Shillong
Meghalaya's capital, Shillong is situated at an altitude of 1,496 metres,
above sea level. Shillong has steadily grown in size and significance in
its own traditional way from a mere village as it used to be when it became
the new civil station of Khasi and Jaintia Hills in 1864. 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 headquarters of the new administration because of its salubrity and
convenient location between the Brahmaputra and Surma Valley.
The city, as the legend goes, has derived its name from Leishyllong, the
Superpower or God, who is said to be dwelling on the Shillong Peak over-looking
the city.
Romantic and picturesque with abundance of nature's gifts, Shillong is described
as 'Scotland of the East' because of its striking similarity with that of
the Scottish highlands and has been attracting indigenous and foreign tourists
for decades.
The city is one of the few hill stations with motorable roads all around.
Shillong has its own charm, different from other hill stations and presents
a natural scenic beauty with waterfalls, brooks, pine-groves and gardens.
The place, the people, the flora and fauna and the climate all combine to
make Shillong an ideal holiday resort throughout the year. Shillong offers
arrangement for tourists with good hotel accommodation, facilities for sports,
fishing and hiking.
Shillong is connected by a good arterial road with the rest of the country
through Assam. A good road connects Shillong with Sylhet in Bangladesh.
It is also connected with other important towns of the state like Jowai
and Tura. An airport at Umroi, about 30 Kms. from Shillong, connects Shillong
by air with the rest of the country.
Shillong is full of crunches and waterfalls. The most beautiful crunches
is the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians located on a hill; stained glass
windows and high arches add to the beauty of this building. Directly below
carved out of the hills is the Grotto Crunch. The all Saints Church opposite
the state Central Library is another attractive building of wood and plaster.
The State Centraal Library has a wealth of that can be a book lover's delight.
A museum there gives gimpses of the region heritage.
Pop and rock concerts are regions held here are extreamly popular with songs
in Khasi and English. The butterfly Museu, that had begun breeding butterflies
as a conversion measure and for their commercial value has a good display
of mounted butterflies and beetles from India and abroad. Nearby is the
Lady hydari Park which has a mini-Zoo a childrens section and ewll-developed
out flower beds.
Of all the falls in and around Shillong among the prettiest is the
sweet
falls near happy valley. A gushing stream of water plunges into a deep,
cool and invite pool. It's is a good hike down to the stream and a nice
way to speed a day. Then there are the Bishop and Beadon falls and the Elephant
falls which draw many tourist. The elephant falls is 12kms on the outskrit
of the cityy and near Shillong peak. If there is time visitors should travel
to Sophetbneng Peak 20kms from the Shillong, set amid a beautiful view and
the backdrop of a sacred forest.
Shillong Tourism Reservation Form
