Shillong Tour: Scotland of the East

Shillong Tour: Scotland of the East

Shilling was formerly the capital of Assam but after the split of Assam into Assam and Meghalaya, it became the capital of the state of Meghalaya. The city is approximately 1496 meters above the sea level. Meghalaya means the home of clouds. The state of Meghalaya is known for its beauty and so is its capital, Shillong. Shillong is popularly known as the Scotland of East due to the number of waterfalls in the city. The climate of the city is mild and better than the other areas of the tropical India. The architecture of the city is worth appreciation with slanting roofs and the artistically decorated wooden floors. Shillong lies in a zone which is prone to earthquakes and heavy rains so this kind of architecture supports the cause. The architecture and eating habits of the people mirror the British legacy of the old times. An umbrella is necessitated by the long rainy season of the city. It is a common practice that people avoid travelling during rainy seasons but Shillong can be seen at its best in the rainy season because the streets are clean and fresh and the waterfalls are at their full glory. Christianity is the dominating religion and most of the people belong to the Khasi tribe. A considerable number of Bengali and Nepali minorities are also there. The special feature of the Khasi tribe is that the mother is head of the family, youngest daughter would the heir to family property and the mother's surname is what the children carry. The biggest market in the north east is the Bara Bazaar where one can buy vegetables, fruits, fish, beef etc.

The forests around the Shillong Peak not dangerous and full of plants and flowers like orchids, pines and a special carnivorous plant which is known as the pitcher plant. This plant is an insect eating plant and special is its way of catching them. The state central library can also be visited which has special books and almanacs. In the route from Guwahati to Shillong the vehicles generally stop for refreshments at Nongpoh which is a good place for buying bamboo pickles.

Shillong places to visit

• Umiam Lake: This lake is a must watch for all the tourists. It is a lovely lake in the north of Shillong which look alike the lakes of Scotland. The huge size of the lake has earned the name 'Barapani' for it, which means big water. This lake is man-made and a water sport complex is also built over here for recreational purposes. On the side of this complex there is the Lum Nehru Park.
• Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous North East Culture: This museum is run by the Catholic Church and has immense information about the entire North East states which comprises Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura. The museum is located inside the Sacred Heart Church and showcases a distinct collection of attire, accoutrements, weapons, ornaments and persevered photographs. The architecture of the church is strikingly noticeable especially the spiral shaped edifice. This church is the largest cultural museum in Asia working for the preservation of art and culture.
• Wards Lake: lake wards looks like a fairy tale place and is a must visit for all tourists. A huge garden surrounds the lake and a wooden bridge is made over it in the middle. Boating in this lake is very pleasure giving and refreshing. A musical fountain lotus flowers and a cafeteria with good appetizers is what this lake offers. For children it is a place full of enjoyment and excitement.
• Lady Hydrai Park: This Park is famous for a variety of flowers and plants. The orchids are the most admired flowers at this park. There is a small zoo, swings, sea-saws and a few slips for the children to enjoy. This is a perfect picnic spot to spend a day relaxing. The name of the park is kept after the name of the wife of the governor of Assam. This park also has a big deer park stretching over than one kilometre.
Elephant Falls: This waterfall is not one single of water but a collection of many other smaller water falls into one stream. The Eastern Air Command of Indian Air force is also located in the same area as this fall. At the bottom of this waterfall is a small pool of water. The British gave the name Elephant falls to this fall due to a rock near the fall which resembled an elephant in shape and size. The rock however got destroyed by earthquakes but the name still remains the same.
• Shillong Peak: The highest peak in Meghalaya is the Shillong peak which is at a height of 1965 meters from the sea level. The peak is home to a radar station of the Indian Air force and clicking photographs of the radar station are not allowed. The view from the peak is unforgettable and mesmerising especially at night.
• Butterfly Museum: This is a very attractive place for zoology students. There are a variety of colourful butterflies with different shapes and designs. The adults especially will enjoy and understand the facts explained regarding butterflies. Some of the very unique and rare species of butterflies are also.
• Golf Link: The Gleneagles of the East is the golf course which is one of the largest golf courses in Asia. The golf course which was introduced by the British had nine holes and now it has developed to become an eighteen whole challenging and enjoyable golf course. The golf course is located in beautiful valley full of pine and rhododendron trees. The valley is covered with local grass which tightens the soil. The obstructions of bunkers and trees are very challenging. The 6th hole is the longest which is 594 yards.
• Chrysalis the Gallery: This is an art gallery which is on the second floor of the Salonsar Mansion situated at the police bazaar, which is a commercial hub in Shillong. The chrysalis is very spacious and the paintings are displayed in a fashion which looks different from other common galleries. The gallery displays paintings, sculptures, photographs and also handicrafts. The exhibitions a conducted by the gallery is for local artists also like Jaya Kalra along with artists from the rest of India.

Shillong Hotel Accommodations

The accommodation facilities in this city are good and there are a number of hotels. The reservations are easily available and so there are no worries generally regarding accommodations. The service at the restaurants and Hotels is prompt and quality is good. The hotels are of many ranges expensive budgeted and ordinary. Some of the known names are Hotel Polo Towers, Lake View Inn, Hotel Yalana, Hotel Knight Inn Shillong, Hotel Royal Heritage, Hotel Centre point, Hotel Alpine Continental, Suruchi Hotel and many more. The night stays are very comfortable and cosy. The food served in their restaurants is very famous. The Momos (they dumplings stuffed with cabbage and pork) are a must try in Shillong.

Shillong Best Tme to Visit

The best time to visit Shillong is at the end of the rainy season. During the rainy season the streets are fresh and swept by the rain. The waterfalls and the lakes are also at their best during the rainy season. Shillong can be visited at any time of the year because the mild climate of the city.

Shilling ways to reach and travel

Shillong is well connected with air and road ways so it is not a difficult task if the travel is concerned. The nearest airport is at Umroi which is forty kilometres far from Shillong. Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati is one hundred four kilometres away from Shillong and is very well connected to the rest of India through regular flights. Cabs which are shared and full are easily available outside the airports and they provide drop facility till the police bazaar from where getting a ride for any other part of Shillong is very easy.

No railways are available in Meghalaya and the nearest railway station is in Guwahati which is one hundred five kilometres away from Shillong but very well connected to all other railway stations in India.

Buses are easily available from Guwahati to Shillong which charge fares ranging from Rs.30 to Rs.100 depending upon the type of bus facility which can be ordinary, semi-deluxe and deluxe. It should be kept in mind that private buses which will be better by looks can be crowded and have many stops en route. Shared vehicles which allow eight people to sit are available from Paltan bazaar area. These are generally SUV vehicles and take just three hours to reach Shillong.

For getting around Shillong the best way would be on foot. The size of the city is small and by walking one can make any number of stoppages and spend as much time as they want at any place of desire. Buses, taxis are easily available in Shillong to go to any site one wants to see. Hiring a cab for the full day can also be useful.