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Tourist Places in Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills.

Tourist Places in Khasi Hills
Nongkhnum Island
       The biggest River Island in Meghalaya and the second biggest island in Asia, after Majuli Island in Assam is Nongkhnum located about 14 kms. from Nongstoin. It is the district headquarters of the West Khasi Hills, and measures 20 to 25 sq.kms. in area. 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. The River then moves along and before reaching a deep gorge, forms a pretty fall about 60 meters high, called Shadthum Fall. At the bottom of the fall, there is a beautiful pool where a variety of fishes can be found. It then continues its journey and finally reunites with the Namliang River, near a place called Thongrin. The Namliang River first flows towards the north and then changes its course towards the west. It then reaches a gorge and forms two narrow falls. The first one is called Riatsohkhe fall and is near Mawthar village.

       The second one is the wonderful and beautiful Weinia fall, which is about 60 meters high. The River then flows further west till it reunites with the Phanliang River on the western rocky shore and then flow towards the west. After a distance of about 10 kms from the Island, it reaches the deepest gorge and forms the longest fall in the region of about 335 to 340 meters high, called Langshiang fall. The area surrounded by the two Rivers, i.e. Phanliang and Namliang forms the Nongkhnum Island. Within the Island, there are big trees and areas of grassland and natural playground suitable for playing football and golf and even for landing a helicopter. There are plenty of fishing pools, especially near the sandy shore, called Wei-Phanliang. Angling is the only way to enjoy as well as protect the fishes.

Dawki
       96 Kms from Shillong, is a border town, where one can have a glimpse of the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. The colourful annual boat race during spring at the Umngot river is an added attraction.

Ranikor
       140 Kms from Shillong, Ranikhor is a place of scenic beauty and one of Meghalaya's most popular spots for angling. It is also abundant with carp and other fresh water fish. Huge golden mahseers, the pride of the anglers are available here.

Jakrem
       64 Kms from Shillong lies Jakrem, a potential health resort with hot-spring of sulphur water, believed to have curative and medicinal properties. People from all parts of the region flock to the hot-spring at Jakrem for bathing themselves in its waters.

Mawsynram
       56 Kms from Shillong and is known for the Giant Stalagmite formation shaped into a "Shivalinga" and found inside a cave known locally as 'Mawjymbuin' One and half Kilometres off the right hand side of the Shillong Mawsynram - Balat - Ranikor Highway, very near Weiloi Village, once comes across 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. From its base, one has to take an exciting uphill trek to reach the summit of the rock. From the top of the hill one can see the gorgeous surrounding hills and valleys and the plain and fast moving rivers of Bangladesh.

Cherrapunjee
       Cherrapunjee is one of the most visited tourist spots of North Eastern India. Better known as Sohra, it is situated 56 Kms from Shillong and 1300 metres above sea level and is 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. The town is also famous for its limestone caves, orange, honey, a headquarter of the Syiem of Sohra and a Centre of the Khasi Culture and literature. The oldest Theological College in this region is located here, established by the Welsh Presbyterian Missionaries in 1888, known as Cherrapunjee Theological College.

       Extensive limestone caves abound, with a large number of stalagmites and stalactites inside, the full length and breadth of the caves has not been adequately explored. 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.

Kyllang Rock
       Located about 11 kms. off Mairang, is Kyllang Rock- a steep dome of red granite rising to an elevation of about 5400 ft. 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 embraced by enormous detached blocks of rock, while its northern counterpart is full of dense forests, containing age-old red Rhododendron trees and oaks besides bushy, white Rhododendron trees which are not found elsewhere.

Natures own Museum - Sacred Forest Mawphlang:
       Only 4 km from Shillong, close to almost all large Khasi and Jaintia villages of yore, one finds a Forest-Grove variedly known as Ki Law Kyntang (Sacred forest), Ki Law Adong (Prohibited forest), Ki Law Shnong (Village forest) and Ki Law Kynti (Private forest). The sacred-groves which have been preserved since time immemorial, are in sharp contrast to their surrounding grasslands. These groves are generally rimmed by a dense growth of Castanopsis Kurzii trees, forming a protective hedge which halts intrusion of Pinus kasia (Khasi pine) which dominates all areas outside the sacred groves. Inside the outer rim, the sacred groves are virtually Nature’s Own Museum.

       The heavily covered grounds have a thick cushion of humus accumulated over the centuries. The trees in every sacred grove are heavily loaded with epiphytic growth of aroids, pipers, ferns, fern-allies and orchids. The humus-covered grounds likewise harbour myriad varieties of plant life, many of which are found nowhere else. One of the most celebrated sacred-groves of the State is the grove at Mawphlang about 25 kilometres off Shillong. This particular grove has for long years been a reservoir of interest for eminent and internationally known botanists. The sacred-groves which make a unique contribution to the flora of the State are undoubtedly of immense interest to all naturalists.

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.

Diengiei Peak
       200 ft. lower than Shillong peak this peak is located in the west of the Shillong plateau. The peak presents a picturesque view of the green hills. The captivating hills are dotted with tiny shining villages. Diengiei Peak is accessible by the Umiam-Union Christian College-Mawmaram motorable road which takes off from National Highway-40 at Umiam. Atop Diengiei, a visitor is greeted with a commanding view of the Umiam lake with the city of Shillong in the background. 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.

Crinoline Falls:
       Located adjacent to the Lady Hydari Park are the Crinoline Falls. They lie in the heart of the city and cascade through its jungle path. They are accompanied by a mini zoo. At the foot of the falls there is a well maintained swimming pool which caters to swimming enthusiast of all ages. Beside swimming there is an attached restaurant and regular evening programmes are arranged for the benefit of tourist and visitors.

Noh Kalikai Falls
       Compared favourably with the well known Job Falls of South India, are 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 an arresting view of the natures bounty. Located near Cherrapunjee are the Kshaid Dain Thlen Falls or the falls where the mythical monster of Khasi legend was finally butchered. Thlen is the khasi name for a mega monster, which according to local legend and belief personifies the devil himself. Axes used by the people as they butchered the Thlen made deep scars on the surface of the flat rock where Thlen was butchered. These axe-marks are still intact and visible.

Sweet Falls
       It is situated near Happy Valley, most suitable for a day's outing and picnic.

Spread Eagle Falls
       A visual treat, it is a soothing setting amidst the calmness of nature.

Elephant Falls
       12 kms from the outskirts of the city the mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern-covered rocks.

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

Cathedral of Mary Help of Christian
       Situated in Laitumkhrah, it attracts devotees as well as visitors.

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

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 (nine) hole course and later converted into a 18 (eighteen) hole course in 1924 by Captain Jackson and C. K. Rhodes.

Lady Hydari Park
       Lady Hydari Park, is a destination stretching over 1 km; it is replete with roses and blossoms of a variety of colours, and is a visual treat to the eyes. The park owes its existence to Lady Hydari, the wife of an erstwhile Governor of Assam. It also has an excellent mini zoo cum deer park.

Botanical Garden
       located just below the wards lake, is the Botanical Garden that is cut off from the rest of the place and is a home to a variety of indigenous plants. It also houses a mini-aviary with rare and colourful species of birds. The secluded setting of the Botanical Garden with its well-laid paved walks makes it a favourite resort for city dwellers as well as tourists who desire to exercise their limbs.

Umiam Water Sports Complex
       The Water Sports Complex has been developed upon the mighty reservoir of the Umiam Hydro Electric Project, at Umiam, 16 kilometres before reaching Shillong. 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.

Ward's Lake
       Ward's Lake is 100 year old picturesque lake also known as Polok Lake. It is situated in the heart of the city, popular for short strolls and boating. Local people however prefer to call it Nan Polok (poloks lake) after an executive engineer named Mr.Pollock. It has a winding walk-a-way all around its parameter set in cobbled sand stones, in the midst of a landscape of rolling flower beds and fairyland lighting. The lake has a striking arched bridge over it.

Sohpetbneng Peak
       1,343 meter, 20 Kms from Shillong, regarded 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.

Shillong Peak
       An ideal picnic spot, 1965 metres above sea level and 10 kms from the city, 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.

Caves
Krem Mawmluh
       4th longest in the Indian sub continent, the cave is situated approximately half a kilometre west of Cherrapunjee adjacent to the small hamlet of Mawmluh. This cave interestingly has a five river passage with impressive proportions and is 4503m in length.

Krem Phyllut
       Situated in village Mawsmai, south of Cherrapunjee, this cave has a large section of fossil passage, two stream ways and three entrances. It is 1003m. long.

Krem Soh Shympi (Mawlong, East Khasi Hills)
       It has a large pothole entrance of 20m deep. The cave passage is very large with numerous formations at one end. Length - 760m.

Mawsynram
       Located at a distance of 58 kms from Shillong.

Krem Dam
       It is the largest sandstone cave in the Indian sub-continent. It has a very large entrance with a stream entering the cave and running down its main passage. Length -1297m.

Jaintia Hills
Syntu Ksiar
       Syntu Ksiar, meaning ‘golden flower’ is a vast pool of calm water, where the river Myntdu come to a sudden halt. This river almost encircles Jowai. At Syntu Ksiar, the scene is almost a marvel of nature where the Myntdu seemingly disappears for some rest into the calm of the mighty pool, and then, continues to run its ever vibrant course, again.

Syndai
        An important village of Jaintia Hills which is famous for a number of caves and caverns in the limestone-borne area, used as hide-outs during war times between Jaintia Hills and foreign intruders.

Nartiang
        65 Kms from Shillong, this used to be the summer capital of the Jaintia Kings of the Sutnga State. The 500 year old Durga temple is also an attraction at Nartiang. Apart from this, one can witness huge monoliths, form the striking landmark of the village, said to be erected by Mar Phalyngki, a Goliath of yore. The Nartiang menhir measures 27 feet 6 inches in thickness. The monoliths represent the megalithic culture of the Hynniewtrep people representing thus the Stonehenge of Northeast India.

Jowai
        Situated 64 Kms away from the national highway, Jowai forms the headquarters of the Jaintia Hills and is a picturesque town circled by the Myntdu River.

The Cave of Eocene Age - Krem Um- Lawan
        A beautiful cave of the Eocene Age with an upper fossil passage and a lower active passage. It has numerous cataracts and waterfalls. It is presently the longest (6381m) and deepest (106.8m) cave in the Indian sub-continent.

Krem Kotsati
       This cave has 8 entrances with the main entrance through a deep pool. Portions of the beautiful river passage have to be traversed either swimming or using inflatable rubber boat. It measures 3650m. in length.

Krem Umshangktat
      Measuring 955m. in length, one can enter this cave through a passage 350 metres long which is nothing but moist sand. The last stretch requires a mild climb across fallen limestone blocks and debris to reach the collapse doline of the upper entrance. By the collapse there is a belly crawl passage which eventually terminates in a sizeable chamber.

Krem Lashinng (Pdengshakap, 37 kms from Jowai)
      Measuring 50m wide and 40m high, this cave is a massive in nature. However, a huge amount of sticky and slippery mud is found in the in the cave; hence the best period to visit would be Feb/March.This cave measures 2650m. in length.

Krem Sweep (Syndai)
      47 kms from Jowai, the cave is situated just a few minutes walk from behind the village school in a depression. It has beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and measures 970m. in length.

Garo hills
Nokrek Peak
        This is the highest point on the Garo Hills. The Nokrek Peak stands 1412 metres above sea level and is surrounded by virgin forests cover Nokrek and its environs. The mother germo plasm of Citrus-indica have been discovered by science researchers within Nokrek Range. This discovery led to the establishment of the National Citrus Gene Sanctuary-cum-Biosphere Reserve at Nokrek covering an area of forty seven square kilometres. Nokrek can be reached from the Tura-Asanangre-Daribokgre Road. A visitor can reach this place after about three and a half kilometre trek from Daribokgre village.is found that is abundant in wild elephants, rare varieties of birds and pheasants, besides rare orchids abound in the sanctuary.

Tura Peak
        A majestic hill stands on the eastern flank of Tura, the largest town in the Garo Hills region of the State. It peaks 872 metres above sea level over looking Tura. A tourist-bungalow, an observatory and a Cinchona-plantation are located at Tura Peak and its environs. A magnificent view of the lower Brahmaputra Valley as well as the golden yellow plains of Bangladesh is available all year round to viewers on Tura Peak.

Imilchang Dare
        A waterfall of immense visual beauty is to be found close to the Tura-Chokpot Road in West Garo Hills district. The stream on which it is located, flows through a deep, narrow winding bed of crevice rocks till it suddenly emerges on to a broad wide opening and cascades in a thick, wide formation, over a broad chasm, creating an electrifying waterfall of unique beauty. The deep, wide pool at the bottom of the fall with its wide and expansive surroundings make it an exciting swimming pool, full of fish of varied size and colour, besides being an ideal picnic spot.

Balpakram
        Literally meaning the "land of perpetual winds", is A National Wildlife Park, located in South Garo Hills and 167 Kms from Tura. There is a great precipice or deep gorge in Balpakram and is popularly compared to the Grand Canyon of U.S.A. It is believed that here, the spirits of the dead dwell temporarily before embarking on the final journey. It is home to the rare Lesser Panda, the Indian bison and the Stag like Serow. A variety of medicinal herbs locally called "dikges" grow abundantly in Balpakram.

Naphak Lake
        Located at a distance of 112 Kms from Tura, the lake is an ideal destination for fishing and bird watching with the river Simsang flowing nearby.

Siju Caves
        The famous limestone caves of Siju are located near Naphak Lake and the Simsang stalactites in these caves resemble those of the Blue Grotto in the Isle of Capri. For more details, please see the section on caves below.

Siju-Dibkhakol
        Measuring 4772m. in length it is the third longest cave in the Indian sub-continent and situated on the bank of the Simsang river just below the village of Siju. It contains some of the finest river passage to be found anywhere in the world. It is the most researched cave in India and is the home of tens of thousands of bats.

Tetengkol - Balwakol(Cave of dwarfs with inverted feet)
At Nengkhong village, 15 kms from Siju are these caves that have a small and insignificant circular entrance measuring 1 metre in diameter. The cave is large - 5334m long, which is currently the 2nd longest cave in the Indian sub-continent.

Dobhakol Chibe Nala (Nengkhong)
The cave is situated a few hundred metres downstream from Tetengkol-Balwakol on the river Chibe Nala. It is well hidden by a large rock and measures 1978 metres in length.

Bok Bak Dobhakol (Nengkhong, Rongdik Nala)
1051 m in length, this is a rather complex cave that looks like an intermittently active river sink. During wet weather the cave floods to the roof.