MOUNTAIN ESCAPES
| SHILLONG |
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| Shillong guide >>> Shillong travel guide and tourist information
on Shillong, how to get to Shillong, also details on sightseeing in Shillong, best time to
visit Shillong and accommodation in Shillong |
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Get a birds' eye view of Shillong from the
sky…a lively city that paints a pretty picture…A vision of snug wooden cottages
and red tiled roofs rubbing shoulders with each other, nudging at terraced hills.
Shillong, the capital of the eastern state of Meghalaya lies on a 1520 m high plateau. The
Diengiei Hills and the Assam Valley peaks loom up in the distance, hemming in the Umiam
gorge and the Umiam River. The view from Shillong Peak is amazing; this is the highest
point in the city, from where you can glimpse the entire city veiled in clouds. Shillong
by night will take your breath away, with its millions of lights glimmering like a galaxy. |
Within Shillong city is the flower bedecked Ward's
Lake encircled by whispering pine groves. This is a pleasant place to go boating
or to feed the colourful fish while standing on the bridge across the lake.You'll love the
walks in this city although it does get a little crowded with cars in the afternoon. Lady
Hydari Park doubles up as a miniature zoo and is a short distance away from
Ward's Lake. A visit to the St Mary's Christian Cathedral at Dhankheti is
a must - it has beautiful stained glass windows and the grotto is carved out of a single
rock. The bells of the cathedral resonate across the city at dawn, in the afternoon and at
dusk.
Shillong is a city of waterfalls - feel the spray from the Crinoline Falls,
from the two Gunner's Falls, Spread Eagle, Elephant Gait and
Elephant Falls, Beadon and the Sweet Falls. Quite the most
spectacular falls, however, are at Cherrapunjee, 56 km away, a town that
was once billed as the wettest place on earth.
Shillong is a throbbing city, full of vibrant energy and one that enjoys keeping abreast
of development. Yet it has a serenity and beauty that add to its unassuming simplicity.
This, combined with the comfortable climate, makes Shillong a great holiday getaway from
the Kolkata fast lane.
Getting to Shillong
Shillong is 1181 km from Kolkata. The quickest route to get here from Kolkata is via
Guwahati in Assam, 128 km away. Guwahati has the nearest airport, Borjhar and the closest
rail junction. From here, buses and taxis take about 4 hours to get to Shillong.
Best time to visit Shillong
Shillong is a year round destination that is particularly beautiful in the monsoons (June
to September), if you are willing to put up with the heavy showers. The temperatures range
from 10ºC to 30ºC. Carry light woollens and an umbrella, no matter what season it is.
Accommodation in Shillong
There are a number of hotels around the Police Bazaar area. Facilities vary greatly and so
do the tariffs. For further information contact the Director of Tourism at Shillong's
Police Bazaar, Tel: 0364 - 226054. |
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