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The Butterfly museum at Riatsamthiah comes as an unexpected treat for the entomology enthusiast or simply any nature lover. The small entrance and unlikely location belies the vastness of the collection which guarantees that one won’t leave Shillong without a new - found appreciation for the winged creatures. The private collection, which was started in the 1930’s by a Mr. Sikdar, a pioneer entomologist of the Northeast comprises displays of butterflies and insects collected from different parts of the world. Spend a few hours marveling at the exquisite beauty of butterflies and insects native to various regions of India and the Northeast. The largest goliath beetle from Africa, Tarantulas from South America share the space with Brush footed butterflies, leaf insects and Giant Stick Insects of Meghalaya. Thousands of other exotic species of unparalleled beauty are ensured to leave you spellbound.
Call 0364 - 2544473 for enquiries or to make an appointment.
The Don Bosco Centre of Indigenous Cultures is a landmark, state - of - the - art museum located at Mawlai, Shillong. An absolute, must - visit destination for any visitor to the North - east, it comes as an awe - inspiring experience to discover an anthropological and cultural display of these dimensions in Shillong. Encompassing seven floors, the museum houses 13 galleries like the Land and Peoples Gallery, Agricultural Gallery, Costume and Ornaments gallery, the Weapons Gallery and so on. A wonderfully visualized, arranged and presented museum with beautiful paintings, craftsmanship and artistic displays that bears the mark of scrupulous planning.
The Centre of the Department of Social Welfare where women in need of care and protection are imparted vocational skills for self-employment also proves to be an interesting pit stop within the city for those wanting to see women at work on traditional looms. The women who are trained in embroidery, knitting or weaving skills are thus empowered to go back to their native villages and start a business. Their products include shawls, pillowslips, cushion-covers, etc.
One of the busiest shopping areas of Shillong with a recorded heritage that can be traced back to the 19th century. Bara Bazaar or Iewduh has expanded and grown over the years to be a Pandora’s Box for the visitor who wants to stock up on local products. It is a heady experience to thread one’s way through the cramped lanes of Bara Bazaar, fruits, loofahs, vegetables, spices, fresh meat and a horde of other products everywhere you turn. Tiny stalls and vendors cram every possible nook and cranny. Women from surrounding villages throng Bara Bazaar on market days to sell their produce. While shopping at the Bara Bazaar is not for the faint - hearted, it can be best described as an adventure that will leave one with the light - headed feeling of having encountered all the flavours, sights, sounds and smells of the colorful, vibrant mosaic called Shillong.
Lady Hydari Park is named after the wife of a former Governor of the erstwhile Assam. Blooms and roses of every imaginable hue prettify the lawns. A children’s playground and a mini - zoo adjoins the park. A deer park and a wildlife museum make Hydari Park the destination to spend an idyllic afternoon. A stone’s throw away lies the Crinoline Falls and the Crinoline Swimming Pool.
Laitumkhrah is best known as Shillong’s educational district. Throughout Laitumkhrah is apparent evidence of the Roman Catholic influence in Shillong, manifested in beautiful and stately churches, cathedrals and sculptures. The most noted of all these is probably the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians which dates back to 1895 and nestled just below this, the Grotto Church. This Cathedral draws visitors in throngs and has striking stained glass windows and beautifully appointed interiors. Laitumkhrah is also one of the prime shopping areas in Shillong. A number of boutiques like Cleopatra and Studio Line offer exclusive shopping for the trendy. Coffee shops and eateries like Swish Café, Flavors, Nat’s Restaurant are situated in Laitumkhrah. Also, Elephenor offers exquisitely mounted butterfly plaques and other locally made handicrafts. Laitumkhrah maintains the small-town camaraderie that Shillong is well-known for. An absolute pit stop at Laitumkhrah is the ‘What’s in Store’-an emporium with a lounge-like ambience that stocks up on exclusive handicrafts and handmade products from the North-east and other parts of India. Guaranteed to have a little something for everyone, from pottery and shawls to junk jewelry and beautiful original artwork. It is a novel experience to walk through Laitumkhrah’s little streets, taking in the sights, sounds and smells that will forever stay in your memory as a part of Shillong.
Without a doubt, Police Bazar is the commercial hub of Shillong that offers a complete shopping experience. Police Bazar is probably the place that best epitomizes Shillong’s cosmopolitan culture. Some of the best restaurants in Shillong: La Galerie, Ske Asia, Bombay Biites, City Hut Dhaba are all located in and around Police Bazar. Noted hotels like Centre Point line the skyline of Police Bazar. Shopping complexes like O.B. Mall, Glory’s Plaza, and Cosmos and an extensive number of shops selling every imaginable product from fruits to handloom products prove that Police Bazar is every shopper’s delight, right here in Shillong. Police Bazar has something for everybody. Discover good bargains and an intriguing haggling experience at the Glory’s Plaza, which is the destination for trendy yet relatively inexpensive clothes, shoes and accessories. Makes for a unique, mini-Bangkok’ shopping experience. On the contrary, the bigger shopping complexes and a number of outlets have a wide array of options for the brand-conscious shopper. Handicrafts and handloom products are available at the smaller curios shops and the larger India Emporium or Purbasree in Police Bazar. Police Bazar is literally where all the action is, being home to the city’s best nightclubs, Cloud 9 and Tango. Police Bazar will figure largely in the Shillong experience, be it for the wonderful shopping or nights spent in realizing that Shillong is as happening as any other destination.
About 5 kilometers south of Shillong lies the Shillong Peak, which legend asserts is the abode of the deity Shyllong, from whose name Shillong is derived. Located at a staggering 6,433 feet above sea level, almost forming the roof of Shillong in the clouds, Shillong Peak is known for the spectacular bird’s eye view it offers of Shillong. To see the city of Shillong laid out before one’s vision like a replica of the real thing is undoubtedly an experience your Shillong sojourn won’t be complete without.
One of the most unique features of Shillong, something that the perspective onlooker will spot right away is the presence of betting shops on almost every street. It goes to mention that the ancient tradition and art of archery has been combined with the betting system in the state. The outcome is a gambling wager locally known as ‘Teer’, and aptly so for it derives it existence from archery. Every day, between 3:15 and 4:15 p.m. three archery clubs come together to display their dexterity in hitting the bull’s eye, which in this case is a pillar-like structure made of reeds. The archers are given a few minutes to hit the target with as many arrows as possible. It is fascinating to watch almost all the arrows whizzing past and sink into the target with unfailing preciseness. The arrows are removed and then counted. The last two digits are announced as the winning number. Those who bet on that number go home richer. Teer is an example of how Shillong has managed to keep tradition and ancient arts alive amidst changes brought on by modernity.
The Captain Williamson Sangma Museum stands on the premises of the State Central Library. This museum offers a glimpse into the heritage and culture of the ethnic people of Meghalaya. This centrally located museum is one among many others in the city such as the Air Force Museum in Upper Shillong, the Anthropological Museum at Mawblei, and many more. Opposite to the State Central Library lies the All Saints’ Church, a historic structure built in Tudor style. This church, which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1897, and then rebuilt, has beautiful woodwork and stained glass windows which bear tribute to its British heritage.
While the less ignorant might write Ward’s Lake off as one of those many typical, pretty touristy stops on the Shillong Map, it has the special note of being a symbol of the transformation of Shillong from a village to a mini-England in the 1800s. Earlier known as Elliot’s Lake, Chief Commissioner Sir William Ward transformed it, enlarging it and improving the landscape and most famously constructing the wooden bridge, which is till date, Ward’s Lake’s most famous landmark. Today, Ward’s Lake is one of the most endearing symbols of the British Rajs’ love affair with Shillong. It makes for a relaxing afternoon to walk through the extensive, green grounds, feed the fish that swarm in huge schools when you toss fish feed from the bridge; and not to forget, boating. A cafeteria on the grounds makes sure your afternoon exploring Ward’s Lake doesn’t leave you hungry.
Note: The above write up is the sole property of Shillong Eco Tours and Copy Righted.
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