Parks & Gardens
In order to create awareness for conservation of nature and to provide opportunities for recreation, a number of parks and botanical gardens as shown below have been created / maintained.
Some of these parks like Thankrang Park, Lady Hydari Park, Lum-Nehru Park, Ialong Park and Thadlaskein Park are major tourist attractions of the State.
- Thankrang Park
- Lady Hydari Park
- Lum-Nehru Park
- Ialong Park
- Thadlaskein Park
Thangkharang Park
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History
Thangkharang, a small hamlet in the southern aspect of Sohra (Sohra), is located 66 Kms from Shillong. During the Pre-Independence period, Khasi traders who were trading with erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) used this place as a night halt. They lit campfires and smoked fishes ("Thang" means smoke or burn and "kharang" means smoked fish).
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Establishment
The Forest Department through Social Forestry Division East Khasi Hills during 1992-93 took the initiative to develop it as a recreational park. The primary objective was to protect and maintain the natural landscape. After three years of development over 5.5 hectares, it was inaugurated on 29th June 1996 as an Environmental-cum-Recreational Centre.
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ManagementManaged by Range Officer Sohra with forest staff and casual labourers.
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Flora & InfrastructureIncludes View-points, Rain shelter, Green House for rare Orchids & Pitcher Plants.
Ward's Lake
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History
Described as "A sylvan site of breathtaking beauty", this serene spot covers an area of 6.28 hectares. William Erskine Ward, Commissioner of the then Assam Province developed the park during the British rule in 1892-93. About 2.20 hectares is an artificially created lake built by constructing a dyke.
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Management
Initially managed by the DC's Office, subsequently handed over to the Tourism Department in 1981. The management was entrusted to Forest & Environment Department in 2000. During 2025, the Government of Meghalaya decided to hand over the management and administration of Ward’s Lake to the Tourism Department. The transfer has now placed the lake under the full administrative and management control of the Tourism Department w.e.f. 03.06.2025. The Forests & Environment Department issued the enabling order in this regard vide No.FOR.37/2007/818 dated 02.06.2025. The status of the land remains as a recorded forest area.
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Botanical AssetsPine, Alder, Cherry, Purple orchid tree, Bamboo species, Azelia, Hydrangea.
Ialong Park
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Overview
Located about 8 kms from Jowai, it is known for its Sacred Grove of Seinraij Ialong and its stunning panoramic view over the beautiful Pynthorwah Valley.
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Establishment
The former Governor of Meghalaya, His Excellency, Shri K. K. Paul inaugurated the park on 5th October 2013. It quickly established its identity on the tourist map due to its unique location, floral composition, and scenic view of the Myntdu River.
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TourismAttracts a wide range of visitors mostly during the peak season from September to May.
List of Parks & Botanical Gardens
Detailed breakdown of parks, gardens, and recreational forestry projects maintained across divisions.
| Sl. | Division | Major Park(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Khasi Hills & Ri-Bhoi Territorial Division, Shillong | Botanical Garden -Shillong, Fire Brigade park- Shillong, Nongpoh Park, State Central Library Compound Park-Shillong |
| 2 | Jaintia Hills Territorial Division. Jowai | Children Park-Forest Colony- Jowai, Sajar Nangli Park- Thadlaskein, DC Park-Jowai, Mini Arboretum Khimusniang |
| 3 | West & South West Garo Hills Territorial Division, Tura | Araimile (Tura) Botanical Garden (27 bigha) |
| 4 | East Khasi Hills Social Forestry Division, Shillong | Wards Lake Shillong, Rose Garden- Shillong |
| 5 | South West & West Khasi Hills Territorial and Social Forestry Division, Nongstoin | New Nongstoin (1.20 ha.), Mawsawa (0.70 ha.), Laitlawsang - On GAD land Mawkyrwat (3.50 ha.) & Nongkyna (1.40 ha.) |
| 6 | North Khasi Hills Social Forestry Division, Ri Bhoi | Bhoi Rymbong, Umroi, Kyrdem and Nongpoh |
| 7 | Jaintia Hills Social Forestry Division, Jowai | Children Park- Panaliar - Jowai (314 sqm), Flower Garden- Momoon-Jowai (300 sqm), Children Park- Ladthalaboh-Jowai (300 sqm), Children Park- Mynsngat (320 sqm), Children Park-Namdong (400 sqm), Children Park-Lamin (213.50 sqm), Children Park-Nongbareh (293 sqm), Children Park- Nongtalang (400 sqm), Children Park-Trangbalang (600 sqm), Children Park-Sohkha (400 sqm), Children Park-Khonglah (320 sqm), Children Park- Lulong (462 sqm), Children Park- D.C. s Quarter- Jowai (418 sqm), Ialong Park- Ialong- Jowai (12.80 ha.) |
| 8 | East Garo Hills Social Forestry Division, Williamnagar | Williamnagar Children Park (4.80 ha.), D.C. Park Williamnagar (1.00 ha.), Botanical Garden (13,.00 ha.), BajengdobaPark (1.68 ha.), V.I.P.s Plot near D.C. Residence (1.75 ha.), ChildrenPark at Thapa Kantolgure (0.32 ha.) & DamashMiniChildrenPark - Damash (1.32 ha.) |
| 9 | West Garo Hills Social Forestry Division, Tura | Rangsakona Children's Park, Bonepa Atilla Children's Park, Asingre Children Park, Ampati Children Park, Nogorpara Children Park & Memorial Children Park |
| 10 | South Garo Hills Territorial and Social Forestry Division, Baghmara | Mini Children Park-Siju, Mini Children Park-Rongra, Recreation Park-Baghmara & Botanical Garden cum Children Park- Masighat |
| 11 | Khasi Hills Wildlife Division, Shillong | Lady Hydari Park-Shillong and LumNehruPark Umiam |
| 12 | East & West Garo Hills Wildlife Division, Tura | Tura Park- Tura Akkonggre near DC Office (0.83 ha.), Nehru park cum Mini Zoo - Danakgre-Tura 913.04 ha. |
| 13 | Jaintia Hills Wildlife Division | Wildlife Complex Salaroh-Jowai |