Shillong
Shillong
Shillong, the capital of the 21st State of the Indian Union - Meghalaya
derives its name from the manifestation of the creator called U Shylong.
Situated at a height of 5,000 feet on a plateau of gentle hills, there
is a striking similarity between the mountain scenery of the Khasi Hills
and those of Scottish Highlands. The city has been aptly named as the
Scotland of the East. One of India's premier hill stations, Shillong enjoys
a bracing climate throughout the year. Free from population, dotted with
gardens and surrounded by pine groves, Shillong is the ideal destination
for both short, exhilarating visits or long and leisurely holidays, away
from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The city is one of the few hill stations with motorable roads all round.
It has an abundance of natural scenic beauty and serves as an ideal holiday
resort throughout the year.
Shillong is connected by a good arterial road with the rest of the country
through Assam. The nearest rail-head (104 kms) being Guwahati. An Airbus
/ Boeing whisks a tourist from Calcutta to Guwahati in an hour's time.
Regular flights are also available from Delhi. Various forms of transportation
are available from Guwahati Airport to Shillong.
The Road (NH 37) runs through awesome scenery, cliffs on the right and
gorges on the left, together with murmuring rivulets, swift-flowing streams
and gurgling waterfalls. The journey is an exciting and refreshing experience,
especially as one approaches Umiam Lake-a massive expanse of captive water
nestled among pine-clad hills.
The Meghalaya Transport Corporation, Assam Transport Corporation and
a number of Private Tourist Buses ply hourly service, between Guwahati
and Shillong. The distance is covered in just over 3 hours. In addition,
private tourist taxis, Sumos, and Maruti Vans are also available. All
these forms of transportation start from just outside the Guwahati Railway
Station.
Main Attractions
Word's Lake
Located in the heart of the city, popular for short garden walks,
boating facilities and cafeteria.
Lady Hydari Park
A popular charming tourist draw, with the adjacent mini zoo as an
added attraction.
Golf Course
The third oldest golf course in India with 18 holes, called the "Gleneagle"
of the East.
Iewduh Market
In the heart of Shillong, the biggest in the North East is a must
for every tourist, to experience the feel and taste of local color.
Shillong Peak
At a distance of 10 Kms from the city provides a panoramic view of
the surrounding hills, comprising the upland plateau.
From near the peak one can have a bird's eye view of the city below and
in the evening the city lights below appear like a star studded abyss.
There are a number of waterfalls around Shillong. The best known amongst
there are Spread Eagle Falls, Bishop Falls, Beadon Falls, Elephant Falls
and Sweet Falls.
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