Wandering The Scotland Of The East- Shillong

Shillong, often known as Scotland Of the East, is the capital city of the North-East state of India, Meghalaya. The city is well organized and beautifully located by cutting the steps of hills. On our way, we encountered many waterfalls and caves. However, Shillong, being the heart of Meghalaya, is very crowded and a bit expensive. So without wasting any time, let’s start our travel story. Today’s Blog is on “Wandering The Scotland Of The East- Shillong”.

Our day started with a cool breeze and morning rays on our face. It was already around 9 am. So we quickly got ready, had our breakfast and jumped into our car.

Our first destination for the day was Shillong Peak followed by Elephant Falls, then Lakyrsiew Tea Garden and finally Barapani Umium Lake.

Shillong Peak:

The place is located 10 KM away from the main city. So it took around an hour to reach. Our car stopped in the gate where a long queue of vehicles was only visible. The movement was quite slow. This made us much impatient and curious to know the reason behind this. Our driver informed us that it was a radar station of the Indian Air Force. So we need to deposit our ID card to go inside. After struggling for an hour we got our approval and we headed towards the peak.

This Shillong View Point is one of the main tourist spots here. At a height of 6449feet and 1965 m above sea level, this highest point of Shillong offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, its golf clubs, stadiums, waterfalls, and even the Bangladesh border. At one side there was a tower, where you can climb and take the magnificent sight of the city through the telescope. Many tourists were also busy in clicking photographs wearing traditional Khasi dresses.

There were some food stalls around. We had a cup of hot coffee and we headed forward towards our next destination. Wandering The Scotland Of The East- Shillong

Elephant Falls:

Our car stopped in the parking and our eyes fell on the local market in the entrance.  Additionally, there are small local stalls at the entrance gate of Elephant Falls. If you are a shopaholic, you will surely get stuck checking them out, from where you can shop colorful junkies. The products sold were quite expensive. So without buying anything, we walked towards the waterfalls. Wandering The Scotland Of The East- Shillong

The Elephant Waterfalls, named after a huge elephant shaped rock near the falls. The name was given by the British. However, this rock was totally destroyed in an earthquake during the 19^th century. Amidst the lush greens, the multi-tiered rugged waterfalls flow to a small lake. This is a 3 step waterfall. An extensive network of waterfalls surrounded by a dense forest area creates an amazing view to the tourists. This is the first of the three.

After a walk through the trail of stairs, we finally reached the second and third falls. The thin thread of water caught our attention as we were going down. It’s the second one. The third one was the tallest and the most fascinating of the three. The foams of the falls resembled a milky sheet flowing over the dark rocks. The extensive chain of falls was a superb spot for photographs. Tourists gathered in the front to click.

The stairs are not so friendly for aged and children. So one can rest on the seats available beside the first fall. Wandering The Scotland Of The East- Shillong

Read our Blog on another destination of Meghalaya
Exploring The Wettest Place On Earth-Cherrapunji

Lakyrsiew Tea Garden:

Turning back from the Elephant Falls our car stopped at the right side of the road, in front of the Lakyrsiew tea garden. It is known as Secret Tea Garden of Shillong.

Though this tea garden land was first identified by the East India Company nearly 170 years ago. But due to local tribal rules that prevented outsiders from working the land, British can’t start the tea plantation process.

Almost after 2 centuries, with the government permission, this land turned into a beautiful tea plantation garden in 2002.

We booked our ticket for 10rs each and entered inside the garden. This was our first time experience inside the tea garden. So we were very much excited and took a run from one end to other. Some female workers were plucking the tea leaves inside the garden. We made quick chitchat with them and came to know some interesting facts about this tea garden. Wandering The Scotland Of The East- Shillong
They used to grow slow growing Darjeeling Tea and some Chinese plants from the British era that was discovered later by locals.
This tea garden, situated on the southern bank of Borapani Umium Lake at an altitude of 1000m to 1300m.
The fresh smell of the tea plants was so much energy and the scenic beauty was magnificent. We clicked some good pictures and left the garden and heading towards the Borapani Umium Lake. Wandering The Scotland Of The East- Shillong

Barapani Umium Lake:

By now it was almost 4 pm in the afternoon. We got to know from the local people that the view of sunset acts like magic on the Umium Lake. We all are excited to experience the beauty of the lake. Within a few kilometers from Lakyrsiew tea garden, lays Borapani Umium Lake. This lake is a part of Barapani Lake on Shillong-Guwahati highway.

We reached within half an hour and the beauty of the lake was mind-blowing. The blue skies with fluffy floating clouds and the rays of the sun playing hide and seek spread its golden jewels in the mingling waters.

Due to its mesmerizing view and lush green surroundings, this lake is also famed as Lakes of Scotland.

If you like water spots, then this is the perfect place for you to hang out with your families and friends. One can also travel from Guwahati to Borapani Umium Lake to spend a beautiful day. Guwahati to Shillong road condition is really good but traffic is so much.

It is one of the most scenic tourists’ spots in Shillong, and an eminent venue for kayaking, water cycling, boating and scooting. One can enjoy riding paddleboats, rowboats, sailing boats, cruise boats, and speed boats as well. 

The backdrop forest mountain and the trail of the lake was the perfect combination to spend a picnic day on the shore of the lake and enjoying the beauty.

Travel Tips :

• Mid October to February is the best time to visit.
• Carry plenty of water. Wear loose fit clothes, flat shoes, sunglass, and hats.
• Carry a camera or a handy camera.
• Start your journey as early as possible in the morning.

Best Place To Stay In Shillong:

• Oxford Hills Guest House
• Hotel Barbereek Inn
• OYO 2402 Hotel HighWinds
• Hotel Yalana
• The Eee Cee Hotel

Hi! Lovely readers. If you love the blog on Wandering The Scotland Of The East- Shillong,
please like, comment and share. Your love is our inspiration.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.