Hill Stations In India

Meghalaya Shillong Hill Station

History

Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It is famous as a tourist destination. It was the capital of Assam before independence and even after that. When statehood was attained by Meghalaya, Shillong was decided to remain as the capital. Shillong’s altitude is 1496 meters higher than the sea level. It has motor able roads to reach every corner. This hill station is originally named after a peak. There are a lot of legends related to the name of the hill station. Some people say that it has derived its name from a young boy whose name was Shyllong and it is said that a virgin mother gave birth to him in mysterious situations. Bisi was the village where he was born. People worshipped him because people truly believed that he was God and the phrase “Kot Shillong” also belongs to this legendary story. It means “ To bring Peace in time of Catastrophe , Danger or misfortune.

In 1864 Shillong achieved conspicuous importance. In 1874 it was made Assam’s capital. It remained the capital for around a century till Meghalaya was made a separate state. In 1897 a heart throbbing earthquake shaked  Shillong’s grounds. On September 1949 the king signed the merger agreement. On November 11, 1975 Nagaland’s Governor LP Singh signed the Shillog Accord. On 4 July 2008 the Indian Institute of Management was established here.

How To Reach

You can take a flight, a train, or a bus to reach Shillong

By Air

Guwahati is the closest airport to Shillong and it is only 100 kilometers away from Shillong. Guwahati is connected to many important cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Agartala, aizzwal, Imphal etc. if one is traveling from Kolkata to Shillong then one can take a flight to umroi airport at Shillong. International Tourists can have access to Guwahati from Delhi or Kolkata.

By Bus

There are many government and private buses that run from Shillong to Other important cities of Meghalaya. You can avail any of these to reach Shillong.

By Train

Guwahati not only has the closest airport but also railway station. If someone is traveling to Shillong availing the railway services then Guwahati is the closest stoppage which is just around 100 meters away from Shillong.

Places To Visit

Golf Club

From 9 holes in 1889 it was developed into a Golf- Course with 18 holes. This Golf Club is also known as “Gleneagle of the East” and is Asia’s second largest Golf-club.

Ward Lake

The Ward Lake is a zigzag lake with an island. There is a bridge that connects the main land with the island. The joy ride of the lake, governor’s house with pine trees and botanical garden attract tourist here.

Butterfly Museum

Wankhae & Co developed Riatosomithiah’s Butterfly museum which is a very fascinating attraction.

State Museum

Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum reflects the Meghalaya’s culture & the tribal society’s life style. This place exhibits things linked with culture of the state arms, handicrafts, plants and animals, and archeological objects.

Weather And Best Time To Visit

The summers of Shillong face a minimum temperature of 15°C maximum temperature of 24°C. The summers stretch between March to June, and the winters stretch between November to February with the minimum temperature of 2°C. Rainfalls are received between June and September. Rainfalls here are generally heavy and bring along heavy winds. Overall it has a pleasant and cool climate. A trip to Shillong can be planned any time of the year but it is best to avoid chilly winter months of January and December.

Language And Culture

Hindi, English, Assamese and Khasi are Shillong’s official languages.

“Jymphong” is the Khasi traditional male dress. It is without a collar, is long and sleeveless fastened in the front. Most khasis have adopted the western Dress but they prefer to wear it on ceremonies. The traditional dress for khasi women is designed to give a cylindrical shape to the body. Along with this women wear crown of Gold or Silver at a ceremony with a Peak or a Spike whereas the crowns of men have feathers.

Accomodations

There are a few fine accommodation options that one can choose from. These options are slightly expensive but ensure a cozy stay and provide requisite modern facilities. One can also opt for budget accommodations and mid rung.

Summit Guest House

Upper Lachumiere, Shillong

Ph No 2226216

Bonnie Guest House

Laban, Shillong

Ph.No.2229527, (M) 98630 21977

Summit Guest House

Upper Lachumiere, Shillong

Ph No 2226216

Apsara Guest House

Fruit Garden,Cleave Colony, Shillong

Ph No +91-98567 21384

Pine Brook Guest House

Howell Road, Laban, Opposite the SBI Laban Branch, Shillong-4

Ph: 9863062574/ 9863036475/ 9856122878/ 0364-2501422

Activities And Festivals

If you are interested in the tribal life style then you must visit the museum. If water sports interests you then a visit to the Umiam Lake situated 17 kilometers away from Shillong is a must. A day spent at the Wards Lake’s manicured banks can also prove to be quite a relaxing experience.

The forest surrounding the Shillong Peak is filled with exotic and rare plants like pines, orchids and the plant that eats insects- pitcher plant etc. it does not have any dangerous animals which is why exploring these forests can be fun.

Wangala Festival

Wangala festival is the festival of harvest celebrated in Saljong, the Sun God of fertility ‘s honour. It is celebrated to rejoice the good output and the end of the toil period.

Shad Suk Mynsiem Festival

The Khasis celebrate this festival in April. This is celebrated to say “Thank you” to God for a good harvest and to pay him respect. It is held on the Wecking Grounds close to Shillong.

Nongkrem Dance

It is a festival to seek the powerful Goddess Ka Blei Synshar’s blessings so that the harvest is bumper and rich.

Hotels

There are many hotels that you can choose from, depending upon what your budget for your trip is. You can look for either the costly ones or the budgeted ones. All the hotels have good modern facilities like gyms, bars, swimming pools etc.

Hotel Polo Towers

Address: 3 star hotel, Oakland Road Polo Grounds, Shillong 793001, India

Hotel Lake View Inn

Address: 2 star hotel, MG Road Co-operative Apex Bank, Shillong 793001, India

Hotel Alpine Continental

Address: 2 star hotel, Police Bazaar Thana Road/ Quinton Road, Shillong 793001, India

Get Around

Since Shillong is a small city and the best way to explore the hills, culture and people of the city is by walking.

You can also travel by the following means

By Bus

City buses can be availed for the places in the city. Bazaar bus and city bus are the two kind that can be traveled in. if you are a tourist then you should use city buses whereas bazaar buses are for people from the villages traveling to their products.

By Taxi

You can also choose to travel in the unmetered yellow and black taxis in the city limits on a sharing basis.

Get Out

Sohra or Cherrapunji is located about 60 kilometers away from Shillong and towards south of Shillong. It has a world record of receiving highest rainfall in a single colander year. It is very popular for limestone caves and a number of waterfalls present here, the most popular being Noh Kalikai Falls.

Water sports complex Umiam was established on  the Umiam Hydro Electric Project’s reservoir positioned 20 kilometeres away from Shillong towards the North of Shillong. This comprises of a park and a lake resort.

Shopping

You can shop for beautiful Handmade shawls, Cane Handicrafts, honey from the orange flower. These are some of the few specialties of this region. The shopping area is in the police bazaar.

Location Map

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