Shillong Tourism From Two Perspectives
This is a short piece written by a local writer, with a foreign tourist's comments in italics. We wanted to highlight the different ways a tourist sees the region, in comparison to a person living here!
Shillong has been branded as the "Scotland of the East" and has a lot of tourism potential because of the many blessings be it the climate, flora, fauna, educational institutes or the place in itself. I agree 100%
Shillong meets the taste of tourists with different wants. I call Shillong Shangra La because when we first came here it was like discovering a hidden paradise. Few people have visited here and it is unspoiled by the outside world.
For an eco tourist, the crinoline falls about 12-13 meters in height is situated in the heart of the city. At the base of it is a swimming pool open to all. The Spread Eagle Falls is located close to the Polo Ground, which was then made for polo players but is now used as a football field and also for archery. The author fails to mention that just above the swimming pool one can trek up into a beautiful forest and within one hour be at the top of Shillong Peak. Shillong is at the base of this small mountain. For that matter there is fantastic trekking all around Shillong. No need to go far to find springs of fresh water for drinking or swimming. And about the archery- this is an old traditional type of archery that is now a form of gambling.
About 5 km from Happy Valley is the Sweet Falls or "Weitdem", a falls of 96m in height. Just a short distance from Shillong are the Elephant Gait and the Elephant Falls cascading over the rocks. These falls can be viewed from the Mattilang Park, a park formed by the Self Help Group of the area. Beadon Falls is close to town and has the hydroelectric powerhouse at the base of the falls. It is too bad that the river that flows through Shillong is now polluted but just go a short distance outside Shillong and discover untouched beauty.
Ward's Lake -an artificial lake with little isles and a bridge over it abounds in fishes. One of the favorite pastimes of tourists is feeding the fishes from the bridge. Boating is also available here. But the most interesting things is walking around this very old area and seeing the British Bungalows that are now occupied by government officials. And if you want to see a lake drive down the hill for half hour and see the large and very beautiful lake that has been created by a dam.
For the bird watchers, trekking down to the base of these waterfalls in the early morn and also in the forests are a treat to the eyes. For most bird watchers NE India can be a disappointment because many birds have been hunted and can't be found.
For trekkers there are reserved forest and community forests too at the vicinity of the town. These forests are watershed areas of the town and houses varieties of orchids, mushrooms and wild flora. Most of them are endemic pine forest and houses very less diversity of fauna. Bridges built in the earlier years can also be found in these forests. She only briefly mentions these living bridges. They are really fascinating bridges made from the roots of trees and have to be seen to be believed.
For golfers, the "Gleneagles of the East"- the first 18-hole golf course in Asia, the Shillong Golf Course is in Shillong! This golf course is really unique. For one thing it is beautiful and old and historic but I could tell some great stories about it because the course is unique. The club house is old and very British, the course is never watered, the course is a picnic ground on Sundays, the course is over 100 years old and on I could tell of things that can not be see on golf courses anywhere else.
Cultural enthusiasts! The State museum gives a glimpse of the heritage and lifestyle of the inhabitants. "Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem", "Ka Behdiengkhlam", "Wangala " festivals and the ritual day of the "Ka lehniam Iewduh" will be the best time to be here! Churches with different architecture are a fascination. This museum does show the very interesting way of life of the Khasi people but don't miss the Don Bosco museum. It shows the people of all of NE india and is 10 times better than the state museum.
Shoppers! Police bazaar is THE MALL - there are quite a lot of choices for a growing town. "Ka Iewduh" has fruits and vegetables and in season, one can find indigenous products. The market of Bara Bazaar is the most interesting in all of Asia but the author has seen it so many times she does not know how unique and interesting it really is.
Shillong has a number of attractions for tourists and there is a potential to build up and polish what we have. Yes Shillong is and undiscovered Shangra La. The author does not mention that her family owns a new eco resort about one hour from Shillong. It has a fresh river flowing through it and is a perfect place to go camping.
Just a vision and willing mission will take Shillong to higher grounds. Yes, let's limit it to eco tourists so it does not get ruined. It is one of the most beautiful places in India!
How many tourist visit Shillong?
Hundreds of Indian tourists come during April and May to beat the heat in June and July, and to see the famous rains but it is somewhat difficult to get to, and there are only about 10 small and two large hotels. Perhaps only 10 foreign tourist arrive each month and they stay in one of two nice hotels. Backpackers find really cheap hotels.
How do I find more info about eco tourism?
Contact James Perry at Cultural Pursuits in Shillong. He is very knowledgeable and helpful. You can find his informative web site with a google search.
When Should I go and how to I get there?
Come from June - September if you want to see rain otherwise most of the years is pleasant and even cool in December and January. You can fly to Guwahati, Assam and take a 3 hour taxi drive up to Shillong.
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