Shillong is the capital of the state of Meghalaya and is quite famous for its picturesque surroundings. Thick pine forests surround this charming hill station and its hills are adorned with shrubby vegetation. Once a favorite haunt of the British, this town boasts of a mesmerizing terrain, beautiful green meadows and orchards, a lovely climate and warm-hearted colourful people. It is also known for a number of natural waterfalls and lakes, which further enhance the beauty of this place. Shillong also houses a rich, varied and luxuriant flora, which is dominated by many beautiful and exotic species of orchids.

The word Shillong is derived from "Shyllong" or "Lei Shillong", a deity, who is also believed to be the creator of this place. Shillong was made the capital of Assam in 1874 and it remained so till the time Meghalaya was separated from Assam as a new state, in January 1972. Located at an altitude of about 1496 mts. above sea level, Shillong attracts thousands of tourists every year, who frequent this place to enjoy the scintillating view of the valley of Meghalaya and be one with nature.

Shillong peak is the highest point in Meghalaya, which provides a scintillating view of the valley below. This place is revered as the 'Abode of Gods. Every year during the spring season, prayers are offered to the deity, "Lei Shillong", by the religious priest of Mylliem state. The venue is a sanctum at the peak's summit.

This place offers excellent views of the city during the evenings, when the lights glitter below like the thousand stars of a night sky. One of the most preferred picnic spots in Shillong, this peak stands at an altitude of 1965m above sea level and is located at a distance of 10 kms from the Shillong city.

This water sports complex is located at Umiam, where it has been developed upon the huge reservior of a recently built dam, under the Umiam Hydro Electric Project. This attractive spot offers immense scope for exciting water sports activities like boating, cruising, sailing, fishing etc. A number of row-boats, paddle-boats, sail-boats, cruise-boats, speed-boats and water-scooters are available here for the enthusiastic tourists. This is also an ideal place for picnics, and houses floating restaurants which run their own ferry services. Umiam Water Sports Complex also boasts of a beautiful Orchid Lake Resort, frequented by tourists a lot, and is located at a distance of 16 km from Shillong.

This lake, also known as 'Polok Lake', is a horseshoe shaped lake, set amidst picturesque surroundings. This century old lake takes its name after an executive engineer named Mr. Pollock. The local people therefore, prefer to call it "Nan Polok" or "Polok's Lake". This lake is quite popular for boatings as well as pleasant walks on the cobbled sand stone pathways, among beautiful, vividly colored flowers. The lake also sports on arched bridge over it. It is located in the heart of the city near Raj Bhawan and is easily approachable from Shillong.

This landscaped garden is located just below the Ward's lake and is a favorite haunt of the tourists as well as the local people. Located in a remote area, this garden is a treasure trove of varied indigenous and exotic flora. Another interesting feature of this Botanical Garden is its mini-aviary, which houses rare and colorfull species of birds. The calm surroundings of the garden and its secluded setting, makes it a frequented destination.

Standing at an altitude of 1,343m, this peak holds immense religious importance, as it is considered to be sacred by the Hynniewtrep people, i.e. the Khasi, Jaintia, Bhoi and War tribes.

Also known as the "Navel of Heaven", this peak boasts of an enchanting surrounding, set against the backdrop of a sacred forest. According to the Khasi mythology, this is a heavenly peak, which provides peace and solace to those who suffer from spiritual void and emptiness. It is situated 20km from Shillong.

Crinoline falls is one of Shillong's many natural waterfalls. It is centrally located in the city, quite nearby Lady Hydari Park. The cascading water presents a captivating sight, as it makes its way through the jungle. At the foot of the falls, there is a well-maintained swimming pool, surrounded by beautiful orchids and potted Bonsais. There is also a rock pool nearby with reeds and water lilies. To attract tourists and visitors, regular evening programs to entertain the guests, are organized and an attached restaurant caters to the need of food and drinks.

This park lies adjacent to the Crinoline falls, and is named after Lady Hydari, wife of an erstwhile Governor of Assam. Enclosing an area of about 1km, the park is designed like a Japanese garden, with vividly colored beautiful flowers, particularly roses. The exquisite hues and colors present a delightful sight, one which can be hardly forgotten. This park is also the seat of a native species of pine tree called 'Pinus Khasiana', which can be seen dotted all along the park. There is also a mini zoo cum Deer Park here.

Elephant falls is a charming spot where a descending mountain stream bifurcates into two high falls. It is surrounded by fern-covered rocks and is a treat to the eyes of a nature lover. It lies on the outskirts of the city, at a distance of 12 km.

This is a famous 18 hole golf course of Shillong, which lies at an altitude of 5200 ft, in an undulating valley. Popularly known as a 'Golfer's Paradise', this golf course is set amidst thick grooves of pine and rhododendron trees and is a captivating spot.

This golf course was developed initially as a 9-hole course, but was later converted to an 18-hole course by Captain Jackson and C.K. Rhodes in 1924. Once a favourite sport of the British, this golf course, one of the wettest and yet the most beautiful in the world, has retained its glory and fame till today.

Diengiei peak closely rivals the Shillong peak when it comes to the enchanting surroundings, as it is just 200ft. lower than the Shillong peak. It gives a breathtaking view of the lush green hills dotted by tiny villages. Apart from this, one can also get a spectacular view of the Umiam Lake and the Shillong city from this peak.

Atop Diengiei, there is a huge cup-shaped hollow, which geologists believe, could be the crater of an extinct ancient volcano. The peak is located to the west of the Shillong plateau and is approachable from the Umiam-Union Christian College-Mawmaram Motorable road, which takes off from National Highway-40, at Umiam.

This is one of the most celebrated Forest-Groves of Meghalaya, which is sacred to the Khasis and Jaintias.

Forest-Groves are known by various names as "Ki Law Kyntang" (sacred forest); "Ki Law Adong" (prohibited forest); "Ki Law Shnong" (village forest) and "Ki Law Kynti" (private forest). These sacred groves are basically nature's own museum, as they have been preserved since time immemorial, and are hence a treasure trove of unique flora. A protective hedge of Castanopsis kurzii trees, which do not allow the growth of the Khasi pine within the enclosed area, surrounds these groves. Inside the groves however, the soil is richly laden with humus, accumulated over the centuries and which supports a variety of plant life found nowhere else. The trees in every grove are loaded with epiphytic growth of pipers, ferns, orchids etc.

This particular grove at Mawphlang houses some unique and fascinating plant life, which has attracted the attention of internationally known eminent botanists and naturalists. It is located at a distance of about 25 kms off Shillong.

Cherrapunji is a region which abounds in scenic beauty and is also one of the most frequented tourist destinations of north-eastern India. Situated 1300m above sea level, Cherrapunji commands a panoramic view of the hilly terrains, deep gorges and valleys with its roaring waterfalls. This amazing place was once known to hold the record for being the wettest place on earth, with an average rainfall of about 1150ms. However, a place nearby called Mawsynram, has surpassed this record recently.

Also known as 'Sohra', Cherrapunji is famous for being the Centre of Khasi Culture and Literature. Infact, it was the old administrative headquarters of the Khasis. The oldest Theological College, set up by the Welsh Presbyterian Missionaries in 1888, is also located here. This town is also famous for its limestone caves, which house a large number of stalactites and stalagmites and have not yet been fully explored. Complementing Cherrapunji's natural beauty are some well known falls associated with this fascinating place. Notable of these are the Nohsngithiang Falls, Noh Kalikai Falls and Kshaid Dain Thlen Falls. The cascading waterfalls of Noh Kalikai are compared with the well known Jog falls of south India. Kshaid Dain Thlen falls are located at the place where the mythical monster of a Khasi legend was butchered by axes used by the people. The axe-marks are still intact and visible. Cherrapunji is located at a distance of 56km from Shillong.

This place closely rivals Cherrapunji in annual rainfall and has infact broken its record too. Mawsynram is famous for being the seat of a beautiful natural 'Shivalinga,' which is actually a giant stalagmite formation. This Shivalinga is located in an unexplored vast cave, known locally as 'Mawjymbuin,' and is bathed all through the year by water dripping from an overhanging stalactite. This cave is thronged by numerous Hindu pilgrims as well as curious tourists.

Mawsynram has another major attraction called 'Symper Rock,' which is a unique geological formation. It is a loaf-shaped rocky dome, which has an almost flat top and rises sharply from amidst surrounding hillocks. One can go on an exciting uphill trek and get a spectacular view of the surrounding hills, valleys, plains and rivers. Mawsynram is located at a distance of 55 km from Shillong.

Jakrem is famous for its Hot Springs of sulfur water, which is believed to have curative medicinal properties. As a result, this place has developed as a potential health resort, attracting people from far and wide. They come here to bathe in the sulphur springs and benefit from its medicinal properties. Jakrem is at a distance of 64km from Shillong.

This is a beautiful place and one of Meghalaya's most popular spots for angling. The river waters here are agog with Carps and other fresh water fish, and of course, the huge golden Mahseers. Tourists and localites throng this place in large numbers to try their luck at angling Ranikor is located at a distance of 140 km from Shillong.

This beautiful island holds the distinction of being the second largest island in Asia, after the Majuli Island in Assam. It is also the biggest River Island in Meghalaya and is spread over an area of 20-25 sq. kms.

The island has been formed by the bifurcation of the Kynshi River into two rivers namely- Phanliang River and Namliang River. The area enclosed by these two rivers forms the Nongkhnum Island. At the point where the Kynshi River bifurcates, there is a charming sandy beach, about 100-sq. mts in area called Wei-Phanliang. Adjacent to it, the Phanliang River also forms a beautiful lake.

This fascinating island encompasses vast grasslands and a natural playground, and is adorned with big trees. The vast areas of the playground are suitable for playing football and golf and even facilitates landing of a helicopter. Besides this, it is also a favorite spot of the anglers as there are plenty of fishing pools. Nongkhnum Island is located at a distance of about 14 kms from Nongstoin, the district headquarters of West Khasi Hills.

The Butterfly museum is housed at Wankhar and Co. in Shillong, which boasts of an excellent collection of mounted butterflies and beetles from India and abroad. These people have also ventured into the field of breeding butterflies for their commercial activity which is also regarded as a conservation measure. Over 1600 beautiful displays can be seen here.

This market is an interesting place, worth a visit, where one can see the different tribal people in their colourful traditional attires. These people congregate here, not only to buy but also to sell different products like pots, baskets, spices and even bows and arrows. One can also get a taste of real Khasi food at a number of small stalls set up by the tribals.

JOWAI

Jowai is the headquarter of the Jaintia hills district. This charming hamlet is surrounded by the Myntdu River and is located 64 kms from the National Highway.

This lake is a sought after destination as it offers lot of scope for boating and picnics. Tourists visit this place for outings and to enjoy its calm and peaceful environs.

Historically too, it holds great importance. According to a legend, this lake was dug by the members of the 290 clans of U Sajiar Niangli, who was a rebel general of the Jaintia king. These people used the ends of their bows to dig the lake. This was done to commemorate the great exodus of the clans. The lake is located at a distance of 56kms from Shillong.

Nartiang is famous for its megalithic remnants. A dominant feature of this beautiful hamlet, are the huge monoliths which are believed to be erected by a Goliath named Mar Phalyngki. These Monoliths are symbolic of the megalithic culture of the Hynniewtrep people, and is popularly referred to as the 'Stonehenge of Northeast India.' Each monolith measures around 27 feet and 6 inches in thickness.

Nartiang, located 65 kms from Shillong, was once the summer capital of the Jaintia Kings of Sutnga state. This place is also famous for being the seat of a 500 years old temple of goddess Durga.

This mountain hamlet is quite famous for numerous caves and caverns, used as hideouts during war times between Jaintia hills and the foreign invaders. These caves thus provide historical significance to this tiny village and are located in a limestone-borne area.

TURA PEAK

This beautiful hill is located on the eastern flank of Tura, which is the headquarters of the West Garo Hills District. It is also the largest town in this region.

The Tura peak stands at 872m above sea level and commands a mesmerizing view of the lower Brahmaputra valley and the plains of Bangladesh, besides overlooking Tura. For the enthusiastic tourists, there is a tourist bungalow located at Tura peak amidst its scenic environs. One can also get to see an observatory and an area dominated by Cinchona plantations. Tribal markets are also held in villages around Tura, once a week.

Nokrek peak stands at an elevation of 1412m above sea level and is the highest point of the Garo Hills region. The beauty of this peak is reflected in its lush green dense forests, which enclose the peak from all sides.

This peak can be easily approached either by road or by trekking a distance of three and a half kilometers from the Daribokgre village.

Nokrek is also important from the scientific point of view as it is the seat of the National Citrus Gene Sanctuary-cum-Biosphere Reserve. The discovery of the mother germo plasm of Citrus indica, a species of orange, led to the establishment of this reserve. It is also home to a varied species of flora and fauna, which include wild elephants, beautiful and rare species of birds, pheasants and most importantly, species of rare exotic orchids.