6 Mind-Blowing Natural Phenomena To Experience Near Shillong
Shillong, known as the “Scotland of the East”, is a city located in the green hills of Meghalaya and is surrounded by serene lakes and breathtaking rolling hills. In addition to its picturesque beauty, the region surrounding Shillong is home to some peculiar natural phenomena that capture the attention of travelers and locals alike. From living root bridges to completely illogical caves, here are some of the most astonishing natural wonders to observe nearby Shillong City.
1. Specimens of Root Bridges at Cherrapunji
Sohra lies about 50 km from Shillong. It is one of the world’s wettest regions and that characteristic is most marketable for tourism. Living root bridges are highly engineered construction that marks this region. The Khasi tribes use the Ficus elastica tree’s roots to cross rivers and streams, allowing them to grow and strengthen them over time. Over time some of these bridges have exceeded 100 feet in length, which is sufficient to carry the weight of a dozen people. The most famous of these is the double-decker root bridge located in Nongriat. It has the most picturesque view. Similar to a fantasy novel, their appearance is unlike anything you’ve seen. The entire process of creating these bridges consumes up to 15 years and once grown, they do not require much maintenance.
2. The Enigmatic Caves of Mawsmai
Mawsmai Cave is one of the most accessible and intriguing caves in Meghalaya, which has some of the deepest and longest caves on the planet. What’s truly puzzling is the water-sculpted limestone formations. These breathtaking formations take millions of years to form. When you go deeper into the cave, you will meet narrow walking ways, towering stalactites, and still glowing stalagmites. The cool damp air and the occasional dripping water creates an eerie atmosphere. The local folklore adds more of a mystery to an already awe-striking natural wonder by claiming that spirits inhabit the caves.
3. The Balancing Rock of Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong, which is referred to at times as the ‘cleanest village in Asia’, is yet another place to explore close to Shillong. While the village is a textbook example of community cleanliness and sustainability, it also boasts of a strange geological phenomenon called the Balancing Rock. This huge boulder sits on top of a smaller rock and seems to defy logic, gravity, and reasoning. For centuries, the rock has stayed in place and survived heavy monsoons and earthquakes. Even though the rock seems to be in a precarious position, locals argue that it is held in place by a higher power. This makes it a symbol of resiliency and balance for the people of the region.
4. The Umngot River is a place with crystal-clear waters.
The people of Meghalaya, especially the residents of Umngot in Dawki close to Shillong, consider the river’s clear waters a treasure of nature. On a clear and windless day, the water surface looks like a huge mirror reflecting the sky and the surrounding hills, and boats moving on that surface look like they are floating in the air. It is no wonder that the keen eyes of nature observers will spot a cliff beneath the water surface even when it is 15ft to 20 ft below because of minimum pollution the river experiences and absence of silt. One of the cleanest rivers of India does capture these wonders without debate. The crystal beauty of the River Umngot serves as a backdrop for an annual boat race, held on the river which expresses the cultural value of the stunning river.
5. The mists of Shillong Peak
Shillong Peak, in addition to being the highest point in the city, is also one of the most splendid places to visit. It is well-known for its panoramic beauty. One of the major attractions of this place is the “whispering waves.” On certain days, visitors have claimed to hear faint sounds that resemble waves form the hills themselves. The views at this peak are breathtaking, and the whispering waves make it even more surreal.
6. Nohkalikai Falls Rainbow View
Located near Cherrapunji, Nohkalikai Falls is 1,115 feet tall making it the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Falls are usually strange, but this one is special as there is a rainbow at the base of the waterfall and the electricity mixed with the water makes it rank amongst Earth’s holy beauties. Breezy days amplify the rainbow as the misty waterfall interacts with the sun’s light. Along with this beauty, the pool is a mysterious green color which enhances the beauty of the Falls. A local folklore tells the heartbreaking tale of a woman named Ka Likai, whose sorrowful eyes were the reason for this beautiful camera trick. Waterfall is called Nohkalikai which means “where the woman jumped”, as it signifies the beauty behind the sorrow.
Final Thoughts
The phenomena of nature available in the vicinity of Shillong City provides evidence to the civilization’s anthropological and geological heritage. The living root bridges, magnetic hills, crystal clear rivers and the sound of the waves speak of the magnificent wonders of nature’s forces. These all are extraordinary for nature lovers, and even strange travelers, and for all the other people that seek the marvelous, the region surrounding Shillong guarantees a memorable phenomenal experience. Thus, get your bags ready, let your imagination run free and prepare for the observation of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world.
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