Shillong – Hotel Embassy

SHILLONG

Shillong is the state capital of Meghalaya, India and also referred as ‘Scotland of the East’ which was named by the British. Shillong derives its name from ‘U Blei Shyllong’ the presiding deity of Shillong peak. Shillong is situated on the Khasi hills of Meghalaya and is nestled at an elevation of about 1496 meter (4900 ft). Shillong was once the capital of undivided Assam. During the British period, the English men of tea estates tried to establish the replica of Scotland at Shillong. Police Bazaar is the heart of Shillong and most of the hotels, markets, government offices (including the office of Meghalaya Tourism), local shops, state transport office and bus terminus, Meghalaya Helicopter Service Office, Taxi stand are located here. Shillong being the capital of Meghalaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations. With bustling markets, trendy cafes and restaurants, shopping complexes and a pulsating nightlife, Shillong is in a league of its own. Its picturesque setting and salubrious climate offer a pleasant escape from the sweltering heat of the plains. Shillong is set amidst smoky blue hills thick with Pine and orchids, singing brooks and crashing waterfalls. For the English, this garrison town was home during the British era. The scenic Khasi Hills remind them of the Scottish Highlands – just perfect escape for the summer holidays. Presently Shillong being a hill station with a picturesque setting and salubrious climate all year round offers a pleasant escape from the sweltering heat of the plains. As tourists approaches Shillong, nature suddenly seems to put on its best face. All along the road, the scenes are laid out in true splendour and viewing points are hoisted to vantage heights. Most of the population of Shillong belongs to the Khasi tribe those are predominantly Christians. Christianity has been a compelling forces amongst all three communities of the state including Bengali and Nepali those who have set up their habitat at Shillong. The Bengali community came in as administrators, the Nepalese served in the military and the Marwaris stepped in as traders. In terms of features and characteristics Shillong is very different from other hill stations in India. As Shillong does not have much steeper uphill routes and therefore makes it easy for tourists to travel from one location of the town to other.

History of Shillong: The state of Meghalaya is divided into three parts namely Khasi Hills, Jayantia Hills and Garo Hills. The tourism zone of Meghalaya mainly grows centering Khasi Hills and Shillong is the heart of the Khasi Hills. Shillong being one of the most famous hill stations in India. The beginnings of what would be called the ‘Scotland of the East’ go back to 1862- 1864, when the British obtained two large plots in the Khasi Hills in the North – East through their sharpest weapon – coercive negotiations. The agreement was extracted from Mylliem, one of the 25 Khasi states ruled by the then elected rajas. Shillong’s architecture underwent a change after the devastating earthquake of 1897 virtually flattened all buildings, but till date few noteworthy structures of the British Empire those still exist here. The earlier stone masonry buildings were replaced by timber structures and corrugated iron roofs that became characteristics of Shillong. This new architectural style was labelled as ‘Assam Type’, though most of these buildings kept the basic design of the English Cottage.

Places of Tourist Interest: Meghalaya’s natural beauty is most conducive for extended holidays with the hill station of Shillong continuing to be a hot favourite. Leisure days can be spent boating at the serene Ward’s Lake and the landscaped Lady Hydari Park, which also has a mini – zoo. Shillong Peak offers breathtaking views of the city. The spectacular view of the Umium Lake also attracts numerous tourists. Shillong’s popular 18 holes golf course (referred to as the Gleneagles of the East). The town is dotted with fine old churches of which the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is most famed for its stained glass window and lofty arches. Other local watchable around Shillong are Elephant Falls, Butterfly Museum, State Museum, Bishop and Bidden Falls, Spread Eagle Falls and Sweet Falls.

Elephant Falls: Elephant Falls is regarded as the most beautiful, attractive and the biggest water fall in all over Shillong. Elephant Falls is located around 12 km on the outskirts of Shillong. The mountain stream descends through three successive falls set in dells of fern covered rocks. It has steps curved out of rocks on these hills leading to the bottom of the waterfall where the water gets collected in a small pond. The first step is known as ‘First Falls’ and the second step is known as ‘Main Falls’. The name of this waterfall was given by the British due to the presence of an elephant shaped rock beside this waterfall which was destroyed in an earthquake of 1895. The best time of the year to view this waterfall is July and August, but during the month of March – April numerous flowers bloom in full near this waterfall.

Lady Hydari Park (Phan Nonglait Park): Lady Hydari Park also known as Phan Nonglait Park is a popular tourist spot in Shillong stretches over a kilometer. Lady Hydari Park is must visit tourist spot in Shillong as it is very beautifully decorated with numerous colourful flowers and plants all over. Lady Hydari Park was constructed by the British and was named after the wife of Undivided Assam’s Governor. Next to the park is a mini zoo, where many species of birds and animals attract visitors of all ages. Some of the inhabitants of this zoo are Leopard, Porcupine, Ghoral, Palm Civet Cat, Brahmini Duck and rare species of short tailed monkeys. The best months to see the flowers in bloom are April and October.

Ward’s Lake: Ward’s Lake is an artificial lake built by Sir William Ward, the then chief Commissioner of Assam and is situated in the heart of Shillong. The local Khasi people call it Nan Polok. This horse-shoe shaped lake is set in a landscape of Botanical Garden adjacent to the lake. Tourists need to get the ticket to visit the lake. On the lake a wooden bridge is constructed that offers panoramic view of the lake along with concrete paved roads are constructed on all sides of the lake for pedestrians. Boating facility is also available on this lake. The main attraction of Ward’s Lake is the Melody Fountain which ascends and descends with the on-going music. Ward’s Lake remains closed on Tuesdays.

Umiam Lake: Umian Lake is located around 17 km from Shillong and is the biggest artificial lake in Meghalaya. Umium Lake is also regarded as one of India’s beautiful artificial lakes and is locally known as ‘Barapani’. Surrounding the lake there are small table tops which enhanced the natural beauty of this lake. Tourists can opt for a boat ride on the lake. There is a water sports complex that provides sailing, water skiing, canoeing. The Orchid Lake Resort on the shores of the lake offers accommodation and water sports facilities. Adjacent to the resort is the Lum Nehru Park, a popular picnic spot.

Shillong Golf Course: Shillong Golf Course is 18 holes golf course highly regarded among golfers from all over the world, who come to Shillong to test their skills on its greens. Shillong Golf Course is set at an altitude of 5200 ft. The famed golf course was set up in 1898 and is often referred to as the Gleneagles of the East. Shillong Golf Course is a wide open land with thick carpeted grass field and is also regarded as Asia’s second largest golf course. In the month of October every year Golf Competition is organized at Shillong Golf Course.

Shillong Peak: Shillong Peak is regarded as the highest point of Meghalaya and is set at an elevation of about 1965 meters above sea level. Shillong Peak is located around 10 km from Police Bazaar the heart of Shillong town. Shillong Peak is a sacred spot for the local Khasi people. The route to Shillong Peak passes through the Radar Station of Indian Air Force and here tourists are advised to declare their cameras and not to take any photographs. On a clear day it offers a panoramic view of the spreading town of Shillong resides below and also glimpse of the majestic Himalayan peaks. On a cloudy day, the view of the city through the pine forest is shrouded with an air of mystery and is just as enthralling. At the top of Shillong Peak there is a view point and a watch tower. At Shillong Peak tourists will get to see that statue of U- Blei Shyllong, where prayers are offered to presiding deity of Shillong peak by the priests of Hima Mylliem.

Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum: The Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum is a must visit tourist spot in Shillong. For those interested in Ethnic tribal culture and tradition, this state run museum which falls under the Art and Culture Department offers insights into the lifestyle of the colourful people of Meghalaya. The Williamson Sangma State Museum at Shillong has galleries depicting the lifestyle and the way of livelihood of different tribal and sub caste groups of Meghalaya. The most important part is the handicraft segment, which has wide collection of rare and priceless items. This museum has wide historical collections of historical and archaeological artefacts. Except Sundays and other calendar holidays, this museum remains open from 11 am to 04 pm.

Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures: The Don Bosco Museum, which is a part of the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture (DBIC) located at Mawlai is a Technical School and Centre for Indigenous Culture is also regarded as one of the best museum in Asia. Don Bosco Museum is a noteworthy point of tourist interest at Shillong that showcases the multi – cultural magic of the North East. The museum spreads over seven floors, offers the visitor an unforgettable experience of the North East through 14 aesthetically pleasing and informative galleries. Don Bosco Museum portrays the social and cultural lifestyle of seven tribal and sub caste group people of North – East India.

Wankhar Entomological Museum (Butterfly Museum): This is another point of tourist’s interest in Shillong for those who like to know more about butterflies. The Wankhar Entomological Museum or the Butterfly Museum is located around 02 km away from Police Bazaar and is the only museum that houses wide collection of butterflies, spiders, ants, moths, grasshoppers which are collected worldwide. The Butterfly Museum was established in the year 1973 by a Bengali Zoologist and Entomologist S.K. Sarkar and is still unknown to many. The museum remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians: Cathedral of Mary Help of Christmas is one of the finest architectural buildings in Shillong. This Church is also known by the name of Catholic Cathedral Church at Shillong. The wall paintings depicting different stages of the life of Jesus are the main attraction of this Church. The wall paintings and glass painting work are truly admirable. A distinguishing fact about the church is that it is constructed to resist earthquake. The Church is located at Don Bosco Square and tourists can either hired taxis or buses from Police Bazaar area of Shillong to reach here.

Bishop and Beadon Falls: Bishop and Beadon Falls are claimed to be twin waterfalls of Shillong. Bishop and Beadon Falls are falling down into a deep gorge of Umshyrpi River that flows through picturesque Suna Valley. These twin waterfalls of Bishop and Beadon Falls are best viewed after the monsoon season. The Bishop Falls is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 135 meters. There is a narrow road at Mawlai that reaches to viewpoint which offers the view of both these two falls. The Bishop and Beadon Falls are 02 km from Bara Bazaar.

Spread Eagle Falls: Spread Eagle Falls near the Polo Ground has been named rather aptly, looking exactly like an eagle with its wings spread out. Spread Eagle Falls is also known as Sati falls or Umkaliar and is located at a distance of 6 km from the city of Shillong. This waterfall is in Umkainer district and is one of the most popular waterfalls in Shillong. Located near an Army cantonment area, Spread Eagle Falls is the widest waterfall in Shillong that cascade down through steep hills while cutting down the meandering rugged terrains. The falls has fairly steep cliffs on three sides with a very deep pool beneath.

Sweet Falls: The Sweet Falls is often regarded as the most beautiful yet the most dangerous waterfall in Shillong, located around 05 km away from Happy Valley. The Sweet Fall is about 96 meter (315 feet) in height and the route to this waterfall is quite treacherous and slippery. Sweet Falls is one of the steepest and the most thrilling single stream water falls of Meghalaya with vast stretches of landscapes surrounding the waterfall. During monsoon season the sound of the waterfall along with the lush green hills makes the sight breath-taking and spectacular.

Crinoline Falls: Crinoline Falls is a small waterfall located in the heart of Shillong close to Lady Hydari Park. The Crinoline Fall is coming down from a height of about 40 feet with a small pool at its base. This waterfall resides amidst abundant greenery which makes it a hidden treasure in the woods and the pool below is encompassed by beautiful orchids.

Ramkrishna Mission at Shillong: The Ramkrishna Mission at Shillong is very old and it was established during 1937. All over the state of Meghalaya the Ramkrishna Mission operates around more than 62 schools. The poor local children of Meghalaya get free education in these schools.

Eastern Air Command Museum: The Eastern Air Command Museum is located at Upper Shillong on the route to Elephant Falls. The museum is located around 16 km from Shillong. The museum houses many unknown facts about the important role played by Indian Air Force during Bangladesh freedom war through wall paintings, maps and the information showcased here. Models of different aircrafts, fighter planes and helicopter used in Indian Air Force are also on display. The museum has pictures of Indo-China War and Indo-Pakistan War.

Sri Aurobindo Institute of Indian Culture: Sri Aurubindo Institute of Indian Culture is an octagonal shaped structure and it surrounded within dense greenery all around. This place offers tourists with an inner peace in their heart. At the front there are huge photos of Shri Aurobindo and Holy Mother a big plate is placed in which numerous types of colourful flowers adds to the beauty of this ashram. This ashram is an ideal place of sit quietly and meditates for long hours. This cultural center is located at Bivar Road next to YMCA Ladies hostel at Shillong.

Mawphlang Sacred Forest: The Mawphlang Sacred Forest located around 24 km from Shillong is considered to be a sacred grove and has an amazing life form of plants, flowering trees, orchids and butterflies, which makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Mawphlang Sacred Forest is home to wide varieties of flowers and Orchids, among which to name but a few are Ladies Sleeper, Blue Vanda, Leopard orchid and Foxtail Orchid. Other species of insect eater plants like Pitcher plant, Bard of Paradise, Wild Citrus and Pigmy Lily are also found here. This preserved forest also has wide collection of Khasi Pine trees and other rare species of trees those are only available on these hilly regions of Meghalaya.

Chrysalis Gallery: Chrysalis Gallery is an art gallery run by a local artist of the region named as Jaya Kalra. The art gallery is situated in Police Bazaar, the heart of Shillong. The gallery displays paintings, sculptures, photographs and handicrafts of different artists. There are ample and flexible spacing inside the gallery to display numerous paintings, photographs and handicraft items.

Lewduh (Bara Bazaar): Lewduh Market is a local market for household items, local food and fresh vegetables of Shillong. The Lewduh Market is one of the biggest in Shillong and is the best place to find anything not available in all over Meghalaya.

Rhino Heritage Museum: Rhino Heritage Museum is a war museum located around 03 km away from Shillong bus stand. The Rhino Heritage Museum is situated near Military Hospital in Shillong and is considered to be one of the best tourist attractions. The museum was built in the year 1928. The museum also depicts photographs related to the military and also associated with the local culture of the region.

David Scott Trail: David Scott Trail or Trek is considered to be the oldest trails in Meghalaya passing through the eastern Khasi Hills. David Scott Trail spans a distance of 16 km long through the winding valleys, mountains, forests and rivers. David Scott Trail is located at distance of about 26 km away from Shillong near Umium Lake. This trail is named after British administrator David Scott during the early 1800.

Ever Living Museum: The Ever Living Museum is situated at a bit outskirt of Shillong and is owned and maintained by Mr. Kyntiew War a retired Govt. officer of Maghalaya. This museum houses amazing collection of ancient dresses, jewelries , household tools, weapons, musical instruments and handicrafts of local tribes along with Indian and foreign coins and currency notes, different stones and fossils. The Museum is situated in Mawshbuit village on the way to Sweet Falls.

Laitlum Canyons: Laitlum Canyons is a priceless gems bestowed in this region by nature. Laitlum literally means ‘The End of Hills’ and the scenic beauty is worth admiring. Perched atop serene hills of East Khasi, making this place quite popular among photographers and trekkers visiting Shillong.

Mawsynram: Mawsynram is located around 56 km from Shillong and is known for its stalagmite and stalactite formation shaped like a Shivalinga which is found inside a cave locally known as The Mawjyngbuin Cave and is revered by Hindus who make annual pilgrimages to this place. Mawsynram is regarded as the place to receive the maximum rainfall throughout the year. Narrow water streams are continuously coming down from upper part of the cave and falls around the Shiva Linga.

Jakrem: Jakrem is a countryside enclave has gained popularity for its hot water springs, believed to have curative medicinal properties and is located around 64 km from Shillong. People from all parts of the region throng here to take a dip in the hot waters.

Dawki: Dawki is located around 96 km from Shillong and is known for its gorgeous views and continues to be a popular picnic spot. At a place called Umtynagar, on the Shillong – Cherrapunjee Road, the highway branches off towards Dawki. Close to the Dawki Customs post is the Dawki River, over which is a beautiful suspension bridge made when the road was first constructed. Dawki is also a border market and among the local produce are its famed oranges.

How to reach:
By Air: Umroi Airport is the nearest airport to Shilong located around 35 km. There are Alliance Air Flights from Kolkata to Umroio on certain days of the week.
The best option is LGB Airport at Guwahati located around 128 km away from Shillong served by daily flights with major cities of India.

By Rail: There are no railways routes to entire Meghalaya, tourists need to enter through Guwahati in order to reach Shillong. Trains like Saraighat Express, Kamrup Express and Kanchenjunga Express reaches Guwahati. Shillong is located around 103 km from Guwahati railway station.

By Road: Shillong is well connected by direct road surface transport by road to Guwahati, Darjeeling, Imphal, Kaziranga, Kohima and Kolkata. State- run buses and taxi services are available. Transfers between Guwahati and Shillong are available by daily hourly bus service from 06.00 am to 05.00 pm. Taxis are also available. The road network in the state is quite efficient and covers the state conveniently. National Highway 40 is an all – weather road running through the state. The road connects Shillong via Dispur, Jorabat, Umium, with Guwahati, which in turn is connected to other major cities of the country. State Transport Corporation (STC) and private transport operators have services. In Shillong, the bus stand is located near Centre Point which is the heart of the town. It takes about 04 hours to reach Shillong from Guwahati.

Best time of visit:
March to June: During this time of the year Shillong experiences summer season but the climate remains quite pleasant. This is the perfect time to place for city tour.
June to September: This is the time of monsoon season and Shillong experiences average to heavy rainfall. This is the ideal time to experience the waterfalls and the lush greenery of Shillong.
October to February: This is the time of oncoming winter, the rainfall gets stopped and the climate becomes cool. November is the starting of the winter season. Most of the tourists also prefer the winter season for a tour to Shillong.