Nature/ Scenic

Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani (Big Water) is a spot around 15 Km from Shillong where a massive hydro-electric dam has been constructed across the Umiam river stream. The Lake is popular for the Water Sport and adventure facilities that it offers. Kayaking, Water cycling/ scooting and boating are a few of the facilities available at the Umiam Lake. The Lake has been developed as a tourist spot by the State authorities and the Meghalaya Tourism Department, runs the Orchid Tourist home overlooking the lake.

The Sweet Falls (also called “Weitden,‿ in the native parlance) apart from the adorable name does not posses any feminine quality. Situated near Happy Valley, the Sweet Falls travel a stomach wrenching dive height of an incredible 96 mtr before it pounds the black rocks in the crevice below. The sweet falls is very popular amongst the local populace and it is common to find a swelling crowd at the Sweet Falls during weekends. The place has been developed as a tourist spot and basic facilities for travelers and tourists are available at affordable prices.

As we move towards the forests from the Polo ground at a distance approximately 3 Km the calmness and peaceful lull of the verdant jungle is broken, initially with a silent hush, and later by a roaring waterfall that breaks out of the dominating green terrain with an aim to carve a niche for itself. Welcome to the Spread Eagle Falls or the Sati Falls. The Spread Eagle Falls can be considered as the widest waterfalls amongst those in and around Shillong. The stream grows wide just near the pinnacle and crashes into a massive pool created by its incessant splash on the rocks below.

The Elephant Falls located just outside the Shillong city at a distance of approx 10 kms provides a unique sight wherein the water column carves out its way and surrenders to gravity at two successive locations. The gigantic stream accumulated just at the pinnacle comes crashing down the terrain and rebounds only to cover a short distance and once again leap into a daunting gorge. The very sight of natural pandemonium is enough to make one miss a heartbeat and leap with joy.

Smack in the middle of the Shillong city is another natural splendor. The Crinoline Falls cascading down the luxuriant woodland create a graceful waterfall. The pool created by the fall has been creatively carved out to serve as a well sustained Swimming Pool. A dip in this pool is a foregone conclusion for the allure of the lagoon would drag and float the most ardent watch babies. The pool is perennially abounded with screeching hordes outdoing each other and feasting on the nature's bounty.

The Bishop's Waterfall is often referred to as the twin brother of the Beadon Waterfall since both tumble down the same escarpment into a yawning gorge. As the gushing stream of water plunges and crashes into a cavernous lagoon the sprinkled droplets create a mystic rainbow that stretches across the spectrum. The emerald pool formed at the bottom is inviting and it's a fantastic idea to trek up or down the hills along the stream discovering the marvels of nature.

The normal trends of Indian waterfalls do not apply to the unique waterfalls in Meghalaya. These waterfalls are almost always at their full glory and rarely dry up or become a trickle as is the case with rest of the waterfalls. The Beadon waterfall is surrounded by verdant forests from every side and the sight of the creamy torrent gushing down almost a 100 feet and crush the resilient rocks below is awe inspiring. The clear water stream and the picturesque surroundings make for a memorable sight.

Nestled in the hills is a majestic placid lake amidst the sylvan heights. The greenery of the surroundings, the azure blue of the skies above have a hypnotising effect. The placid setting is truly astounding. Water sports and angling are the prime attractions in the Orchid Lake Resort here.

Te largest waterfall of that region and also the fourth highest falls in the world.

Mawsynram is dotted with a cave called Mawjymbuin. The stalagmite naturally fashioned into a Shivalinga inside the cave is truly noteworthy.