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Shillong
the capital of Meghalaya is also the
centre-point located at an altitude
of 1496 meters above sea level. Shillong
is often called the Scotland of the
North East, for its pine forests and
mountains are reminiscent of Scotland.
The chequered shawls worn by the local
people are also Similar to Scottish
tartan and plaid. This is one of the
few places in India, where you can take
a walk in the clouds, see beautiful
water falls tumbling down gracefully,
visit the Butterfly Museum and drive
up to the 1,960 metres high Shillong
Peak to take in the beauty of the sunset
over the mountains as lights in the
town below start twinkling, like fireflies
in the night sky. Welcome to Shillong,
Meghalaya. Come and walk in the clouds
with Hill Resorts in India. The place,
the people and the climate all combine
to create an atmosphere to make Shillong
an ideal holiday resort throughout the
year. Cherrapunjee, the wettest place
on earth is only 56 kms away from Shillong.
Shillong is named after the deity
U Shylong. Shillong was once the capital
of undivided Assam. After the formation
of the separate state of Meghalaya,
Shillong became the new capital. Meghalaya
is home to a number of tribes of whom
the Khasi, Jaintia, Garo and Lushai
are the largest groups. The Khasi's
are a matrilineal tribe, and women
play a prominent role in the social
life of Meghalaya.
Shillong, which was made Assam's
capital in 1874, remained so till
January 1974, following the formation
of Meghalaya outside Assam. The capital
city derives its name from the manifestation
of the creator called Shulong, born
to a peasant girl, but he bestowed
the art of democratic governance and
rule of justice in the formation of
the princely State of Shyllong (Hima
Shyllong), which subsequently bifurcated
into Mylliem State and Khyrim State
in 1830.
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| Prime Attractions in Shillong |
Today,
the Shillong is very rich in tourist
spots. A nature lover's paradise, the
famous hill resort of Shillong offers
a lot of sites to visit. Few of them
are –
Anglican Cemetery,
lovers of old churchyards will enjoy
the Anglican cemetery in Rilbong, with
gravestones dating back to the last
century, including those soldiers killed
in the Lushai campaign in Mizoram.
Botanical Gardens,
visit the "Sacred groves"
or virgin forests. The nearest one is
the Mawphlang sacred as it is by traditional
religious sanctions. The forest is so
sacred that even a dead leaf cannot
be removed from the area. With the sanction
of religion, it is certainly a brilliant
way of preserving the ecological system.
Lady Hydari Park, there
is the perfectly landscaped Lady Hydari
Park ablaze with roses and flowers of
almost every variety even as weeping
willows bend into water bodies that
house pelicans and the like. There is
also a mini zoo and Butterfly museum
with colourful species preserved for
sale and posterity. There is the perfectly
landscaped Lady Hydari Park ablaze with
roses and flowers of almost every variety
even as weeping willows bend into water
bodies that house pelicans and the like.
There is also a mini zoo and Butterfly
museum with colourful species preserved
for sale and posterity. There is the
perfectly landscaped Lady Hydari Park
ablaze with roses and flowers of almost
every variety even as weeping willows
bend into water bodies that house pelicans
and the like. There is also a mini zoo
and Butterfly museum with colourful
species preserved for sale and posterity.
Lum Nehru Park, adjacent
to the orchid lake resort in one of
the surrounding spurs, there is a charming
park. Besides beautiful lawns and flowers.
There is also an orchid-house and an
aviary. Plans are afoot to construct
an aquarium and set-up musical fountains
nearby.
Rengthiam Falls, at
a distance of 15-km from Shillong on
the Shillong - Jowai highway is the
awe-inspiring Rengthiam Falls. Located
in the mawlyngad village, 2 kms. Away
at pepbah, this spectacular waterfall
untouched in its natural beauty and
surroundings will give any visitor the
excitement of visiting the unknown in
this unique corner waiting to be discovered.
Sohpetbneng Peak, situated
at a height of 1,343m, 20-km from Shillong,
regarded as sacred by the Hynniewtrep
people, is set amidst a beautiful scenic
view against the backdrop of sacred
forest. This 'Navel-of-heaven' as per
Khasi mythology, is a heavenly peak,
which offers to fill the spiritual void
and emptiness, to those who seek and
desire solace and peace of mind.
Spread Eagle Falls,
located on the outskirts of the city,
lies a sparkling waterfall, which looks
like an eagle with, wings spread out.
Hence, the name spread eagle falls.
The falls has fairly steep cliffs on
three sides with a very deep pool beneath
- a soothing setting amidst calm nature.
The falls is locally known as "Urkaliar"
or the falls into which Ka Liar slipped.
Thadlaskein Lake, located
56-km from Shillong and 8-km from Jowai
off NH-44, this captivatingly placid
lake is a popular picnic resort. According
to tradition, the followers of the Jaintia
Chieftain U Sajar Nangli dug the lake.
The Chieftain had an irreconcilable
difference of opinion with the king
of Jaintiapur, the Earstwhile Jaintia
Kingdom, which now constitutes the Jaintia
District of Bangladesh.
Ward Lake, if nature's
bounty was not enough, Shillong boasts
of a man made lake- Ward's Lake - right
in the heart of the city. The lake,
built by Chief Commissioner William
Ward in 1893-94, is a picture book lake
complete with white wooden Japanese
like bridge and fishes that throng to
feed on Channa (Chickpeas). |
| And the other, excursions from Shillong are - |
Jakrem,
situated 45-km from Nongstoin (via Mawthawpdah)
and 59-km from Shillong, has a hot spring
of sulphur water, which is believed
to have medicinal properties. People
can have a dip here and experience a
refreshing feeling.
Ranikor, About 156-km
from Nongstoin and 120-km to Shillong
is one of the best fishing spots. Anglers
can row up the Jadukata river where
the Kynshi and Rilang converge and enjoy
angling for the huge golden Mahseers,
the pride of anglers and other species
like the golden carp, silver carp and
the common carp are available here.
The surrounding rock cliffs and the
clear blue water add to the scenic beauty
of the place.
Shillong Peak, for
a panoramic view of the city, the best
bet is Shilling peak at 1,965 m, the
highest point in the state and 10-km
from the city. On a clear day, the whole
of Shillong spreads below it before
disappearing into the distant blue green
hills. And on a clear night, it is a
bejewelled, twinkling carpet out of
an Arabian lore. |
| How
to reach |
Shillong
can easily access through air, train
and bus.
By Air: The closest
airport is at Guwahati, which is 128-km
from Shillong (about 4 hours drive)
and connected by air with all-important
Indian Metros.
By Rail: The nearest
railhead is at Guwahati, which is 128-km
(about 4 hours drive) from Shillong.
By Road: Shillong is
well connected by road with other parts
of the neighbouring states. |
| So,
what are you waiting for...!! Just
pack your bags and Get going for the
most adventurous vacation of your lifetime
in Shillong with us. |
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