SHILLONG

Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, one of the smallest states in India and home to the Khasis. Shillong is situated at an average altitude of 4,908 feet (1,496 m) above sea level, with the highest point being Shillong Peak at 6,449 feet (1,966 m).It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the European settlers of Scotland. Hence, Shillong is also known as Scotland of the East. Shillong has steadily grown in size and significance since it was made the civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in 1864 by the British. In 1874, on the formation of Assam as a Chief Commissioner's Province, it was chosen as the headquarters of the new administration because of its convenient location between the Brahmaputra and Surma valleys and more so because the climate of Shillong was much cooler than tropical India. Shillong remained the capital of undivided Assam until the creation of the new state of Meghalaya on January 21, 1972, when Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya and Assam moved its capital to Dispur in Guwahati.

Interesting to See at Shillong :

Umiam Lake – Barapani : Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani (Big Water) is a spot around 15 Km from Shillong where a massive hydro-electric dam has been constructed across the Umiam river stream. The Lake is popular for the Water Sport and adventure facilities.

Spread Eagle Falls : As we move towards the forests from the Polo ground at a distance approximately 3 Km the soothing setting between the calmness and tranquility of nature-  a flavor some treat to your eyes.

Botanical survey of India Orchadarium : The Botanical Garden in the vicinity of the enchanting Ward Lake specializes in preservation and research of various species of vegetation especially those related to the Meghalaya region

Wards Lake : The story goes like this. A Khasi prisoner, bored with the penitentiary routine requested the warden for some creative release by permitting him to create some construction over the Wards Lake. He was permitted to do so and what stands today is a marvelous site of the Wards Lake or Polok's Lake as the locals prefer to call it. This century old picturesque (horseshoe-shaped) artificial lake lying beneath the Raj Bhavan (Governor's Residence) is located at the heart of the city and is extremely popular for its garden walks and boating.\

Lady Hydari park and Zoo : Lady Hydari Park, owes its existence to the erstwhile nature loving first lady of the state, Lady Hydari the wife of Governor of Assam

Crinoline Falls : Located in the heart of the city adjacent to the Lady Hydari Park with its mini zoo. The Crinoline Falls cascading down the luxuriant woodland create a graceful waterfall.

Elephant Falls : 12 kms on the outskirts of the city the mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern-covered rocks.

Sweet Falls : Situated near Happy Valley, most suitable for a day's outing. This surely satisfy you and make your holiday most fulfilling.

Bishop and Beadon Falls : Both cascade down the same escarpment into a deep valley, the mass of water dissolving into misty sparks. The normal trends of Indian waterfalls do not apply to the unique waterfalls in Meghalaya. These waterfalls are almost always at their full glory and rarely dry up or become a trickle as is the case with rest of the waterfalls.

How to Reach :

By Air : The Guwahati Airport is the main Airport connect Shillong (128 km from Shillong) to the rest of India with regular flights. There is a small airport at Umroi, about 35 km from Shillong. Boeing Air Alliances Flights (50 seaters) operate on this route.

Helicopter Services : Helicopter Services are also be there from Guwahati to Shillong and Shillong to Guwahati daily except on Sunday.It takes 20 mins. to reach Shillong from Guwahati .

By Rail : The nearest railway station is Guwahati. It is 104 km from Shillong and very well connected with all major cities of India

By Road : National Highway 40, an all-weather road, connects Shillong with Guwahati. State's Transport Corporation and private transport operators have services to various places in Meghalaya and to neighbouring states.

Accommodation : “Eco Trails” deals with some of the best Hotel and Resort in Shillong. Shillong provides a delightful alternative in the form of its numerous tourist resorts and hotels. Depending on your budget you can chose Heritage, Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Standard Hotel. Many budget hotels are also have available offer in suites, deluxe/ semi-deluxe/ budget rooms and make you enjoy a reasonable and comfortable stay.

Food : You can choose your own Food Plan in your trip to Shillong. There are 04 optioned are available –

European Plan ( EP ) – Room Only Basis.

Continental Plan ( CP ) - Room including with Breakfast only basis.

Modified American Plan ( MAP ) – Room including with Breakfast and either Lunch or Dinner.

American Plan ( AP ) - Room including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 

Activities : Shillong Sight Seeing, Local Cultural Experience, Water Falls Visit, Caves Visit, Nature Walk, Bird Watching, Shopping Experience.  

Attraction : Umiam Lake,Spread Eagle Falls, Botanical survey of India Orchadarium,Wards Lake,Lady Hydari park and Zoo,Crinoline Falls, Elephant Falls,Sweet Falls,Bishop Falls,Beadon Falls,Nature Walk,Trekking,Bird Watching,Local Culture,Ethnic Food.