Meghalaya - Tourism @ whatisindia.com

Tourist Places in Khasi Hills
Shillong Peak
An ideal picnic spot, 1965 metres above sea level and 10 kms from the city, offers a panoramic view of these country side, and is also the highest point in the State. Obeisance is paid to U Shulong at the sanctum at the peak's summit every springtime, by the religious priest of Mylliem State. In the evening the city lights below appear like a star-studded abyss.

Sohpetbneng Peak
1,343 meter, 20 Kms from Shillong, regarded as sacred by the Hynniewtrep people, is set amidst a beautiful scenic view against the backdrop of a sacred forest. This 'Navel of Heaven' as per Khasi mythology is a heavenly peak, which offers to fill the spiritual void and emptiness, to those who seek and desire solace and peace of mind.

Ward's Lake
Ward's Lake is century old picturesque lake also known as Polok Lake. Located in the heart of the city, popular for short garden walks and boating. The local people however prefer to call it Nan Polok (Polok's Lake) after an executive engineer named Mr. Pollock. It has a most pleasant, winding walk-a-way all around its parameter set in cobbled sand stones, in the midst of picturesque, rolling flower beds and fairyland lighting. The lake has a striking arched bridge over it.

Umiam Water Sports Complex
The Water Sports Complex has been developed upon the mighty reservoir of the Umiam Hydro Electric Project, at Umiam, 16 kilometres before reaching Shillong. The campus consists of a beautiful Orchid Lake Resort, the Nehru Park. Besides it offers a wide choice of exciting water sports activities with row-boats, paddle-boats, cruise-boats, sailing-boats, water-scooters, speed-boats and a floating restaurant with ferry services.

Botanical Garden
A secluded but captivating spot with a plethora of indigenous and exotic plants and is located just below the Ward's Lake. It also houses a mini-aviary with rare and colorful species of birds. The secluded setting of the Botanical Garden with its well-laid paved walks makes it a favorite resort for city dwellers as well as tourists who desire to exercise their limbs.

Golf Course
Shillong Golf Course is considered to be the "Glen-eagle of the East" at the United States Golf Association Museum. The site where the Golf Course is located provides a scenic view. It was set in an undulating valley covered with thick groves of pine and rhododendron trees at an altitude of 5200 ft in 1898 as a 9 (nine) hole course and later converted into a 18 (eighteen) hole course in 1924 by Captain Jackson and C. K. Rhodes.

Shillong Cathedral
As if to justify the desire of the British founding fathers of the city of Shillong to make it a little England, churches and cathedrals, large and small, have come up everywhere in the city. Some of these churches and cathedrals are so spacious and large that they can be easily accommodate a few thousand worshippers, at a time. Among such large churches of Shillong, mention can be made of the Shillong Cathedral, the Mawkhar Presbyterian Church, the jaiaw Presbyterian Church, the Laitumkhrah Presbyterian Church and the All Saints' Cathedral, as prominent landmarks of the City. Churches of Shillong - a measure of the religiosity of the Shillongites.

Elephant Falls

12 kms on the outskirts of the city the mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern-covered rocks. At a short distance beyond the falls, there are two smaller falls which are none the less beautiful and captivating. These are the Wei Iaplam Falls and the Wir Phang Falls. A well paved footpath and a small wooden bridge facilitate access to these falls.

Diengiei Peak
Located to the west of the Shillong plateau, Diengiei Peak is just two hundred feet lower than Shillong peak. The peak presents a spectacular view of green mountainous hills. The captivating hills are dotted with tiny shining villages. Diengiei Peak is accessible by the Umiam-Union Christian College-Mawmaram motorable road which takes off from National Highway-40 at Umiam. Atop Diengiei, a visitor is greeted with a commanding view of the Umiam lake with the city of Shillong in the background. On the top of Diengiei, there is a huge hollow, shaped like a cup, which some geologists believe could be the crater of an extinct pre-historic volcano.

Kyllang Rock
Located about eleven kilometres off Mairang, is a steep dome of red granite rising to an elevation of about five thousand and four hundred feet above sea level. According to geologists, the hard red granite rock is several million years old. The rock is accessible from its northern and eastern flanks, but inaccessible from its southern flank where its slope exceeds 800 over an incline of about six hundred feet. The southern side of Kyllang Rock is encumbered with enormous detached blocks of rock, while its northern side is clothed with dense forests, containing age-old red Rhododendron trees and oaks besides bushy, white Rhododendron trees which are not found elsewhere.

Natures own Museum
Sacred Forest Mawphlang: Only 4 km from Shillong, close to almost all large Khasi and Jaintia villages of yore, one finds a Forest-Grove variedly known as Ki Law Kyntang (Sacred forest), Ki Law Adong (Prohibited forest), Ki Law Shnong (Village forest) and Ki Law Kynti (Private forest). The sacred-groves which have been preserved since time immemorial, are in sharp contrast to their surrounding grasslands. These groves are generally rimmed by a dense growth of Castanopsis kurzii trees, forming a protective hedge which halts intrusion of Pinus kasia (Khasi pine) which dominates all areas outside the sacred groves. Inside the outer rim, the sacred groves are virtually Nature's Own Museum. The heavily covered grounds have a thick cushion of humus accumulated over the centuries. The trees in every sacred grove are heavily loaded with epiphytic growth of aroids, pipers, ferns, fern-allies and orchids. The humus-covered grounds likewise harbour myriad varieties of plant life, many of which are found nowhere else.

One of the most celebrated sacred-groves of the State is the grove at Mawphlang about 25 kilometres off Shillong. This particular grove has for long years been a reservoir of interest for eminent and internationally known botanists. The sacred-groves which make a unique contribution to the flora of the State are undoubtedly of immense interest to all naturalists.

Cherrapunjee (Sohra)
Better known as Sohra, Cherrapunjee is one of the most visited tourist spots of North Eastern India. Situated 56 Kms from Shillong and 1300 metres above sea level, known all over the world as the rainiest place on the planet. A pleasant drive to see roaring water falls leaping into deep gorges, including the famous Nohsngithiang falls is certainly an ever memorable visual treat. The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves, orange, honey, a headquarter of the Syiem of Sohra and a Centre of the Khasi Culture and literature. The oldest Theological College in this region is located here, established by the Welsh Presbyterian Missionaries in 1888, known as Cherrapunjee Theological College. Extensive limestone caves abound, with a large number of stalagmites and stalactites inside, the full length and breadth of the caves has not been adequately explored. In addition, the natural beauty is complemented by springs and sacred forests. 12 Kms from Cherrapunjee is situated a beautiful Park 'Thangkharang'. Besides housing a bird sanctuary, the spot commands an imposing almost 180 degree view of the plains of Bangladesh. The ideal time to visit is during the monsoons when the gorges become resplendent with several seasonal waterfalls.

Mawsynram
56 Kms from Shillong and is known for the Giant Stalagmite formation shaped into a "Shivalinga" and found inside a cave known locally as 'Mawjymbuin' One and half Kilometres off the right hand side of the Shillong Mawsynram - Balat - Ranikor Highway, very near Weiloi Village, once comes across a unique geological formation called "Symper Rock". It is an almost flat topped loaf-shaped rocky dome, which rises sharply from the midst of the surrounding hillocks. From its base, one has to take an exciting uphill trek to reach the summit of the rock. From the top of the hill one can see the gorgeous surrounding hills and valleys and the plain and fast moving rivers of Bangladesh.

Jakrem
64 Kms from Shillong, a potential health resort having gushing hot-spring of sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties. People from all parts of the region flock to the hot-spring at Jakrem for bathing themselves in its waters. A well kept secret indeed.

Ranikor
140 Kms from Shillong, a place of scenic beauty. Ranikor is one of Meghalaya's most popular spots for angling, with an abundance of carp and other fresh water fish. Huge golden mahseers, the pride of the anglers are available here.

Nongkhnum island - the hidden beauty of the west
Nongkhnum Island is the biggest River Island in Meghalaya and the second biggest island in Asia, after Majuli Island in Assam. Located about 14 Kms from Nongstoin, the district hqs. of West Khasi Hills, it is 20 to 25 sq. kms in area. Travelling on foot from Nongstoin through the villages of Lawse, Mawduh and Mawthar, it takes about two and a half-hours to reach the Island. There is a wooden bridge over the Weinia Fall to enter the Island. The Island is formed by the bifurcation of Kynshi River into the Phanliang River and the Namliang River. At the point of divergence, there is a beautiful sandy shore about 100 sq. meters in area. The Phanliang River forms a beautiful lake adjacent to the sandy beach. This lake is about 400 to 500 sq. meters. The River then moves along and before reaching a deep gorge, forms a pretty fall about 60 meters high, called Shadthum Fall. At the bottom of the fall, there is a beautiful pool where a variety of fishes can be found. It then continues its journey and finally reunites with the Namliang River, near a place called Thongrin.

The Namliang River first flows towards the north and then changes its course towards the west. It then reaches a gorge and forms two narrow falls. The first one is called Riatsohkhe fall and is near Mawthar village. The second one is the wonderful and beautiful Weinia fall, which is about 60 meters high. The River then flows further west till it reunites with the Phanliang River on the western rocky shore and then flow towards the west. After a distance of about 10 kms from the Island, it reaches the deepest gorge and forms the longest fall in the region of about 335 to 340 meters high, called Langshiang fall.

The area surrounded by the two Rivers, i.e. Phanliang and Namliang forms the Nongkhnum Island. Within the Island, there are big trees and areas of grassland and natural playground suitable for playing football and golf and even for landing a helicopter. There are plenty of fishing pools, especially near the sandy shore, called Wei-Phanliang. Angling is the only way to enjoy as well as protect the fishes.

Tourist Places in Jaintia Hills
Thadlaskein Lake
56 Kms from Shillong. According to legend this lake was dug with the ends of bows by members of 290 clans of U Sajiar Niangli, a rebel general of Jaintia Raja, to commemorate the great exodus of the clans. It is a historical lake and a beautiful spot for outing, boating and picnic.

Megalithic Remnants- Nartiang
65 Kms from Shillong, was the summer capital of the Jaintia Kings, of Sutnga State. Huge monoliths, form the striking landmark of the village, said to be erected by Mar Phalyngki, a Goliath of yore. The Nartiang menhir measures 27 feet 6 inches in thickness. The monoliths represent the megalithic culture of the Hynniewtrep people. It is literally the Stonehenge of the Northeast of India. A 500 years old temple of Durga is another attraction at Nartiang.

Syntu Ksiar
Syntu Ksiar, which means 'golden flower' is a vast pool of calm water, where the river Myntdu which almost encircles Jowai, appears to come to a sudden halt. At Syntu Ksiar, the Myntdu provides a memorable scene of remarkable beauty as it seemingly disappears for rest into the calm of the mighty pool, and then, as if aroused from a momentary invigorating slumber, it runs its ever vibrant course, again.

Tourist Places in Garo Hills
Garo Hills - Land of myths and legends
Forming the Western part of the State the entire Garo Hills having an area of approximately 8,000 sq. kms. Is densely forested and hence one of the richest spots in bio-diversity, one third (1/3) of which is the reserved forest. The Garos predominantly inhabiting the three district of the State namely East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills are basically superstitious, believed in spirits and have a rich traditional tales of myth & legends. To the Garos everything that is interesting and unnatural has to have the lore of some kind.

Tura, the headquarter of West Garo Hills, which was also the headquarter of composite Garo Hills before two more district of East and South Garo Hills were created, is 323 kms. From Shillong via Guwahati named after a powerful Goddess Durama-Imbama, this Tura town is situated at the foot of Tura peak. 5 kms of trek to the Tura at 1400 m the peak offers some of the finest views of the hills against a back-drop of low-lying plains and sweeping curve of the mighty Brahmaputra.

Garo Hills known for its abundance of wildlife should interest naturalists and photographers to capture the variegated facets of life of a unique range of flora and fauna. Two mountain ranges - the Arabella range and the Tura range, pass through the Garo Hills, forming the great Balpakram valley in between. The headquarters town of Tura is 323 Kms via Guwahati, at an altitude of 657 Kms. The highest point is Nokrek Peak with elevation of 1412 metres.

West Garo Hills
Nokrek biosphere
About 20 kms. via Asanagiri and sasatgiri but just 2 kms. From Tura peak, teeming with wild life, Nokrek hill is the home of a very rare species of citrus locally known as memang narang - orange of the spirits. This memang narang is considered to be the most primitive and progenitor of all other varieties of citrus plants in the world with a view to preserve this rare species of citrus indica the first gene sanctuary of the world has been established here.

The highest point of the Garo Hills region of the State, Nokrek Peak stands fourteen hundred and twelve metres above sea level. A virgin canopy of thick, tall and lush green forests cover Nokrek and its environs. The mother germo plasm of Citrus-indica have been discovered by science researchers within Nokrek Range. This discovery led to the establishment of the National Citrus Gene Sanctuary-cum-Biosphere Reserve at Nokrek covering an area of forty seven square kilometres.

Nokrek can be reached from the Tura-Asanangre-Daribokgre Road. A comfortable three and a half kilometre trek from Daribokgre village leads a visitor to Nokrek Peak. Abundant wildlife including herds of wild elephants, rare varieties of birds and pheasants, besides rare orchids abound in the sanctuary.

Tura Peak
A majestic hill stands on the eastern flank of Tura, the largest town in the Garo Hills region of the State. It peaks eight hundred and seventy two metres above sea level over looking Tura. A tourist-bungalow, an observatory and a Cinchona-plantation are located at Tura Peak and its environs. A magnificent view of the lower Brahmaputra Valley as well as the golden yellow plains of Bangladesh is available all year round to viewers on Tura Peak.

Imilchang Dare
A waterfall of immense visual beauty is to be found close to the Tura-Chokpot Road in West Garo Hills district. The stream on which it is located, flows through a deep, narrow winding bed of crevice rocks till it suddenly emerges on to a broad wide opening and cascades in a thick, wide formation, over a broad chasm, creating an electrifying waterfall of unique beauty. The deep, wide pool at the bottom of the fall with its wide and expansive surroundings make it an exciting swimming pool, full of fish of varied size and color, besides being an ideal picnic spot.

Bhaitbari
his small sleeping hamlet of Bhaitbari came into national focus when ruins of ancient Kingdom dating back 4 -8 A.D. were discovered here a few years ago. This place is just 8 kms. From Phulbari near Assam border and is nearer via plains road along Assam border.

Rangapani
40 kms from Tura, near Mankachar on the Assam border there still lies the earthly remains of the great general Mir-jumla the Army General of great Moghul Emporer AurangZeb. Mir-jumla died of malaria while returning from his excursion to the North East. His tomb maintained by the local Muslim Association lies in this village.

East Garo Hills
Sisbibra
12 kms away from Williamnagar on the Tura Williamnagar road, a beautiful place on the bank of Simsang river is of historical importance, for it was here the legendary hero Togan Sangma along with his co-patriot Gilsang Dalbot fell to the bullets of the British soldiers while bravely resisting them. A memorial has been erected at the place where the warriors fell down. District Council has constructed a twin cottage near the memorial place where visitors can stay.

Adokgre
10 kms from Duphdara on the Assam Border Aadokgre was the first camp in Garo Hills when the Garos coming from Tibet under the leadership of Jappa-jalimpa arrived in to the promised land of Garo Hills. It was from here they made their last race and distributed the land according to their Machongs (clan).

Naka-Chikong
15 kms from Duphdara, it is a big rock with deep hollows, in the middle of Ilde river in Badaka village just 3 kms from Adokgre, this big rock is mythologically believed to be swimming with fishes, you can get tons of fishes any season of the year, but there is one belief, if any one inadvertently touches the big rock under whose hollow the fishes are. All fishes immediately disappear from the river. The Hindus consider this a sacred place and regularly come here for worship and picnic.

Napak
45 kms from Williamnagar there is a take formed by damming of the upper tributary of a river during the great earth in 1897. Napak was once the land of the spirit's baby. The spirits feeling insecure then migrated to Balpakram where they settled.

South Garo Hills
Baghmara
Baghmara the head quarter of the District is a fast growing town ship. It is situated on the banks of Simsang River on the International Bangladesh border. Nearby just below the picturesque Disla hill where the State Tourism Department had constructed a tourist bungalow there is the Baghmara Wildlife sanctuary for the unique botanical wonder of the State - an insectivorous pitcher plant known as memang Koksi or the spirits basket.

Nengkong
14 kms north of Baghmara this place has 3 well known caves Tetengkol Balwakol measuring 5, 33 kms in length is the 2nd longest cave in the Indian Sub-continent. Two more caves-Dobakkol chibe nala almost 2 kms long and another a little over 1 km long called Bok-bak dobakkol are also in the vicinity of the area.

Balpakram
A National Wildlife Park, located in South Garo Hills and 167 Kms from Tura. The literal meaning of Balpakram is the "land of perpetual winds". There is a great precipice or deep gorge in Balpakram and is popularly compared to the Grand Canyon of U.S.A. It is believed that here, the spirits of the dead dwell temporarily before embarking on the final journey. It is home to the rare Lesser Panda, the Indian bison and the Stag like Serow. A variety of medicinal herbs locally called "dikges" grow abundantly in Balpakram.

Hidden treasures of mystique Balpakram
In the South-eastern corner of Garo Hills, in the South-Garo Hills District - there is a vast table land know to the outside world simply as the Land of Perpetual winds but of great mythological importance to both the Garos and the Hindu religious belief. Balpakram, which has been, declared a National Park since 1987 is the land of scenic beauty, lying at an altitude of nearly 3,000 ft. above sea level, covering an area of 200sq. kms. It is a vast tableland of dense forest, teeming with wild life, undoubtedly one of the richest spot in bio-diversity in the country. Many rare and exotic species of flora and fauna some endemic to the area - many almost extinct very rare forms of wild-life found in the area had naturally evoked a lot of interest among the elite circles of naturalist, botanists and zoologist. 167 kms away from Tura, the District Head quarter of west Garo Hills District, Balpakram can be reached by road only. There are however regular helicopter services from Shillong and Guwahati to Tura and road transport facilities, nearest airport and rail head is Guwahati in Assam which is 220 kms from Tura.

Alternatively people going from Shillong can take the border road via Balat - Ranikor which is a much shorter route. However there is no direct communication link from Shillong to Balpakram. The Garos consider Balpakram area sacred as the land where the spirits of the dead sojourn. So far till now - this aspect has not been properly highlighted to the outside world. In support of the mythological belief there are more than 45 interesting sites in the area just a few of which are enumerated below.

Memang boldak matchu karam

On the way side there is a hard schimawallichi tree that has mysteriously acquired a depression on its trunk as if weather and worn by constant tethering of animals on its trunk . The belief is that the spirit on their way to their abode of the dead take rest here and tether the animals killed on their funeral. Surprisingly a few years ago, when one tree fall due to strong winds, another tree close to it started getting the same symptoms.

Matchru anti - Animal market

In the heart of the plateau there is a vast flat rock that bears the footprints of all kinds of jungles animals - big and small, each one of them very easily distinguishable. Mythologically it says, this place used to be the market place of animals. Interestingly, there is the only portion in the whole vast plateau that has the foot-prints embedded in the rock whereas the others surrounding that rock are completely benefits of any imprints.

Dikkini ring
Fossilized beat - To the south of Balpakram near Makadeo village there is a huge flat rock resembling an upturned boat. According to the lore of the Garos, Dikki - a legendary here - was carving a boat but unfortunately before he could complete the task the cock began to crow and he had to abandon the work. It is believed that the spirits work only at night and any incomplete work at cock’s crow had to be abandoned.

Areng patal
Magnetic stone - This massive rock with a hollow space on its surface had very strong magnetic force that any animal or bird that inadvertently wonders close to the rock will be magnetically drawn towards the hallow from where they will never be able to come out and die eventually. This magnetic force however has no effect on humans. Close by in the chimitap village, there is a Chimitap stream meaning underground that may perhaps be the shortest stream in the world. The stream comes out and flows for a more 500 yards and disappears underground.

Rongsaljong

Agal On the Khasi hills border there is a natural water tank of rock measuring about 120ft. X 90ft. The water in this tank is perpetually clear and transparent and remains at the same level throughout the year. It is very interesting and unexplainable how the heavy downpours of rain cannot raise its level not the scorching sun of the summer reduces it. The Garos believed that it is the bathering ghat of Bandis wife sore.

Gitingni Suunte
There are 3 stones close to each other set in a triangle that resemble the crude hearth. Over these 3 big stones there set another rock, which looked, like a huge pot or cauldran. However the top pot like rock was damaged during road construction in 1987. Since the 3 huge stones with the big rock upon them look like something cooking in a big pot over the tripped chullah - it was Gitingni Suunte of the heart of Gitting.

Menggo Kol
From below the wakso Chiring Maheskola river run underground for about 3 kms, and emerge again at Menggo - Kol literally cave of the cat - a spectacular cave with magnificent rock formations around it. Even now some rock fossil that resemble hairs of the cat can be seen. This cave used to be inhabited by a white cats, hence the name cave of the cat.

Wakso-Chiring
One stream in the northern side of Balpakram that resemble the intestines of the pig and has a very bad rotten smell. The legend says that when bandi defeated the monster Wakmangganchi - aragondi - he pulled out its intestine and washed here. Hence the horrible stench of the rotten intestine.

Mebit mebang

Another interesting site in the area. Mebit mebang is a small hillock from where tiny pebbles resembling the seeds of rice, millet and other cereals appear mysteriously. The Garo believed that the side and direction of the hillock from which the seed like pebbles come out predict good honest in that direction. In 1927 it is said that Shri. G.D. Walker the thence Deputy Commissioner of Garo still swept the pebbles away and ordered the rock to be guarded. Next morning he was so astonished to find the pebbles mysteriously re-appeared.

Bandini nagil

A deep pool believed to be the fishing pond of bandi - a legendary hero. The long dam like stone barrier measuring to have been constructed by bandi. Well, there are many more interesting site in Balpakram - for any tourist willing to explore. Each of the unusual has its own story, myth or legend - connected to it. Not only the Garo but the Hindus also consider Balpakram a secret Place. It is believed by the Hindus that Laxman was critically injured during a fight with Ravans, Hanuman found the life saving herb on top of Balpakram but not knowing which plants to take, he broke the top of the hill and carried it away to save Laxman’s life. The Balpakram remains a topless vast tableland since then and the deep canyon was created from where he removed the hills. Even the 5 rivers that originate from this tableland have been given Hindi names like - Mahadeo, Maheshkola, Goneswari, Kanai and Chimite-rivergod. The nearby Chitmang hill is known as Kailash to the Hindus and is considered to be the Abode of Lord Shiva.

During Autumn the tableland look like bleak and dreary. Even the lone tree a top of hill looks eerie and spooky. At night when the spirits comes you can hear spine chilling eerie sounds that confirm that presence of spirits. Some believed that there are mat-meinang - animal spirits and domemang - bird spirits that have lured many unsuspecting hunters only to mysteriously disappear when shot-at. However when spring comes Balpakram tableland is dressed in its natural best. Acres and acres of vast tableland covered with ground orchids and others herbs and bushes in multi-color blooms is a sign never to forget. Also mid- April to mid-June it is the best time for bird watching and wild life study.

For accommodation there is a forest Guest House before entering the National Park and Forest Guard to guide you.

Best time to visit - Mid-April to mid-June.

Not Admissible to venture alone anywhere without a trained guides wild animal abound and may even come to the premises of the guest house.

Some of these mysterious sites
Boldak matchu Karam
On the wayside there is a sturdy Boldak tree (schimawallche) that has a mysterious depression around its trunk as if eroded by the constant tethering of animals on it. The Garos believed that the spirits of the dead tie their animals slaughtered for their funeral to this tree while taking a rest close by hence when one such tree was felled by strong winds, soon after another tree close by started having the same symptoms.

Chidimak
There is a small pool in Balpakram which is absolutely charcoal black. It is believed that the spirits of the dean wash themselves here before entering the realms of the dead. Hence the clear water turned black from their sins and soot’s of cremation.

Matchru
Anti or animal market. In the heart of the vast plateau there is a big stretch of flat rock that is full of foot impressions of all kinds of animals big and small. It is not understood how only that stretch of rock have thousands and thousands of footprints embedded there whereas the nearby rock are completely bereft of such prints. Mythologically of course it is said that it used to be a market place where all kind of animals gather for their weekly markets. There is another place of similar nature and story in Lawbah in Khasi Hills 25 kms from Mawsynram. This place in Lawbah is much bigger in dimension that the one in Balpakram.

Areng patal
Is a massive rock with a hollow space on its surface that is believed to have powerful magnetic powers. This hollow space acts as a veritable death trap to any bird or animal (except for man of course) that goes near it. Any living being that goes near it is magnetically drawn towards the hollow from where it can never comes out and die eventually.

Goncho Dare
The rock cliffs of the canyon are said to be the natural habitats of goncho, the evil spirits who like to take away people from their homes. These gunchos lead their victims over steep precipices and inaccessible rock faces without causing any physical harm.

Dikkini ring
To the Southern side near Mahado Village there stands a massive flat rock in the shave of an upturned boat. It is said that one night when Dikki a legendary hero was making this boat, the cocks started crowing before he completed the task and hence the in completed boat turned to stone. The legend says that spirits work only at night and have to complete their work before cock crow.

Rongsaljong-Agal
On the Khasi hills border there is a natural water tank of rock measuring about 120ft . X 90ft. The water in this tank is perpetually clear and transparent and remains at the same level throughout the year. It is very interesting and unexplainable how the heavy downpours of rain cannot raise its level not the scorching sun of the summer reduces it. The Garos believed that it is the bathering ghat of Bandis wife sore.

Rongsobok-Rougkol
To the north east on Khasi hills border there is a beautiful cave, wherein shining pieces of rock in the shape of banana flowers are found. The Hindus believe that it was the house of a Shiva Thakur. Apart from the above mentioned sites there are many more mysterious places which you can explore yourself. Indeed Balpakram is so steeped in myths that even the Hindus believed that it is a sacred place. They believed that when Laxman was serious injured during the war with Ravana and a very rare life saving herb was required, Hanuman found it here but not knowing which plant to take also in his haste to returned broke the top of the hill and carried it away. The missing portion of that hill became a deep awning canyon.

Balpakram has been declared a National park some years ago. This place is about 220 sq kms in a area and is 167 kms from Tura. This is a place of not only mythological importance but also the natural habitat of many rare and exotic animals and plant life. It is also believed to be the original of the rare citrus plant meemang narang mentioned before in Nokrek Biosphere. Balpakram is exquisitely beautiful when ground orchids and herbs are in bloom. The best time to see is from April to mid June. There is the guest house at Hattisil at the entrance to balpakram run by the Forest Department.

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