Ri Bhoi District came into existence and assumed the hierarchical status of the District on the 4th June 1992 by upgrading the former Civil Sub-Division. The District was carved out from the erstwhile East Khasi Hills District and lies between North Latitudes 25 15' and 26 15' and between East Longitudes 91 45' and 92 15'.
Ri Bhoi District is one of the youngest Districts of Meghalaya which came into existence and assumed the hierarchical status of the District on the 4th June 1992 by upgrading the former Civil Sub-Division. The District was carved out from the erstwhile East Khasi Hills District and lies between North Latitudes 25 15’ and 26 15’ and between East Longitudes 91 45’ and 92 15’. It geographically comprises parts of the Khasi kingdoms viz parts of Mylliem Syiemship, Khyrim Syiemship, Nongspung Syiemship, Nongkhlaw Syiemship, whole of Nongpoh Sirdarship (erstwhile Nongpoh Syiemship), Myrdon Sirdarship and the erstwhile Nongwah Syiemship. Presently, Nongwah Syiemship is one of the missing Khasi States that calls for restoration both administratively and territorially. Presently, the District is bounded on the North by the Kamrup, Morigoan and Nagoan Districts of Assam , on the East by the Karbi Anglong District of Assam, on the South by East Khasi Hills & West Khasi Hills Districts and on the West by the West Khasi District. Nongpoh is the District headquarter and as well as that of Nongpoh Sirdarship. Ri Bhoi District contains an area of 2448.00 Sq.KMS excluding the geographical areas under the erstwhile Nongwah Syiemship and other places which fall under the ‘Areas of Differences’ between Assam and Meghalaya.
Tourism
Umiam Lake:
Offers water sports facilities including sailing, water skiing, water scooter.The Orchid Lake Resort and the adjacent Lum Nehru Park is an ideal quiet Holiday Resort.
Lum Nehru Park :
Adjacent to the Orchid Lake Resort, in one of the surrounding spurs, there is a charming park, known as "Nehru Park". Besides beautiful lawns and flowers, there is also orchidarium and aviary.
Dwar Ksuid:
Located in Khapmara, Bhoilymbong area of Umroi. Popularly known as the "Lover Paradise". The rumbling swift flowing river with lots of slippery boulders attracted visitors and pinickers alike, even home video film makers. Dwar Ksuid means the Devil's Doorway, it beats the rational thinking personae with a probing question, 'Why the devil, did they named the doorway after the devil. Does it signify something". Nevertheless, the captivating beauty of this river and its natural surroundings did not escape the Megawood birds eye, where a Mega film "U Manik Raitong" was shot here.
Orchid Resort:
Located at Umiam adjacent to Lum Nehru Park. It is about 14 Kms from Umroi Airport, 110 Kms from Guwahati Airport, 86 Kms from Guwahati Railway Station, 17 Kms from Shillong City Centre and 34 Kms from the district Headquarter (Nongpoh). This unique, idylic and picturesque resort consisting of a watersports complex. Earlier the watersports complex at Umiam lake has a unique Floating Restaurant cum Sport Deck named Flying Duck, is the first of its kind in the country, designed by world famous architect Charles Correa. Unlucky, the Flying Duck is now out of order. The complex provides facilities like sailing, rowing, waterskiing, toboganning, etc. This picturesque lake resort attracts visitors and film makers from Assam and within the state, in the home video "Tang Jingkynmaw".
Lum Sohpetbneng :
Located at Umiam which is about 40 Kms from the district headquarter. It is about 6 Kms from Umiam to reach the top of a peak. It sets amidst a beautiful scenic view against the backdrop of a sacred forest. A majestic legendary peak, literary mean the Naval or Heaven, or Heavenly Peak, as per Khasi mythology, is believed to be an ancient golden staircase which linked earth and heaven. It was believed that in the golden days there were sixteen families who ascended and descended through this golden staircase but later on seven families decided to remain on earth. Therefore, God the creator granted their wish. Situated on Shillong-Guwahati Road, this peak offers a breathtaking view of its natural surroundings.
