The following in a guest post by Himanshu, a travel blogger at PearlsIndiaTour.
6 Places to Visit in Shillong
Also known as the “Abode of Clouds”, the hill station of Meghalaya, and capital, Shillong is the coolest, most serene and the place most proximal to nature.
How to get there?
By Air: The Shillong Airport at Umroi connects only to the popular city of Kolkata, so you can take a taxi to Shillong from the airport.
By rail: Around 100km away is the Guwahati railway station which is very well connected to all major railway stations of India.
By road: Plenty of buses ply to and from the Guwahati railway station and also there are many share taxis that are available at every spot.
Best time to visit
Well, Meghalaya is an ideal vacation destination for it is in pristine condition all year round. Although the temperature in winters ranges from 4 to 16 degree Celsius, it is still a pleasant tourist destination.
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6 Places to Visit in Shillong
1. Bara Bazaar
Located in East Khasi Hills, the Bara Bazaar is that one place which cannot be missed by any tourist. With its bustling streets, an assortment of items to make mind-boggling choices from and their uniqueness, this market is one of the oldest farmers’ market in our country. The best part is the cost-effectiveness of the items up for sale ranging from groceries to meat to what one can call a vernissage of cottage industry items. A visit to this place makes for a nice mini day trip.
2. Elephant Falls
Locate at a distance of about 11km from Police Bazaar are the beautiful Elephant falls. It is also known as the “Three Steps Waterfalls” since it consists of three steps in succession. The British renamed it as there was a rock resembling an elephant near the main falls. It would take a maximum of half an hour to reach this place from the busy Shillong city and one can hire a cab to and from this place.
3. Umiam Lake
The name ‘Umiam Lake’ which literally translates to ‘Water of Tears’ is a reservoir which is located in the hills 15kms to the north of Shillong. This multi-utilitarian lake not only serves as a storehouse of water for electricity generation but also is an important tourist destination for nature lovers, photographers, and also a habitat for a variety of ecosystems. There is also a provision for water sports like kayaking, water skiing and it makes for a nice one-day trip.
4. Mahadev Khola Dham
One of the many mystical caves of India, the Mahadev Khola Dham is located in the East Khasi Hills, Shillong. This cave is rather a cave temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is about 150 years old. It is a major attraction during Mahashivratri and there are many mysterious stories surrounding its discovery. There are many religious places close to this temple and it forms a pilgrimage circuit of sorts and this is a great place for history, archaeology and adventure enthusiasts.
5. Spread Eagle Falls
Located at Laitumkhrah in Shillong are the Spread Eagle Falls. This is an eponymous waterfall as it mysteriously resembles an eagle when observed closely and is also known as the Sati Falls or Umkaliar. There is greenery all around the place and when these falls cascade down they create a huge pool of water which is pure and refreshing. This place also makes for a perfect backdrop for photographers and is a must visit place in Shillong.
6. Shillong Peak
Although one might miss out on many of the famous tourist spots in Shillong, one cannot miss the breath taking view from the Shillong Peak. Located at 6,449 feet on the East Khasi Hills this is the highest point in Shillong. There is a small telescope installed at the peak through which one can soak in the beauty radiating from the length and breadth of Shillong. There is another beautiful point close to Shillong Peak known locally as View 360 which literally gives a wonderful 360-degree view of the area around including the Shillong city. The Shillong Peak is open all days from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Himanshu is a travel blogger, a writer who always takes time off work to visit as many places as possible and educate people about them. He regularly blogs at Tour To India & Pearls India Tour, and while not visiting new places, he likes to have a quiet time meditating and doing yoga.
