known as 'Barapani' (big water) for its sheer
size. There is a water sports complex. There is a garden ( Lum Nehru park) by
the side water sports complex.
•Wards Lake: Wards Lake is an artificial lake surrounded by a
fairly large garden. Boating facilities are available in the lake. It has a
wooden bridge at the middle. Lots of lotus plants with leaves are there on
either side of lake. One can find lots of colourful fishes in the lake. A
cafeteria is there to provide refreshment.A fountain dancing to the tunes of
song is also there.
•Lady Hydari Park: The park has variety of local flowering
plants and orchids. It also has a small zoo within it. Children wiil like it as
there are few swings, sea-saws, slips for them. It is a famous picnic spot for
local population. This park is named after the Lady Hydari, the first lady of
the state, wife of the Governor of Assam. This park has a mini zoo and a deer
park, which is spread over more than one kilometre.
•Sweet Falls: Located in Happy Valley, it is a very steep fall.
Extreme caution is advised as there are no barricades and rocks are nearly
always slippery (due to rain or dew).
•Bishop & Beadon Falls: Located in Suna valley,these two are
very beautiful falls. Suna is the home to wild animals such as deer,
leopard,langurs,wild cats and numerous bird species.
•Elephant Falls: It is in Upper Shillong area which also houses
the Eastern Air Command of Indian Airforce. The scenic fall is not continuous
and more of collection of smaller falls. It has footpath leading to bottom fo
fall where it reaches a small lake. Its name elephant falls was given by
British. Because there was a rock by the side of fall which resembled elephant.
The rock was destroyed in earthquake.
•Shillong Peak: Shillong Peak is the highest point in state of
Meghalaya (1965 meters above sea level). There is a view-point where you can
get breathtaking view of Shillong city. The city view during night is a scene
to remember. It is host to a radar station for Indian Air force and tourists
are advised to declare their cameras while reaching view-point and not to take
pictures of radar facilities.
•Butterfly Museum: There is a huge collection of different types
of butterflies. Students of zoology will find them interesting. This place is
also attractive for adults where they can see the natural beauty and play with
the beautiful and colourful butterflies. This museum presents some of the
finest and rarest species of butterflies.
•Golf course Shillong: Golf course is located at an altitude of
around 5200 ft. This is the first golf course of India which has 18 holes in
it. This place is like a dream come true for the putters. This golf course is
so beautiful and located at the unique location that sometimes it is compared
with the Glen Eagle Course” of the United States.
Umiam Lake
Shillong Peak View Point
Elephant Falls
