Shillong

Shillong

Shillong is the capital of the north-eastern state of Meghalaya which was carved out of the north-eastern state of Assam in 1974. It is also the district headquarters of the East Khasi Hills District.

The beauty of Shillong is truly captivating.

Shillong is one of the most popular tourist destination spots of North East.

SHILLONG: LOCATION

Shillong is located at an altitude of 1496 meters above the sea level.

SHILLONG: SPECIALTY

Shillong has a rich cultural, educational and administrative heritage.

Before Meghalaya was declared a state of the Indian Union, Shillong was the capital of the then undivided north-eastern state of Assam. 

Shillong is the Mecca of education for the entire North East.

Shillong is the nearest hill station to the gateway to the North East, viz., Guwahati.

SHILLONG: CENTRE OF ACTIVITES

Besides being the epicenter of political activities, Shillong is also the cultural and educational capital of Meghalaya.

Shillong is also the business hub of the entire state of Meghalaya.

SHILLONG: CULTURAL MELTING POT

Shillong is also a cultural cauldron.

Shillong has a cosmopolitan culture.

People of various communities, tribes and sub-tribes live in this beautiful city.

SHILLONG: NATURAL TREASURE TROVE

Shillong is hot bio-diversity spot.

Shillong is the habitat of many exotic species of flora and fauna.

Shillong is the habitat of exotic insects, colorful butterflies and reptiles.

SHILLONG: BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

The entire state of Meghalaya including Shillong preserves the verdant forests with a religious zeal.

In fact, nobody is allowed to even pick a leaf from these sacred forests.

THE SACRED FORESTS

Most of these sacred forests are located on hills.

These sacred forests are zealously preserved by the indigenous communities.

It is believed that the forefathers of the three main tribes,viz, the Pnars including the Khasis and the Jaintias besides the Garos alighted from heaven and first landed in these sacred fotrests.

SHILLONG: EVERGREEN VARIETIES

These forests are the habitat of many medicinal plants.

The pitcher plant and the orchids besides the cherries grow in the wild in Shillong and its surrounding areas.

Besides medicinal plants and trees, Shillong and its suburbs are adorned by the coniferous forests.

SHILLONG: BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

The scenic beauty of Shillong is quite captivating.

There are undulating hills and snow capped mountain dotted by swift flowing rivers, streams and waterfalls with crystal clear waters.

Verdant forests and deep gorges reveal mystifying caves.

The plains offer plantations of tea, pineapple, and orange besides orchards of grapes and also apple.

The climate of Shillong is also ideal for various spices like ginger and cinnamon.

Both these spices of Meghalaya are world famous.

SHILLONG: HEALTHY CLIMATE

The climate of Shillong is salubrious.

The best part of Shillong is that it is generally pollution free.

In fact, Shillong is deemed as an economical health resort.

The average temperature of Shillong varies between 23o Celsius and 4o Celsius.

The weather of Shillong is pleasant.

SHILLONG: TOURISM AVENUES

Shillong is also popular for its many tourist destination spots.

Shillong offers a varied fare to the discerning visitor.

There are options for eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and also cultural tourism besides many others.

The wettest place of the world, Cherrapunji, is located just   56km from Shillong.

SHILLONG: THE TOURISM CALENDAR

The most ideal time to visit Shillong is between March to October.

You may also experience the monsoon during the months from April to July.

From July up to the fag end of September, tourists flock to Shillong to escape the sweltering heat of the plain area.

October is the month to experience the puja spirit among the Hindus of the Assamese, Bengali and the Nepali communities. That is also right occasion to experience the Hindu ‘Festivalof Lights known as Deepawali’ or ‘Diwali’.

December is the nmonth of Christmas. The majority of population in Shillong belongs to the various denominations of the Christian faith. So, Christmas is celebrated in a big way in this hill station.

Besides, the Buddhists and the Muslims also celebrate their festivals in their typicalduring this tourism calendar.

SHILLONG: GATEWAY TO MANY PLACES

Shillong is also the gateway to several others north-eastern states like Mizoram and places like the North Cachar Hills among others.

The communication network to Shillong is well developed.

You can avail of bus and cab services from Shillong to many places of NE.

There are private tour operators, and also government agencies that run under the state tourism directorate.

Of course, you can opt to choose your own means of touring the enchanting city and its suburbs.

Nonetheless, it is ideal to choose the tour operators. Such conducted tours are beneficial for reasons more than one:

First, they are economical;

Second, you get to interact with a group of motley group.

Third, it is quite secure too.