*The
Crinoline Falls is about 12-13 m in height
and lies to the west of the Survey of India Office.
There is a swimming pool at the base of the falls.
*The Gunner's Falls 1 is about 24-26 m
in height and is near the military establishment
on the Upper Shillong road. It is about 1.6 km
from the GPO.The
Gunner's Falls 2 lies a km away from the Happy
Valley amidst picturesque locales.
*The Spread Eagle Falls or Sati Falls
is located about a mile away from the Polo Ground.
It is a famous picnic spot.
*The Sweet Falls (also called "Weitden,"
in the native dialect) is the most beautiful
of all the waterfalls in Shillong. It lies about
5 km from the Happy Valley and is about 96 m in
height.
*The Elephant Gait and the Elephant Falls are
located near Upper Shillong. These are beautiful
sights especially in the rainy season and are
favorite picnic spots among the locals. Beyond
the Elephant Falls, one can also view the Upper
and Lower Elysium Falls.
*The Beadon Falls lies about 2 km from
Bara Bazaar. There is a hydroelectric powerhouse
at the base of the falls. The Bishop Falls is
also nearby and together they mingle and flow
into the Umiam River.
Peaks
*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. Being the
highest peak in the district, it 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
peak is accessible via the Upper Shillong or Jowai
Road.
*The Sohpetbneng Peak is 1343 m in altitude
and is regarded as sacred by the Hynfiiewtrep
tribe. It is a picturesque location.
*The Dingei Hill is situated near the Umiam
stream. Two paths lead to this hill from Shillong.
One is the narrow tract that leads straight to
the gorge through Umiyangka village. For a height
of 1,000 ft on either side of the stream, the
gradient is very steep and precipitous and makes
for excellent mountain climbing. The second route
begins at Barapani on the GS Road, about 16 km
from Shillong. During the upward journey, one
is provided a captivating view of the Bhoi district,
which lies 300 ft below the summit of the Dingei
Hill.
*The Dumpeep Peak is the highest in Swer
and is 5100 feet above sea level. The Kyllang
rock lies 78 km from Shillong. The rock is a steep
bare cliff of granite, 200 m in height and rises
abruptly from plain grassy downs.
Lakes
*The
Ward Lake is an important tourist site of
Shillong. It is a horseshoe-shaped artificial
lake lying beneath the Raj Bhavan (Governor's
Residence) and the Accountant General's (AG) Office,
with little isles and a bridge over it. The lake
abounds in fish (grass carps) and feeding the
fish from the bridge is a favorite pastime of
the tourists. It is said that a Khasi prisoner,
who requested for any kind of work to get him
out of his cell, initiated its construction. The
lake has a charming winding walk-a-way in the
midst of rolling flowerbeds and fairyland lighting
with gradually undulating grounds, hemmed in by
lush greens. Boats are also available, while the
cafeteria provides refreshments.
*Seventeen kilometers before Shillong is situated
Umiam or Barapani-a large lake formed after a
hydroelectric dam was built across a stream.
In recent years, this has become an increasingly
popular place for outings and weekend visits.
The Orchid Lake Resort, designed by the famous
architect Charles Correa, and constructed amongst
pinewood, overlooks the lake. There are facilities
for water sports here: from kayaking and water
skiing for the adventurous to water cycling and
simple boating for the less brave. The Orchid
Lake Resort, run by the Meghalaya Tourism Department,
has pleasantly appointed rooms with balconies,
a restaurant and bar.
Other
attractions
*The
State Museum is located at the State Central
Library complex in Laichumiere and visitors can
catch a glimpse of the heritage and lifestyle
of the Khasi tribe here. The Butterfly Museum
at Riatsamthiah holds a rare collection of butterflies
and moths.
*The Botanical Garden near Ward Lake has
some species of flora of the region. A better
place is the Orchidarium of the Botanical Survey
of India. It has a rare collection of orchids
and is a treat to the nature lover.
*Near the Botanical Garden, one can find the
celebrated Golf Course, called the Gleneagles
of the East. The Golf club retains the colonial
touch and is the first 18-hole golf course in
Asia.
*Behind the Shillong Civil Hospital, near the
Pine Mount School, is the Lady Hydari Park.
It has a small museum, a small zoo, an aviary,
and a deer park among tall cedars and pines.
*In front of St. Edmund's College, one
can visit the fruit garden, maintained
by the Department of Agriculture. During spring,
one can see the trees in full bloom. There are
many reservoirs filled with natural spring water
that have the dual purpose of watering the gardens
and functioning as a nursery-known as "Fishdale"-for
the raising and breeding of fish, notably hill-trout
and carps.
*Shillong is also famous for its churches.
The most beautiful church is that of the Cathedral
of Mary Help of Christians. Directly below the
hill is the Grotto Church. The All Saints Church
opposite the State Central Library is an attractive
structure made out of wood.
