So smitten were the British with this dreamy place that they couldn’t resist equating it with Scotland. When they couldn’t stay away place any longer, many British families made Shillong their home. The colonial structures they erected still stand in older pockets of the city, although, owing to the rapid urbanization, these symbols of British Raj are staring at a fate similar to their colonial creators. Surrounded by a lush mountainous terrain, and majestic lakes and waterfalls scattered around, Shillong is the place where the moist clouds brush past one’s fingertips.
The city of Shillong gets its name from a local deity called Shyllong. Even after the British were long gone, it remained a capital of the then united state of Assam until 1972. After the state was split, Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya. Today, this city bustles with modernity like most towns of India. Among the best educational centers of North-East India, Shillong welcomes visitors with its cooler tropical highland climate. It also serves as a gateway to other popular destinations of the region such as Guwahati, Darjeeling, Cherrapunjee, Gangtok and Kohima.
North-East India is a curious mix of many native cultures. That is why a visit to Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures is a must for every traveler. This exhaustive seven-storey repository will fill you in on every aspect of life in the North-Eastern states of the country.
The mountainous terrain, lush greenery, floating clouds and scenic water bodies present a strong case in favor of Shillong being termed the ‘Scotland of the East’. Umiam Lake, Ward’s Lake, Mawlynnong Falls and Elephant Falls are famous water bodies here. You can also try kayaking and water scooting at some of these places.
Many British families had set up their residence here in Shillong after witnessing its scenic beauty. Signs of this are still visible in the form of a number of wooden, colonial structures. Stroll through the older parts of the city like Lumsohphoh and Oakland to come across these older British homes. All Saints Church with its beautiful garden, located in the heart of Shillong, is a graceful example of British architecture.
Reach the highest point of the city, the Shillong Peak, by late evening. Reaching an altitude of about 1,965 meters above sea level, the twin viewing towers of the peak give a memorable sight of Shillong at night.
The Meghalaya Transport Corporation’s bus station in Shillong provides a computerized train reservation facility. Many transport vehicle counters are available near Police Bazaar. Buses connect Shillong to places like Aizawl, Cherrapunjee, Dimapur, Guwahati, Silchar, Siliguri and Tura. Overhauled cars in Shillong are also increasingly being operated as taxis.
On a daily basis there are approximately 4 flights that operate at Shillong Airport.Air India is the popular airline brand that fly frequently to this airport.
By road Shillong is surrounded by Nongthymme, Guwahati, Pandu which are 33.62 km, 41.68 km, 42.02 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.
Shillong has a total of 25 hotels.There are 25 hotels in Shillong with the popular ones being Ri Kynjai, Hotel Centre Point, Hotel Polo Towers, Royal Heritage Tripura Castle, Hotel Blueberry Inn, Asian Confluence etc.
'At the outskirts of Shillong, you will discover the soothing waters of the Elephant Falls. It is a unique waterfall where water cascades down two tiers. This occurs because the mountainous stream ...
Know More →'A scenic man-made water body, Wards Lake is situated in the center of the city. It is one of the preferred places for the locals to lazily stroll around lush greenery. Wards Lake is shaped like a ...
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