Guwahati To Shillong: A Most Scenic Drive

Guwahati To Shillong: A Most Scenic Drive

Sitting in the heart of the mystical land of Meghalaya, Shillong is a pure treasure of nature. Although technically, it is a city and boasts quite an urban environment, its neighboring areas are a delight for the sore eyes. Now, the beauty of this place is not limited to its perimeters but extends to its neighboring areas. To truly enjoy the landscape that leads you to Shillong, drive through the highways, surrounded by rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and deep valleys, and discover the real charm of Meghalaya.

One of the most popular road trips to Shillong starts from Guwahati, another iconic locale of the northeast. The road between these two destinations makes for a scenic drive and is one of the best in part of the country. Read on to learn more about how you can make it a memorable trip from Guwahati to Shillong.

How to travel

The first thing that you need to ensure when planning a road trip is to find the best ride. Of course, you could drive your car or bike, but there are a few flip sides to those options. If you are not from around or have frequented these roads, you might not know of all the turns and bends, or roadblocks, which can happen during rains or road work. And Google Maps might not always give you the most real-time road conditions. In such cases, if you are busy managing the on-road paraphernalia, then how would you enjoy your journey? Instead, opt for a car rental. You can get a car rental from a trusted service, online or offline. The Guwahati to Shillong Taxi fare is cheap and you can easily opt for tour packages at economical rates. Local cabbies are well-versed with the roads and know of the best routes. So, you can sit back, relax, and soak in the views and enjoy the drive.

The route

The distance from Guwahati to Shillong is about 100 KM and takes less than three hours. NH6 is the only designated road to cover this route and is popular among travelers and bikers.

The route between Guwahati to Shillong is unarguably the best in the state and one of the most scenic ones in the North East. The hilly, winding roads pass through steep valleys, dense mountain bluffs, terraced plantations, with rivers and mountain streams cutting through intermittently, making for an incredible view, almost dreamlike. When you book a reliable and licensed Taxi in Guwahati, you can focus all your attention to these exquisite views. This route is also lined with some of the best nature hotspots of Meghalaya, which you can stop by, on your drive. You can plan your itinerary accordingly, where you can include a few stopovers on your way.

Places along the way

On your way to Shillong, you will cross numerous mountain villages and towns like Jorabat, Pahammawlein, Shangbangla, Umsning, Mawlyngkhung, and Mawlai-Mawiong. You will also find the famous Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary and Umiam Lake.

The route between Guwahati and Shillong makes for one of the best road trips in North East India. The road passes through the lush green landscape of northern Meghalaya. Avail of a car rental from Guwahati to Shillong and enjoy the scenic drive. With your Guwahati to Shillong taxi service, you can make a stopover at any of these places, sample local culture, and enjoy the lovely views.

Jorabat: 25 Km from Guwahati

The tiny hamlet of Jorabat is more of a nature retreat, making for a perfect respite for weary travelers. Surrounded by terraced farms, and lush greenery, it soothes your senses. You can make a quick detour towards the refreshing waterfalls and ancient caves.

Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, Shangbangla: 43 Km from Guwahati

At another 40 to 50-minute drive from Shangbangla, you will reach the extensive forested areas of Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary. It sits in the Lailad village of RiBhoi district. To access and explore the sanctuary, you need to get a touring permit from the Forest Range Officer in Nongpho. Once you enter, you will find yourself in a completely different world shrouded in deciduous trees, wildflower shrubs, and herbal plants. The thick foliage barely lets the sunlight touch the forest grounds, keeping it moist and damp. The jungles make a rich habitat of wild animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Bison, Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded Leopard, and many endangered species. In spring and summer months, the forests also become a breeding ground for exotic birds like hornbills and bush quails.

Umiam Lake: 82 Km from Guwahati

Also translated as the Big Water Lake or Bara Pani, the sparkling Umiam Lake is technically a vast reservoir and the biggest water body of the region. Bordered by hills, meadows, and valleys, the lake and its surrounding areas makes for a perfect spot for day picnics, hiking, and indulging in watersports.

When you travel to Shillong, the lake falls right on your way, off the highway. You can spend some time, admiring the stunning views or taking a walk down the nature trails, and capturing the beauty or your camera or your memory.

Next time, you are on your way to Shillong, make it memorable with these stopovers!

Top Headlines

No stories found.
Sentinel Assam
www.sentinelassam.com