God's Own Garden (Part 1): Shillong, Meghalaya...

Meghalaya "the abode of clouds" , I don't have enough words to describe nature's beauty also can't hide my excitement about the place. It was my solo trip to Shillong for a conference.

Shillong, capital of Meghalaya and one of the most beautiful city in the North-East India encircled by pine trees, known for its picturesque sights, tradition, food and many more. This place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, Also act as a home to numerous waterfalls, crystal clear lake, mountain peaks, beautiful landscapes, amazing people and culture.

The state's population predominantly comprises the Jaintia, Khasi and Garo tribal groups, Interestingly meghalaya's tribal groups also maintain their matrilineal system, with property and names passed down from mother to daughter, and men moving in with their maternal in-laws after marriage.

Food junction, Guwahati to Shillong highway

How to reach

Flight from Delhi to Guwahati and than Guwahati (Assam) to Shillong (Meghalaya) : 100 km by road. You can easily find the state government authorize taxi booking counters inside the airports. Local taxi will charge around 3000-3500 for one side.

Alternate route: Flight to Shillong from Delhi. Shillong/Umroi Airport, is situated 32 km from Shillong. presently well-connected to Kolkata, Imphal, and Bagdogra,

Traveller Tip:

1. Presently there is no direct flight to Shillong, you have to plan via kolkata. Flight frequency is less on this route also many time flight got cancelled due to heavy rainfall at Cherapunji. Better to take Delhi-Guwahati route. You can also enjoy the nature's beauty and local dishes on road side restaurant.

2. Sunset at 5 pm, so you have to start as early as possible, when planning for city tour.

I was on a three day conference programme at ICAR research complex, Umiam barapani, so decided to take 2nd and 3rd day to explore the beautiful hill station. Since I was at Umiam so my first destination was :

Umiam lake, Barapani:

Also known as Barapani lake, a man made reservoir. The lake was surrounded by thick coniferous forests, enhancing the natures beauty at its best. Adjoining to lake there is a park, which is a hot-spot for picnic. Also you can enjoy boating here.

I have enjoyed the sunset from roadside sunset point, its a treat to eyes and shouldn't be missed.

Distance from Shillong : 15 Km

Sunset view , Umiam lake Barapani

Umiam lake Barapani, view from roadside

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Second day, early morning I have started for Dawki from my hotel, Polo tower Shillong and planned to cover some of the beautiful places nearby. Hotel staff helped me to book a cab for all day long. It cost me around 3000/- INR.

Shillong peak Highest point of Shillong, height of 6449 ft and 1962 m above the sea level, offers panoramic views of the city. 10 Km away from main city. It was very cloudy day, so couldn't able to capture the view.

Entry fee: Nil

Timings : 24/7

Panoramic sight for nature lovers, Shillong Peak. Source : Wikipedia

After covering shillong peak and on my way to Dawki, I have encountered another view point. The road from Shillong to Cherrapunji contains many view points, now i don't remember the name exactly. But the view from the site was very beautiful.

Shillong View point, on the way to Dawki.

How can i miss posing at View point, although i miss the name of location.

Unbelievable Dawki :

Dawki is located on the border between India and Bangladesh, approx 96 km from Shillong, Major attraction here is Dawki /Umngot river for its Crystal clear water. To avoid traffic jams you must leave early in the morning, as roads are narrow at some points in city itself and also in Dawki, as road is a trading route between India and Bangladesh. Approaching road near the Dwaki bridge is very narrow. But I am sure you will definitely forget everything after seeing the breathtaking view of Dawki lake. The water of lake is so clean that it looks like that boats are floating in the air.

Boat ride charges are Rs. 800 per ride of 1 hour, rest depends upon your negotiation skills.

Adventure and peace at one place, excellent location for photography.

Dawki is full of surprises ........ A must visit place I say.

Breathtaking view of Dawki, crystal clear lake.

water of Dawki lake is so clear, that boats looks like floating in air.

Fall in love with Dawki. The lake is also a popular fishing spot among locals.

Painting Dawki through my lenses.

Life is like a boat..and you are the sailor...No matter you sail fast....but you must sail steadily!!!!!

Umngot: Water is so clear that underneath is visible. It looks shallow while it is 3 feet deep at the coast and 15 feet in the middle.

Experiencing serenity.

Indo-Bangladesh border

Dawki-Tamabil is one of the few road border crossings between India and Bangladesh in West Jaintia Hills district in the state of Meghalaya, India, the corresponding post in Bangladesh is Tamabil post. Connected by Dawki bridge or export -import bridge on Jayani and Garo hills. Dawki Bridge a, is a suspension bridge over the Umngot River. It was constructed in 1932 by the British.

Also while boating on Dawki lake take a tour towards border area. Lots of Bangladeshi people were seen very close the border, enjoying bathing swimming in Umangot river.

Export Import bridge

Export-Import bridge, built by the British in 1932. Gateway to Bangladesh

shhh!!! he is taking us to Bangladesh

Bangladesh border area connected by Umngot river

Cherrapunji

Wettest place on Earth before the title was taken over by Mawsynram, which is less than 100 kilometres away from Cherrapunji .Famous for seven sister water fall. Another major attraction is living root double-decker bridge.

Distance from City center : 53 Km, 1:30 to 2 h ride.

Transport : Although lots of options were there like tourist bus, shared taxi, Tata sumo etc but most convenient mode of transport is Private taxi/car.

Seven sisters waterfall ,Cherrapunji Tip: Plan to go on sunny day, otherwise you will miss the sceneric beauty due clouds

Seven sisters waterfall ,Cherrapunji Image courtesy : Google Image

Shopping at Police bazaar

Initially you feel like avoiding this place due to crowd but once you are inside it i bet you will not come out empty handed. I found this market little overpriced, if you have a good bargaining skills than this is a good place for shopping local articles. I had picked traditional shawls and few antiques.

From food items to souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, and electronics, one can find it all here.

Antique for my travel momento collection

Where to stay

My stay was at Hotel Polo towers Near Polo Grounds, Police Bazar, Shillong 0.6 km to city center, Very good place to stay.

Center point is another good place to stay.

Best time to visit : Round the year but most beautiful during rainy season.

The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting the place. Also many music events keep happening throughout the year, adding more colors and make this place more lively.

Guys don't wait, pack your bags to fall in love with Shillong!!!!

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Coming soon God's Own Garden (Part II) : Mawlynnong, Shillong