Located on National Highway 40, Nongpoh lies at a distance of 52 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. It is also the executive headquarters of the district of Ri – Bhoi. Nongpoh may be a beautiful place surrounded by natural beauty all around with serene hills and rivers.
Umiam Lake may be a picturesque location and appears as if it’s just begin of a gorgeous painting. It is actually a reservoir of a dam that’s also the primary hydro-electric plant within the north-east. The area of the reservoir is around 220 sq km. Just looking at the lake leaves you spellbound. There is also a water sports complex on its banks and another attraction is that the Orchid Lake resort, travel by state tourism department. Several water sports can be undertaken here.
Lum Sohpetbneng is a sacred place for the locals and has great significance. Lum Sohpetbneng means ‘the navel of the earth’. There are many legends associated with the place. It is believed that the golden vine bridge is situated at the height of the mountain, and it’s the bridge that connects earth and heaven. It is also believed that the ‘seven huts’ or Ki Hynniewtrep, which belonged the seven tribes within the Khasi community were the primary ones to be settled on the world. The Seng Khasi tribes revere the place and that they hold an annual pilgrimage at Lum Sohpetbneng in February. Tourist vehicles or cab service are available from Shillong to the place.
If you would like to relax within the company of nature, then Lum Nehru Park is where you ought to be. There are gardens, vast lawns, aviaries and also spectacular orchids which lend an unparalleled beauty to the place. It is one of the most popular spots in Nongpoh.
A distinguishing feature of Nongkhyllem sanctuary is that the presence of a spread of migratory birds and hence may be a bird watcher’s dream destination. Exotic migratory birds like Rufous Necked Hornbill, Brown Hornbill and more are often spotted here. It is spread across 29 sq km and is home to a good sort of animals and birds. Of course, the various flora species are another attraction. In addition to several wildlife including Himalayan Black Bear, Royal Bengal tiger, Clouded Leopard and more, it also houses an excellent sort of reptiles. The best time to go to Nongkhyllem Sanctuary is during March and April. Also, the sanctuary isn’t hospitable visitors during the year.
Though the words ‘Dwar Ksuid’ means ‘Devil’s doorway’, it is actually a beautiful pool which is located in Khapmara on the Umroi – Bhoilymbong road. One of the attractions here are the rock formations which resemble lotus, and there also are several sand boulders that provides a unique beauty to the place. It is called because the devil’s doorway because it’s believed that devils assemble here.
A visit to Nongpoh is an experience that you will not forget. With its variety in locations, Nongpoh may be a nature lover’s paradise and also because it’s quite serene and peaceful, a visit to Nongpoh is additionally very refreshing. It are often visited any time of the year, but it’s best to see if the various spots have any particular time for visiting.