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Shillong will mesmerize you with its beauty and the capital city of the North Eastern State of Meghalaya is truly a treasure trove of amazing sights and scenery. While most of the tourists mostly come here to enjoy the scenic beauty, a number of activities take place here as well. Here are some of the things you can indulge in when you visit Shillong:
The Umiam Lake is just about 17 km from the heart of Shillong and happens to be enclosed by beautiful green hills on all sides. It is said that one can see the bottom of this lake and all the flora and fauna underneath, so clear is its water. There are boating options available and if one is feeling more adventurous, then they could also opt for water skiing and sailing by making the required provisions from the Water Sports Complex nearby. Sailing on this lake does feel heavenly as you spend some quiet time in the laps of nature.
The above mentioned Umiam Lake, as well as the lakes of Dawki are popular options when it comes to angling and fishing. Most of the time the anglers simply catch the fish for sport and let the fish back into the water again. However, it is the fun that everyone shares together and the fish are also not hurt and killed. Dawki lies about 80 km from Shillong but it is worth the ride. One can catch a wide species of fish here like Catfish, Golden Carps, and Silver Carps along with mrigala and many other unknown species.
There are quite a few trekking trails as soon as you come to the borders of Shillong and it amazing how close these trails are to the main city. One of the main trails that lead away from here is the David Scot trekking trail and it is quite an adventure to walk through the meandering hill tracks. The trail would go through low granite and sandstone cliffs and the best thing is that you can enjoy the hike and feel the adventure, even if you are not a seasoned trekker. You will cross clear little streams and stunning waterfalls and the valley floor will have a wonderful carpet of pine leaves. The other trails in the region are through the Living Root Bridge, Kyllang Rock and Sophet Bneng.
Not many know that horse riding is an amazing activity which can be enjoyed in Shillong and the route takes the rider to the Shillong Peak which offers breathtaking views of the entire Shillong valley. The Shillong Peak is the highest point in Meghalaya which is at a height of 1966 meters. While one can take a car to a nearby point on the peak, getting there on horseback is a whole new experience and the mountain horses are not like the other horses you might have seen before. There are great cliffs all around but your horse caretaker will see to that and keep the horse on track.
Shillong has a number of waterfalls in and around it and each of them offer different sights and will continue to wow you, no matter how many of them you might have seen. Some of the most magnificent waterfalls here are the Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls and the Crinoline Falls. Apart from these huge and well known ones, there are a number of smaller ones as well, strewn around the region. It is quite an adventure to wander through the mountains trails in search of these falls.
Camping in Shillong happens to be one of the most popular activities here and each year, throngs of youngsters come here to camp under the stars and spend the night around a bonfire. The Khasi Hills are full of camping sites and you will have a wonderful experience as you catch the beauty of the hills around you at night. Moreover, you will also meet likeminded people at the camping sites and many friendships start here. The rain forests around will keep you engaged with many night time sounds and call of birds. The Mawlynnong rainforest and Dawki are especially well known for their camping grounds.
Considering how polluted India can be in the other parts, it is amazing that the cleanest village in Asia also happens to be in India. The Mawlynnong village is a little village that uses everything sustainably and there is almost zero wastage here. The villagers themselves try to recycle everything and composting is also encouraged. Likewise, tourists are also strictly advised not to litter the place. The Umterming Waterfall which is close to the village is also stunning and it is said that the ravine into which the water plunges is bottomless.
Considering that Shillong is surrounded by hills on all sides, there are quite a few caves which are great for exploration and thrill seekers often head out in the wee hours of the morning to search for them. It is said that some of these caves are here from primitive times and the limestone caves here are truly amazing. Various rock features are found inside the caves and some of the most notable caves are in Krem Mawsmai, Krem Mamluh and Krem Umshypri. However, if you are not good with direction, then try to bring a local guide with you. Google Maps might not help you much in these parts! In the meantime, you can also engage in rock climbing while you are at it. This activity is mostly popular in the East Khasi Hills.
Golfing is a pleasurable activity in Shillong and is best enjoyed during the summers. The Shillong Golf Club also holds many tournaments round the year. The club is situated in a stunning locale and the green hills form a great backdrop with pine and rhododendron trees form a great landscape. The game has been regularly played on the hills ever since the British introduced the sport in these parts somewhere around 1898. Also, the golf course here happens to be one of the longest trying holes in the country.
The nightlife in Shillong is pretty amazing and it is a great city to party the night through. In fact, the discs and the bars here can give any big city a run for their money. There are some exclusive night clubs and lounge bars here and there is great food, lovely ambience and groovy music to accompany you. The liquor is excellent and the dance floors are always filled with a jovial and peppy crowd. You are sure to get in the mood and start swaying. Some of the well known clubs here are Cloud 9 and Tango Pub.
While there are many conventional hotels in Shillong to take care of your accommodation, it is quite a unique experience to stay in a tree house. Quite a few tree houses are there in this city, built in the slopes of the hills and they are rented out to the tourists. The Sky View Tree House happens to be one of the most popular ones. You will love staying in a cabin in the woods and atop a tree and have a great view of the hills around. Wake up to the chirping of birds sitting right at your window as you see the morning sun rising on the other side of the hill and illuminate the leaves around you. It is one of the offbeat things to do in Shillong.
Shillong is known as the Rock Capital of India and not without a reason. The rock music festivals here are attended by many famous as well as many upcoming band and provides a great platform for young talent. Many international bands from Europe and USA have also come here to perform. The party really gets going during the winters and the times of Christmas to New Year see a very heavy footfall. Attending these rock music concerts can be very invigorating. The crowd is very good and made up of true music lovers. You will also hear other genres of music played here at time Metal and Pop and the local boys and girls enjoy themselves to the fullest.
The national park is located very close to Shillong and is known for its birds and other forms of wildlife. However, there are no truly wild animals here and the park is actually a very popular picnic location as well. You can also catch a wonderful view of the Elephant Falls from here and families visit the park frequently during weekends. There are also some cafeterias and eateries and if you are simply in the mood to relax for a day amidst your busy sightseeing schedule, then this is the perfect place to unwind.
You are sure to fall in love with Shillong all the more when you go about these beautiful places and try out these activities here and will be recommending a trip to this wonderful hill city to your friends as well.
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April 15, 2024 
