SCOTLAND OF THE EAST – SHILLONG

Shillong is an important tourist destination in North East India. This beautiful small city derives its name SHILLONG from the word “Leishyllong” means almighty God reside on Shillong peak and overlooking the city.

Before 1864, Shillong was a small village and remained summer capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam for many years. From 1874, Shillong was the capital of newly created province of Assam. Subsequently, in 1972 when Meghalaya was separated as new state from Assam , Shillong became the first capital of Meghalaya.

Shillong is often called “Scotland of the East” because of its resemblances with Scottish lands. Shillong’s undulating landscape is a constant source of attraction to the tourists.

How to access the beautiful city Shillong ?

By Rail : There is no rail line in Meghalaya, recently proposal of construction new railway line to Brynihat(Meghalaya) from Azara (Assam) is going on. The nearest railhead is Guwahati railway station in Assam, which is 104 km from Shillong and well connected with all major cities in India.
By Air : The nearest airport is Umroi (Meghalaya) which is located at a distance of 40 km from Shillong. Only alliance Air Flights (Indian Airlines) on certain days of week are in service. The main nearest airport is Gopinath Bordoloi Airport at Borjhar, Guwahati Assam, located at a distance of 110 km from Shillong. Borjhar airport is connected with rest of India with regular service. Taxi, Tata Sumos are available outside airport or from Paltan bazaar(Guwahati town) to Shillong.

By Road: The main ISBT is located in Guwahati (Assam). The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and Meghalaya State Transport Corporation (MTC) buses run from Guwahati to Shillong in every half an hour. Many private own buses also runs from Paltan bazaar area, Guwahati to Shillong, which fare is around Rs. 70/-. Better option is avail shared Tata Sumo & Mahindra Bollero service from Paltan bazaar, Guwahati to Shillong, these vehicle takes around 3 hours while buses takes around 4 hours to reach Shillong. Shared Tata Sumos generally charged Rs. 120/- per passenger and drops off at Police bazaar, Shillong from where one can easily goes anywhere in Shillong.

SOME IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE CITY.

Best Time to Visit : October-November & March-April
Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Khasi, Garo & Assamese
Main Religion: Christianity
Altitude: 4,990 Feet (
Population: 1,31,719
Area: 10.36 Sq. Km.
Meghalaya Tourism Office Phone 0364-226220, Jail Rd. Police Bazar, Shillong.
Govt. of India Tourist office Phone: 0364-225632, G.S. Rd. Police Bazar, Shillong.
Market: Iewduh (Bada Bazar), is the largest open street market in north-eastern India

Some places of Tourist attraction in Shillong:-

1. Shillong Peak
   This is the highest point in the state of Meghalaya, located at a distance of 10 km to the south from Shillong. As the peak is at an altitude of 1965 meters, often remain cloudy. But in a clear day , tourists get breathtaking panoramic view of Shillong and around. The peak is not steep, gradual ascending in a circular road through a protected area of Indian Air Force reaches the view point. It is an ideal picnic spot . It is also host radar station of Indian Air Force, so using camera everywhere is restricted. In every Spring time, the religious priest of Mylliem State pays obeisance to U Shulong at the sanctum sanctorum at the peak’s summit. Night view from the peak looks marvelous, when thousands of lights in the city and around reflected at the foot of the peak. One can see zoom cultivation on the slope of hills, specially vegetables while accessing the peak via upper Shillong or Jowai road. Vegetables are grown in abundance in Shillong and accomplish some need of neighboring states.

2. Elephant Falls:

These mountain falls are situated at a distance of 12 km from the city. Two successive falls, first one known as First Fall and the other is Main Falls set in dells of rocks. A well paved stair footpath and bridge allowed the tourists to access all the successive falls here. One have to descended down through well paved stairs to see the Main Elephant Falls.

1. Spread Eagle Falls:

It is located on the outskirts of the city, amidst calmness of nature. The falls looks like an eagle with spreading wings. Locally known as Urkahar or the falls into which Ka Liar slipped.

1. Sweet Falls:

It is situated near Happy Valley, about 8 kms from Shillong. This falls looks like large water pipe, falling at 90 degree angle over a distance about 200 feets. It is also suitable for picnic.

1. Crinoline Falls:

Located in the heart of the city just near Lady Hydari Park is one popular visiting spot. At the foot of the falls there is a swimming pool which attract tourists of all ages. Regular evening programmes are held for tourists.

Image source
http://www.realbharat.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/shillong-honemoon-image.
https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/2a/11/35/first-cascade.
http://thenortheasttoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shillong-peak.