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| Shillong |
| SHILLONG
The capital of one of India’s smallest states, Meghalaya, Shillong is a fast growing town, which was once only a village. Shillong is subject to vagaries of the monsoon, where the monsoon arrives in June and it rains almost until the end of August. The climate is hot and humid during summers but quite cold during winter. The best months to visit Shillong are October-November and March-April. This is one of the few hill stations which has excellent roads. Shillong has no railway lines but there is a small airport at Umroi, 30km from Shillong where flights operate only on certain days of the week. The nearest major airport and the major railway station is at Guwahati, which is 3-4 hours drive by road. Bus services are cheaper, and generally operate 24/7. The city has a high literacy rate of 80%, with the Khasis making up the majority of the population, though you will find people from almost all parts of the India here. Shillong is a beautiful city surrounded by pine trees, which provides a soothing relief from the heat. Shillong is dotted with neat Victorian Bungalows and little churches. Shillong has one of the best golf courses in the country, thus earning name “ the Scotland of East”.
Shillong in the past was planned as a residential town for British officers, serving officers, tea planters, businessman etc. The British officers built these cottages and named them after towns and places in England like Strathmore, Bonny Brae housing the survey of India today, Crow borough where a hotel in now under construction. However, now the city has Assam style buildings built in the basic design of the English cottage. Due to its spectacular natural beauty and pleasant weather, it is a favorite tourist spot among the leisure travelers and those who want to get away from the great Indian summer and hectic work schedules.
Places of interest in and around Shillong
Cherrapunjee
56 km from Shillong is Cherrapunjee, which is situated in one of the worst rain-belts in the world. On the pleasant drive to Cherrapunjee you can see roaring water falls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang falls. This lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. It is also a center of Khasi culture and literature. It has the oldest Presbyterian Church and also an establishment of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Sohpetbneng Peak
1,343 meters in height and 20 km from Shillong is the Sohpetbneng Peak, which is regarded as sacred by the Hynniewtrep people. It is set amidst a beautiful scenic view against the backdrop of a sacred forest known as 'Navel of Heaven' as per Khasi mythology. Sohpetbneng peak is a heavenly peak which offers to fill the spiritual void and emptiness, for those who seek and desire solace and peace of mind.
Umiam and other Lakes
Umiam Khwan (Barapani), 17 km from Shillong, offers water sports facilities including sailing, water skiing, water scooter. The Lake is the source of the Umiam River which has been transformed into a reservoir to produce electricity. Then there is the Ward Lake which is in the middle of the town, is horse shoe shaped and is the ideal picnic spot for the locals. It is also popular for short garden walks and boating. Spread all over Shillong, there are many waterfalls. The Sweet Falls is located near Happy Valley while Spread Eagle Falls near the Polo ground, the Beadon and Bishop Falls are 2km from Bara Bazaar and the Elephant Falls on the outskirts of Upper Shillong.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden in Shillong provide a secluded but captivating spot with plethora of indigenous and exotic plants. Botanical Gardens are located just below the Ward's Lake.
Lady Hydari Park
The Lady Hydari park is a great crowd puller and the adjacent mini zoo is an added attraction.
Golf Course
The golf course of Shillong is the third oldest golf course in India, which was developed in 1889 as a nine hole course, was later converted to 18 holes in 1924 by Captain Jackson and C. R. Rhodes. At the United States Golf Association Library and Museum, it is termed as the 'Glen Eagle of the East'.
Bishop and Beadon Falls
Both these exotic falls cascade down the same escarpment into a deep valley and the mass of water dissolving into misty sparks. The sight leaves the tourists mesmerized.
Elephant Falls
Lying 12 km on the outskirts of the city, the mountain stream descends through two successive falls around fern covered rocks and are called Elephant Falls.
Shillong Peak
The Shillong peak at the height of about 6433 ft offers a wonderful view of the city and countryside. On a clear day one can see the eastern Himalaya, including Gorichen which at 22000 ft is the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh from Shillong Peak. The peak is an ideal picnic spot, being only10 km away. The night view of the city is beautiful from Shillong Peak.
The locals of Shillong, called Khasis, follow an eight day a week and weekly market is always been held on the first day of the week. Shillong is famous for its shopping for its forest honey in Bara Bazaar and Police Bazaar. If you enjoy fresh honey then weekly bazaar is the best place to shop for it.
Places to stay in Shillong
Shillong the romantic city is often addressed as the Scotland of the East, being surrounded with tall pine conifers and pineapple shrubs and its rolling terrain. All these natural elements account for the constant increase of leisure tourists. However, it does not imply that the city is not visited by business travelers. The business travelers too have made it their regular haunt, owing to the serenity and exotic natural environment of the place. Shillong has a host of hotels, which suit all kinds of tastes and pockets.
The hotels here can be divided into 3 broad categories such as heritage hotels, first class hotels and budget hotels. The heritage hotels in Shillong are very opulently built and occupy the posh locations in the city. By featuring period décor in line with modern facilities, these hotels integrate the elements of old and new in an enchanting way. These heritage hotels have plush guest rooms, multi cuisine restaurants, stylish bars, host of business facilities, excellent recreational facilities. Most hotels in Shillong are in close proximity to most of the attractive spots of the city. The budget hotels in Shillong are also designed to cater to the needs and requirements of those business and pleasure guests.
Shopping in Shillong
Shillong is right place to shop for simple or exotic cane and bamboo handicrafts. The shops here also sell bags, nets and baskets made with pineapple fiber and leaves. Shillong has beautiful woven textiles, carved wood things, woven carpets, silk materials, ornaments and musical instruments for sale in shops. Everything sold in these shops is handmade by the hill communities.
Shillong is excellent place to enjoy nature and shop for handmade goods.
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