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  • 01Umiam Lake

    Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya. This lake was created in the early 1960s by building a hydro-electric dam across the Umiam River. Today, the lake serves as an excellent tourist destination with a number of water sports and adventure facilities.

    Amidst the beautiful hills of the region, Meghalaya Tourism Department, along with the State authorities have created facilities such as kayaking, water cycling, shooting and boating in the Umiam Lake.

    The Orchid Tourist lodge that overlooks the lake would be the best place to stay in the area. It is also an extremely popular picnic spot for the locals with the main reason being that the view from any point around the lake is just spell-bounding.

    Umiam Lake is about 15 km from Shillong, and the best way to reach here is to hire a tourist vehicle or a local taxi from Shillong.

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  • 02Lum Sohpetbneng

    Lum Sohpetbneng

    U Lum Sohpetbneng, popularly known as "Navel of the Earth", is a very sacred place for the Seng Khasi believers. According to legends, the Golden Vine Bridge that connected Heaven and Earth was situated at the peak of U Lum Sohpetbneng.

    However, as sin started to creep into the earth, this ladder was broken down. Legends also say that the Ki Hynniewtrep (meaning 'Seven Huts') which comprise of the seven sub-tribes of the Khasi community were the first settlers on earth. There is an annual tribal pilgrimage that is held on the first Sunday of February, when the Seng Khasi people would trek for about an hour and half to reach the top of this peak to perform their rituals and rites, and perform some of their traditional dance and songs.

    For visiting tourists, the brilliant view of the countryside from the top of the hills, along with the vastness that surrounds the area is absolutely breathtaking. U Lum Sohpetbneng peak is at a height of 1,344 m, and is near the Umiam Lake. Located at a distance of 17 km from Shillong, one may reach the destination by hiring a local taxi or a tourist vehicle from Shillong.

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  • 03Diengiei Peak

    Diengiei Peak

    Diengiei Peak is located to the west of the Shillong plateau and is one of the most spectacular view-points of the region. It is just 200 ft lower than the Shillong peak. From the summit of the peak, one can get a breathtaking view of the beautiful green hills and mountains of the East Khasi Hills. One can also see several small villages in the form of tiny dots at a distance.

    From the Diengiei Peak, one could also see the Umiam Lake with Shillong at its backdrop. It is absolutely a perfect place for one who wants to forget the world and become one with nature. At the top of the Diengiei, there is a huge cup-shaped hollow which some geologists believe to be the crater from an extinct pre-historic volcano.

    To reach Diengiei Peak, one may hire a local taxi from Shillong, that will take you via the Umiam-Union Christian College-Mawmaram motorable road.

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  • 04Nongpoh

    Nongpoh

    Nongpoh is the administrative centre of the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. It is also a popular shopping destination for people looking to buy fruits and vegetables at a cheaper rate. Nongpoh is also a great place to try out the various different Khasi delicacies. The Nongpoh market is seen crowded with people at almost all hours of the day.

    Some of them are just the locals, while several others are travelling tourists. Breezedale Tourist Resort is one of the best options available for people who are looking to lodge in the area for a day or two. It is luxurious, and the management is very helpful and polite.

    Nongpoh is situated on National Highway 40, and is 52 km from Shillong and 48 km from Guwahati. One can reach Nongpoh by hiring a tourist vehicle either from Shillong, or from Guwahati, and a splendid drive along the countryside roads would lead you to the destination.

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