Scotland of East.. Shillong

Shillong, one of the smallest states in India and home to the Khasis, is widely known as "Scotland of the East". Situated at an average altitude of 4,908 feet this town surrounded by the rolling hills around reminded the European settlers of Scotland & hence the name. I experienced the beauty of this place few days back. My jouney towards this beautiful hill station began in morning from Paltan Bazaar at Guwahati. After almost half an hour of driving on plains the twisted roads began . I personally enjoy ride through these curves because with each turn a new view comes alive. We halted at Nangpoh for tea, while my family got busy with refreshments me & my camera got busy clicking..

On route to Shillong

The curves increased with time and so did beauty of surrounding landscape. After almost a journey of 2 hours 30mins we reached our first spot "Umium Lake" , a reservoir located in the hills 15 km to the North of Shillong. Barapani, as localites call this lake is vast surrounded by hill from all sides. Spending some time here we moved forward towards Shillong town.

Umium Lake

In Shillong we first went to Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong which covers the Khasi and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya. This church is built in place of Church of the Divine Saviour,  a Wooden church built in 1913 and destroyed by fire in 1936. Interesting architecture, peaceful surrounding & beautiful carvings inside the Church awed me.

Cathedral of Mary Help of Cristians

View from Top of Church

Next we went to Shillong Peak, the city derives its name from this Peak which is 1965 mts above sea level. Being the highest point in Meghalaya we got a bird's eye view of entire Shillong town. There's provision to view different Shillong points by telescope from here. As located inside the Air force camp permission was needed to visit this spot, getting the permission isn't difficult it can be easily obtained at the entry gate of Air force camp near the peak.

View from Shillong Peak

From Shillong peak we next went to Elephant falls, this falls was originally called Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew by the Khasi people because the water falls into three step. The Britishers renamed the falls because there used to be a rock resembling an elephant near the left side of the main falls, it was destroyed in an earthquake back in 1897. In order to view the 2nd and 3rd fall we has to descend through many stairs (although i didn't count it must have been more than hundred) & cross bridge both built cutting rocks. At times the falls came very close & at other time it went far. The walk through the stairs was interesting as I came across many ferns & unique plants. 

1st fall

Bridge, stairs & 3rd fall 

Our next destination was Shillong Golf course. Apart from the scenic beauty it is one of the largest & one of the fewest natural Golf courses of Asia. Located on both sides of road, the Golf course had pine and rhododendron trees surrounding it. Perfect location for a good game of Golf in the lap of Nature.

Shillong Golf course

From Golf course we headed towards Don Bosco Museum, this seven-floor Museum situated at Mawlai, Shillong offered me an unforgettable experience of the Northeast by means of over 14 aesthetically pleasing and informative galleries. Their race, dress, food habit,  communication method, folk dance, weapons, musical instruments and lots more.. In fact it was like an encyclopedia of North east. Spent a good time there getting information & trying to understand North eastern culture. On the top floor in the Audio visual room I saw two documentaries one on folk dances and the 2nd a brief summary of Northeast India in form of a song.. it was lovely. After the audio Visual we went for the walk in Skyline. Here again I got the view of the beautiful Shillong town.

Shillong Town as viewed from Skyline over DonBosco Museum

Our final destination was Ward's Lake & Botanical Garden. Ward's lake is an artificial lake having chock-full of fish, ducks & swarms located at the heart of the city. Encircled by a winding walk-way and is inter spread with gently sloping flowerbeds, Lotus pond, musical fountain and innovative illumination this place is best suitable for having quite time holding loved one's hand. I found many couples sitting chatting & fun making here.

Lotus flowers at Ward's Lake

A great day spent in the beautiful hill station..Lots of places visited.. lots of memories made.. There is truly too much to explore all around the world all it needs is eagerness in eyes and passion in heart..