Shillong is named the romantic city of the state of
Meghalaya lying in the north Eastern part of India. The capital city is
often referred to as the Scotland of the East due to its greenish highlands.
Shillong lies on the cradle of the tall pine conifers and pineapple shrubs
captured by the undulating terrains of the hills. A favourite hill station
because of its bracing climate through out the year, Shillong has wonderful
places to visit like the ward lake, Golf links,and the cathedral besides the
lovely waterfalls.
The state of Meghalaya, where Shillong is situated is an amalgamation of
the Khasi and Jayantia tribes of the Austro Monkhamer stock and Garos or
Achiks of Tibeto -Burma stock The matrilinear tradition of ancestral
property passing from mother to daughter is a unique feature of this north
eastern state which has fascinated travellers from all around the world.
Climate
Shillong gets influenced by the southwestern monsoon originating from the
the Bay of Bengal. The monsoon starts in May and continues till October.
Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills district receives one of the heaviest
rainfalls in the world with an average of 959cms. The climate from November
to April is almost dry. Winter begins in December and lasts until February.
The months of winter are the best time to visit the capital.
Major Attractions
» Cherrapunji - Cherrapunji which lies at a distance
of 56 km away adjacent to the Mawsmai falls is better known to the world as
the wettest place in the world. The place of Cherrapunjii is often referred
to as Scott's trail as it pass through various treks through the bridges of
vines and banyan trees. It even holds the record of being the first British
outpost in this region. Called by the name of Sohra in the Khashi language,
it prides with its neighbours for the priced possession of the famed
Nohsngithiang falls.
» Jowai - The hilly town is situated at a distance
of 64km from the state capital which forms an important element part of the
Jaintia hills. Jowai is placed above 1380 ft from the sea level and one of
its major attraction is the Behdeinkhlam festival celebrated in rare style.
While passing through the places tourist can come along the grassy meadows,
the colourful meadows, rice terrace, woods of oak and the softly flowing
Myntdu River.
» Tura in Garo Hills - The Tura peaks are an ideal
destination for rock climbers , natural lovers and the mountaineers. Head
quater of the west Garo Hills, it is placed at an altitude of 657 meters
above sea level and boast of a picturesque landscape of hills overlooking
the mighty Brahmaputra on the plains below.
Shillong Peak - The Shillong Peak that lies at a distance
of 10 kilometers from the city has an altitude of 1,965m. The height of the
peak makes it an ideal spot to feast for the eyes with exhilarating views of
the spectacular Shillong. At the Shillong Peak the local deity Shyllong or
Lei Shyllong is worship. From the deity comes the name of Shillong.
» The Ward Lake - The horse shoe shaped artificial
lake with a little isle and a bridge abounds in the shining grass carp
fishes. it's just wonderful to feed the fishes from the side of the lake.
The lake filed with undulating landscape is placed in the midst of rolling
flower beds and is a favourite spot for boating.
North
India States
