Walking in Shillong is a dream. There is a certain colonial charm that has survived here ever since the time it was a British headquarter of north east India before Independence. Evidence that the British were here is extant in the architecture, in religion, and in the general feel of the town.
Wake up to a lazy start with a cup of aromatic tea. Take a stroll around the beautiful property before heading down for breakfast.
At 10 am you will drive towards Shillong Peak. As you stand at the highest point of Shillong, you will be able to sweep your eyes across the entirety of the town as well as the green hills that roll beyond it. After sunset, the town seems almost like a continuation of the stars in the night sky. Every spring at this peak, obeisance is paid by the religious head of the State of Mylliem to U Shulong. U Shulong is the chief of the Khasi deities, after which the name of the town is derived.
Just a little ahead of the Shillong Peak is Elephant Falls. This waterfall acts as a prelude to the multitude of waterfalls along the entire stretch towards Cherrapunjee.
The next stop is Don Bosco Museum. Standing tall at 7 stories, sprawled across 56,000 square feet of floor space and 15,154 square feet of display wall space, DBCIC is the largest museum of indigenous cultures in Asia. Each of its 17 galleries is replete with artifacts and paintings that are rich with elements of the many north-eastern cultures, be it flora and fauna, music and dance, or art and craft. The museum is no stranger to technological advancements. There are touch screens, plasma panels, and computed presentations you could interact with while taking a tour of the museum.
Archery is a favorite sport among certain circles, and you will get a chance to witness this delightful sport today. Every afternoon, from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm, a group of 12 archery clubs comes together at Polo ground for a competition. For about 3 to 5 minutes, an individual from each group shoots as many arrows as he can, at a target kept a certain distance away. The last 2 numbers of the total number of arrows that have been counted determines the winner of bets that have been placed through ‘thoh teem.’
After archery one can visit Laitumkhrah for a cup of tea/coffee at Café Shillong Street & Bakery. Laitumkhrah is a locality that is rapidly running towards a more urban character. In and around it are Shillong’s major schools and colleges, the cathedral, cafes, shopping centers, a local market called Lew Shillong, and little residential lanes. It makes for an interesting walk. A popular hangout for students, Laitumkhrah is fast becoming a cafe and restaurant street.
You will drive back to Shillong for overnight stay.