Meghalaya's capital, Shillong is situated
at an altitude of 1,496 metres, above sea level. Shillong has steadily grown
in size and significance in its own traditional way from a mere village as it
used to be when it became the new civil station of Khasi and Jaintia Hills in
1864. It remained the summer capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam for many years.
In 1874, on the formation of Assam as a Chief Commissioner's Province, it was
chosen as the headquarters of the new administration because of its salubrity
and convenient location between the Brahmaputra and Surma Valley.
The city, as the legend goes, has derived its name from Leishyllong, the Superpower
or God, who is said to be dwelling on the Shillong Peak over-looking the city.
Romantic and picturesque with abundance of nature's gifts, Shillong is described
as 'Scotland of the East' because of its striking similarity with that of the
Scottish highlands and has been attracting indigenous and foreign tourists for
decades.
The city is one of the few hill stations with motorable roads all around.
Shillong has its own charm, different from other hill stations and presents
a natural scenic beauty with waterfalls, brooks, pine-groves and gardens.
The place, the people, the flora and fauna and the climate all combine to
make Shillong an ideal holiday resort throughout the year. Shillong offers
arrangement for tourists with good hotel accommodation, facilities for sports,
fishing and hiking.
Shillong is connected by a good arterial road with the rest of the country
through Assam. A good road connects Shillong with Sylhet in Bangladesh. It
is also connected with other important towns of the state like Jowai and Tura.
An airport at Umroi, about 30 Kms. from Shillong, connects Shillong by air
with the rest of the country.
Shillong is full of crunches and waterfalls. The most beautiful crunches is
the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians located on a hill; stained glass windows
and high arches add to the beauty of this building. Directly below carved out
of the hills is the Grotto Crunch. The all Saints Church opposite the state
Central Library is another attractive building of wood and plaster. The State
Centraal Library has a wealth of that can be a book lover's delight. A museum
there gives gimpses of the region heritage.
Pop and rock concerts are regions held here are extreamly popular with songs
in Khasi and English. The butterfly Museu, that had begun breeding butterflies
as a conversion measure and for their commercial value has a good display of
mounted butterflies and beetles from India and abroad. Nearby is the Lady hydari
Park which has a mini-Zoo a childrens section and ewll-developed out flower
beds.
Of all the falls in and around Shillong among the prettiest is the sweet falls
near happy valley. A gushing stream of water plunges into a deep, cool and invite
pool. It's is a good hike down to the stream and a nice way to speed a day.
Then there are the Bishop and Beadon falls and the Elephant falls which draw
many tourist. The elephant falls is 12kms on the outskrit of the cityy and near
Shillong peak. If there is time visitors should travel to Sophetbneng Peak 20kms
from the Shillong, set amid a beautiful view and the backdrop of a sacred forest.
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