Shillong

Introduction :
A city with a population of over half a million is the capital of Meghalaya and was the seat of the government of Assam during the British Raj from 1874 until 1905.

It is also the centre-point located at an altitude of 1496 meters above sea level. 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.

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. Shad Sukmynsiem means dance with joyful heart. It is a thanks giving dance, held in shillong in the month of April every year.

Places to See :

Shillong Peak
An ideal picnic spot, 10 kms. from the city, 1965 meters above sea level, offers a panoramic view of the scenic country side, and is also the highest point in the State. Obeisance is paid to U Shulong at the sanctum sanctorum at the peak's summit every springtime, by the religious priest of Mylliem State. In the evening the city lights below appear like a star-studded abyss.

Cherrapunjee (Sohra)
56 kms from Shillong, situated in one of the rainiest rain-belt in the world, 1,300 meters above sea level. A pleasant drive to see roaring water falls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang falls. The lovely town is also famous for its 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.

Sohpetbneng Peak
1,343 meter, 20 kms from Shillong, regarded as sacred by the Hynniewtrep people, is set amidst a beautiful scenic view against the backdrop of a 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.

Ward's Lake
Located in the heart of the city, popular for short garden walks and boating, celebrated its centenary recently.

Umiam Lake
Umiam Khwan (Barapani), 17 kms from Shillong, offers water sports facilities including sailing, water skiing, water scooter The Orchid Lake Resort and the adjacent Lum Nehru Park is an ideal quiet holiday resort.

Botanical Garden
A secluded but captivating spot with plethora of indigenous and exotic plants and is located just below the Ward's Lake.

Lady Hydari Park
A popular charming tourist draw, the adjacent mini zoo is an added attraction.

Golf Course
The third oldest golf course in India. Developed in 1889 as a nine hole course, was later converted to 18 holes in 1924 by Captain Jackson and C. R. Rhodes. It is termed as the 'Gleneagle of the East' at the United States Golf Association Library and Museum.

Bishop and Beadon Falls
Both cascade down the same escarpment into a deep valley, the mass of water dissolving into misty sparks.

Elephant Falls
12 kms on the outskirts of the city, the mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern covered rocks.

Mawsynram
56 kms from Shillong and is known for the giant stalagmite formation shaped into a Shivalinga, called locally as 'Mawjymbuin'.

Jakrem
64 kms from Shillong, a popular health resort having hot-springs of sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties.

Ranikor
140 kms from Shillong, is a scenic spot and an angler's paradise of carp and mahseers.

Dawki
96 kms 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 kms from Shillong, capital of Nongkhlaw states. Home of the legendary U Tirot Sing Syiem (Raja of Nongkhlaw), who spear-headed a war against the British invaders to defend the territorial integrity and cultural identity of the Hynniewtrep people. He raised the battle cry on April 4, 1829, but was finally captured and died in captivity in Dhaka on July 17, 1835.

Altitude: 1496 meters.

Climate (deg C): Summer - Max 23.3, Min 15. Winter - Max 15.6, Min 3.9.

Season: Throughout the year.

Travel Information :

By Air: Nearest airport Guwahati- 129 kms and Umroi Airport- 31 kms are connected with Calcutta.

By Rail: Nearest Railhead is Guwahati- 103 kms.

By Road: Calcutta- 1184 kms, Darjeeling- 690 kms, Gangtok- 692 kms, Guwahati- 103 kms, Kaziranga- 294 kms, Aizwal- 430 kms, Siliguri- 578 kms, Manas- 273 kms, Agartala- 499 kms, Kohima- 469 kms, Itanagar- 481 kms.