Shillong
Colonial-era charm, a landscape of rolling green and pristine mountains close to bring back life the town of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Its vistas are accentuated by pine trees, streams, waterfalls and plush green parks. With a picturesque location about 1,525 m above water level , on a plateau surrounded by hills, Shillong makes for a pleasing tourist destination throughout the year. The plateau is bound by Umiam to the north, the Diengiei Hills to the northwest and therefore the hills of the Assam Valley on the northeast.
...Shillong is usually mentioned because the ‘Scotland of the East’ for its similarity to the Scottish highlands in terms of topography and greenery. along side covers of tall pine conifers and pineapple shrubs, the town also boasts trekking trails and natural parks aplenty. A natural wonder that has given the town a spot on the planet map is that the living root bridges. Alive and growing and capable of carrying 50 people at a time, they’re a singular experience.
Shillong may be a city of straightforward yet unforgettable experiences. From staying during a treehouse to indulging in thrilling activities like trekking, camping, river rafting, rappelling, kayaking, fishing and caving, Shillong carves a distinct segment for itself within the hearts of tourists . Its quaintness and serenity transform into liveliness and spirited festivities at the time of Christmas. With the melodious tunes of Gospel music within the backdrop, the city, laden with snow, resembles a picturesque postcard.
Home to the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes, the town also features a rich tribal legacy which will be explored by strolling down its lanes. Moreover, it’s known for its vibrant nightlife and amazing rock ‘n’ roll , which is played in almost every lounge and nightclub.
Shillong was the capital of British-created Assam until 1972. Legend has it that it derived its name from a strong deity, U Shyllong. The deity was said to reside on the Shillong Peak, overlooking the town and guarding it. Given the status of a replacement civil station for the Khasi and Jaintia Hills by British within the late 19th century, Shillong remained the summer capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam for several years. Ravaged by an earthquake in 1897 and completely re-built, Shillong became Meghalaya’s capital city in 1972.
Read MoreHow to get there ?
By Air
Umroi Airport is the nearest airport and lies at a distance of about 30 km from Shillong.
By Road
The city of Shillong is well-connected by good motorable roads to nearby cities like Cherrapunjee and Guwahati.
Rail
The nearest railway station to the city of Shillong is about 104 km away and is situated in Guwahati.
Attractions
Baghmara
Baghmara lies at a distance of about 280 km from the town of Shillong. it’s the headquarters of the South Garo Hills district, lying within the southern a part of Meghalaya. it’s the sole town within the district and makes for a stimulating exploration site. Rich in flora and fauna, Baghmara is enveloped by rivers, hills and lakes, and visitors would be awed by the pristine great thing about the landscape.
Legend has it that the town was originally called Barokar and got renamed Baghmara (bagh: tiger and mara: killed) when Bong Laskar, a militiaman, killed a tiger by crushing its jaw.
One has got to cross Baghmara to travel to the famous Siju Cave, which is claimed to the third-longest cave system in India. Another attraction nearby is Baghmara Reserve Forest, which is popular for sightings of elephants, langurs and birds.
Cherrapunjee
One of the wettest places on earth, Cherrapunjee or Cherrapunji lies at an elevation of 4,500 ft. This stunning location is about amidst misty valleys, foaming rivers and swirling clouds. Its pristine beauty and perpetual mists make it one among the highest tourist stopovers within the city. The name ‘Cherrapunjee’ means land of oranges, and it had been first employed by tourists visiting from other parts of the country.
This place has just one season – monsoon. The rainfall varies from light to medium to heavy but it rains all year round. Interestingly, it rains mostly in the dark and day activities aren’t disrupted by the weather.
The heaviest rainfall is usually from May to September and through this point Cherrapunjee becomes a sea of small rivulets. One can savour the staccato of raindrops hitting the rooftops and obtain lost within the melodious music of rain unique to the northeastern states of India.
After the heavy downpour relents, the flora of the place acquires soft pastel hues and therefore the grey skies get beautiful rainbow colours.
Cathedral Mary Help of Christians
This church is that the primary place of worship for Catholics in Shillong. it’s altogether |one amongst one in every of” one among the oldest churches within the archdiocese and in all of Northeast India. The church was built over 50 years ago and invites people of all cultures and creeds. With its high arches and glass windows, the church is claimed to be one among the foremost beautiful buildings within the city of Shillong. The works of art inside it are made from terracotta and are said to possess been made by the Art Institute in Munich, Germany. The grave of the primary Archbishop of Shillong is on the left of the most altar. Another altar ahead of the statue of Mary and Jesus is where special nine-day devotions are held monthly .
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