Deborah Chan
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a popular honeymoon destination in India. It is known for its natural beauty, including majestic mountains, rolling hills, and lush greenery. Shillong offers a peaceful and romantic getaway for newlyweds, with exotic hotels, serene lakes, and adventurous activities. The city's cool atmosphere and hanging clouds draw tourists, especially honeymooners, who seek to be close to nature. With its vibrant culture, scenic landscapes, and wildlife reserves, Shillong provides an eclectic and dazzling array of attractions for couples seeking a special honeymoon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Shillong, Meghalaya, India |
| Attractions | Ward's Lake, Umiam Lake, Nongjrong, Laitlum Canyons, Mawlynnong Village, Mawphlang Village, Mawryngkhang, Krang Suri Waterfalls, Sacred Forests, Shillong Peak, Phan Nonglait Park, Cherry Blossom Festival, Bishop Falls, Elephant Falls |
| Activities | Boating, trekking, camping, fishing, kayaking, shopping, picnics |
| Amenities | Resort hotels with pools, good dining restaurants, exotic hotels with luxurious and private rooms, cab services |
| Scenery | Majestic hill station, mountains, rolling hills, waterfalls, tea gardens, wildlife, clean rivers, lakes, forests, caverns |
| Culture | Eclectic cultural influences from Shaktism, Vaishnavism, Christianity, Islam, and animism or nature worship |
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What You'll Learn
Shillong's natural beauty and serenity
Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is a majestic destination for a honeymoon. It is a peaceful retreat away from the bustling cities, offering a unique experience amidst nature's serenity and beauty. The city is nestled in the rolling hills of Meghalaya, in the North-East region of India, which is known for its eclectic cultural influences and natural landscapes. Shillong's natural beauty and serenity are highlighted through its lakes, parks, waterfalls, and more.
Lakes and Waterfalls
Shillong boasts several picturesque lakes, including the renowned Umiam Lake, which is surrounded by lush greenery and offers crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for camping and boating. The lake is also known for its gorgeous views of the hills and is a popular spot for various boating sports. Another notable lake is Ward's Lake, located in the heart of the city, with its romantic ambiance, lotus beds, and dancing fountain shows. Shillong also offers the chance to explore waterfalls, such as the Krang Suri Waterfalls, hidden within the highlands of the Jaintia Hills, and the three-stepped Elephant Falls, engulfed in verdant greenery.
Parks
Phan Nonglait Park, formerly known as Lady Hydari Park, is a serene and romantic attraction in Shillong. This Japanese-style park features lush greenery, tall trees, and a mini zoo with wild animals like leopards and Himalayan black bears. The park also has a lake, pond, and plantations, offering a perfect combination of nature and adventure. Shillong is also home to a Japanese-style park in Lachumiere, with wildlife, plantations, and a lake where visitors can go boating.
Scenic Views and Sacred Forests
Shillong provides breathtaking views from various vantage points, such as the Shillong Peak, where you can gaze upon the surrounding valleys and hills. The Laitlum Canyons offer another amazing sunset sightseeing opportunity. The Sacred Forests, part of the Shillong Travel Package, also showcase the region's natural beauty and magnificent sights.
Mountainous Terrain and Trekking
The North-East region of India, including Shillong, boasts high Eastern Himalayan mountains in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. These mountains provide a backdrop for fascinating treks and Buddhist trails. The Meghalaya Assam Tour offers trekking opportunities through cosy rainforests, green mountains, and clean rivers. The famous Bamboo Trek in Mawryngkhang is a 4- to 5-hour trek that leads to the Krang Suri Waterfalls.
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The city's luxurious and romantic accommodation
Shillong's luxurious and romantic accommodation options are perfect for honeymooners seeking a combination of nature, adventure, and relaxation. The city boasts a range of exotic hotels and resorts that offer both privacy and proximity to natural attractions.
One such option is an offbeat hotel located in the beautiful hills of Shillong. This hotel, situated in European Ward, Rita Road, features colonial decor and a sprawling green lawn, creating a cozy and romantic ambiance. With 40 rooms equipped with luxurious amenities, couples can enjoy a peaceful and memorable stay while being close to nature. The hotel's proximity to Ward's Lake, a romantic spot with dancing fountain shows and lotus beds, further enhances its appeal for honeymooners.
Another option is to explore the various resort hotels in prime locations. These resorts offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, along with modern amenities such as swimming pools and fine dining restaurants. The serene ambiance and luxurious settings provide the ideal atmosphere for couples to relax and enjoy quality time together.
Shillong's accommodation choices also include luxurious 4-star hotels that cater specifically to honeymooners. These hotels often provide customized honeymoon packages, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience. With comfortable transportation options and romantic settings, couples can indulge in a hassle-free and enchanting getaway.
Additionally, for those seeking a unique blend of nature and adventure, there are resorts and hotels located near popular natural attractions like Umiam Lake and Phan Nonglait Park (formerly Lady Hydari Park). These locations offer opportunities for boating, camping, and exploring wildlife, all while being surrounded by the lush green beauty of Shillong's natural landscape.
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Adventure activities like boating, fishing and trekking
Shillong is a majestic hill station and a great place for honeymooners to spend some splendid time together. The cool atmosphere, hanging clouds, and natural beauty attract tourists to Shillong, especially those on their honeymoon. There are plenty of adventure activities like boating, fishing, and trekking to indulge in.
Boating
The water sports complex in Umiam Lake offers a variety of water sports options, including boating. The rates are quite reasonable, with a pedal boat ride costing INR 20 per head for a 30-minute ride. As you sail across the crystal clear waters, you can take in the surrounding forested regions of Shillong. The boating facility at the Japanese-style park, located in the heart of the city, is another great option for couples. The park is home to wild animals like jackals, leopards, and Himalayan black bears, and the ponds and plantations within it offer a unique experience.
Fishing
While there aren't many details available online, fishing is mentioned as one of the adventure sports in Shillong. Beach bonfires on full moon nights, complete with music and freshly roasted fish straight from the river, are also mentioned as an activity to enjoy.
Trekking
Shillong offers excellent trekking opportunities for adventure seekers. You can trek to mountain peaks and enjoy the astounding views of the surrounding valleys and hills. Trekking through the green rainforests and witnessing the breathtaking elephant falls are other thrilling experiences. River canyoning, which involves trekking, waterfall rappelling, and swimming, is a popular activity that usually takes place in the canyons around Sohra.
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The local culture, music and cuisine
Shillong is a majestic hill station in the north-east of India and a popular honeymoon destination. The city has a rich cultural heritage, a thriving music scene, and a unique cuisine that is sure to delight visitors.
Local Culture
Shillong has a strong indigenous cultural heritage, with an ancient indigenous religion of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes still being followed by 4.5% of the population. The city also has a significant Christian population, with 46.49% practising Christianity, and the rest of the population mostly following Hinduism and Islam. The Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum offers insights into the ethnic tribal culture and traditions, showcasing the lifestyle of the local people. The city also has a strong local media presence, with theatres, newspapers, magazines, local radio, and television stations.
Music
Shillong is known for its vibrant music scene, with a variety of musical styles and genres represented in the city. The local people have a fascination for archery, and this is reflected in the music and cultural events of the region. The city also has a thriving art scene, with galleries like Chrysalis showcasing the work of local artists and artisans.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Shillong is unique and diverse, with influences from the local Meghalaya culture as well as Indo-Chinese flavours. Here are some of the local dishes and treats you can try:
- Jadoh: A popular Meghalaya dish, Jadoh is made with pork, black sesame seeds, and soy sauce. It can be found at many food stalls and restaurants in the city, especially in the main city centre and Police Bazaar.
- Dohneiiong: Another Meghalaya speciality, this dish is made with fermented rice and is a popular dessert in Shillong. It is served at almost every restaurant in the city.
- Chilli Pork: A famous Indo-Chinese dish, chilli pork is widely available at local Chinese food stalls and restaurants in Shillong. It is served spicy and hot and is a must-try for visitors.
- Tungrymbai: A local favourite, Tungrymbai is made with fermented soybeans grown in Shillong. It is typically eaten with bread or roti and can be found at street stalls and markets throughout the city.
- Smoked Meats: Smoked meats are popular in Shillong and across northeast India. You'll find meat being smoked all over the city, and it's a delicious local delicacy.
- Pineapple: Pineapples, especially the giant Kew variety, grow abundantly in Shillong. Street vendors sell cleaned and cut pineapples with a tangy masala sprinkle, making for a refreshing and tasty treat.
- Betel Leaf: While betel leaf is common across India, Shillong's version is unique and not to be missed. Spicy and hot, it's the perfect way to end a meal and is a must-try for visitors.
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The convenience of getting there and getting around
Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is a majestic destination for a honeymoon, offering a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its location in the North East region of India boasts a unique blend of cultures and natural landscapes.
Getting There
Shillong is easily accessible from several Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, as well as Siliguri, Gangtok, Guwahati, Imphal-Dimapur, and Aizwal. These cities are well-connected to Shillong by both flight and train, making it convenient for couples to begin their honeymoon journey.
Getting Around
Once in Shillong, getting around the city and its nearby attractions is straightforward. Here are some transportation options to consider:
- Local cab services: While ride-sharing services such as Ola or Uber are not available in Shillong, local cab services provide a convenient way to get around. It is recommended to visit the Meghalaya tourism office to arrange for a cab, as they can offer better rates than those arranged by hotels.
- Bus services: For a more budget-friendly option, bus services are available in Shillong. For example, to reach the popular Umiam Lake, you can take a bus to the Shillong Bus Stand and then cover the remaining distance by car or taxi.
- Tour packages: Shillong offers various tour packages that include transportation arrangements. These packages often provide comfortable transportation to major tourist attractions in Shillong and nearby places, making it a hassle-free option for honeymooners.
With its serene lakes, majestic mountains, and lush green surroundings, Shillong promises an unforgettable honeymoon experience. The convenience of transportation options ensures that couples can easily access all that this romantic destination has to offer.
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Frequently asked questions
Shillong is a great destination for a honeymoon. It is a majestic, romantic retreat away from the city with gorgeous attractions, lush green surroundings, and magnificent views of the mountains.
Shillong has many exotic hotels with luxurious and private stays close to nature. There are also many natural attractions such as Ward's Lake, Umiam Lake, Nongjrong Village, and Phan Nonglait Park.
There are many activities for honeymooners in Shillong. You can go on a picnic, watch a dancing fountain show, or go boating, camping, fishing, or kayaking. You can also go on a cruise during sunset or trek to the famous Bamboo trek in Mawryngkhang.
Shillong is accessible by flight and train from big cities in India such as Delhi and Kolkata. The best option for travelling within Shillong is to get a local cab service from the Meghalaya tourism office.
