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As we all know, Meghalaya has a seemingly never-ending reservoir of natural beauty and has many a hidden treasure amidst the dense forest cover which protects them from prying eyes. One such amazing treasure is the Elephant Falls of Shillong. This is definitely a sight that will heal you from within.
Among the number of waterfalls of Shillong, this waterfall carves out a special place for itself due to the interesting story behind it and its amazing views. The waterfall is one of the most frequently visited tourist spots of Shillong due to its close proximity to Shillong and its picturesque beauty. The Elephant Falls also serves as one of the best picnic spots in and around Shillong.
The Elephant Falls shares its name with another famous waterfall in the Da-Lat region of Vietnam. As a result of which some tourists, especially international tourists, get perplexed while visiting Elephant falls, Shillong. This waterfall was named so by British forces during the colonial period.It is known as one of the most famous waterfalls in India. The name stuck even after the colonial age was long gone
The name Elephant Falls was given by British officers who discovered its existence in the heart of the mountainous jungles of Meghalaya. There was a curious rock on one side of the falls which eerily resembled an elephant and hence the nomenclature. The eponymous rock was however destroyed in an earthquake in the year 1897 and the residual rock has been disintegrated since then due to the continuous barrage of water falling from a high altitude.
Like everything else which was renamed by the British, the Elephant Falls had a name before it received a colonial makeover. In the local Khasi language, the name of the waterfall is Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohshiew whose literal translation from the Khasi language means ‘the three-step waterfall’. True to its name, the waterfall is divided into three steps literally. The first step of the waterfall is broad and sluggish and is lost amongst the dense forests all around, the second step though more concentrated lacks the huge drop and is often hidden from the public eye.
The third and the most important step comprises of a sheer vertical drop and a cascading flow of water which makes the falls one of the best waterfalls in the country.
One can go to the Elephant Falls all year round but should really avoid the monsoon season due to the area becoming wet and prone to occasional landslides which would hamper the safety of tourists during that season. The summer season is a great time as one can beat the heat wave running throughout the country and enjoy a few days in the heart of nature.
The falls are situated about 12 km away from the Meghalayan capital city of Shillong. Hence cabs are available aplenty. There are joint package options which include a trip to Shillong peak along with the Elephant Falls. Being situated this close to the capital city has turned the falls into a tourist hub which is almost never bereft of crowds.
Shillong Peak is the highest point of the city of Shillong standing at an impressive height of 1962 m. This peak offers an all-round panoramic view of the city with all its forests, waterfalls, the Himalayas and the lush green meadows and fields of Bangladesh. The beauty of the peak is that it’s not steep and instead is of a semicircular nature which adds to its beauty. Legend has it that this peak is the home to the deity Leishyllong after whom the town of Shillong is named. A festival is held here every spring when the pastor of Mylliem offers prayers from this peak. The Indian Air Force has a radar installation here and hence cameras are strictly not allowed in the region due to security concerns.
The Indian Air Force has a museum situated in this area which boasts of the accomplishments of the Indian Air Force and has relics from the Indo-China war and the Indo-Pakistan war. It also contains replicas of rockets, missiles, aircraft and the uniforms worn by eminent air force veterans along with a gift shop if you want to pick a souvenir for home.
Ward’s Lake is a pristine lake situated around 10 km away from the Elephant Falls. It is situated in the city of Shillong and is surrounded by vibrant gardens. The lake also has a cafeteria in its premises for enjoying refreshments. A wooden bridge at the middle of the lake allows you to have a good view of the scenery and feed the fish if you want.
This is situated near the Shillong Peak which offers a panoramic view of everything all around starting from the lush green forests and even neighboring Bangladesh. The trip to the viewpoint is worth the hassle and toil. You can borrow telescopes from the locals to have a closer look at the sights.
Lady Hydari Park is home to one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens. The park is named after the erstwhile wife of the commissioner of Assam who was an avid nature lover. Numerous groves and trees adorn the park which serves as a good spot to laze around and have a picnic.
Boasting of 9 of the 10 largest cave systems of India, the Krem Marai Cave is worth a dekko. Home to a large number of indigenous varieties of flora and fauna, these caves are easily one of the most diversely populated caves.
There are a number of other impressive waterfalls around the region like Beadon Falls, Bishop Falls, Crinoline Falls, etc. Moreover, the forests and meadows provide enough picnic spots for one to choose. So what are you waiting for? Go out there and explore anything and everything in and around the Elephant Falls before you get caught up in your work once again upon returning. You are definitely in for some unforgettable experiences.
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April 15, 2024 
