Daylong picnics amidst smoky blue hills thick with pine and orchids, singing brooks and crashing waterfalls… for the British, this garrison town was home. The scenic Khasi Hills reminded them of the Scottish Highlands - just perfect for summer holidays away from the heat and the dust of India's plains. They set up schools amidst the unpolluted, heather covered, pine scented slopes.

Leisurely days can be spent at the serene Ward's Lake and the landscaped Lady Hydari Park, which also has a mini-zoo. The Iewduh Market, the biggest in the Northeast, is wonderful for a bit of local flavour. Shillong Peak (1,965 mts), about 10 km from town, offers breathtaking views of the city. Sohpetbneng Peak, 20 km away is also a great place to catch those spectacular views. Amongst the popular waterfalls close to town are Spread Eagle Falls (6 km) and the Sweet Falls (8 km) in Happy Valley. There are also the Bishop Falls, Beadon Falls and the Elephant Falls (12 km) to explore if you have time.

Shillong's popular 18-hole golf course (referred to as the Gleneagels of the East) holds its annual tournament in October, when the Khasi Hills are at their prettiest.

The town is dotted with fine old churches of which the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is a most famed for its stained glass windows and lofty arch. Opposite the State Central Library, is the All Saints Church.

Shillong has regular pop and rock concerts, which are welcomed with great enthusiasm by the local youth. The Butterfly Museum is worth visiting as it has an excellent collection of these winged beauties, many of which are facing extinction.

Places to see in Shillong:

Elephant Falls: This Falls is 12 kms. from Shillong and 300 meters off the Shillong/Mawphlang road. A footpath lead to a bridge spanning across a mountain stream which descends into two successive falls set in the dells of the fern covered rocks.

Shillong View Point: Approximately 10 kms. from the city, this point offers a panoramic view of the spreading city below. The Shillong Peak is situated nearby and is the highest point in Meghalaya with an altitude of 1960 meters above sea level.

Lady Hydari Park: Just behind the Civil Hospital complex, is the Park with a well maintained garden and mini-zoo.

Wards Lake: A lonely manmade lake in the middle of town, with meandering footpaths and boating facilities. There is a small botanical garden next to the lake.

Golf Course: the 18-hole course located within the city is considered to be one of the best natural golf courses in the world. Highly regarded among golfers, this course has been the venue of many championships for professionals and amateurs. The club house has been designed to resemble an English Manor. It is often referred to as the “Gleneagles of the East” at the United States Golf Association Library & Museum.

State Museum: the ideal place to get a quick insight into the life of the tribes of Meghalaya, as this Museum showcases their history, ethnography and lifestyle.

Catholic Cathedral: Situated between Dhankheti and Laitumkhrah this imposing structure is the Cathedral dedicated to May-Help of Christians.

Archery: Archery is one of the main traditional sports of the Khasi people. It is believed that the mother of the Khasi race gave them the bows and arrows and cautioned them not to lose their temper during the game. There are basically two types of arrows, one for hunting and one for sport. Today archery is still practiced, and in Shillong, it has developed into a betting game where the bets are made on the number of arrows hitting a cylindrical target made of split bamboo. Every day near the Polo grounds a small group of dedicated followers gather to watch and place their bets.

Motphran: The “Stone of France”. This was erected in memory of the many tribesmen from the North East who served under the British in France during the 1st world war.

Iewduh: Right next to Motphran is the largest traditional market of the Khasi, managed by the Syiem of Mylliem (local King). Traditional rituals are conducted every year within the market areas at “Khlieh Iew” This market at one time was the sole domain of women and is still dominated by them.

The Anglican Cemetery & Church: A quiet road from the “General’s Point” leads you to the Anglican Cemetery. British nationals who served under the crown in the North Eastern region are buried here and their tombstones make an interesting reading into history.