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 Meghalaya symbolizes the contrasts very well like the wild untamed Garo hills, paddy fields of the Jaintias and the capital city of Shillong in the Khasi ranges. Scotland of the East' Bonny Brae or the Crowborough
Shillong has retained its colonial magnificence in spite of the development activities that have taken place. It is popular as the 'Scotland of the East' because of its scenic beauty as well as the wood built cottages that dot the city like the Bonny Brae or the Crowborough. The best way to relive the experience the colonial grandeur is by staying at the heritage accommodation. The Golf Course at Shillong is also called the 'Gleneagle of the East'. The Umian Lake meaning the 'water of the eyes' and Thadlaskein lake are a beautiful getaway. The Shillong Peak at an elevation of 6433 ft and offers a picturesque view of the surrounding areas. The place worthy of a visit is the botanical Survey of India Orchidarium. The perfect place to buy souvenirs like honey, bamboo products and Raj Mirchi is the local Bara Bazaar.
which is also the districts headquarters. For the experience of a typical Garo Village, visit the Dabakgre at a distance of 45 km. You will also find tree house here. The carnivorous Pitcher Plant can be found in the forests of Baghmara in the south Garo Hills. The Balapakram National Park is famous for the Panda, Indian Bison and Stag-like Serow.
Meghalaya also has some mazes of the limestone caves made in the hills some of which are more than 20 km long. The well-known caves are the Krem Sweep at Syndai, Krem Kotsati and um-Lawan at Lumshnong and Krem Mawmluh near Cheerapunji. Cheerapunji, the cradle of the Khasi culture received the highest rainfall in the world for more than a century. Now Mawsynram gives competition to Cherrapunji as the spot receiving the highest rainfall in the world. The Mawsmai village near Cherrapunji has the stalagmite Mawsmai Cave and a stunning Nonsnglthiang Falls, which fall from the height of 1000 ft.
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