India | Meghalaya

Shillong

Capital City of Meghalaya



Shillong, Meghalaya’s capital and also the district headquarters of East Khasi Hills District, lies on the eastern part of the state. Situated on a plateau at an altitude of 1,520 m above sea level, Shillong is bounded by Umiam gorge in the north, Diengiei Peak in the northwest, and the hills of the Assam valley in the northeast. The people speak English, Hindi, Khasi, Garo, and Assamese. June to August is the rainy season at this place. Summer is hot and humid.

The city derived its name from 'Leishyllong', the 'Superpower' or 'God'. It is believed God dwells on the Shillong Peak over-looking the city. Shillong has many similarities with the Scottish highlands and hence the name ‘Scotland of the East'.

National Highway 44 connects Shillong with cities such as Guwahati and Silchar. 35 km from the city, at Umroi there is an airstrip suitable for small aircrafts. The nearest airport and railway station is at Guwahati in Assam.

Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, and New Year Day celebrations are the important festivals, although the festivals vary according to the tribes. Pig’s brain with ginger and fried rice flavored with pig’s blood is the most traditional Khasi delicacy.

Crinoline Falls, Gunner’s Falls, Spread Eagle Falls or Sati Falls, Sweet Falls, Elephant Gait, Elephant Falls, and Beadon Falls are the major water falls. Shillong features peaks such as Shillong Peak, Sohpetbneng Peak, Dingei Hill, and Dumpeep Peak. The Ward's Lake and Umiam or Barapani are the important lakes near the city. State Museum, Botanical Garden near Ward Lake, Golf Course, Lady Hydari Park, fruit garden, maintained by the Department of Agriculture, and beautiful churches are other attractions. Cherrapunji village, now called Sohra, made famous by the heavy rainfall it receives, is about 56 km from Shillong.



Updated on 7th June, 2005
District: East Khasi Hills

Auditoriums (1) Lakes and Glaciers (2) Post Offices (2)
Bus Stations (1) Libraries (1) Residential and Commercial Areas (1)
Churches (4) Lodges (1) Schools (2)
Clubs (1) Miscellaneous (1) Shopping (1)
Colleges and Research Institutions (2) Multi Cuisine Restaurants (1) Universities (1)
Fairs and Festivals (2) Museums and Archives (6) Waterfalls (2)
Hotels (21) Parks and Gardens (3)
 

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