Welcome to the ‘Abode of Clouds’! Also referred to as ‘Scotland of The East’ because of the striking similarity between landscapes – the rolling lush green hills, winding roads and valleys with glistening waterfalls. Shillong started out as the capital of Assam and later became a full-fledged state in 1972. Since then, Shillong has evolved into a ‘hip’ hill station with ardent music lovers of all genres, especially rock, jazz, blues, hip-hop etc. Culturally rich and unique, the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes of the region belong to a matrilineal society (kinship with the mother or the female line).
A Day’s Journey to
India’s ‘Scotland of the East’ and
to the ‘End of the Hills’
BY
DISCOVER
Shillong and Laitlum
This ‘uber-cool’ town has many attractions to offer, like the century-old churches, the 18-hole Shillong Golf Course, Ward’s Lake, museums and more! Laitlum Canyons which is located about 24kms from Shillong literally translates to the ‘End of the Hills.’ Blanketed in velvety white clouds and rolling hills and deep gorges – the view may remind you of a scene from the musical ‘The Sound of Music’. This majestic panoramic landscape is one of the best points for stunning sunsets!
Tour Route
MEETING POINT
Pick Up service from the respective hotel
MEETING TIME
8:30 am
Vehicle will start moving at 9:00 am
LOCALLY ORGANIZED LUNCH
Authentic Khasi lunch at 2 pm
TOTAL TRIP DURATION
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
(traffic dependent)
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
EQUIPMENT
RAINCOATS / PONCHOS
FIRST AID & COVID-19 KIT WITH OXYGEN
CAMERA / GO PRO USED BY GUIDE
QUICK-DRY TOWELS (IF REQUESTED)
HEAD TORCHES (AS REQUIRED)
BINOCULARS
WALKING STICKS
CAR TRAVEL CONSUMABLE KIT
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
PIT STOPS
Tour Starters!
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians Church
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians in the church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong. Founded in 1936, the architecture can be best described as 'modern gothic' with high arches and stained glass windows. This bright blue sacred building stands right in Laitumkhrah locality in the heart of Shillong town.
All Saints Church
All Saints Church was rebuilt in 1902 after the first structure was damaged in the 1897 earthquake. An ancient building boasting colonial-style architecture, this church radiates a mix of old-world charm and a serene ambience amidst the hustle and bustle of the town.
Ward’s Lake
Built in 1894, the lake was planned by the then chief commissioner of Assam, Sir William Ward. It is a busy tourist attraction with boating facilities and a cafeteria. Ward's Lake makes a perfect place for a stroll on the cobblestone pavements lined with cherry blossom trees (in full bloom during the months of October-November), orchids, various floral species and home to a 'living fossil tree' which is the oldest living tree species in the world. This artificial lake is also believed to have been developed by a Khasi prisoner who did so to break his monotonous routine.
Shillong Golf Course
Established as a 9-hole golf course in 1898 by the British Civil Service Officers, It was then converted into 18 Holes in 1924. Shillong Golf Course is one of the finest golf courses in India and many golfers from across the country come together to play prestigious golf tournaments here. The course is blanketed with an indigenous species of local grass. The United States Golf Association and Museum termed it 'Gleneagle of the East', owing this title to the scenic beauty of the course. The course is open for the locals to use when the members are not playing. The local sport of archery can also be experienced here with our guides to assist!
Don Bosco Museum
The Don Bosco Museum in Shillong also known as the Don Bosco Center of Indigenous Cultures has 7 stories and 16 galleries. This hexagonal-shaped museum is also an educational hub with its own publications, research wing and a calendar full of cultural activities. The skywalk on the terrace is a great way to complete the tour, with a 360-degree view of Shillong city! Spend quality time here and enrich your knowledge about all 8 states (Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Sikkim) of Northeast India.
Elephant Falls
The name 'Elephant Falls' is believed to have originated in the British era when a giant rock that looked like an elephant was spotted near the falls (which was destroyed in the 1897 earthquake). It is locally known as Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew, which translates to 'the three-step waterfall'. Situated on the outskirts of Shillong, it is popular amongst tourists and makes a great photo op with the falls and lush green plants in the vicinity.
Mattilang Park
A picturesque landscape with a view of the Elephant Falls, Matillang Park is a favourite among many visitors. This park also makes a great picnic spot with lush greenery surroundings.
Orchidarium
The Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) responsible for the orchidarium aims the preservation of the fragile ecosystem and help boost ecotourism in the region. Of 17,000 species of orchids in the world, about 1,250 occur in India, of which nearly 300 are found in Meghalaya. If you are passionate about plants, you will love to explore this state-of-the-art botanical paradise. Housing more than 20 species of orchids, among the rare flowers on display is the insect-eating pitcher plant, wild citrus and pygmy lily. This orchidarium also has tree houses on the premises as part of a tourist attraction.
Meghalaya Tea Garden
Meghalaya is a non-traditional tea-growing state but the region boasts of producing high-quality & aromatic tea. Meg Tea from Upper Shillong grows at an altitude of 3000-5,500 ft. It is certified organic as no pesticides are used. After a cup of Meg Tea, enjoy a brisk walk through the tea bushes.
Shillong Peak
Perched at a height of 1,966m above sea level, the highest point in the state - it is a great point for a bird's-eye view of Shillong town. An array of seasonal fruits & berries (Sohiong, Soh-phie, Sohphoh Khasi etc) are usually sold by the local vendors, along with burnt corn, ground nuts and many more munchies! One can also try on the Khasi traditional attire, strike a pose and get photographed!
The Ing Sad - Thatched Palace
Adjacent to the Laitlum Canyons, lies the quaint & scenic village of Smit. Here, we can check out 'Ka Ing Sad' which is symbolic of Khasi royalty and tradition. It is mainly an ancient thatched architecture made of wood where no iron or nails were used. A place of worship where age-old rituals are preserved and practised till today!
Laitlum Canyons
A majestic view of golden sun rays at play - splashed across the ridges, into the gorges and onto the stream down below creating sun glitter makes the Laitlum Canyons look spectacular. Fun fact: The Bollywood movie, 'Rock On 2' was filmed here around the year 2016 and yet Laitlum still remains a gem tucked away in Meghalaya.
Sweet Falls - Kshaid Wetden
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Shillong, 315 ft in height, is Sweet Falls. It entails a mysterious and almost haunting reputation mainly because of the dangerous trail that leads to the falls. This gushing cascade is best viewed and enjoyed from a safe distance.
Ever Living Museum
Established in 2015, Ever Living Museum houses objects belonging to the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes. The collection includes tribal artefacts like clothes, jewellery, musical instruments, different types of stones, wood and fossils. The museum is owned by Mr Kyntiewbor War, a retired government engineer. His younger self's passion for exploring natural wonders and collecting stones, coins and all sorts of antiques led to the opening of this fascinating museum surrounded by a beautiful orchid garden.
Experiences
Canyon Thrills
Stroll towards the edge of Laitlum Canyons and be captivated by the sheer beauty of the deep gorges! This is a great location to test your photography skills or just sit back and embrace the clouds or chill with the sheep grazing on the grass, interact with the locals or take a leisurely walk across the gently undulating hills.
Khasi King's Palace Visit
An experience of visiting the Ing Sad is one for the books! A tradition well preserved that truly deserves to be explored and documented by the community's effort in spreading its unique cultural practices.
Leisurely Walk
Let us do a bit of walking around on this tour and especially to reach the waterfalls. You just need to be careful as some parts may be slippery but every step till the end destination will be all worth it!
Golf Putting
If you have never tried your hand at golf before, this is your chance to dabble with some golf putting at this picturesque 18-hole golf course.
Museum Tour
This tour is not only fun but educational as well. We encourage our guests to learn as much about the well-preserved traditions and culture of our communities.
Boating
One must not miss out on paddle boating at Ward's Lake! Take a good break from walking and put your feet into another form of exercise - just paddle on through the calm water while fishes pop up as you feed them some crumbs off of your snacks.
Heritage Church Visit
We will be visiting 2 heritage churches. These places of worship cater to the devout Christians in Shillong, also adding to the aesthetic beauty of the town and creating an aura of peace.
Archery
Experience the thrill of shooting arrows with us along with the local legalized betting.
Skywalk
A skywalk designed on the terrace of Don Bosco Museum is really the icing on the cake! Enjoy an incredible view of the town, all the way from the top.
Traditional Drinks
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Traditional Khasi Meal
You will be needing a power-packed meal for a day out like this. Khasi cuisine generally includes plain boiled white rice or Jadoh (red rice cooked with meat), dal, tungrymbai (fermented soybean), dohkhlieh (boiled pork salad with ginger & onion) tungtap (dried fish chutney) and Dohneiiong (sesame pork dish). Fret not, there are vegetarian alternatives as well with all organic seasonal vegetables that are stir-fried and a few pure veg restaurants around!
Experience Package Price:
Group Size :
Couple ( 3,750/- INR per head), 2-4 ( 3,500/- INR per head), 5-6 (3,250/- INR per head), 7-10 (3,000/- INR per head).
Package
Inclusions
- Entry Fees for interest points.
- Travel snacks & lunch Guides for all locations.
- Equipment mentioned (pg 4).
- Transportation arrangements ( from Start Point to End Point).
- Provision of receipt/s for all payment/s made.
Exclusions
- Any meals/services not mentioned in the inclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, etc.
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
- Personal purchases on the tour.
- Any miscellaneous expenses not mentioned in Inclusion
Why choose Go Somewhere?
Small Groups
Not too big – Not too small. Our groups are just right.
Local Expert Guides
Our guides can tell you more about a destination than your phone ever could.
Ultimate Adventures
We are here to make your holidays unforgettable!
It’s All Planned For You
Booking through Go Somewhere can save you hours (and we mean hours!) of planning and research, both before and during your trip.
Contact Details
OUR HEAD OFFICE
BAWRI MANSIONS,
DHANKHETI SHILLONG - 793001.
PHONE NUMBER
03642227917
+916033099990
EMAIL ADDRESS
HELLO@GOSOMEWHERE.IN
WEBSITE
www.gosomewhere.in
