Shad Suk Mynsiem at Weiking

The Khasi tribe in Meghalaya is known for their unique tradition and culture. They don’t have any dearth of occasions to showcase their culture before the world. Mention may be made of the Shad Suk Mynsiem. The spring festival falls on April 13, 14 and 15 where they offer prayer to the god for bounteous harvest. Spotlight falls on the Weiking grounds near Shillong.  

They further make it an occasion to showcase their culture dancing to the tune of traditional drum beats and pipes. That’s why, the Khasis call “Shad Phur” as “Shad Suk Mynsiem” a thanks giving dance to the god who ensured a bounteous harvest in the season. It further highlights the unique matrilineal and patrilineal system of the Khasi tribe.

The tourists take delight when men at the venue whip and sword circles the unmarried female counterparts to play the role of a protector of the womanhood having a single strength and resource. The men have twelve strength and resource in them. The dance stands for ritualistic and symbolic of fertility cult which takes place at Raid and Hima village level. That’s the main attraction of the three day long spring festival.  

Their traditional dresses and jewelries are charming. The female dancers wear cloth draped from waist to ankle (Ka Jingpim Shad) with full sleeve blouse with lacework at the neck (Ka Sopti Mukmor). The necklace is made of red coral and foil-covered which they call “U Kpieng Paila”. The golden ear-rings known as Ki Sohshkor Ksier make the costumes more charming.

The male counterparts wear golden silk turban which they call “Ka Jain spong Khor”. These are in addition to the semi-circular collar of gold-silver plate tied round the neck “U Shanryndang”. More charming is their maroon silk cloth worn like a 'dhoti' with a ceremonial   sword.

Date
Location/Venue

Wangala Dance Festival

Wangala Dance Festival
Wangala Dance Festival
Wangala Dance Festival
Wangala Dance Festival

A honeyed golden November sunshine turns Meghalaya in to a haven misplaced on the planet. The entire north eastern state wears a different look marking the advent of the winter season. That’s an ideal turn for the Garo people in Tura to celebrate the Wangala Dance festival.

Festivity grips Asanang near Tura town on November 12, 13 and 14 where traditional dance and music are showcased. The striking feature of the weeklong festival is the music apart from the orchestra of drums, gongs and flutes. A traditional flute made of buffalo horn makes the festival more charming.

The festival begins after a Nokma performs a ritual with fresh rice-beer, rice and vegetables seeking divine help from Misi Salong for a bumper harvest. Also known as 100 drum Wangala festival, marks an end to the unrelieved toil in the paddy field. 

With the passage of time, Wangala Festival has undergone some changes where the age old Garo traditions have amalgamated with modern life styles of these people in Meghalaya.

The festival begins as soon as ten Wangala Dance troupes arrive the venue from the various parts of the Garo Hills. Drums are played in a rhythmic manner when the participants move in lines much to the delight of the tourists who throng the venue to share the joy.

Date
Location/Venue

Behdienkhlam festival

July in the Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya is a season of festival where local people find an occasion to showcase their traditional culture. The annual festival of the Pnara tribe begins on July 15 to conclude on July 20. Known as Behdienkhlam, the religious festival beckons huge number of tourists from the country and abroad. Jowai, locating at an altitude of 1220 metres from sea-level and only 64 km. away from Shillong by road, in the north eastern state wears a fresh look where the youths celebrate the festival with traditional dance and music.

The most striking event takes place on the final day where the Pnara boys and girls throng Aitnar and dance to the tune of their traditional drums and pipes. The participating boys and girls surround a wooden post at a pool they call khnongs and start dancing with all joy.

Organized by Seinraij Jowai after the sowing season, another attraction of the festival is a football-like match which they call dat la wakor to be played between two groups from two different sides of the non Christian Pnara-dominated places. The match predicts the entire harvest season. The first goal scorer would be considered to be the winner of a bumper harvest.

According to what the Pnara people believe, “Behdienkhlam” tands for driving away the plague. “Khlam” means ‘Plague.’

Those who believe in niamtre from Iongpiah, Dulong, Panaliar, Loomkyrwiang, Chilliangraij, Loomiongkjam, Tpep-pale Iawmusiang, Ummulong and Shillong Sein Raij bring a nice-decorated chariot to Aitnar where the festival is celebrated to help them overcome the destructive and to keep the diseases at bay.

They jump on the poles and sometimes break them while dancing on the huge muddy pool. The women are not allowed to participate in the dancing.

Date
Location/Venue

Nongkrem Dance Festival

The entire Khasi hills in Meghalaya erupts in joy as soon as the Nongkrem dance festival falls. The week long festival takes place on November 1 where the festivity of the Khasi hills people knows no bound. The carnival is all about wealth, animals and an environment. Animals are sacrificed as part of the festival to be followed by feast along with songs and dance. The central place of attraction is Smit, the fixed venue of the occasion where the Khasi hills people throng to participate in the event which is 11 km away from the capital city of Shillong, an ideal place for the tourists. Initially, the Khasi people called it Ka Pemblang Nongrem. But they replaced it with Nongkrem dance Festival of Meghalaya. The salubrious festival comprises fairs, songs and dances, mostly, to appease the goddess Ka Blei Synshar to ensure bounteous crops. The striking part of the festival is the Pemblang ceremony. Performed by the Syiem of Khyrim along with the high priest, the principal event takes place by sacrificing an animal in the name of Lei Shyllong. The god of Shyllong peak by gets a cock. The ancestors of the ruling clan also share the puja offerings in the Nongkrem dance festival.

Date
Location/Venue

TYRSHI FALLS Jowai-Shillong Road, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

TYRSHI FALLS Jowai-Shillong Road, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya
TYRSHI FALLS Jowai-Shillong Road, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya
TYRSHI FALLS Jowai-Shillong Road, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya
TYRSHI FALLS Jowai-Shillong Road, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

Situated on the Jowai-Shillong road of Meghalaya, Tyrshi Falls is a delightful waterfall in the Jowai region. Just like the Elephant falls in Shillong, Tyrshi falls is known as the Elephant falls of Jowai where one can take the joy of going close to the waterfall and enjoy the water bursts. But however, mention must be made of the fact that Tyrshi falls is three times taller than the Elephant falls.

Lush green paddy fields adorn this beautiful waterfall. The fall comes down in steps with the water flowing swiftly in a gush. An arched bridge, consisting of 20 hundred steps go down to the bottom of the falls. One can enjoy an incredible and scenic view of the Pynthor Nein (paddy fields). The best time to visit this place would be during the monsoon period. But one can visit Tyrshi falls throughout the year.

How to reach: 

Nearest airport is the Guwahati Airport. Helicopters are available from Guwahati to Shillong. Nearest railway station is Guwahati railway station, which is 176  kms from Shillong. By road, Guwahati to Shillong is 99.5 kms via NH 40. Jowai is at a distance of 36 kms from Shillong. Tyrshi Falls is 5 kms from Jowai.

Best time to visit: 
Monsoon period / Throughout the whole year

 
Tour Type
Location

NOHSNGITHIANG FALLS Sohra (Cherapunjee), East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

NOHSNGITHIANG FALLS Sohra (Cherapunjee), East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
NOHSNGITHIANG FALLS Sohra (Cherapunjee), East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
NOHSNGITHIANG FALLS Sohra (Cherapunjee), East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
NOHSNGITHIANG FALLS Sohra (Cherapunjee), East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Nohsngithiang Falls is a stunning waterfall, which is situated in Sohra (Cherapunjee) in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state. The village of Mawsmai is located 1km from this waterfall. Recognised as one of the tallest waterfalls in India, Nohsngithiang Falls is also referred to as Mawsmai Falls or Seven Sisters Waterfalls. This seven-segmented waterfall falls from a height of 1033 feet and have a width of 230 feet.

Nohsngithiang Falls of Meghalaya is truly mesmerizing. This amazing and magnificent sight will surely allure tourists and nature lovers. The natural beauty of this charming waterfall will leave you spellbound. The falls gets illuminated by the vibrant colours of the rising and setting sun, which adds to its beauty.

Hotels and guesthouses can be found in Cherrapunjee and Shillong.

How to reach: 

Nearest airport is the Guwahati Airport. Helicopters are available from Guwahati to Shillong. Nearest railway station is Guwahati railway station, which is 176kms from Shillong. By road, the distance between Guwahati to Shillong is 120kms via NH-40 and Shillong to Sohra is 56 kms. From Sohra-Shella Road to Nohsngithiang Falls, the distance is 3.6kms. NH-17, NH-37 and NH-51 connect these roads.

Best time to visit: 
During the monsoon period
Location

SELBAGRE HOOLOCK GIBBON RESERVE Garo Hills, Meghalaya

SELBAGRE HOOLOCK GIBBON RESERVE Garo Hills, Meghalaya
SELBAGRE HOOLOCK GIBBON RESERVE Garo Hills, Meghalaya
SELBAGRE HOOLOCK GIBBON RESERVE Garo Hills, Meghalaya
SELBAGRE HOOLOCK GIBBON RESERVE Garo Hills, Meghalaya
SELBAGRE HOOLOCK GIBBON RESERVE Garo Hills, Meghalaya
SELBAGRE HOOLOCK GIBBON RESERVE Garo Hills, Meghalaya

Garo Hills. This reserve is the pride of the entire village and the people are very sentimental about this reservoir. This reserve is situated in the West Garo Hills in Meghalaya.
 
The Hoolock Gibbon is associated with an age-old legend. It is a traditional belief among the Garo tribe that if Hoolock Gibbons were killed, the entire village would be destroyed by a dark curse or a famine. So, people from the Garo community never hunt or kill them. The Rombagre Falls, which is a popular picnic spot, is also located nearby this reserve. The Rombagre Falls is a fish sanctuary. It is a clear water pool in the Simsang river which is also well preserved and protected by the local Garo community. 
 
The Selbagre Hoolock Gibbon Reserve has two traditional houses of the Garo community, called Nok Achik. There is also a training centre for boys known as Nok Pante. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from November to January. There is a helicopter service to this sanctuary. The nearest railway station is the Guwahati Railway Junction. Taxi services are also available from Guwahati, Shillong and Tura. It is 176 kms. from the city of Guwahati to this sanctuary, 192 kms. from Shillong to Selbagre Hoolock Gibbon Reserve and 45 kms. from Tura to this reserve. NH 17, NH 37 AND NH 51 connects Tura to Selbagre Hoolock Gibbon Reserve. The nearest accommodation can be found in the town of Tura located in the West Garo Hills.
 
 

How to reach: 

Nearest Airhead :Helicopter, Guwahati to Tura
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati,(176 Kms)
Shillong to Selbagre Hoolock Gibbon Reserve,(192 Kms)
National Highway: NH17/NH37 and NH 51
Tura to Selbagre Hoolock Gibbon Reserve,(45 kms)

Best time to visit: 
November to january
Location

SHILLONG PEAK

SHILLONG PEAK
SHILLONG PEAK
SHILLONG PEAK

Surrounded by beautiful greenery and magnificent landscapes, Shillong Peak is the highest point in Shillong. Situated above 1965 meters above sea level, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations and an ideal picnic spot in the Northeast. Being the highest point, this peak offers spectacular views of Shillong with all the bright lights, lush foliage and cascading waterfalls. You can be at peace with yourself at this surrealspot. The tranquility and serenity of the atmosphere is very relaxing and alleviating. This place attracts a large number of tourists every year. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of the majestic Himalayan terrains and the Bangladesh plains.
 
The beautiful city of Shillong appears even more beautiful in the evening, with the big city lights shining brightly like a star-studded chasm.There is no other place that will give you a better view of this scenery than Shillong Peak. There is also a shrine on the premises where homage is paid to the famous Khasi legend, U Shulong by the priest of Mylliem, every spring.
 
Shillong Peak is located at a distance of 10 km from the city of Shillong and is also the highest point in the State of Meghalaya. It is well connected from the city of Guwahati. There is a helicopter service from Guwahati to Shillong. The nearest railway junction is Guwahati Railway Station. Bus and taxi services are also available. NH 44 connects Guwahati to Shillong. Shilling is approximately 176 kms from the city of Guwahati and Shillong Peak is another 10 kms. from Shillong. The best time to visit is from October to March. The nearest accommodation can be found in the city of Shillong where there are many resorts, guesthouses and hotels available for a pleasant stay.
 
 
 

How to reach: 

Nearest Airhead :Helicopter, Guwahati to shillong
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati,(176 Kms)
shillong to shillong peak (10 kms)viia NH 44 

Best time to visit: 
October to March
Location

LADY HYDARI PARK Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

LADY HYDARI PARK Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
LADY HYDARI PARK Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
LADY HYDARI PARK Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
LADY HYDARI PARK Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
LADY HYDARI PARK Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Situated in the heart of the city, Lady Hydari Park is one of the most popular tourist spots in Shillong. Named after the nature - loving,first lady of the province, Lady Hydari who was the wife of the Governor of Assam, this beautiful and charming park is landscaped in Japanese style. With its lush green lawns, well maintained garden and rich diverse flora, this park is regularly toured by locals and travellers from all across the globe.

Administered by the State Forest Department, this park also has a mini zoo along with a deer park. The zoo is home to 73 species of birds, 140 species of reptiles and other mammals. Known for its delightful blossoming bed of colourful roses, this park is a perfect place to spend some peaceful time and just relax around the beauty of nature. It offers a special arena, equipped with swings, sea-saws and other small rides, for kids to play.

A butterfly museum within the park exhibits a diverse collection of butterflies with details about that specific species. This museum remains open from 11am to 4pm.Apart from the butterfly museum, the park is home to another museum which intends to highlight the State’s rich biodiversity. One can see stuffed leopard, skulls of elephant, pictures of rare animals found in the state and also the dried skin of python pinned to the wall.
A visit to this scenic park should not be missed out.

Visiting Hours: All days of the week, 9am – 8pm.

How to reach: 

Nearest airport is the Guwahati Airport. Helicopters are available from Guwahati to Shillong. Nearest railway station is Guwahati railway station, which is 176kms from Shillong. By road, NH-17/Nh-37 and NH-51 has to be taken. Shillong Police Bazar is 2kms from Hydari Park.

Best time to visit: 
The park can be visited throughout the year
Location

GOLF LINK Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

GOLF LINK Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
GOLF LINK Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
GOLF LINK Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
GOLF LINK Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Shillong takes pride in its Golf Course being the largest and only natural golf course in the whole of Asia. Known as the ‘Gleneagles of the East’, because of its natural elegance and resemblance to the Gleneagles by the United States Golf Association Museum, this place is not just specific to golfers, but the beauty of the place attracts common people as well. In 1898 golf was introduced in Shillong with only a 9-hole course by a group of British civil service officers. But it was changed into an 18-hole course in 1924. It is one of the finest things started by the British in Shillong and is a major tourist spot in present times.

Set in a scenic valley amidst golden pine trees and rhododendron trees, it is also an abode to varieties of birds. A lazy walk through the charming and striking meadow, along with the chirping of birds will leave you mesmerized. The stunning course also serves as a most sought after destination forpicnics. Locals and tourists can enjoy a day out with family, especially over the weekends.

How to reach: 

Nearest airport is the Guwahati Airport. Helicopters are available from Guwahati to Shillong. Nearest railway station is Guwahati railway station, which is 176kms from Shillong. Via NH-40, Guwahati to Shillong is 120kms. Shillong Police Bazar is 5kms away from the Golf Link Course.

Best time to visit: 
October to Novembe
Location

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