Population
132, 876 Languages English, Hindi, Khasi, Garo,
Assamese
Best time to visit October-November and
March-April STD Code 0364
INTRODUCTION
The
romantic city of Shillong is one of the important
tourist destinations in the northeast. It is often
referred to as the "Scotland of the East"
due to its striking similarity with the Scottish
highlands. The city derives its name from "Leishyllong"-the
Superpower or God who is believed to reside on
the Shillong peak, overlooking the city. Lying
in the cradle of the tall pine conifers and pineapple
shrubs, Shillong's undulating terrain is a constant
source of attraction for tourists from both home
and abroad. The Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes
add color to this hilly city.
LOCATION
The
capital of Meghalaya, Shillong lies on the eastern
part of the state. Perched at an altitude of 1,520
meters (4,990 feet) above sea level, the city
stretches for about 6 km on an elevated tract.
It is situated on a plateau bound on the north
by the Umiam gorge, on the northwest by the great
mass of the Diengiei Hills that rise up to a height
of 1,823 meters (6077 ft.) above sea level, and
on the northeast by the hills of the Assam valley.
The Umshyrpi and the Umkhra rivers, which finally
merge and form the Umiam River, water it. Shillong
is at distance of 104 km from Guwahati, 295 km
from Kaziranga, 578 km from Siliguri and 658 km
from Darjeeling. The climate is hot and humid
during summers. The monsoons arrive in June and
it rains almost until the end of August. It is
quite cold during winters.
HISTORY
Shillong
was a small village until 1864, when it became
the new civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia
hills. It remained the summer capital of Eastern
Bengal and Assam for many years. In 1874, on the
formation of Assam as a Chief Commissioner's Province,
it was chosen as the capital of the new administration.
An earthquake destroyed the city in 1897, necessitating
its complete rebuilding. In January 1972, Shillong
became the capital of the newly formed state of
Meghalaya.
WHERE
TO STAY
There
are numerous cheap hotels in the Police Bazaar
area and on GS Road. Hotel Pinewood (Ph. 223116),
built in the early 1900s, is a good place to stay.
The traditional Khasi delicacies include pig's
brains with ginger and fried rice flavored with
pig's blood.
