Imagine yourself standing on a hushed mountain peak with clouds floating across the sky and vast valleys stretching underneath you. Far below, villages look like miniature paintings, while a range of green hills vanish into fog. The breathtaking destination we are going to virtually tour is Laitlum, the beautiful Great Canyon of India, located in the green hills of Northeast India and known for its scenic attractions.
What Does “Laitlum” Mean?
The name Laitlum comes from the Khasi language, which is primarily spoken in the state of Meghalaya, India. It is understood as:
Lait= end
Lum= mountain or hill
That’s why Laitlum is popularly known as “the end of the hills” or “the end of the world”.
Where It Is:
Laitlum Canyon is located in the East Khasi Hills district and is situated approximately 25-45 kilometres from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Shillong is known as the “Scotland of the East” for its cool, breezy climate, panoramic landscape and lively green hills, and it serves as the base camp for a visit to the great canyon. The journey to Laitlum from Shillong itself becomes an unforgettable experience. Leaving the crowded city of Shillong behind, the view slowly transforms into green hills, valleys, and grasslands, which make it Meghalaya’s hidden paradise.
Why Laitlum Should Be on Every Traveller’s List?
Here’s why Laitlum is a worthy site on your Meghalaya itinerary:
- For its breathtaking views- You know those spots where you stop just to watch the beautiful scenery around you? Laitlum Canyon is that site where you will feel amazed because of the beauty around you: green landscapes, clouds and distant ridges and settlements far away,
- Ideal for Photography- The place is heaven for people who love to do scenic photography. The beauty of this place makes it almost impossible to do continuous trekking because the site is surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views that you can hardly resist capturing in a photograph.
- A leisurely walk- The fresh air, birds chirping, flora, landscapes and stillness that fill the air make a kind of peaceful environment that provides serenity to your mind.
- Real and untouched landscape- The Great Canyon is peaceful, natural, untouched and beautiful. There are no fancy cafes, no overcrowding. It’s just you doing nature walks and nature doing its thing around, and you enjoying.
What are the Best Things to do at Laitlum Canyon?
Here are some things that you can do in Laitlum to make your visit memorable and the trip totally worth it:
- Absorbing the views: One can enjoy beautiful natural views by sitting in nature’s lap. The wide green scenery around, the open sky with clouds sometimes, billowing hills are absolutely worth watching.
- Capture Some Photos: The magic hour here in the Great Canyon is phenomenal. Whether it’s sunrise or sunset, Laitlum is heaven for photo lovers because the view is so surreal that no one can stop themselves from capturing the magical beauty of nature around them.
- Go for nature’s walk: If you are not up for hiking or trekking, don’t worry; you can go for a peaceful nature walk, explore the beautiful landscape around and enjoy the unreal view.
- Embrace a slower pace of life: Spend and enjoy peaceful moments with family. Chill, relax and recharge yourselves in nature’s beauty. Enjoy the time which is away from distractions and have a wonderful experience with family and yourselves in the beautiful paradise of Shillong by soaking yourselves in the surroundings.
Best Time to Visit the Great Canyon Laitlum:
- October to March: The weather during these months is pleasant. This is the peak time for visitors because the weather conditions are ideal for travel and outdoor activities.
- March to June: The weather during these months is mild, with soft skies but slightly unpredictable because of rains sometimes.
- June to September: Because of the monsoon and heavy rains during the season, travel to Laitlum is not advisable and should be avoided because of foggy and cloudy weather.
The Best and most popular places to visit near Laitlum Canyons:
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- Rai Um Village: The village is located at the heart of the Canyon. This village offers a glimpse into the traditional life of Khasi villagers, including local food and the villagers’ language.
- Smit Village: The nearest major village to Laitlum is a heartland and cultural hub for the Khasi community and is often visited by tourists on the way to the Canyons.
- Rapleng Canyon: This spot is located just 20 minutes from Laitlum and is perfect for surreal views; this destination is the best place to watch the sunset.
- Shillong: The city is about 21-25Km away from the Great Canyon and can be explored while visiting Laitlum. Shillong Peak and the local market here are the best attractions to visit.
- Ward’s Lake: The popular artificial lake is approximately 24Km from Laitlum Canyon and is situated in the heart of Shillong. The lake gives a scenic setting with beautiful gardens around, with boating facilities in the lake.
- Elephant Falls: Is located on the outskirts, roughly 12 Km from the Shillong main city center in upper Shillong, Meghalaya. It is known as Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew in the local Khasi language, which translates to “Three Steps Waterfalls”, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Shillong region.
Fun Facts About Laitlum Canyons:
- It is known as the “end of the world”. This famous description comes from the drastic feeling one gets when standing above the peak of the mist-shrouded mountain valley.
- Clouds are part of the attraction. There are different shades of weather here; sometimes the sky is clear, and sometimes there are floating clouds in the sky that completely change the appearance of the green valley.
- The journey from Shillong to Laitlum is also a part of a beautiful experience because it takes travellers through the beautiful mountains and hills of Meghalaya.
- Laitlum and Sohra(Cherrapunji) are two different and separate tourist destinations. Laitlum is considered closer to Shillong.
What important things to carry to Laitlum:
Keep the bag light while trekking, but be prepared for instantly changing weather conditions here.
Essentials include:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Snacks
- A small first aid kit
- Power bank
- Cash
- Light waterproof jacket, depending on the season
- Umbrella or raincoat
Safety Tips:
One gets the best views while standing on the mountaintop, but that also requires caution.
- Do not enter the restricted areas. Follow safety signs and local instructions.
- Avoid travel during heavy rains and foggy weather due to slippery terrain and low visibility.
- Stay away from exposed edges. Never risk your life just for the sake of a photograph.
- Be extra careful with children.
- Follow the travel advisory if you are travelling during the monsoon season.
Final Thoughts:
Laitlum Canyons is more than just a viewpoint. It is a spot where the landscape becomes the memorable experience. Laitlum may not offer luxury facilities such as cafes or restaurants around, but the place will amaze your eyes and mind with peaceful scenery. So, if you ever plan to visit Shillong and want to explore the quieter side of the region away from the city’s busy life, do visit Laitlum Canyons, a worth visiting place. But remember, while enjoying nature’s beauty in Laitlum, do your part to keep it clean. Let us promise ourselves that the place remains as beautiful as nature offered it, so the next visitor can experience the same as we do.
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