require as much walking as in other places. Adequate facilities, scenic beauty, cheerful people, clouds and tall pines, mountains, valleys, meadows and an excellent 18-hole golf course and polo ground make Shillong a great destination. The hill tribes of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo have a colorful lifestyle and cultural traditions. Shillong can be a base for visiting other places in Meghalaya.

Lakes and waterfalls are the other attractions of this town. The 100-year old Ward's Lake, east of Police Bazaar is an attractive place with facilities for boating. Umiam Lake, 16 kilometers from Shillong is popular for fishing and boating.

Shillong also has several stunning waterfalls. The nearest are the Beadon falls and Bishop's falls. Elephant falls, 12 kilometres away on the Shillong-Cherrapunji road, is a scenic spot with two high falls surrounded by fern covered rocks. Observation sheds are provided to get a good view. Other falls are the Spread Eagle falls beyond the old polo ground and Sweet falls beyond happy valley.

The Shillong peak, which is highest in the state, is excellent for trekking. It is known as the 'abode of the gods' and commands some excellent views. The Kyllang rock here is an enormous block of granite that rises to some 220 metres. The top offers a grand view of the valleys to the north especially during winter months.

Driving here is a dream. The road winds lazily through hills with dense vegetation, where rivers seem to appear and disappear. The houses are like large black and white ice cubes. Children with apple red cheeks run around without a hint of clothing, oblivious to the chill in the air. The market places throng with color and sounds as the delicious smells of steaming momos fill the air.