DTDC Courier :: North East Sector

The romantic city of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, has been one of the important tourist destinations in the northeast. It is often referred to as the “Scotland of the East” due to its striking similarity with the Scottish highlands. The city derives its name from “Leishyllong”—the Superpower or God who is believed to reside on the Shillong peak, overlooking the city. Lying in the cradle of the tall pine conifers and pineapple shrubs, Shillong’s undulating terrain is a constant source of attraction for tourists. The Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes add color to this hilly city.

Climate
The higher ranges of the Khasi/Jaintia hills enjoy a cool, bracing, temperate climate while the winters can be cold. The Garo hills on the other hand, is at a lower altitude, and has tropical vegetation. The summer months in Tura, the administrative capital of Garo hills, are warm and humid whereas winters are pleasant with a slight chill. Shillong is subject to vagaries of the monsoon. The monsoons arrive in June and it rains almost until the end of August. The climate is hot and humid during summers but quite cold during winters. October-November and March-April are the best months to visit Shillong.

People
The Khasi, Jaintia, Bhoi, War collectively known as the Hynniewtrep people predominantly inhabit the districts of East Meghalaya, also known to be one of the earliest ethnic group of settlers in the Indian sub-continent, belonging to the Proto Austroloid Monkhmer race. The Garo Hills is predominantly inhabited by the Garos, belonging to the Bodo family of the Tibeto-Burman race, said to have migrated from Tibet. The Garos prefer to call themselves as Achiks and the land they inhabit as the Achik-land. The Khasis inhabit the eastern part of Meghalaya, in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.

The Khasis, the Jaintias and the Garos have a matrilineal society. Descent is traced through the mother, but the father plays an important role in the material and mental life of the family. In the Khasi society, the woman looks after home and hearth, the man finds the means to support the family, and the maternal uncle settles all social and religious matters.

Places to See

Shillong Peak: An ideal picnic spot that offers a panoramic view of these country side, and is also the highest point in the state. Obeisance is paid to U Shulong at the sanctum at the peak's summit every springtime, by the religious priest of Mylliem State. In the evening the city lights below appear like a star-studded abyss.

Sohpetbneng Peak: It is regarded as sacred by the Hynniewtrep people, is set amidst a beautiful scenic view against the backdrop of a sacred forest. This 'Navel of Heaven' as per Khasi mythology is a heavenly peak, which offers to fill the spiritual void and emptiness, to those who seek and desire solace and peace of mind.

Ward's Lake: Ward's Lake is century old picturesque lake also known as Polok Lake. Located in the heart of the city, popular for short garden walks and boating. The lake has a striking arched bridge over it.

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures(DBCIC) - It is situated in Shillong. Study, promotion and development of indigenous cultures are its focus. It houses several galleries of cultural artifacts and a research wing. Even in terms of design the DBCIC is startling: built in hexagonal shape, its seven floors represent the seven states of North East India. The building rises to form a flame, expressing the reality that if cultures are understood well, they can form a communion of cultures for a better society.

Umiam Water Sports Complex: The Water Sports Complex has been developed upon the mighty reservoir of the Umiam Hydro Electric Project, at Umiam. The campus consists of a beautiful Orchid Lake Resort, the Nehru Park. Besides it offers a wide choice of exciting water sports activities with row-boats, paddle-boats, cruise-boats, sailing-boats, water-scooters, speed-boats and a floating restaurant with ferry services.

Botanical Garden: A secluded but captivating spot with a plethora of indigenous and exotic plants and is located just below the Ward's Lake. It also houses a mini-aviary with rare and colorful species of birds. The secluded setting of the Botanical Garden with its well-laid paved walks makes it a favorite resort for city dwellers.

Lady Hydari Park: Lady Hydari Park, stretching over 1 km is replete with roses and blossoms of exquisite hues and colours, is a feast to eyes. Owes its existence to Lady Hydari, the wife of an erstwhile Governor of Assam. It has an excellent mini zoo cum deer park.

Golf Course - Shillong Golf Course is considered to be the "Glen-eagle of the East" at the United States Golf Association Museum. The site where the Golf Course is located provides a scenic view. It was set in an undulating valley covered with thick groves of pine and rhododendron trees at an altitude of 5200 ft in 1898 as a 9-hole course and later converted into a 18-hole course in 1924 by Captain Jackson and C. K. Rhodes.

State Museum - The State Museum is located in the state central library premises with a good collection of artifacts of North Eastern India in general and Meghalaya in particular.

Shillong Cathedral - Churches and cathedrals, large and small, have come up everywhere in the city. Some of these churches and cathedrals are so spacious and large that they can be easily accommodate a few thousand worshippers, at a time. Among such large churches of Shillong, mention can be made of the Shillong Cathedral, the Mawkhar Presbyterian Church, the Jaiaw Presbyterian Church, the Laitumkhrah Presbyterian Church and the All Saints' Cathedral, as prominant landmarks of the City.

Bishop and Beadon Falls - Both cascade down the same escarpment into a deep valley, the mass of water dissolving into misty spark.

Elephant Falls - 12 kms on the outskirts of the city the mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern-covered rocks. At a short distance beyond the falls, there are two smaller falls which also are beautiful and captivating. These are the Wei Iaplam Falls and the Wir Phang Falls. A well paved footpath and a small wooden bridge provide easy access to these falls.

Spread Eagle Falls - Located within the Shillong Cantonment, on the outskirts of the city, lies a sparkling waterfall which looks like an eagle with wings spread. Hence the name Spread Eagle Falls.

Sweet Falls - Situated near Happy Valley at a distance of about eight kilometers from Shillong. It resembles a straight pencil of water emerging from a large size water pipe, as it drops vertically over a distance exceeding two hundred feet. Most suitable for a day's outing and picnic.

Crinoline Falls - Located in the heart of the city adjacent to the Lady Hydari Park with its mini zoo, lies the Crinoline Falls which cascades through its jungle path. At the foot of the falls there is a well maintained swimming pool, an attached restaurant and regular evening programs that are arranged for the benefit of tourist and visitors.

Diengiei Peak - Located to the west of the Shillong plateau, Diengiei Peak is just two hundred feet lower than Shillong peak. The peak presents a spectacular view of green mountainous hills. The captivating hills are dotted with tiny shining villages. On the top of Diengiei, there is a huge hollow, shaped like a cup, which some geologists believe could be the crater of an extinct pre-historic volcano.

Dwarksuid - An enigmatically beautiful pool with wide, rocky sand banks located on a stream alongside the Umroi-Bhoilymbong Road is known as Dwarksuid or Devil's doorway. Its lotus-like rock formations are captivatingly scenic and unforgettable.

Kyllang Rock - Located about eleven kilometres off Mairang, is a steep dome of red granite rising to an elevation of about five thousand and four hundred feet above sea level. According to geologists, the hard red granite rock is several million years old. The rock is accessible from its northern and eastern flanks, but inaccessible from its southern flank where its slope exceeds 800 over an incline of about six hundred feet. The southern side of Kyllang Rock is encumbered with enormous detached blocks of rock, while its northern side is clothed with dense forests, containing age-old red Rhododendron trees and oaks besides bushy, white Rhododendron trees which are not found elsewhere.

Cherrapunjee (Sohra): Better known as Sohra, Cherrapunjee is one of the most visited tourist spots of North Eastern India. Situated 56 Kms from Shillong and 1300 metres above sea level, known all over the world as the rainiest place on the planet. A pleasant drive to see roaring water falls leaping into deep gorges, including the famous Nohsngithiang falls is certainly an ever memorable visual treat. The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves, orange and honey. The oldest Theological College, established by the Welsh Presbyterian Missionaries in 1888, known as Cherrapunjee Theological College, is located here,. In addition, the natural beauty is complemented by springs and sacred forests.

12 Kms from Cherrapunjee is situated a beautiful Park 'Thangkharang'. Besides housing a bird sanctuary, the spot commands an imposing almost 180 degree view of the plains of Bangladesh. The ideal time to visit is during the monsoons when the gorges become resplendent with several seasonal waterfalls.

Noh Kalikai Falls - A few kilometres to the west of Sohra (Cherrapunji), a clear bubbling stream emerges from its steep mountain bed to hurl down a rocky precipice, into a deep gorge, creating a captivating view of breathtaking beauty.

Mawsynram – It is known for the giant stalagmite formation shaped into a "Shivalinga" and found inside a cave known locally as 'Mawjymbuin' One. There is also a unique geological formation called "Symper Rock". It is an almost flat topped loaf-shaped rocky dome, which rises sharply from the midst of the surrounding hillocks.

Jakrem – It is a potential health resort having gushing hot-spring of sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties. People from all parts of the region flock to the hot-spring at Jakrem for bathing themselves in its waters.

Ranikor - Ranikor is one of Meghalaya's most popular spots for angling, with an abundance of carp and other fresh water fish. Huge golden mahseers, the pride of the anglers are available here.

Nongkhnum island - Nongkhnum Island is the biggest river island in Meghalaya and the second biggest island in Asia. Travelling on foot from Nongstoin through the villages of Lawse, Mawduh and Mawthar, it takes about two and a half-hours to reach the Island. There is a wooden bridge over the Weinia Fall to enter the Island. The Island is formed by the bifurcation of Kynshi River into the Phanliang River and the Namliang River. At the point of divergence, there is a beautiful sandy shore about 100 sq. meters in area. The Phanliang River forms a beautiful lake adjacent to the sandy beach. This lake is about 400 to 500 sq. meters.

Things to Do - Trekking

One of the popular trekking routes is the old mule track built by David Scott. Today known as the David Scott’s Trail, it runs from the Borders of Assam, across Khasi Hills, to the border of Bangladesh. This entire picturesque route extends to a five days trek or can be divided into shorter treks, the most common being from Mawphlang (Sacred Forest) to Lad Mawphlang, a one day trek.
Another interesting trek is from Cherrapunjee to Pynursula or Krang to Pynursula. This trek is hard as one has to walk deep into the valleys before climbing up to Pynursula. There are many Living Root bridges on this trek and the experience of life in the deep valleys, with no access to modern amenities is unforgettable. This trek can be undertaken with the help of guides or tour operators.
Jaintia hills offers a trek from Nartiang (Summer Capital of the erstwhile Jaintia Kings), to the plains of Bangladesh. This is a historical trek relating to the history of the Jaintia Kingdom.

The Balpakram national park offers a wide variety of treks particularly ideal for wildlife treks. For these treks the assistance and advice from the Forest Department officials is necessary.. Langurs, Hornbills and and other birds are quite easily spotted and sometimes the elusive sambar can be seen.

One of the most attractive spots in Garo hills is Siju. Making a base here one can trek towards the Balpakram National Park to a village called Rongsu, which can be expanded into a longer trek to include the Balpakram National Park. Trekking from Tura to the Nokrek peak is an arduous task but worth the effort if one has the stamina. For people inclined to exert less effort the trek can be reversed by taking a drive to the Nokrek Peak. This trek involves crossing through some virgin tropical forests and wading through mountain streams. While trekking in Garo Hills there is always a likelihood of seeing or hearing wild elephants.
Mawthadraishan in West Khasi Hills is a range of low hills which are ideal easy treks through rolling hills. Treking in Meghalaya can be organised with advice from either the Tourism Department, Guides and Tour operators.

Wildlife in Meghalaya
The North Eastern region of India is considered to have one of the most varied selections of flora and fauna in the world. Species of plant and animal life, natural to mainland India, South East Asia and China can be found in this region. To help preserve this ecological diversity the Government has declared two National parks, one biosphere reserve and three sanctuaries. They are the Balpakram National Park, The Nokrek National Park, The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve.

The Siju Bird Sanctuary, the Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary and the Nongkhyllem Sanctuary.

Meghalaya has a large number of wild animals the most common of which is the Asian Elephant. The elephant population is mainly concentrated in Garo Hills though some can be found in parts of Jaintia Hills and Ri Bhoi District. There are a few royal Bengal tigers here as well. Some of the other animals being the Himalayan Bear, the bear cat, leopards, wild cat, slow loris, three species of macaques, common langur, the Hoolock Gibbon and many species of deer.

Meghalaya, has a number of rare birds endemic to the State. The terrain being hilly only a few wetland birds are found in the state. Migratory ducks can be spotted in the Umiam Lake and the Siju Bird Sanctuary. The birds found in the hills normally inhabit thickly woode4d forests and are not easily seen. The Great Indian Hornbill, found in Garo Hills, is easy to spot in the Balpakram National Park. The lesser or Grey Hornbill is also seen around Siju. The Hill Myna is endemic to this area and can be observed during the nesting season. One interesting and rare bird is the Peacock Pheasant seen in Siju. Different species of bee eaters and bulbuls can be found in the southern slopes of Khasi and Jaintia hills. Just below the Shillong Peak is a patch of mixed forests which has been mentioned in some bird watching handbooks as a good place to observe a variety of birds in season. The salt deposits found in Arebellagre village, about 45 kms from Tura, attract large number of green pigeons during the months of March/April.

The Nongkhyllem Sanctuary near Nongpoh is also a good place for bird watching. The best time for bird watching is March/April during the nesting season.