Chasing clouds in Shillong: A May to remember
Shillong
are more than hospitable and have a strong sense of community.
If you are looking for a silent and pleasant abode to escape May heat, Shillong is the best place to be! The city offers a refreshing break from the daily city hustle. These are the top 5 places that you should visit when in Shillong.
Umiam Lake
This lake is about 15 km north of Shillong and dates back to the 1960s. It is an absolutely stunning lake that is also known as Barapani. This lake is ideal for boating, kayaking, and picnics. If you want to witness this lake in all its glory, then early morning visits are a must. The place is nothing less than a paradise for photographers during the cherry blossom season. The morning mountain views and sunsets here are a sight to behold.
Elephant Falls
Elephant Falls is one of the must-visit natural wonders of Meghalaya. Trust me when I say this: your trip to Shillong is incomplete without a visit to this beautiful and natural wonder. The pearly white water flowing down those big rocks, cascading into the pool of fresh and cool water down below, makes it all worthwhile. This is a three-tiered waterfall, located just outside Shillong. This fall is accessible via well-kept stairs and offers great photo opportunities.
Laitlum Canyons
Laitlum Canyons
means the 'end of the world' or the 'end of hills.' It is one of the most underrated and unexplored gems of northeast India. This place is about 45 km away from the main city. Its peak season starts from March to June, when the nights are cooler and the afternoons are misty. This place offers breathtaking panoramic views and is ideal for trekking and photography, especially on a clear day. If you are in Shillong, do not miss the chance to see this awfully beautiful canyon.
Shillong Peak
Located above the vibrant and bustling city of Shillong is this peaceful place that soars majestically. Visitors are astounded by its beauty and panoramic views of the entire Shillong valley. On clear days, the Himalayas can be seen in the distance. The peak is located within the Air Force area, so an ID proof is required to enter. Shillong Peak is a renowned tourist site in the East Khasi Hills and requires a two-hour hike to the peak's summit.
Police Bazaar
The bustling marketplace located in the heart of the city is ideal for shopping and trying local delicacies. From traditional Khasi handicrafts to street snacks and cozy cafes, it is the cultural hub of Shillong. The entry here is free; this market opens from 8 am to 10 pm. This place is known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide range of products for you to shop from.
Shillong in summer offers the perfect blend of local weather, scenic beauty, and cultural charm. If you are looking for adventure, relaxation, and a taste of the local life of tribal people, these top spots promise an unforgettable experience. Pack your bags, breathe the fresh mountain air, and let Shillong do its magic.
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India.com
27-07-2025
- India.com
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Indian Express
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In search of heat: A journey through India's most iconic chillies
A decade or so ago, I visited Shillong with my mother. One of the lasting memories from that trip is of waking up to the serene waters of Bara Pani, or Umiam Lake. Locals warned us against swimming there, saying the water 'claims lives.' But the other memory from that trip is far warmer, quite literally. I had taken my mother to a local market, wandering through wet lanes, slush and crowds, determined to find something specific: the chillies the region is famous for. Small, fat, and coloured in reds and greens, these chillies pack intense heat and are incredibly flavoursome, if you can handle them. I remember Khasi women in traditional attire sitting with small mounds of chillies in front of them, priced at rates that would make any spice-lover smile. Northeastern chillies are a food group in themselves, known for their complex flavours and searing spice. The Naga Bhut Jolokia, also known as Ghost Chili or Raja Mircha, reigns supreme. 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Low on spice but full of earthy depth, it's usually soaked in water and softened before being added to curries, imparting a beautiful red tone and mild kick. Another lesser-known but flavourful variety is the yellow chilli powder sold in the street food stalls of Old Delhi. Grown in Himachal Pradesh, this yellow chilli adds flavour – not colour or heat – making it an ideal spice for those who enjoy complexity without the burn. In Andhra cuisine, dried, stuffed red chillies are often crushed over curd rice or mixed into dals. Andhra Pradesh is, in fact, the chilli capital of India. The state contributes over 50 per cent of India's domestic chilli production and accounts for 60–70 per cent of total exports. Guntur, the largest chilli-producing region, is a name spice lovers will be familiar with. Chillies from this region are used not only in cooking but also in making podi (spice powders) and chutneys. 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It's widely believed that the Portuguese brought chillies to India via their colonial networks, possibly from Brazil via Lisbon. By the 1530s, at least three varieties of chilli plants had taken root in Goa. In fact, the chillies were so associated with their point of entry that they were nicknamed 'Pernambuco pepper' in Goa and 'Gowai mirchi' in Bombay. Chillies reached North India much later, not until the 18th century. Some historians suggest the Marathas were responsible for introducing chillies to Delhi while fighting to weaken Mughal control. Legend has it that their love for spice matched their valour, and perhaps, their fire on the battlefield was fuelled by the fire in their food. A true culinary trail of India's chillies would take years to complete, not just because of the distances, but also because your taste buds and stomach might need frequent breaks. Still, it's an idea worth exploring someday. Here is my recipe for Pork Raja Mircha. 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Enjoy. Next week, I'll write on rice – but healthy, gut-friendly Paanta Bhaat, Pakala Bhaat, Congee and other probiotic preparations which are perfect for summer. Author of The Sweet Kitchen, and chef-owner of Food For Thought Catering ... Read More
