Shillong - Scotland of East

Shillong is a hill station in the northeastern part of India and the capital of Meghalaya. It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the British of Scotland. Hence, they would also refer to it as the "Scotland of the East".

The name Shillong is derived from U-Shyllong, a powerful deity and is situated at an altitude of 1,491m above sea level. The city lies in the centre of a plateau and is surrounded by hills. Apart from the natural beauty, Shillong also acts as the gateway to Meghalaya, the state famous for heavy rainfall, caves, tallest waterfalls, beautiful landscapes and amazing people and their culture. Shillong is also fast emerging as an education hub for the entire northeastern region.

Things to do in Shillong:

Boating in Umiam Lake:

Umiam Lake (locally known as Dam sait) is a reservoir in the hills 15 km (9.3 mi) north of Shillong in the state of Meghalaya. Umiam Dam, which impounds the lake, was built by the Assam State Electricity Board in the early 1960s. The dam's original purpose was to store water for hydroelectric power generation. 

Umiam Lake also known as Barapani Lake. It is beautiful and most happening tourist spot of Shillong. Umiam Viewpoint known as  “Mawlai Mawiong Rim” gives a scenic view. This place is quite pleasant and beautiful. The lake also offers boating to the visitors. 

Sightsee Elephant Falls:

Named after an Elephant like stone at its foot, the Elephant Falls are amongst the most popular falls in the North-East, situated next to Shillong. It is a tourists' paradise with three layers of the falls accessible to the layman from different vantage points. The Britishers named this fall so owing to the presence of an elephant-shaped rock on one side of the fall. However, the stone disintegrated and was washed away due to an earthquake in 1897. Elephant Waterfalls is a superb place for spending some time in the midst of nature while capturing the incredible moments. It is located 12 km away from the capital city of Shillong,

Shillong Peak:

At the height of about 1970 m above sea level, Shillong Peak is the highest point in Shillong. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city, the Himalayas, its waterfalls as well as Bangladesh plains.

Trekking up to this semi-circular Shillong Peak is highly recommended , where you can relish some magnificent views of the entire city of Shillong .

The peak is also believed to be the abode of the deity that protects the city.

Sweet Falls:

One of the steepest and the most mesmerizing falls of the country, the Sweet Falls is located about 5 km from Happy Valley in Shillong. At a height of 315 feet, it is often considered as the most stunning yet most dangerous waterfall.  The Sweet Falls of Shillong is a popular picnic spot surrounded by greenery and filled with the sounds of the chirping birds. There is also a butterfly museum a mini zoo near the waterfalls.

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures:

Acclaimed as one the finest museum in Asia on the promotion of indigenous and tribal cultures, Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC) or Don Bosco Museum as it is popularly known is a major tourists' attraction that provides a glimpse of the rich and multi-cultural lifestyles, history and traditions of the indigenous peoples of North East India. The museum, showcasing many galleries, gives an insight into the beautiful and diverse cultural richness of the eight States of India's North East under one roof.

Lady Hydari Park:

The Lady Hydari Park is named after the wife of Governor of Assam. She was an avid lover of nature. One of the first things that you will notice when you enter this park is the Japanese style garden. The round shape of Hedge with circular design elements, willow trees, numerous small ponds, all have a distinct Japanese influence.

Angling at Dawki:

The picturesque beauty of Dawki is mesmerizing both in reel and real. One can visit here to get lush green hills, crystal clear waters and an ample amount of fresh air to inhale. Dawki is magnificent with its crystal clear water and one can spot the rock bed beneath because of its clarity. One must try fishing here in this pleasant environment.

Meghalaya Living Root Bridge:

The natural marvel of Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya is mindblowing. These wonderful structures have meticulously grown over a period of time and are among the biggest attractions in Meghalaya. 

The whole idea of Meghalaya’s living bridges came into the picture some two centuries ago (180 years precisely) when veterans of Khasi clan living in Meghalaya put rubber tree roots into hollow canes of Areca nut palm that met halfway across the stream. The roots were nurtured and cared properly until they grew enough to reach the opposite bank, get completely entwined with each other, and make themselves capable enough to carry heavy weight.

Kyllang Rock:

Kyllang Rock is an impressive natural monolith – a giant grey dome that juts out of the pine forests of West Khasi Hills. There is a path which you can climb along with rest stops and summer houses along the way. The view from the top of the rock is spectacular – from green woods and quaint villages to mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets if you time your hike accordingly.

Sophet Bneng:

Sohpetbneng peak stands at a height of 1,344 metres; it lies seventeen kilometres from Shillong, with its entrance located along the Shillong–Guwahati highway. Sohpetbneng translates to ‘Navel of Heaven’; according to folklore, Men and Gods were connected through a golden bridge that connected Heaven and Earth at this sacred hill. 

According to a popular belief, when humans found that the land around Lum Sophet Bneng was fertile, they began to cultivate it but never stayed overnight on Earth as they ascended to Heaven through the ladder. The sixteen families/clans that took up cultivation led this peaceful life until one day, due to their ambition, they chopped off the tree that served as the ladder, resulting in seven clans being stranded on Earth.

Kayaking at Kynshi River:

Kayaking is an extremely exciting activity in which a person moves across the water using a paddle on a kayak. Kynshi River, located in the West Khasi Hills, is very popular for this activity and is in fact considered to be the best destination for this sport. Kayaking is considered to be the ultimate adventure here as it offers opportunities for swimming and water sliding as well. There may be times when it is heavily raining, and the authorities close down the facilities since the activity becomes unsafe to be performed in such weather. Otherwise, you will always find the river crowded with tourists who come here especially to enjoy the thrill of this activity.

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