Shillong - Scotland of the Northeast

--By Sushma Pradhan

Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya (India) is one of the most sought after tourist destination of the Northeast. It is also called the ‘Scotland of the East’, because of its remarkable highlands. The name Shillong originated from the name of the God, “Leishyllong,” who the natives believe, dwells on the peak, which has set a sight on the city.

Location:

Cradled by tall pine trees and pineapple plantation, this charming city stands tall at the altitude of 1,520 meters. On the northwest of the city is the Diengiei Hill, on the north is the Umiam gorge, and on its northeast lies the Assam valley.

Shillong is located at a distance of 104 kilometers from Guwahati, 295 kilometers from Kaziranga, 658 kilometers from Darjeeling and 578 kilometers from Siliguri.

Centers of Attraction:

The Crinoline Falls: It is around 13 meters in height, with a swimming pool at the base. So, do not miss this site.

The Gunner’s Falls 1: It is about 26 meters high and lies in Upper Shillong road.

The Gunner’s Falls 2: It is a kilometer away from the Happy Valley and makes quite a site to behold.

The Spread Eagle Falls or Sati Falls: It adds charm to the city and is famous for being a picnic spot.

The Sweet Falls or “Weitden”: It is the most beautiful of all the waterfalls in Shillong and is around 96 meters in height.

The Elephant Falls and the Elephant Gait: It is located close to Upper Shillong. It forms a favorite picnic spot and has a charm that is unique.

The Ward Lake: This is an artificial lake built in a shape of a horseshoe and lies beneath the Governor’s Residence and the Accountant General’s office. This lake has pleasing walkway gradually undulating amidst flowerbeds and complemented by fairyland lighting. The lush green all around, the boats, the cafeterias all add up to form a relax holiday.

Barapani or Umiam: It is located 17 kilometers before Shillong. This is a lake formed after the hydroelectric dam was built. With time, this place has grown in popularity and has become a great outing for weekends. Some famous place around Barapani is the Orchid Lake Resort, which overlooks the lake. There are water sports such water skiing, kayaking, water cycling and boating.

Shillong Peak: It is the highest point in Shillong and therefore it is covered by fog most of the time. This semicircular peak looks like a crown placed on the hill and is easily accessible via road.

The Sohpetbneng Peak: It is 1,343 m high and is famous as a sacred location for the natives, rather the Hynfiiewtrep tribe, of Shillong. Apart from the sanctity, this location is quite a treat to ones eyes.

The Dingei Hill: If you are looking for some serious mountain climbing then Dengei Hill serves the purpose very well. The cool climate of the place not only makes a comfort but provides enthralling beauty of the place too.

The Dumpeep Peak: It is one of the highest peak with bare steep cliff of granite and it located 78 kilometers from Shillong.

How to reach Shillong:

The nearest railhead and airport is Guwahati (Assam). The two cities are connected by the Guwahati-Shillong road. There are taxi services easily available and buses ply after every half an hour.

Climate:

Shillong has very unpredictable monsoon. Rainy season start by June and continues until the end of August. The climate is hot and humid in summers and winters are quite cold.

Best Time To Visit:

The best time to visit Shillong is October to November and again in the month of March and April.