Come to the
former capital of Assam and the current capital of Meghalaya and experience a
cold morning, a cool day, and a foggy evening in Shillong. The city is 1496 meters
above sea level and has a population of around 270,000.
Shillong is
predominantly occupied by the Khasis who belongs to the Mon-Khmer family. They
follow a matrilineal system in Society where the daughter takes care of the
ancestral property while the eldest son is the head of the clan. A majority of
the population are Christians. There are
significant Assamese, Bengali, and Nepali minorities. Shillong also holds the
first University in the North Eastern Region known as The North Eastern Hill
University, well know colleges like St Edmund's College, St Anthony's College,
St Mary's College, Lady Kean College, Seng Khasi College, and others which
invite students from different parts of Northeast. Shillong is therefore, a hub
of many cultures where the Khasis meet the Nagas, Mizos, Manipuris, Tripuris,
Assamese, Arunachalis and Sikkimese.
Shillong is a
magnificent hill station known as 'Scotland of the East' and house several
natural lakes, waterfalls, and other tourist spots. Some of the tourist spots
that a traveller can enjoy in Shillong include Umiam (Barapani Lake), Don Bosco
Centre on Indigenous Cultures, Nan Polok (Wards Lake), Lady Hydari Park,
Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Golf course and others. Brief look into some of
these attractive tourist spots
Umiam Lake: Umiam which is also known as Barapani lake is one of
the major lakes situated towards the north of Shillong. This lake resembles the
'Lochs', or lakes of Scotland and it is the main lake used for hydel power
project that generated electricity for the state of Megalaya. People can enjoy
boat ride, fishing and the scenic beauty of this place. There is a water sports
complex. There is a garden (Lum Nehru park) by the side water sports complex.
Don Bosco Centre on Indigenous Cultures: Don Bosco Centre on
Indigenous Cultures is a must visit tourist centre. This largest cultural
museum in the whole Asia is the house of the eight North Eastern States of
India. The museum is under the care of the Salesian order of the Catholic
Church. It is the visual library of the entire North Eastern states of Assam,
Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Tripura.
It is located within the precincts of the Sacred Heart Theological College,
Mawlai.
Wards
Lake: Wards Lake which is also known as Nan Polok or Lover’s Park is an artificial
lake surrounded by a fairly large garden. The wooden bridge at the middle of
the late attracts visitors the most because they could feed the numerous
varieties of fish. Boating is another attraction of this place. Lotus in the
lake and the flower gardens add beauty to the Lake.
Lady Hydari Park: Lady Hydari Park could also be termed as
eco-eriendly Park in Shillong. It has variety of local flowering plants and
orchids. The small zoo inside the park attracts more people to visits since
there are no major zoos in Shillong. Swings, sea-saws and comfortable seating
places add joy to visitors especially to children. This Park which spread
around a kilometre is name after Lady Hydari, the first lady of the state, wife
of the Governor of Assam.
Shillong Peak: Visiting Shillong without visiting Shillong peak is
incomplete. Shillong peak gives a birds-eye-view of the entire city. Visiting
Shillong peak in the evening makes you feel as if you are seeing heaven on
earth. Shillong peak is 1965 meters above sea level. Shillong peak hosts to a
radar station for Indian Air force.
Elephant Falls: The rock which resembled an elephant at the side of
the falls made the British to name the fall as Elephant falls. On the way to
the falls there are shops that sell traditional handicrafts and various local
and non-local food items that attract and refresh tourists. The falls is
located in Upper Shillong area which also houses the Eastern Air Command of
Indian Airforce.
To visit
Shillong, a traveller can take an aeroplane, helicopter, or choose to travel by
road. Meghalaya is known as the ‘abode of clouds’ so at times aeroplane or
helicopter services are cancelled. People need to carry warm clothes and be
prepared to enjoy the winding roads to Shillong. Visit Shillong and enjoy the
tourist spots, music, food, fresh air and meet the always welcoming Khasi
people. Visiting Shillong will give you an idea about the entire North Eastern
states in India.http://ocdcorner.wordpress.com/2014/12/18/shillong-a-destination-you-shouldnt-miss/
