Shillong
Short Descr
Shillong has beautiful lakes and waterfalls, and is set in pine forests and green mountains. It is a popular hill-station which the British used to call the Scotland of the East. The city is situated at an altitude of 1496 m. Shillong is said to derive it's name from the deity Shyllong whose dwelling is said to be on the peak overlooking the town, Shillong Peak.
Long Descr
The romantic city of Shillong has been one of the important tourist destinations in the northeast. It is often referred to as the Scotland of the East due to its striking similarity with the Scottish highlands. The city derives its name from Leishyllong-the Superpower or God who is believed to reside on the Shillong peak, overlooking the city. Lying in the cradle of the tall pine conifers and pineapple shrubs, Shillong’s undulating terrain is a constant source of attraction for tourists from both home and abroad. The Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes add color to this hilly city.
The Past
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. An earthquake destroyed the city in 1897, necessitating its complete rebuilding. In January 1972, Shillong became the capital of the newly formed state of Meghalaya.
Festivals
The festivals vary according to the tribes. Christmas, Easter, Good Friday and the New Year Day celebrations are the most important. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem, or the Nongkrem dance, is one of the most important Khasi festivals. Shad Sukmynsiem is another important festival of the Khasis. Behdiengkhlam, the festival of the Jaintias, is celebrated in July. Wangala is the festival of the Garos and is dedicated to the Sun God.
shopping
The main shopping areas are Police Bazaar, Bara Bazaar and Laitumukhrah. On Iewduh, the first day of the eight-day long Khasi week, people from all over eastern Meghalaya come to sell their products here. In the center of Police Bazar, on the corner of Kacheri road, there are shops selling finely woven baskets of all sizes. For hand-woven shawls, handicrafts, orange flower honey and cane work, one can visit the various emporia like Meghalaya Handicrafts, Khadi Gramodyog and Purbashree. Authentic local crafts and tribal people in colourful dresses can be seen here.
Information
The Meghalaya Tourism Office (Ph. 226220) on Jail Road in Police Bazaar conducts trips to Cherrapunji. The Government of India Tourist Office (Ph. 225632) at GS Road may also be contacted for help. Travelers’ cheques can be exchanged easily in Shillong.
Elevation
Shillong - 1496 m.
Location Details
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong lies on the eastern part of the state. Perched at an altitude of 1,520 meters (4,990 feet) above sea level, the city stretches for about 6 km on an elevated tract. It is situated on a plateau bound on the north by the Umiam gorge, on the northwest by the great mass of the Diengiei Hills that rise up to a height of 1,823 meters (6077 ft.) above sea level, and on the northeast by the hills of the Assam valley. The Umshyrpi and the Umkhra rivers, which finally merge and form the Umiam River, water it. Shillong is at distance of 104 km from Guwahati, 295 km from Kaziranga, 578 km from Siliguri and 658 km from Darjeeling. The climate is hot and humid during summers. The monsoons arrive in June and it rains almost until the end of August. It is quite cold during winters.
How to Reach There and Distances
Shillong is 3719 km from Thiruvanathapuram, 3025 km from Srinagar, 2502 km from Shimla, 487 km from Agartala, 2698 km from Ahmedabad, 3120 km from Bangalore, 2148 km from Bhopal, 1731 km from Bhubaneshwar, 2947 km from Mumbai, 1251 km from Calcutta, 2383 km from Chandigarh, 727 km from Darjeeling, 2134 km from Delhi, 725 km from Gangtok, 100 km from Guwahati, 2554 km from Hyderabad, 520 km from Imphal, 514 km from Itanagar, 2164 km from Jaipur, 410 km from Kohima, 1610 km from Lucknow, 2929 km from Chennai, and 3266 km from Panaji.
Air
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. For more information contact :- Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd., Safadarjung Airport, New Delhi. Tel :- (011)-4632273, Fax :- 011-4602596, 4611801, Mumbai Office Tel :- (022)-6106210, Fax :- 022-6113812.
Rail
Guwahati is the nearest railhead and is well-connected to the rest of the country.
Road
Both Deluxe and ordinary bus services are available. Meghalaya Road Transport also run regular bus services in Meghalaya. Pineapple plantations and pine trees on both sides line the road. There are buses every half an hour to Guwahati. Taxi services (Ph. 223895) are also available at cheap rates.
Food And Accommodation
There are numerous cheap hotels in the Police Bazaar area and on GS Road. Hotel Pinewood (Ph. 223116), built in the early 1900s, is a good place to stay. The traditional Khasi delicacies include pig’s brains with ginger and fried rice flavored with pig’s blood.
Best Season to Visit/Weather
The best season to visit Shillong is during October to May.
To visit Nearby Places
The Butterfly Museum
It is at Wankhar and Co, Riatsamthiah, who have started breeding butterflies as a conservation measure and for their commercial activity. The museum has a good display of mounted butterflies and beetles from India and abroad.
Jaintia Hills also have some of the most beautiful cave. Krem Um-Lawan is a beautiful cave of the Eocene Age. It has numerous cataracts and waterfalls. It is presently the longest (6381 m) and deepest (106.8 m) cave in the Indian sub-continent. Krem Kotsati has 8 entrances and it length is 3650 m. Krem Lahsing is a massive cave measuring 50 m wide and 40 m high. Its length is 2650 m.
Garo Hills is known for its abundance of wild life and natural sites. Siju-Dobkhakol is the third largest cave in the Indian sub-continent. It contains some of the finest river passage to be found any where in the world. It is the most researched cave in India and home to innumerable bats. Tetengkol-Balwakol is the second largest cave in the Indian sub-continent. It literally means cave of dwarfs with inverted feet. The small and insignificant circular entrance of 1 metre diameter hides a large cave 5334 m long. Dobhakol Chibe Nala (1978 m) and Bok Bak Dobhakol (1051 m) are the other big caves.
Ward Lake is a horse shoe shaped water body set in a landscaped botanical garden and popular for boating. It is only 2 minutes walk from the Police bazaar.
The Botanical Garden and a Museum is adjoining the lake. Lady Hydari Park is about a km from the lake. It has been designed like a Japanese garden. The garden also has the pine native to the area, Pinus khasiana.
The Botanical Garden near Ward Lake has some species of flora of the region. A better place is the Orchidarium of the Botanical Survey of India. It has a rare collection of orchids and is a treat to the nature lover.
Waterfalls
The Crinoline Falls is about 12-13 m in height and lies to the west of the Survey of India Office. There is a swimming pool at the base of the falls.
The Gunner’s Falls 1 is about 24-26 m in height and is near the military establishment on the Upper Shillong road. It is about 1.6 km from the GPO.
The Gunner’s Falls 2 lies a km away from the Happy Valley amidst picturesque locales.
The Spread Eagle Falls or Sati Falls is located about a mile away from the Polo Ground. It is a famous picnic spot.
The Sweet Falls (also called Weitden, in the native dialect) is the most beautiful of all the waterfalls in Shillong. It lies about 5 km from the Happy Valley and is about 96 m in height.
The Elephant Gait and the Elephant Falls are located near Upper Shillong. These are beautiful sights especially in the rainy season and are favorite picnic spots among the locals. Beyond the Elephant Falls, one can also view the Upper and Lower Elysium Falls.
The Beadon Falls lies about 2 km from Bara Bazaar. There is a hydroelectric powerhouse at the base of the falls. The Bishop Falls is also nearby and together they mingle and flow into the Umiam River.
Peaks
Shillong Peak, the highest point of Shillong, is located 5 km to the south of the city and is 1961 meters (6,433 feet) in altitude. Being the highest peak in the district, it is often surrounded with fog. The peak itself is not steep, but rather semi-circular like that of a crown placed on the flat and extensive top of the Shillong Hill. The peak is accessible via the Upper Shillong or Jowai Road.
The Dingei Hill is situated near the Umiam stream. Two paths lead to this hill from Shillong. One is the narrow tract that leads straight to the gorge through Umiyangka village. For a height of 1,000 ft on either side of the stream, the gradient is very steep and precipitous and makes for excellent mountain climbing. The second route begins at Barapani on the GS Road, about 16 km from Shillong. During the upward journey, one is provided a captivating view of the Bhoi district, which lies 300 ft below the summit of the Dingei Hill.
The Dumpeep Peak is the highest in Swer and is 5100 feet above sea level. The Kyllang rock lies 78 km from Shillong. The rock is a steep bare cliff of granite, 200 m in height and rises abruptly from plain grassy downs.
Lakes
The Ward Lake is an important tourist site of Shillong. It is a horseshoe-shaped artificial lake lying beneath the Raj Bhavan (Governor's Residence) and the Accountant General's (AG) Office, with little isles and a bridge over it. The lake abounds in fish (grass carps) and feeding the fish from the bridge is a favorite pastime of the tourists. It is said that a Khasi prisoner, who requested for any kind of work to get him out of his cell, initiated its construction. The lake has a charming winding walk-a-way in the midst of rolling flowerbeds and fairyland lighting with gradually undulating grounds, hemmed in by lush greens. Boats are also available, while the cafeteria provides refreshments.
Seventeen kilometers before Shillong is situated Umiam or Barapani-a large lake formed after a hydroelectric dam was built across a stream. In recent years, this has become an increasingly popular place for outings and weekend visits. The Orchid Lake Resort, designed by the famous architect Charles Correa, and constructed amongst pinewood, overlooks the lake. There are facilities for water sports here: from kayaking and water skiing for the adventurous to water cycling and simple boating for the less brave. The Orchid Lake Resort, run by the Meghalaya Tourism Department, has pleasantly appointed rooms with balconies, a restaurant and bar.
Other attractions
The State Museum is located at the State Central Library complex in Laichumiere and visitors can catch a glimpse of the heritage and lifestyle of the Khasi tribe here. The Butterfly Museum at Riatsamthiah holds a rare collection of butterflies and moths.
Near the Botanical Garden, one can find the celebrated Golf Course, called the Gleneagles of the East. The Golf club retains the colonial touch and is the first 18-hole golf course in Asia.
Behind the Shillong Civil Hospital, near the Pine Mount School, is the Lady Hydari Park. It has a small museum, a small zoo, an aviary, and a deer park among tall cedars and pines.
In front of St. Edmund’s College, one can visit the fruit garden, maintained by the Department of Agriculture. During spring, one can see the trees in full bloom. There are many reservoirs filled with natural spring water that have the dual purpose of watering the gardens and functioning as a nursery-known as "Fishdale"-for the raising and breeding of fish, notably hill-trout and carps.
Shillong is also famous for its churches. The most beautiful church is that of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. Directly below the hill is the Grotto Church. The All Saints Church opposite the State Central Library is an attractive structure made out of wood.
Around the city
Shillong Peak is about 10 km away from which the city derives its name. It is 1960 m high. It is revered as the abode of gods and offers excellent views of the mountain range around. It is the highest point in the state.
Sohpetbneng Peak is 1343 m high and 20 km from Shillong. It is regarded as sacred by the Hynniewtrep people. It is set amidst a beautiful scenic view against the backdrop of a sacred forest.
Central Museum
Lachumiere has ethnographic and archaeological objects.
Tribal Research Institute
Mawlai has indigenous specimens and articles of the tribal people. Meghalaya is a treasure trove of Nature with its many waterfalls, caves, unique flora and fauna.
Bishop and Beadon Falls both cascade down the same escarpment into a deep valley, a substantial mass of water dissolving into misty sparks.
Umiam Lake also called Barapani, is only 16 km away and is an attractive spot for picnics. You can enjoy fishing and other water sports such as boating, sailing, water skiing and water scooter.
Mawsmai has high water falls, and offer beautiful scenery. But the falls tend to dry up during the winter.
Zonal Anthropological Museum
Lachumiere, has artifacts and other craft objects pertaining to the tribal cultures. Caves located in almost all the districts of the state add to the abundance of natural beauty of Meghalaya. It probably has more caving potential than any other state in India. These caves mainly stalactite and stalagmite caves of various formations are truly nature's gift and wonder. There are over 200 caves in the state, many of which have not been explored and surveyed. Five of them have the distinction of being the longest known caves in the Indian sub-continent.
Jowai is the headquarter of the Jaintia Hills district. It is a picturesque town circled by the majestic Myntdu river, situated 64 km away from Shillong.
Thadlaskein Lake is 56 km from Shillong. According to a legend, it was dug with the ends of bows by members of 290 clans of U Sajjar Niangli, a rebel general of Jaintia Raja, to commemorate the great exodus of the clans, now mainly settled in the Ri Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts.
Nartiang is 65 km from shillong, was the summer capital of the Jaintia Kings. Huge monoliths form the striking landmark of the village. It is said to have been erected by Mar Phalyngki, a goliath of yore. The Nartiang menhir measure 27 feet in height above the ground, 6 feet in breadth and 2 feet 6 inches in thickness. The monoliths represent the megalithic culture of the Hynniewtrep people. A 500 year old temple of Durga is another attraction at Nartiang.
Syndai village is dotted with a number of caves and caverns, used as hide-outs during war times between Jaintia Kings and foreign intruders.
Tura is the headquarter of the Garo Hills
It is 323 km from Guwahati and situated at an altitude of 657 m above sea level. The highest point is Nokrek Peak with elevation of 1,412 meters.
Balpakram is a National Wildlife Park about 167 km from Tura.
Naphak Lake is located at a distance of 112 km from Tura. It is ideal for fishing and bird watching with the river Simsang flowing nearby.
Siju Caves are the famous limestone caves of Siju. It is located near Naphak Lake and the Simsang Game Reserve.
Cherrapunjee (Sohra)
56 km from Shillong, situated in one of the rainiest rain belt in the world,1300 m above sea level. A pleasant drive to see roaring waterfalls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang falls. The town is also famous for it's limestone caves and orange honey. Centre of Khasi culture and literature, it also has the oldest Presbyterian Church and also an establishment of the Ramakrishna Mission. Krem Mawmluh cave is situated approximately half a kilometer west of Cherrapunjee. This cave has a five river passage with impressive proportions. Its length is 4503 m and is currently the 4th longest in the Indian sub-continent. Krem Phyllut and Krem Soh Shympi are the other two world famous caves with lengths 1003 m and 760 m respectively. Krem Dam is the largest sandstone cave in the Indian sub-continent with a length of 1297 m.
Mawsynram
56 km from Shillong,a popular health resort having hot springs of sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties.
Ranikor
140 km from Shillong,it is a scenic spot and an angler's paradise of carp and masheers.
Dawli
6 km from Shillong, is a border town, where one can have a glimpse of the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. The colourful annual boat race during spring at the Umgot river is an added attraction.
Mairang
40 km from Shillong, is home of the legendary U Tirot Sing Syiem, who spearheaded a war against British invaders.
Sites Nearby
About 56 km from Shillong is Cherrapunji village (East Khasi Hills district), now called Sohra. Located on the Shillong plateau about 55 km southwest of Shillong, Cherrapunji and Mausynram (another village nearby) are reputed to be the wettest places in the world. The heavy rains here often swell the waters of the Nohsngithiang waterfall. The town is famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. It has the oldest Presbyterian Church. Krem Mawmluh is a 4.5-km-long cave near Cherrapunji.
A little further down the road to limestone caves, there is a graveyard where British missionaries and their close relatives lie buried. The visitors are awed by a series of giant pillars or megaliths that have been erected near a stream. Such megaliths are to be seen in different parts of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and are usually erected to commemorate great deeds or to honor dead chieftains. Accommodation is available at the Circuit House.
The summer capital of the Jaintia kings, Nartiang, is about 65 km east of Shillong. There is a park of megaliths, some of which are as high as 8. A 500-year-old temple of Durga is another attraction at Nartiang.
En route Nartiang, 64 km from Shillong, is the small lake of Thadlaskein. It is a beautiful picnic spot.
About 13 km from Shillong is the village of Nongkrem. It is the seat of the Syiem of Nongkrem, whose estate extends up to Shillong. The traditional Nongkrem Dance festival is held here around autumn and draws large crowds of visitors.
Sixty-four kilometers from Shillong is Jakrem, a popular health resort having hot springs of sulfur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties. Dawki, a border town, 96 km from Shillong, provides a glimpse of Bangladesh. The colorful annual boat race during spring at the Umgot River is an added attraction. At a distance of 140 km from Shillong is Ranikor, an angler's paradise containing a huge population of carp and mahseers.
Jowai is a popular and prosperous town situated on a beautiful plateau 1,500 m above sea level. Three sides of this plateau slope sharply down to the Hai River and contiguous areas are rich in coal deposits. It is also an important station on the route to Silchar and Agartala.