Shillong
Shillon, the capital of Meghalaya, differs from other hill stations in some ways. Being conveniently motorable is one of them. A pleasant climate throughout the year is another. The third is unlike other hill stations, it is neither snow bound in winter nor overcrowded in summer. Famed as one of the celebrated hill retreats in the country, this picturesque town still retains quite a bit of its picturesque past; the ‘Raj mystique’, cosmopolitan character and westernised lifestyle. Shillong derives its name from the Shillong Peak, the highest point in Meghalaya overlooking the Shillong city. You can hear many interesting legends related to this place while scaling the summit. On a clear day, you can see the city down below pretty as picture postcard, lying curled at your feet.
Come back to Shillong and you will find it dotted with beautiful churches. Of these, Cathedral Mary: Help of Christians at Latumkhrah is a must see for every visitor. Modelled on a church in Rome, the church is embellished with exellent sculptures and stained glass windows. Kick back your holiday afternoons boating or just feeding the fish at the 100 year old man-made Ward’s Lake. Situated in the heart of the city, it is an artificial lake crafted with beauty in those laid-back days of the British Raj. Since then, time has helped her become more seductive with every passing year. Serenaded by tall conifers and laced with stone walkways, the lake is set off by a charming white, wooden bridge with scools of gold and silver fish cavorting below it. The colourful paddle boats start out from a quaint boat house and pepper the emerald waters of the lake, fleecy clouds chasing one another in the bright blue skies above. And come night, when the lights are turned on and the stars brightly lit up; the lake is at her sensual best.
Lifestyle In Mist Clad Hills
The hills of Meghalaya are ever alive with the sound of music, be it crickets and bird-song or the electronic hum of various music groups. The morning praises the euphony of traditional horns and chimbals, while the evenings pulsate with the rhythm of ubiquitous accoustic guitars, where Rock is a way of life. If music be the food of love, the food that Meghalese love is ‘Jadoh’ - a delicious Biryani clone - prepared with pork, rice and affection. Don’t miss the thrill of savouring ‘Pukhlem’, a mouthwatering bland rice cake relished with piping hot tea of Meghalaya hills. After meals or before, any time is ‘Kwai’ time. You just cannot overlook the pleasure of chewing fresh betel leaf with a tint of lime, taken with a piece of raw areca nut and a wee slice of ginger. A word of caution to the novice - a person not habituated to this potent local delight could well end up with a reeling head. An easy way to revive yourself is, of course, to try your luck at ‘teer’. Once an ancient martial art style of combat, ‘teer’ has now evolved into a popular system of legalised betting. Just a ruppee could get you a fortune in these mist-clad hills.
Many Moods of Meghalaya
The hills and gurgling waters flowing through their hearts create a kaleidoscope of alluring waterfalls all over the green landscape of Meghalaya. On your way to Shillong, after the refreshing cuppa at Nongpoh, look out on your right for the Margaret Falls, rushing through green virgin woodland. Just after reaching Shillong, a narrow by-way at Mawlai takes one to a view point from where the 135 mt high Bishop Falls and the 120 mt Beadon Falls can be seen together. It is indeed an impressive sight to behold the twins fall into the womb of nature and provides ample scope for photography. Remember to halt at the Elephant Falls, a picturesque impression of a unique two-tiered waterfall, 10 km on the way to Cherrapunji.
The wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji in itself, is a major attraction for tourists and is a must on every traveller’s itinerary. Situated 56 km from Shillong, this tranquil pad of leisure is a home to the aboriginal tribes (Khasis). Enjoy the pleasant drive to this rain retreat to see roaring waterfalls leaping into deep gorges, including the popular Nohsngithiang falls. The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. Don’t miss another enchantment of Hindu mythology. Drive 56 km from Shillong to reach Mawsynram, known for its giant stalagmite formation shaped into a Shivlinga. It is a fun to be a part of the colourful ceremony that pulsates this place during Shivratri festival, drawing hundreds of devotees from all pockets of north east India.
Adventure on The Rocks
The pristine hills and sinister gorges of Shillong have recently bracketed the Adventure Tourism concept. The Projects Division of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation has identified two trekking trails and backed them up with exclusive photographs, maps and trekking equipments and tents; all available at the MTDC Office at Polo Road. Register yourself for the five days part-trk and part-bus trip to Cherrapunjee and the seven days trek to Umlyng (extendable to 10 days if one wants to press on upto Mawlyndep). Trek through dense pines and hybrid forests, trace your footprints amidst bamboo groves and leave ephemeral impressions on interesting rock formations, explore exotic ferns and irresistible creepers and feel the pride of touching nature in her true form. Colourful butterflies and a myriad bird-life add to the pleasure while opening up the almost virgin vistas. And as you move further, a whole new drama of ancient forest life comes to your sight. Don’t be amazed to see the pastoral life of the local tribes and knowing their methods of cultivation.
On the other hand, if it is watersport that you are into, the Umiam Lake Resort serves up motor boats, waterscooters, skiing and sailing facilities backed by the comforts of the comforts of the Orchid Lake Resort. Enjoy your hearts out by kicking the chilly winds or kissing the ebullient waters of the lake. Angling is another activity that you can delve into here but ranikor is truly an angler;s dream come true.
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