Meghalaya
The abode of clouds"
Hills & Valleys | Rivers & Lakes
The abode of clouds"
Hills & Valleys | Rivers & Lakes
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya - "the abode of clouds", which got statehood only in 1972 and was previously a part of Assam. A hilly region inhabited by three tribal groups, this temperate land was popular with the British. Shillong is set amidst a landscape of slopes covered with heather, orchids and forests of pine, with quick flowing streams and majestic waterfalls. The town spreads on hills covered with English-style country houses, the largest being Raj Bhavan, the summer residence of the governor of Assam and Meghalaya. There are many interesting places to visit - the placid Ward's lake, The museum of History and Ethnography and St. Paul's Cathedral, one of the region's oldest places of Christian worship.
The Archery Stakes, locally known as “Teer” are unique to Shillong. Bookies’ stalls are set up daily under canopies on an open stretch of ground where archers from clubs belonging to the Khasi Archer’s Association shoot 1,500 arrows at a cylindrical bamboo target for 4 minutes. The betters count the number that stick and anyone who has guessed the last two digits of the number of arrows that stick is rewarded with an 8.1 win.
Cherrapunjee (56 kms), reportedly the world's wettest place with 360 inches of rain per year, is set amidst deep gorges and roaring waterfalls. On the way a network of limestone caves remain unexplored and are said to lead into Bangladesh ! There are small waterfalls down every slope as also the world's fourth tallest, the impressive Nohkailikai Falls. The first British outpost in this part of the country was established here and it also has the oldest Presbyterian Church in the North-East. It is famous for its orange orchards and orange honey. An interesting spot on the way is at Maniphalung, a barren and windy plateau covered with monoliths. On the way back stop at Shillong Peak which offers a panoramic view of Shillong and the neighbouring hills.
