Shillong

Those smoky blue hills with their winding orchid trails and tantalising butterfly population were created for days of leisure. Little wonder then that the British who developed it as a garrison town found it the perfect place to raise kids and set about establishing a slew of schools and followed it up with picture- perfect churches from which rose voices in melodious harmony praising God for his bounty.

Scottish highland it may not be but Shillong came to represent the wild beauty of that far away home for many of its colonial inhabitants who filled it with pretty gardens and fairy tale cottages scattered amongst its sylvan walks and heather strewn slopes. Take time to explore these hidden trails to discover the old Shillong.

Shillong is tailor-made for family holidays. Picnics, boating and day-long hikes can be punctuated with leisurely explorations of the serene Ward's Lake and the landscaped Lady Hydari Park, which also has a mini-zoo. Close to town are the Spread Eagle Falls (6 km), the Sweet Falls (8 km) in Happy Valley and if you are here on a longer sojourn, make time for trips to the Bishop Falls, Beadon Falls and the Elephant Falls. The Butterfly Museum has an excellent collection of these winged beauties, many of which are facing extinction.

This pretty hilltown has something for all age-groups. Keep a look out for announcements of pop, jazz, blues, and rock concerts, which are in great demand. When in town, find out if there's a cultural programme on. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the traditional song and dance rituals, which are an integral part of the Meghalaya culture.

The bazars with their flanks of shops and restaurants are an excellent setting for interaction with the local people. Archery is a popular sport here and competitions - pretty much like horse racing - are part of everyday life. Shillong is fondly referred to as the 'Gleneagles of the East' and its I8-hole Golf Course is the venue of the muchawaited annual golf tournament in October.

For the more actively inclined, there is Shillong Peak (1965 m and just 10 km from town) for a jaunt into one of the enchanting parts of the state, with its tropical vegetation, rocky promontories and deep chasms falling away from the road. Enjoy those stunning views of city strung along verdant hills from this vantage point. Diengie Peak, west of the Shillong plateau, offers commanding views of the Umiam Lake and the hilltown. Sohpetbneng Peak (20 km), held sacred by the Hynniewtrep people, has captivating views of a
sacred forest and its lush environs.

Presbyterian Church

The beautiful old churches add to the charm of the hilltown. The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is a splendid piece of religious architecture and is most .famed for its stained glass windows and lofty arch. Opposite the State Central Library, is the All Saints Church.

Shoppers can enjoy the offerings of the Lewduh Market, the biggest in the North East. Pineapples and oranges, meat and poultry ... the bazar is a heady slice of local delights. Other popular places for shopping are Police Bazar, Bara Bazar and Laitumkhrah. Great buys include handicrafts, hand woven shawls, orange flower honey and the cane craft.

Excursions
Mawphlang Sacred Forest

Just 20 km away from the city is Mawphlang Sacred Forest, one of Meghalaya's most celebrated sacred forests, in all its pristine wonder. Meghalaya's traditional sacred forests, as the world over, are steeped in spiritual belief and held in great veneration. They also represent some of the earliest representations of preserving the ancient eco- systems. The state is also home to exotic varieties of orchids. Some of its unique species include that carnivorous plant - the Pitcher Plant. Look out for the Blue Vanda, Lady's Slipper and other rare orchid varieties in the flower gardens of Shillong.

UmiamLake

Along the Guwahati-Shillong Road, 16 km away from Shillong, is Umiam Lake, the biggest artificial lake of Meghalaya. It is a popular picnic site and a favourite place for anglers.

Take a picnic basket and pile the kids into the car to enjoy a leisurely day at Umiam Lake. The Orchid Lake Resort designed by renowned architect Charles Correa offers accommodation and watersports facilities. Adjacent to the resort is the Lum Nehru Park.

Cherrapunjee

The winding road to the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunjee (56 km) is lined with paddy fields and clusters of villages with bamboo huts on stilts. The largesse of the rain gods on Cherrapunjee is evident in its impressive waterfalls, deep verdant gorges, sacred groves and limestone caves with their intriguing embellishments. Check out the Nohsngithiang Falls (Mawsmai Falls), Dainthlen Falls, Nohkalikai Falls (the world's fourth highest) and numerous other smaller falls.

On a clear day, you can catch stunning views of the plains of Bangladesh. Stock up on Cherrapunjee's oranges and honey from the Sohra Market, fUr family and friends. Best for a day trip, as there isn't much by way of accommodation for overnight stays. Mawsynram (55 km) near Cherrapunjee, is also reputed for its giant stalagmite formation of a Shivalinga in the Mawjymbuin Cave.

Jakrem Hotsprings (64 km) has become a crowded health resort, thanks to the hot springs here. If you want to travel close up to the Bangladesh border, head for Dawki (96 km), a popular picnic spot. An annual boat race is held on the Umngor River in February. Mairang (40 km) was home to the legendary U Tirot Sing Syiem (Raja ofNongkhlaw) who led the fight against invaders in the 1820s.

Ranikor

Picturesque Ranikor (140 km), close to Bangladesh, is an angler's delight as it's famous for its mahseer.

Tura

Tura (headquarters ofGaro Hills district) and its surroundings is a window to the ethnic lifestyle of the Garo people. The region is known for its Wangala Dance. Its picturesque environs and equable climate are ideal for eco-tourism activities. The 1400 ni high Tura Peak is a challenge for climbers and offers splendid views from the summit. Tura has a tourist lodge run by Meghalaya Tourism. Nokrek Peak (1412 m) is the highest peak in the Garo Hills. Its forested slopes are home to numerous species of flora, fauna and avian denizens. Its pristine environs and discovery of the mother germo plasm of Citrus-Indica here led to the establishment of the National Citrus Gene Sanctuarycum-Biosphere Reserve at Nokrek over an area of 50-odd sq km.

Tura is approachable via Guwahati, and is 323 km from Shillong. The journey from Guwahati takes around 6 hours. To go to Tura, it is best to hire a taxi from Guwahati Airport (fare about Rs. 2000 one-way) or go by bus. No entry formalities.

Nartiang

You'll still find those amazing Stonehenge-style memorial stones at Nartiang (65 km), the ancient seat and summer capital of the Jaintia kings. The tallest (27 ft) in this cluster of monoliths is said to have been the walking stick of U Mar Phalungki, the giant ofJaintia legend. There is also a temple dedicated to Durga here, which is very popular. According to legend, the pretty Thadlaskein Lake(56 km) was dug up with arrowheads by subjects of Sajar Nangli, one of the foremost war leaders of the Jaintias. Surrounded by a forest of oak and pine, the lake is a key picnic place.

Wildlife

The pristine wild lands ofNokrek and Balpakram are home to some of Meghalaya's rare wildlife such as the golden cat, the lesser panda and the scrow (stag).
Approachable from Tura (167 km), Lady's Slipper orchid

Balpakram is located in the spectacular Grand Canyon-like environs of the Balpakram Plateau, which separates the Garo Hills from the Khasi Hills. The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is just 2 km away from Tura Peak.

Siju and Nongkhyllem are two more important sanctuaries of Meghalaya. The Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is a refuge for several endangered species and it is also popular for its various limestone caves located near the Simsang River.

Shopping

Explore Shillong's crowded bazars for trendy souvenirs. Good buys include mounted butterflies, handwoven shawls, orange honey, black mushrooms, Khasi dresses for women, pineapple, orange and other fruit products. Bara Bazar is not just a shopping place but also a
tourist attraction.