Shillong – the destination for impulsive travellers

Shillong is the beautiful capital city of Meghalaya – an Indian state in the north eastern part of the country. Often called India’s Scotland, it is a superb romantic getaway. Rather unexplored with natural innocence in abundance, it is a tourist destination round the year. Located on hills, it is accessible from all sides- an amazing and unique characteristic of a hilly town.

If you are a passionate traveller, Shillong must be on your list of favourite places to visit. The magnificent east Khasi hills are a treat for tourists. Its beauty is revealed through a variety of scenic spots and other places of tourist interest. With parks, waterfalls, museum, lakes, church, golf course etc, it makes a complete package for an unforgettable trip. This entire route of attractions on Khasi hills is popularly called as Shillong circuit.

Lady Hydari Park is located in the heart of beautiful Shillong city. It has abundant plants and flowers that make the tourists go clicking endlessly. The park is at its best beautiful in the months of April and October when the plants are in full bloom. Ward’s Lake is a beautiful manmade lake with boating facilities and adjoining short garden walks. Right in the heart of the city, Cathedral Catholic Church of Roman Catholics stands dedicated to Mary Help of Christian. If ethnic tribal culture and tradition is your cup of tea, Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum is for you! Situated in the State Central Library complex, it speaks volume about patriotism as well. Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures is a museum with a research and publication centre. It is built in hexagonal shape with its seven floors representing the seven states of North East India to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of North East Indian states together. It ranks among the top 36 cultural centres in its category in the Salesian world.

Among scenic natural beauty, Shillong Golf Course is a natural 18-hole golf course besides being among the oldest in the world. It is considered to be the “Gleneagle of the East” by the United States Golf Association and Museum.

When it comes to waterfalls, Meghalaya is a blessed state. In the Shillong circuit, there are some extraordinarily beautiful waterfalls. Spread Eagle Falls is a sparkling waterfall resembling an eagle with its wings spread. Sweet Falls is about 8 kms from Shillong. Bearing resemblance to a straight pencil of water emerging from a large size water pipe, it is worth exploring as it drops vertically over a distance exceeding two hundred feet. The Elephant Falls is about12 kms away from the city. Among the fern-covered rocks, it reaches the ground through two successive falls.

Shillong Peak being the highest point in the state, offers a typical picnic spot on the hills. About 10 kms away from the city, it offers a picturesque view of the Meghalayan country side.

Shillong is a good place to visit round the year. Summers are pleasant with temperature ranging in 15 to 250 C. Given the altitude of the Shillong city, winters are cooler with temperature sometimes as low as 40 C. Even the monsoons add to the miraculous natural beauty of Shillong. Since there is so much to do in Shillong, you must decide your time of visit as per your own interests.

Shillong is easily connected to Guwahati. Tourist can visit Shillong via Guwahati by Air, Road or Rail. Most tourist prefer to travel to Guwahati and then to Shillong by Bus or hired taxi. For those travelling by air, there is a small airport Umroi around 35 kms from Shillong. Cabs on hire are easily available at the airport. Although there are no railway lines laid down in Meghalaya, tourists travelling by rail can connect through Guwahati railway station which is around 100 kms from Shillong. Buses and cabs ply regularly on the route. Travel time to Shillong from Guwahati is around 2 hours by Taxi and 3 hrs by Bus. For family or regular tourist, it is advisable to hire a taxi or travel by Bus as it is safe mode of travel. For tourist who are travelling on budget or racing against time, they can get on a shared Taxi from Paltan Bazar or Khanapara, however they often drive recklessly and travelling on the hills at breakneck speed can be a harrowing experience for first timers.

Shillong offers a wide variety of accommodation facilities. The range starts from bed and breakfast facilities at economic tariff rates to luxurious star hotels and resorts. The average hotels with decent service and facilities are also abundant. Food served in hotels and restaurants cater to the international taste.

Tourists are especially fond of taking home locally handcrafted souvenirs.