Guwahati
Distance: 101 km from Shillong.
Time by road: 3hrs.
Best Season: All throughout the year
Guwahati is known as the land of temples. It is the home to the Goddess Kamakhya. The city of Guwahati houses four Shatipeeths namely Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill , Dirgheswari Temple in north Guwahati, Ugratara Temple, Bhubaneshwari Temple atop Nilarhal hill. Guwahati is endowed with many beautiful places of tourist attraction. The mighty Brahmaputra River is among the major attractions of the city of Guwahati. Other tourist attractions of Guwahati include Digholi Pukhuri, Deepor Beel, Guwahati Planetarium, Guwahati Zoo, Assam State Museum, Accoland and Srimanta Sankardeva Kalashetra. Visiting Guwahati will be incomplete if you do not try the authentic assamese cuisine. The restaurants in Guwahati offers you with the best Assamese dishes.
How to Reach Guwahati from Shillong
The National Highway 40 connects Shillong with Guwahati. Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) regularly operates bus services from Shillong to Guwahati and vice – versa. Shared tourist taxis, and Tata Sumo are also available easily to travel between Shillong to Guwahati and vice-versa.
- Bus rates: Rs 100 – Rs 150 (approx) per person.
- Tata Sumo rates: Rs 150 - Rs 300 (approx) per person.
- Tourist taxi rates : Rs 300 – Rs 500 (approx) per person.
- Taxi rate : Rs: 1400 - Rs 2000 (approx)
Nongkhnm Island ( Nongstoin)
Distance: 109 kms from Shillong
Time by road: 3hrs
Best time to visit: All throughout the year.
Nongkhnm Island is located in the West Khasi Hill District about 14km from the district headquarter and the biggest river island in Meghalaya. A wooden bridge over the Weinia Fall is used to enter the Island. The Nongkhnum island is bordered by the Phanliang and the Namliang river. The island is also blessed with lot of trees and grassland. The fishing pools near the sandy shore called Wei-Phanliang are a good option for anglers. Local transport like taxis can be hired to reach the Nongkhnum island.
How to reach Nongkhnm Island from Shillong
Hired taxis are easily available from Shillong to Nongkhnm Island.
Taxi rates: Rs 1000-Rs 1500 (Approx)
Cherrapunji ( Sohra)
Distance: 55kms
Time by road: 2 hrs
Best time to visit: All throughout the year.
Cherrapunji, also known by the historical name of Sohra is situated in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. It was considered to be the wettest place on Earth but recently that place has been taken over by Mawsynram. Chura was the original name for it, given by the Britishers and now, it is given the name Sohra by the Meghalaya government. There are a lot of things to see and do in Cherrapunji namely trekking, river canyoning, and swimming. You can also visit nearby places like Nohkali kai falls, Thangkarang park, Cheerapunji maswmai cave, natural shive linga (khoh ram hah), ram Krishna mission, seven sister fall.
How to reach Cherapunji from Shillong
You can hire a taxi or a shared cab which is available from Shillong.
Taxi rates: Rs 500- Rs 1000 (Approx)
Mawlynnong - Cleanest Village in Asia
Distance: 90kms
Time by road: 3hrs
Best time to visit: All throughout the year
Mawlynnong in the East Khasi hills of Meghalaya declared the cleanest village in Asia in 2003 is a must visit if you are in Shillong. The Sky Walk which is a 80 feet high "machan' or observatory in gives you an opportunity to fall in love with the natural beauty of the place. The most popular tourist attraction in Mawlynnong is the Natural Balancing Rock and Living Root Bridge.
How to reach Mawlynnong from Shillong
Shillong taxi services are easily available in the city.
Taxi rates: Rs 500- Rs 1000 (Approx)
Jaintia Hills- Land of myths and Legends
Distance: 64 kms from Shillong
Time by road: 2hrs 30 mins
Best time to visit: All throughout the year.
A homeland of sinuous hills rich in mineral deposits, Jaintia Hills is located alongside of the river Myntd of Jaintia hills district. There are many mythical sites to explore in this place like; Nartiang Monoliths, Durga Temple at Nartiang, Kiang Nongbah Monument, Khim Moo Sniang, Syntu Ksiar , Borghat Temple, Stone Bridge at Thlumuwi,Lady of good Health Shrine.. There are also lakes and parks to visit in this place like; Thadlaskein Lake, Umhang Lake, Dawki Iooksi (Kupli) Park , Tyrshi Falls, Ialong Park, Jarain Pitcher Plant Lake, Ruparsor bathing ghat, Iawmusiang.
How to reach Jaintia Hills from Shillong
You can hire sumos that are available from Mawlong haat or Anjali point. Taxis from Taxi stand in Police bazaar, Shillong are also available.
Taxi rates: Rs 500- Rs 1000 (Approx)
Lumsohpet Byneng (Bhoi)
Distance: 50 Kms from Shillong
Time by road: 2 hrs
Best time to visit: All throughout the year.
Lumsohpet Byneng is located in Ri Bhoi District on a hill top, known as the navel of Heaven. Lumsohpet Byneng represents the spiritual belief of the Hynniewtrep – the Seven huts people. According to legend, it is said that "The Golden Bridge" symbolises the human Golden Heart and soul which is in communion with the Divine Creator, in each prayer, worship, and reverence.On the first Sunday of February an annual pilgrimage is held.
How to reach Lumsohpet Byneng from Shillong
Taxis and buses are easily available from Shillong to Bhoi.
Taxi rates: Rs 500-Rs 1000
