subject: Shillong - In The Wet Lands Of The North East [print this page] Shillong, the capital city of the north eastern state of Meghalaya, is located at an altitude of 1496 meters above the sea level.
Shillong is popular both for its beautiful scenery as well as its modern outlook. The slopes and hills of Shillong are dotted with waterfalls. When the British came to shilling they saw how much it resembled Scotland giving the name 'Scotland of the East'. The architecture of the buildings, food habits and traditions reveal the British connection of Shillong.
Situated at about 100 km from Guwahati in Assam, Shillong is well connected by well maintained roads. Jeeps, taxis and buses are available from the bus stand and railway station of Guwahati to Shillong. Shared taxis are the best way of transport. It takes around 3 hours to cover the distance.
Majority of the population of Shillong belongs to the Khasi tribe and follow Christianity. Shillong is home to many churches including the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Grotto Church and the All Saints Church, which even feature among the prominent churches in India. The St. Marys Christian Cathedral is famed for its stained glass windows and a chamber carved out of a single rock.
Umiam Lake in Barapani on the GS Road attracts a lot of tourists. Boating is available on the lake and adventure sports enthusiast who can indulge in a variety of water sports activities here.
Shillong Golf Club, Bara Bazaar, Botanical Survey of India Orchidarium, Meghalaya State Museum, Shillong Peak and Butterfly Museum, are some of the other attractions in the Shillong.
The Wards Lake is one the most frequented tourist spots in Meghalaya surrounded by a dense cover of pine forests. The Lady Hydari Park right in the middle of the town is another tourist spot close by to the lake.
Shillong Peak at an altitude of 1965 m offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and the charming hill station of Shillong. It is so popular that trekkers from across the globe come here to catch a glimpse of this unique and exquisite scenery.
Shillong has many handicraft shops that showcase the local artefacts and traditional items like bamboo mats, weapons, bags and garments.
Shillong is home to several waterfalls that dot this hill town like the Spread Eagle Falls, Crinoline Falls, Elephant Falls, Beadon Falls and Bishop's Falls among others.
Shillong is the spelunking capital of India. Cave exploration or spelunking is an important adventurous sport in Shillong as the place is dotted with many caves. Some of the longest caves are found in Shillong.
Shillong is also home to the unique root bridges made from the roots of the banyan tree that is still used to cross the rivers.
