Meghalaya Tourist Places

Barapani (Umiam Lake):

Set amidst the hills of Meghalaya, Barapani is distinctively the biggest artificial lake and the first hydel project in the north-east. Wrapped by the rich green valleys and pine trees with the fluffy clouds and blue sky above, the sparkling Umiam lake spreads over an area of 10 sq km. Local folklore narrates of a legend related to the existence of this river stream. As stated, two sisters from heaven planned to make their way to earth, but only one of them reached the destination. At the loss of her sister, the lonely one cried to her heart’s lament that her tears created this beautiful lake. Of late, the lake has become a hub for water sports activities like kayaking, water cycling, scooting and boating. The Nehru Park, situated adjacent to the lake, offers a wide collection of orchids and butterflies.

Shillong Peak:

The highest point in the state, the shillong peak showcases a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding villages around the peak. Set at an altitude of about 6,433 feet, this famous tourist destination is an exciting picnic spot amid scenic and picturesque natural surroundings. The summit of the peak serves as a sacred spot for religious prayers offered to U. Shulung by the spiritual priests of Mylliem Statue during the spring season.

Elephant Falls:

Locally called by the Khasi name as ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew’ or Three Steps Waterfall, Elephant Fall flows through two successive falls set amidst fern covered rocks. The first rays of the sun falling on this cascading waterfall create an eye-catching view to nature lovers especially during the Monsoon season.

Ward’s Lake:

This artificial horse-shoe shaped lake, locally known as nan-Polok is encompassed by lush green enchanting garden with varieties of colorful flowers, set amidst the heart of Shillong city. A stroll along the sand stone pathways of the garden, pleasant walks on the wooden arched bridge at the middle of the lake and boating in the lotus-filled lake serves as an exciting attraction of this tourist spot.

Botanical Garden:

Encompassed by beautifully-laid paved pathways and pleasant atmosphere, the Botanical Garden located near the Ward’s lake captures a varied collection of indigenous and exotic plants. In addition, it is a home to a number of rare and colourful species of birds.

Cathedral of Mary Help of Christian

The largest and the most beautiful cathedral in Meghalaya, the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christian is the central place of worship of the highest number of Catholics of Shillong. Designed in the pattern of European art and architecture, this religious institution beckons a large number of devotees and tourists to its serene and holistic site.

Shillong Golf Course:

The third oldest Golf course in India, the Shillong Golf Course is famously named as the ‘Gleneagle of the East’. It attained its present structure of 18 holes course from 9 holes course in 1924 A.D. by Captain Jackson and C.K. Rhodes. The longest hole on the course, also acclaimed to be the longest in India is the 594 yards, the sixth. Set amidst fragrant pine and flowering rhododendron trees, this golf course offers scenic beauty and calm surroundings with enough space for evening walks and picnics.

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture:

Offering an exclusive display of the heritage and varied unique culture of entire North-East, Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture includes Research on Cultures, Publications, Training, Animation Programmes etc. An indispensable part of this centre, the seven floor Don Bosco Mmuseum exhibits 14 unique galleries displaying a wide range of knowledge interaction on different cultures of North – East India. The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture skywalk also provides a 360 degree exotic sight of the majestic beauty of Shillong city.

Butterfly Museum:

This entomological museum is renowned for its unique and exclusive collection of butterflies and moths. It is highly acclaimed to be the only known museum in India of its kind under the private authority of M/S Wankhar, Riatsamthiah.

Spread Eagle Falls:

This cascading waterfall, set amidst the outskirts of the Shillong city provides a serene pleasantness to the tourist’s delight. The name signifies the sparkling waterfall’s structure resembling an Eagle spreading out its wings.

Lady Hydari Park:

Famously named after the wife of Sir Akbar Hydari, erstwhile Governor of Assam, this well groomed garden, covering nearly a km is endowed with rich variety of flora and fauna. This park, maintained by the Forest Department is situated right in the midst of the city. Adjacent to it, is a mini – zoo cum deer park and children’s playground.

Crinoline Falls:

An enchanting waterfall cascading through the jungle path, flowing to a perfectly maintained swimming pool, serves an exciting tourist spot located in the midst of the city close to the Lady Hydari Park.

Nohkalikai Falls:

Enchanting Nohkalikai Falls is renowned to be the tallest waterfall in India and fourth longest fall in the world with a height of about 1,100 feet. This charming waterfall flowing down to green colored pool holds a tragic legend after its name. As narrated, a local woman named Ka Likai had a daughter from her first husband. She remarries later, but her daughter faces the hatred and jealousy of her step father who strangles her to death and cooks her flesh (in her mother’s absence) and offers it to her mother. The heinous act of the father is revealed soon after and in utter grief the woman flung herself off the cliff, thus giving its name ‘Nohkalikai’, meaning ‘fall of Ka Likai in Khasi language.

Mawsmai Cave:

This famous tourist delight is the only fully lighted cave of Meghalaya. Structurally, the cave (with a length of 250 meter) is separated in two parts - old part is entirely lighted while the new part is yet to install such lighting facilities. The cave possesses attractive lime formation of large passages and chambers crafted over years by the slow dripping of water which allows proper space for the tourists to explore around.

Thangkharang Park:

A popular botanical delight housing some rare and exotic orchids along with unique species of plants, Thangkharang park set on rocky cliffs falls under the management and maintenance of the State Forest Department. This park exhibits a majestic view of the plains of Bangladesh on a clear day.

Eco Park:

stablished under the authority of Meghalaya Govt., Eco Park is a nature’s delight housing a large number of hybrid and native orchids provided by the Shillong Agri - Horticultural Society. It also offers a panoramic view of the far Sylhet Plains of Bangladesh.

Seven Sister Falls:

Popularly known as the Seven Sister Falls, located at Mawsmai village, is claimed to be the fourth highest waterfall in India. The waterfall derives its name from the seven segmented streams which flow down from a height of 1,033 meters. The spectacular sight of the waterfall attracts the tourists only in the rainy season. The other two insignificant names of the Seven Sister Fall are Nohsngithiang Falls and Mawsmai Falls.

Living Root Bridge:

These exceptional and unique natural bridges are nowhere found in the world except in Meghalaya. Structurally, the roots of the bridges are about 18 inches broad and 6 inches thick. The bridge is engineered from the roots of ficus elastica, a species of the Indian rubber tree with exuberant root growths. The bridges gain their strength with its growing years with a maximum life span of about 500 to 600 years. These botanical wonders serve as a challenge to the human race before the unexplainable mystery of nature. Most of these bridges are still fully functional and are still being used by some villagers as the root bridges are the only nexus between those villages and the outer world.