Khasi Hills Travel Information

Forming the central part of the State of Meghalaya, this region is best known to the world for Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. It is the best known hills resort in north East India and is considered one of the best in the country.

Shilllong has always been the eeting point of traditional cultures and cosmopolitan styles and has its very own charms and attractions - and its own following of regular seasonal visitors !

Situated at 5000 feet, Shillong is entirely motorable throughout, and serves as a base from which the rest of the region can be conveniently covered.

Shillong is set amidst a landscape of slopes covered with heather, orchids and forests of pine, with their typical fragrance, and pure air, quick flowing streams and majestic waterfalls. There are a number of beautiful sights to see, and places to visit. The placid Ward's Lake, the colourful and manicured Lady Hydari Park, the five water-falls each with a character of its own-Sweet, Beadon, Bishop, Elephant, and Spread Eagle,places of Christian worship and of course, Shillong s 18 hole Golf Course, one of the finest and oldest in the country.

Places To Visit In Khasi Hills

Umiam Lake
The majestic lake with its surrounding sylvan hills clothed in the beauty of the myriad emerald green Khasi-pines and the azure blue skies reflected on its clear water, have a hypnotising effect not only on casual visitors but upon all who find themselves in its idyllic setting. The Water Sports Complex situated in the lake provides a choice of row-boats, paddle-boats, cruise boats, sailing boats, water scooters and speed boats.

Lum Nehru Park
Adjacent to the Orchid Lake Resort, on one of the surrounding spurs, there is a charming Park. Besides beautiful lawns and flowers, there is also an orchidarium and aviary.

Cherrapunjee
56 Kms from Shillong, it is set amidst deep gores and roaring waterfalls. No other place in India can offer such variety, the monumental Nohsngithinang.

Falls (Mawsmai Falls), the legendary Dain-thlen Falls, the romantic Nohkalikai Falls ( the world's fourth tallest) and smaller ones down every slope. Close by are a network of limestone caves between Cherrapunjee and Mawsmai, the ends of which are yet to be explored. Iets surroundings are also famous for orange orchards and orange honey.

Mawsynram
55 Kms. From Shilong, it closely rivals Cherrapunjee in annual rainfall. Its major attraction is a picturesque cave of vast and unexplored depth, featuring a giant stalagmite, the slope of a natural Shivalinga. A place of pilgrimage and a natural wonder of sightseers.

Jakrem
A popular health resort with hot sulphur springs 64 Kms. From Shillong.
Ranikor Scintillating place of scenic beauty, it is located 140 Kms from Shillong. It is one of Meghlaya's most popular spots for angling.

Dawki
96 Kms. From Shillong, it is another excellent picnic spot with silver streams and deeep water, magnificent views of the Khasi Hills on one side and Bangladesh on the other.

Festivals

The Festival of Nongkrem
It is celebrated in early November every year and is one of the most important festivals of the Khasis. It is a five day religious festival held at Smit about 11 Kms from Shillong.The Festival is known as Ka Pomblang Nongkrem.

Shad Suk Mynsiem
Another important festival of the Khasis is Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem (Dance of the Joyful Heart). It is a thanks-giving usually celebrated in April. The festival lasts for 3 days.

Communication
The nearest rail0head is at Guwahati, 104 Kms. Away. Guwahati also connects Shillong to the rest of India by air and road. There are regular Indian Airlines ad Jet Airways services form Delhi and Calcutta and the road between Shillong & Guwahati is a dream for motorists. For transport within the capital town, Shillong has city buses taxis.