20 Attractions to Explore Near Ward's Lake

A unique feature of the Cathedral Church building is that it stands on sand. The type of foundation was recommended since the region, where Shillong is located, is prone to severe earthquakes. At the time of building the foundation, trenches were cut from rock and half-filled with sand. The structure has no direct connection with the rock. Theoretically, the Church building, in times of earthquakes, can rock safely on the shock-absorbing sand which is supposed to reduce the earthquake's effects.

Scenic, manicured green space with flowering gardens, a lake, and a small zoo.

Shillong Golf Course, located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, is one of the oldest, biggest and finest natural golf circuits around the world. It is situated in a mesmerizing beautiful vale that is surrounded with thick pine and rhododendron forestation.

Mountaintop with observation towers offering views of the sweeping vistas of Shillong City.

The museum offers its visitors an insight into the history of the Indian Air Force and its events, especially during the Indo - Pak War of 1971. Among other things, the museum provides information on the history of planes and aircraft, models of aircrafts, the world's oldest airport, and the Wright brothers’ memorial.

Dramatic, multi-tiered waterfalls in picturesque surrounds, with an easy walking trail and stairs. The local Khasi people called it Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew (or “Three Steps Waterfalls”). The British renamed the falls because there used to be a rock resembling an elephant near the left side of the main falls (which I think was the bottommost one). However, that rock was destroyed in an earthquake back in 1897.

Also known as Barapani. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Ri bhoi district. offers watersports facilities including sailing, water skiing, water scooter, etc. This lake was created by damming the umiam river in the early 1960s.

Monoliths exist throughout the length and breadth of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. However, the biggest collection of monoliths or Megalithic stones in one single area is to be found north of the Nartiang market. These consists of Menhirs (Upright stones) Moo Shynrang and Dolmens (flat stones in the horizontal position) locally known as Moo Kynthai.

The waterfall descends from a steep rockface and drops approximately 170-190 metres into a gorge. There is a local legend that two fairies live at the falls.

A huge cave surrounded by the thick forest. The cave is known for its fossil formations, limestone structures, and stalagmite and stalactite formations which are believed to be millions of years old. It houses many narrow passages and chambers, as well as a stream that flows inside the cave.

It is known for its sacred grove and for its setting which overlooks the beautiful Pynthorwah Valley. Through the Special DRDA Tourism Project, the District Administration have taken a step to beautify the park by creating infrastructure such as water dams and canals, toilet facilities with changing rooms, hoardings, jungle clearance which has attracted tourist far and wide. A water eco-park is also taking shape with an intention to change Ialong into a major Tourism Hub of the District.

Living root bridges are a form of tree shaping common in the southern part of the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya. They are handmade from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees

Root bridges are handmade from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees (Ficus elastica) by the Khasi and Jaintia peoples of the mountainous terrain along the southern part of the Shillong Plateau. They take around fifteen years to fully develop. While most of the living root bridges are single decked, this one here is special- with two decks.

Chandubi lake is a natural lake located in Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, Kamrup District, Assam at a distance of 64 kilometers from the city of Guwahati. The lake is located at the foot of Garo hills surrounded by Assam and Meghalaya. The area is covered by deep forest, and small villages. It is a natural sightseeing and picnic spot.

Basistha Temple, also known as Vasistha Temple, is located in Beltola, a town located in the outskirts of central Guwahati city, Assam. This temple was built in 1764 AD by Ahom King, Rajeswar Singha. This temple is located within the Basistha Ashram which showcases the history of the Vedic age. Bahini River, also known as Bharalu River and Basistha River flow through the ashram and the temple, it was named after Saint Basistha. There is a waterfall and a meditation cave nearby.

Established in the year 1994, Regional Science Museum is located in Khanapara, Guwahati. It is one of the many educational institutes in the state and was built to promote, enlighten, and educate people about prehistoric times and science and technology. Interactive exhibits and activity driven science education is what people come here for. One of the most famous tourist attractions in the state of Assam, it is visited by not only kids but anybody who has an aptitude for learning.

Umananda Temple is located on Peacock Island that lies on the mighty Brahmaputra River. This serene place of worship is named after and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The name 'Umananda' comes from the two Hindi words, namely 'Uma', which was another name for Lord Shiva’s wife and 'Ananda' which means happiness. In fact, Peacock Island is one of the smallest inhabited island and possibly one of the most beautiful too.

It is a permanent freshwater lake, in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River, to the south of the main river. It is also called a wetland under the Ramsar Convention which has listed the lake in November 2002, as a Ramsar Site for undertaking conservation measures on the basis of its biological and environmental importance. Considered as one of the largest beels in the Brahmaputra valley of Lower Assam.

The Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden (popularly known as Guwahati Zoo) is the largest of its kind in the North East region and it is spread across 432 acre . The zoo is located within the Hengrabari Reserved Forest at Guwahati, India. The zoo is home to about 895 animals, birds and reptiles representing almost 113 species of animals and birds from around the world.

This is a waterfall located in the West Khasi hills district. The total height of the falls is generally quoted at around 337 metres.Considering the height to be correct, it is the 3rd highest waterfalls in India.