Tourist Spots

Number of Tourist Spots and Tourists Visiting Meghalaya, 1999 to 2017:

Source: Statistical Abstract Meghalaya, 2016 and 2018

District-Wise Number of Tourist Spots, 2011 to 2017:

Source: Statistical Abstract Meghalaya, 2018

Tourist Places in Meghalaya:

East Khasi Hills:

Shillong: One of the celebrated Hill Resorts in India, neither snow- bound in winter nor over- crowded in summer. The name Shillong is derived from U Shylong, a super- natural half- deity born of a virgin human mother, says the legend. This 128 years old mini-city retains a bit of its picturesque past. No wonder it is called ‘The Scotland of the East’. The architecture here is unique in India. The houses look like English homes with well- laid chimneys of beautiful designs emitting smoke from fire- places through the long wintry months. Spots of tourists’ interest in and around Shillong are:
 

Golf Course: Developed in 1889 as a 9-hole course, it was later converted to an eighteen holes course. Termed as the ‘Geneagle of the East’ at the United States Golf Association Library and Museum.
 

Shillong Peak: The highest point in Meghalaya at 1965 meters above sea level. The city below is pretty as if a picture postcard, lying curled at one’s feet.

Ward’s Lake: Century- old man- made lake. Popular for short garden walks and boating.
 

Botanical Garden: Plethora of indigenous and exotic plants.

Lady Hydari Park: Well- laid gardens and mini zoo.

Crinoline Falls: A cool spot within the city limits.

Bishop Falls and Bidon Falls: Both cascade down the same escarpment into a deep valley: the mass of water dissolving into misty sparks.

Spread Eagle Falls: Soothing setting amidst the calmness of nature- a treat to the eyes.
 

Sweet Falls: Situated near Happy Valley, ideal for picnic.
 

Elephant Falls: At 12 km on the outskirts of the city. A unique two- tiered waterfall, set in dells of fern- covered rocks.
 

State Museum: Located at the State Central Library Complex, visitors can get a glimpse of the life- style and heritage of the local people.
 

Cherrapunjee (Sohra): A pleasant drive to see roaring waterfalls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngthiang Falls.Situated in one of the rainiest belt in 1,300 meters above sea level. Famous for its limestone caves, orange, honey. Center of Khasi culture and literature. The oldest Presbyterian Church and the Ram Krishna Mission are also there. Natural beauty complemented by springs and sacred forests, beautiful Park, Bird sanctuary, Mawsmai Cave and falls are all nearby. Nohkalikai Falls, the fourth tallest falls in the world, adds the glory of Cherrapunjee.
 

Mawsynram: Place of highest rainfall in the world, known for the giant stalagmite formation shaped into a Shivalinga and a cave, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Also unique in geological formation called Symper Rock, an almost flat topped loaf- shaped rocky dome, which rises sharply from the midst of the surrounding hillocks. From its’ base, one has to take an exciting uphill trek to reach the summit of the rock. From the top the top of the hill one can see the plains and the fast- moving rivers of Bangladesh.
 

West Khasi Hills:

Jakrem: A popular Health Resort having hot springs of sulfur water, believed to have medicinal properties.
 

Ri Bhoi:

Umiam Lake: Offers water sports facilities including sailing, water skiing, water scooter, The Orchid Lake Resort and the adjacent Lum Nehru Park is an ideal quiet Holiday Resort.
 

Sohpetbneng: Set amidst a beautiful scenic view against the backdrop of a sacred forest. Navel of Heaven, as per Khasi mythology, or Heavenly Peak, which offers to fill the spiritual void and emptiness to those who seek and desire solace and peace of mind.
 

Jaintia Hills:

Syndai: A village, dotted with a number of caves and caverns, used as hide- outs during wars between Jaintia Kings and foreign intruders. During Shivaratri, people visit this place.
 

Nartiang: The summer capital of the Jaintia Kings. Huge monoliths form the striking landmark of the village. The Nartiang menhir measures 27 ft 6 inches in thickness. The monoliths represent the megalithic culture of the Hynniewtrep people. Also exists a 500 years old Durga temple, where there is evidence of regular human sacrifices.
 

Thadlaskein lake: Legend has it that it was dug with the ends of bows of members of 290 clans of a rebel General of a Jaintia King, to commemorate the great exodus of the clans. Beautiful spot for boating.
 

Jowai: A picturesque town circled by the majestic Myntdu river.
 

William Nagar and nearby: Hot Spring at Resubelpara, Pa Togan Nengminla Memorial and Rasina Falls are there to greet the tourists.

West Garo Hills:

Tura and nearby: A sunset view can be best seen from Tura Peak at 1400 meter above sea level and its summit can be reached by a 5 km trek, partly by hiking and also by rock climbing. Look for Fishing and Bird Watching at Naphak Lake with river Simsang flowing nearby. Other attractive points are:

• Bajengdoba Boat House

• Bobakol cave

• Te Tang Cave

• Gandrakdara falls

• Dolongre Range

• Viewpoint at Chibagre

• South Garo Hills

Balapakram: A National Wildlife Park, known as the ‘Abode of Perpetual Winds’. It is believed that here, the spirits of the dead dwell temporarily before embarking on the last journey. It is home to the Lesser Panda, the Indian Bison and the Stag like Serow.