Shillong, India

Welcome to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya and a picturesque hill station in northeastern India. With a population of 143,229, Shillong is a charming city that offers a unique blend of British colonial heritage and Khasi tribal culture. Known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, Shillong is surrounded by rolling hills and is home to several tourist attractions that are sure to leave you spellbound. Let’s take a closer look at what this beautiful city has to offer.

History:
Shillong was made the civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in 1864 by the British and was chosen as the headquarters of the new administration because of its convenient location between the Brahmaputra and Surma valleys. Shillong remained the capital of undivided Assam until the creation of the new state of Meghalaya on 21 January 1972, when Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya, and Assam moved its capital to Dispur in Guwahati.

Geography:
Shillong lies on the Shillong Plateau, the only major uplifted structure in the northern Indian shield. The city lies in the centre of the plateau and is surrounded by hills, three of which are revered in Khasi tradition: Lum Sohpetbneng, Lum Diengiei, and Lum Shyllong. Shillong is just 100 km (62 mi) from Guwahati, which can be accessed by road along NH 40, a journey of about 2 hours 30 minutes through lush green hills and the Umiam lake in between.

Climate:
Weather conditions in Shillong are typically pleasant and pollution-free. In the summer, the temperature varies from 23 °C (73 °F), while in the winter, it varies from 4 °C (39 °F). Shillong features a subtropical highland climate (Cwb) under Köppens climate classification. Its summers are cool and very rainy, while its winters are cool yet dry. Shillong is subject to vagaries of the monsoon. The monsoons arrive in June and it rains almost until the end of October.

Transport:
Although well connected by road, Shillong has neither rail connections nor a proper air connection. Umroi Airport located 30 kilometres (19 mi) from the city centre has only limited flights. Shillong is well connected by roads with all major northeastern states. Private bus operators, as well as state transport buses from other states, come to and from Shillong daily. Taxi services are also available to destinations like Guwahati, Agartala, Kohima, Dimapur, Aizawl and other North Eastern towns and cities.

Places of Interest:
Tourist sites in and around the city include:
– Elephant Falls: 12 km on the outskirts of the city, the mountain stream descends through three successive falls set in dells of fern-covered rocks.
– Wards Lake: Known locally as Nan-Polok. It is an artificial lake with garden and boating facilities, built during the colonial era.
– Shillong Golf Course: Shillong has one of the largest natural golf courses in Asia: Gleneagles of the East. It enjoys the rare distinction of being one of the few natural golf courses in Asia.
– Shillong Peak: A picnic spot, 10 km from the city, 1966 m above sea level, offers a panoramic view