Best places to visit in Shillong
Shillong is popularly known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ and is a favourite tourist destination among people all over the world. The place is well-known for its natural charm, scenic beauty and absolute serenity. It is one of the most famous picturesque hill stations in India which attracts tourists for a peaceful vacation.
Major Tourist Attractions
Mawlynnong
It is a small village located in the East Khasi Hills and is also known as God’s own Garden. This village has also been declared as one of the cleanest villages in Asia which makes this place a popular tourist destination in the Indian state. The place has lush green valleys, crystal clear water rivers, and beautiful flower orchids.
Shillong Peak
It is the highest point of Shillong. The place offers spectacular views of the entire city, the Himalayas, its waterfalls and plains of Bangladesh. This place is perfect for those who are nature lover and love to go for trekking. Shillong has got its name from Shillong Peak itself. On top of the peak, there is a U Shulong site which is religious and sacred where every visitor like to visit.
Don Bosco Museum
Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures or Don Bosco Museum is one of the well-known museums which is situated within the Sacred Heart Church premises in Shillong. The museum gives a clear history of culture and history of tribes of ancient times. It is a seven-floor building which consists of a total of 17 galleries that have figures, artefacts, paintings, sculptures, and much more.
Ward’s Lake
This beautiful city is located at the heart of the city. It is also known as ‘Polok Lake’. People visit here to enjoy its natural beauty, cobblestone walkway, watch dancing fountain shows or visit the cafeteria over there which is located near the lake. It is the ideal picnic spot to go with your family and enjoy. One can also enjoy boating here and feed the fishes that reside in the lake.
Mawsynram
It is acknowledged as one of the wettest places in the world. This is a perfect place to enjoy the mother nature including fresh air, blue skies waterfalls and lush greenery. It is one of the best tourist attractions in India where people visit to enjoy the rain.
Lady Hydari Park
It is a public park located at the heart of Shillong. It is also known as ‘Phan Nonglait Park’. It is often considered as the best-maintained park in Shillong having a variety of flowering plants and orchids. This is the only park with a mini zoo that comprises of 73 species of birds, 140 reptiles and other mammals. There is also a small museum inside the park which displays the picture of the rare animals of the region.
Best time to visit- September to May
The people in Shillong celebrate their festival with great joy and enthusiasm. They celebrate different kinds of festivals based upon different themes throughout the year. There are several festivals celebrated by them, some of the important ones are-
Festivals-
Autumn Festival
It is a well-known festival in India which is celebrated every year during the months of October/November. This is basically a cultural extravaganza that reflects the rich culture of the nation. During this festival, people from across the nation display the culture of the place with great enthusiasm. This festival features several events like a food and wine festival, fashion show, flower shows, music performances, sports events, kite flying competitions and much more.
Nongkrem Dance Festival
It is held during October/November, at Smit, the capital of Khyrim Syiemship near Shillong. This festival is celebrated in order to thank the almighty God for good harvest, peace and prosperity of the community. A goat is also sacrificed and offered to God followed by the dance performance by young women and men.
Behdienkhlam Festival
It is an important festival which is celebrated by the people from Jaintia, a Tribe of Meghalaya. During this festival, people offer prayers to seek blessings for good health and prosperity. It is celebrated during the month of July. The festival is followed by music and cheerful dance by young men and women.
Garoga Wangala Festival
This festival is one of the popular festivals which is celebrated during the month of November to mark the yield of good harvest annually. This festival has a ritual of sacrifice to Goddess “Misi Saljong” for getting blessings for abundance food grains. The festival is followed by cheerful dance and music performances.
Shad Suk Mynsiem Festival
This festival is celebrated during April every year. It is also popularly known as the ‘Dance of Contentment’. It is a festival during which people of Shillong offer prayers to God for a good harvest. It is a three-day long festival. Dance and music performances are an important attraction of this festival.
