EXCURSIONS
Significance : Capital Of Meghalaya
Nearby Attractions : Cherrapunjee, Mawsynram, Ranikor, Jakrem, Dawki
Best Time To Visit : April To May And September To November
EXCURSIONS
Cherrapunjee
To be in Shillong and not visit Cherrapunjee is like returning hungry
from a bridal feast! The place once received the highest rainfall in the
world. (Now it is Mawsynram nearby that has the highest rainfall). It is
just 56-km from Shillong, facilitating a trip to and back the same day.
Locally known as Sohra, it is not awash with heavy rains everyday of the
year as is generally believed. In Sohra, there is a mighty waterfall that
is a heart pounding drop into the gorges and fascinating limestone caves
and of course the orchids and orange honey.
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.
Dainthlen Falls
Located near Cherrapunjee there exists another gentle but beautiful
waterfall known as Dainthlen Falls or the falls where Thlen (Python) was
butchered. Legend has it that once upon a time, the people in order to rid
themselves of evil hunted down the Thlen and butchered it on the wide flat
rocks overlooking a gentle waterfall. Ever since the waterfall at this
place has been known as Dainthlen falls.
Ranikor
140-km from Shillong located on the bank of the river Jadukata, Ranikor
stands on the beautiful sunny-sands of the river. A ferry service carries
one across. Ranikor is an excellent fishing ground and the Jadukata has no
shortage of huge golden Mahseers. The deeply forested environs of the
place produce a scenic background of unique beauty. Its abundance of
wildlife transformers the place into a wildlife lovers paradise.
Jakren
64-km from Shillong, a popular health resort, having hot-springs of
sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties.
Dawki
96-km from Shillong, is a border town, where one can have a glimpse of
the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. The colourful 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.
Mairang
40-km from Shillong, capital of Nongkhlaw State, home of the legendary U
Tirot Sing Syiem (Raja of Nonk\Gkhlaw), who spear headed a war against the
British invaders to defend the territorial integrity and cultural identity
of the Hynniewtrep people. He raised the battle cry on April 4, 1829, but
was finally captured and died in captivity in Dhaka on July 17, 1855.
Mawsynram And Jakrem
Mawsynram, now officially the "world's wettest place", is just
12-km away from Cheerapunjee, but there is no direct transport the two -
one has come back atleast as far as Upper Shillong. Mawsynram's main
attraction is Mawjinbuin Cave, where a stalgmite in the form of a Lingam
(also spelt as Linga) receives regular drips of water from a rock.
Jakrem, 21-km off the main road 44-km out of Shillong, has hot water
springs, but is not as yet served by public transport.
Jowai
The Jaintia hills in the east of the
state are fairly easily accessible, with buses from Shillong's Bara Bazaar
to Jowai, the main town of the region, makes a good base for visiting
Narting, 29-km away from the town and 65-km from Shillong. This was the
Summer capital of the Jaintia Kings, and features ancient monoliths - the
tallest of which stands 8m high - dating back to the megalithic
Hynniewtrep people. Nartiang also has a 15th century Durga temple.
To go back to the beginning, Shillong is indeed a coming together of
experiences, each so individualistic and yet blending into a fine mélange.
Or as the locals say, "Khublei" (God bless), it is indeed
blessed by the Gods.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is situated in
Guwahati
(Borjhar) in Assam, 124-km away from Shillong.
Rail: The nearest railhead is situated at
Guwahati
, 100-km away.
Road: One can catch regular taxis and buses from the airport and
rail station.
PLACES TO STAY
There is no dearth of hotels in Shillong. Most of the hotels are near the main taxi and bus stands. Touts are yet to make their presence felt here and so the choice is wide and open.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Best Season: April-May, before the onset of the
monsoon and September-November.
Climate & Clothes: Pack light woollens and rain gear. Rains
are unpredictable throughout the year.
RESTAURANTS IN SHILLONG
Pinecone (Hotel Pinewood): Near Raj Bhavan (Governor's House)
La Galarie (Hotel Centre Point): Police Bazar
Polo Tower (Hotel Polo Towers): Near Polo Ground
Kimfa : Malki Point
Broad Way (Broadway Hotel): Police Bazar
Eee Cee : Police Bazar
Exclusive Restaurant (Hotel Alpine Continental): Police Bazar
The Unicorn (Hotel Pegasus Crown): Police Bazar
Blue Vada (Orchid Lake Resort): Barapani
The Host : Police Bazar
Yalana : Laitumkhrah
Bamboo Hut : Rap's Mansion
MARKETING CENTRES IN SHILLONG
Bara Bazar (Iewduh): The biggest open air market in India
Police Bazar: Located at the heart of the city
Glory's Plaza: Located at Police Bazar
Synod Complex: Located at Mot Phran
Departmental Store: Rap's Mansion
Laitumkhrah Bazar: Located at Laitumkhrah
Polo Bazar: Located at Polo
FOR ADVENTURE TOURS
Contact for details at:
Meghalaya Adventurers Association
c/o. Hotel Centre Point, Police Bazar, Shillong - 793 001
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Director of Tourism
Nokrek Building, Lower
Lachumiere
Shillong-793001
MTDC Ltd.v Orchid Hotel
Polo Road, Shillong-793001
M.T.D.C. Ltd.
Meghalaya House
9, Russel Street,
Calcutta-700071
Tourist Office
Meghalaya House
9, Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi-110011
Tourism Information Centre Ulubari
G.S. Road, Guwahati-781001
Added Attractions
M.T.D.C. organises sightseeing tours every Saturday in and around
Shillong.
NEARBY CITIES
Cheerapunjee: 56-km
Mawsynram: 68-km
Jakrem: 44-km
Nartiang:
65-km
Guwahati
: 103-km
Know more about this Package !!!
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