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Shillong
Attractions |
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Tourist
Attractions in Shillong
Shillong has a number of beautiful sites like the Uniam Lake,
Kyllang Rock, Nartiang, Ward's lake, Lady Hydari park, Polo
ground, Mini zoo, Elephant falls, Shillong peak, and the golf
course, which is one of the best in the country. Shillong has
many natural waterfalls like Bishop and Bidon Falls, Gunner
Falls. |
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Ward Lake
An artificial lake, Ward Lake is situated near the Raj Bhawan.
This horse-shoe shaped lake has a beautiful bridge over it and
set in a landscaped Botanical Garden. This lake is popular for
boating. The boatanical garden and Museum are near by.
Lady Hydari Park
The Lady Hydari Park is just a km away from the Ward Lake.
This park is designed like a Japanese garden where you will
see the pine native to the area - Pinus Khasiana. It is well
laid out with its Mini Zoo. |
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Butterfly
Museum
The Butterfly Museum is at Wankhar and Co, Riatsamthiahopen
who have started breeding butterflies as a conservation
measure and for their commercial use. They have a good display
of mounted butterflies and beetles from India and abroad.
Bara
Bazaar
Bara Bazaar is worth visiting place to see the authentic local
colour. It attracts tribal people in their colourful dresses
who come to buy and sell vegetables, spices, pots, baskets,
chickens and even bows and arrows. The small stalls sell real
Khasi food.
Shillong Peak
Shillong Peak is situated about 10 kms. away from which the
city derives its name. This peak rises to 1960 m. It is
referred as the 'Abode of the Gods' and offers excellent
views. Since the area is at present under the Air Force,
visitors have to stop at the barrier and enter their names and
addresses in a book. |
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Crinoline Falls
The Crinoline Waterfalls has a swimming pool surrounded
by the orchids, potted Bonsais and a rock pool with
reeds and water lilies.
Elephant Falls
Elephant Falls is situated about 12 kms. away from the
city and is a short diversion from the road to
Cherrapunji. It is a scenic spot with two high falls,
surrounded by fern covered rocks. You can walk down to
the lowest pool by wooden steps and bridges and get a
good view. However, the mountain stream tends to dry up
between November and May.
Golf Club
The Golf Club has an 18 hole golf course where
competitions are held and a Polo ground, restaurant and
bar. The course has a reputation of being the wettest
but one of the most beautiful in the world. The club was
founded in 1898, and the present 5873 yard 18 hole
course is from 1924. In an undulating valley covered
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pine and
rhododendron the fairways are covered in a tough variety of
local grass. Despite the wetness the greens have the
reputation of being extremely fast.
Excursions
Jakrem
Jakrem, a popular health resort with hot Sulphur springs, is
64 km. from Shillong.
Mawsynram
Mawsynram is 55 kms. from Shillong. This place receives more
rainfall and has beaten the record of Cherrapunji. Its major
attraction is a picturesque cave of vast and unexplored depth,
featuring a giant stalagmite, in the shape of a natural
Shivalinga, which is bathed the year round by water dropping
from an overhanging stalactite. This is the main place of
pilgrimage of Hindus, and a natural wonder for the sightseers.
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Cherrapunji
Another popular tourist place is Cherrapunji, about 56
kms. from Shillong. Cherrapunji is the old
administrative headquarters of the Khasis. It is amazing
to see this place which looks so dry on a sunny day and
in the monsoons, the water comes in torrents and in a
matter of minutes it falls on the cliffs and is absorbed
in the gorges and the plains below. This place once held
the record as the wettest place on earth according to
the Guiness Book of Records and has an annual rainfall
of nearly 11000 mm, but this record has now been broken
by Mawsynram. Even after receiving so much rainfall,
this place still has a four month dry season from
November to February. |
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