Shillong

Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is the preferred destination for those who thirst for natural beauty. The city, situated in the northeastern part of India, is also famous as the "Scotland of the East". The city is at an average altitude of 1,496 metres above the mean sea level. Shillong is the only hill station in the country that is accessible from all sides. The name Shillong is derived from U-Shyllong, a powerful deity.  This beautiful city is 103kms. from Guwahati by Road, which is also the nearest air and train link. The presence of many well reputed educational institutions, many of them established by various missionary groups make Shillong the hub of education for the entire north-east. Shillong was a small village until 1864, when it became the new civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia hills. It remained the summer capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam for many years. In 1874, on the formation of Assam as a Chief Commissioner’s Province, it was chosen as the capital of the new administration.

Shillong remained the capital of Assam, before the formation of Meghalaya in the 1974. The place, the people and the climate all combined together to create an amiable atmosphere in Shillong, to make it an ideal holiday destination throughout the year. Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth is only 56 kms away from Shillong.

 

What To See 

 

Lady Hydari Park

The Lady Hydari Park, a children's themed park, derives its name from the wife of the first Governor of Assam, Lady Hydari. Established and maintained by the Forest Department, this park incorporates a mini zoo, a deer park, and an open area for children to play. The vast stretches of rose-beds make it strikingly beautiful. The park has been designed in a Japanese style, as there are several elements like rhododendron plants, small ponds and willow trees which remind one of the garden style of Japan.

There is also a museum in a small house located inside the park. The rich biodiversity of Meghalaya has been showcased in this museum, which includes photos of rare species, stuffed leopard, dried skin of python, and skulls of elephant. 

 

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures

A three-in-one Institution combining a museum with a research and publication centre, for promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of North East India -a unique fusion of all the sister states under one roof.

With seven stories, 56,000 square feet of floor space and 15,154 square feet of display wall space, it ranks among the top 36 or so cultural centres of its kind in the Salesian world. Museums/ Cultural Centres in practice appear to be a significant aspect of the Salesian mission

Even in terms of design the DBCIC is startling built in hexagonal shape, its seven floors represent the seven states of North East India. DBCIC contains seventeen galleries displaying cultural artefacts and paintings. It offers study and research facilities throughout its specialised library of 10,000 volumes, a media hall and a conference hall. It is frequented by school students and older research students and anthropologists, since this area of India is an anthropologist's paradise.

 

Golf Course

Shillong Golf Course one of the oldest and best natural golf course in the world is considered to be the "Gleneagle of the East" by the United States Golf Association and Museum. The site where the Golf Course is located provides a scenic view. It was set in an undulating valley covered with thick groves of pine and rhododendron trees at an altitude of 5200 ft in1898 as a 9 (nine) hole course and later converted into a 18 (eighteen) hole course in 1924 by Captain Jackson and C. K. Rhodes.

 

Shillong Peak

A sightseeing tour of picnic spot lying 10 km. from the city, 1965 m above sea level, offers a panoramic view of the scenic country side, and is also the highest point in the State. One can enjoy the spectacular bird's-eye-view of the city and the countryside. In the evening the city lights below appear like a star-studded abyss.

 

Butterfly Museum

The Entomological Museum, established in the 1930s, is more popularly known as the Butterfly Museum. It is a private property. It is the sole museum in India which is dedicated to preserving the species of butterflies and moths. This colourful museum, with 1,600 species of butterflies, insects and moths, is a veritable treat for visitors. The museum remains open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. 

 

Anthropological Museum

Dates back to 1954, the museum is located in Nogrim Hills. Various types of specimens are displayed for casual and scholarly observation, during 10 AM to 4.30 PM on weekdays.

 

Capt Williamson Sangma State Museum

The art and culture of Shillong can be experienced encapsulated in this place. It showcases the history of tribal people living here and handicraft they create.

 

Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians

The Christianity being a dominant religion in the city, there are many beautiful churches in Shillong. Among them the most popular is the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, which is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong. The cathedral is earthquake resistant and on a clear day one can see the River Brahmaputra and the peaks of the Himalaya Mountains from here. 

 

Umiam Lake

The Umiam Lake, located 17 km  in the north of Shillong, combines beauty and adventure facilities. It is also famous as Barapani or Big Water. It is an admired tourist destination for water cycling, kayaking and boating.

 

Ward's Lake
Located in the heart of the city, popular travel attractions includes short garden walks and boating, celebrated its centenary recently. 

 

Elephant Falls

Situated on the outer reaches of the main city of Shillong, the Elephant Falls is a two-tier waterfall. The two falls that enhance its beauty are known as the Wir Phang Falls and the Wei Iaplam Falls. It was named 'Elephant Falls' because a stone near the falls looked like an elephant.

 

Bishop & Beadon Falls

Located in Suna valley,these two are very beautiful falls. Suna is the home to wild animals such as deer, leopard, langurs, wild cats and numerous bird species.

 

Sweet Falls

Located in Happy Valley, it is a very steep fall. Extreme caution is advised as there are no barricades and rocks are nearly always slippery (due to rain or dew).

 

Festivals Of Shillong

Besides breathtaking views and natural beauty, Shillong is rich in culture and tradition. Monolith festival and The Creative Art literary Music Festival are the popular festivals of Shillong.

 

Cherrapunjee

56 km from Shillong, situated in one of the rainiest rain-belt in the world, 1,300 m above sea level. A pleasant drive to see roaring waterfalls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang falls is a must on Shillong tourism. The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. Centre of Khasi culture and literature, it also has the oldest Presbyterian Church and also an establishment of the Ramkrishna Mission. 

 

 

What To Do

 

Trekking

Shillong’s gorgeous landscapes are perfect for trekking. The most popular trekking routes are David Scott Trail, Living Root Bridge, Kyllang Rock,Sophet Bneng.

 

Horse Riding

Shillong peak is a nice picnic spot and can be reached by Horse safari. The hill slopes on the way to this peak offers magnificent view of landscapes. Horse riding can be enjoyed at root bridge too.

 

Caving

Adventure seekers will get a great opportunity to explore limestone caves. Krem Mamluh, Krem Mawsmai and Krem Umshyrpi are some famous and longest caves near Shillong.

 

Mountain Biking

Smit, Mawlyngot, Pynursla are some ideal routes for Mountain Biking. Crossing the tropical forests and spotting deer, hog and hornbills will fill your life with adventure.

 

Boating at Umiam Lake

Umiam is 17 kilometers away from Shillong, an ideal place for boating in the surroundings of nature. You will enjoy rides on Paddle boats, cruise boats and sail boats.

 

 Nightlife in Shillong

There are some alluring night clubs, lounges and bars where you can have some fun of night life in Shillong. A few hot spots are; Platinum, Cloud 9 and Dejavu.

 

Metal and Rock Music

Shillong is famous for its Rack Bands, It has tradition of Metal and Rock music. Few metal bands like Prisoners of Chaos, Native Rules, Namesis can be enjoyed here.

 

Shillong’s Eating Joints

City Hut Dhaba This place is one of the best restaurants of Shillong near Police Bazaar. You will relish Chinese, Continental, South Indian, Mexican, Tandoori, cuisines here. Known for nice food and good service. Ginger Restaurant is famous for Italian and continental cuisines like Pasta, Cannelloni, and crepes. If you are bored of Indian and local food, then this is the right place to enjoy something different. Trattoria Another Restaurant in Police Bazaar, offers local dishes like pork rice pulao, pork salad and pork curry. You will also get some other non-vegetarian and vegetarian items. Good place for non-Veg food lovers.

 

Shopping 

Bada Bazar and Police Bazar are the main Shopping Markets in Shillong. It offers very colorful and beautiful handicrafts, forest honey, artifacts and souvenirs. Bada Bazaar is famous for khasi betel leaves, betel nuts and local handicrafts. You will get a collection of colorful wooden items. You can try some bargaining as things are heavily priced here for tourists.

 

 

How To Reach

 

Airport

Guwahati is the nearest airport from where Shillong can be reached by bus or car. Daily buses also connect Shillong with Guwahati airport. Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd, under the aegis of the Government of Meghalaya, has commenced regular helicopter flights connecting Shillong and Tura to Guwahati. 

By Rail

Again Guwahati is the nearest railhead and is well-connected to the rest of the country. 

By Road

Shillong is 103 Kms away from Guwahati Both Deluxe and ordinary bus services are available from Guwahati to Shillong. Meghalaya Road Transport also run regular bus services in Meghalaya.