Shilong
A city with a population of over half a million people is the
capital of Meghalaya and was the seat of the government of Assam during the
British Raj from 1874 until 1905.
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It is also
the centre-point located at an altitude of 1496 meters above sea level. Shillong,
which was made Assam's capital in 1874, remained so till January 1974, following
the formation of Meghalaya outside Assam. The capital city derives its name from
the manifestation of the creator called Shulong, born to a peasant girl, but he
bestowed the art of democratic governance and rule of justice in the formation
of the princely State of Shyllong (Hima Shyllong), which subsequently bifurcated
into Mylliem State and Khyrim State in 1830.
The
place, the peopleand the climate all combine to
create an atmosphere to make Shillong an ideal holiday resort throughout the
year. Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth is only 56 kms away from Shillong.
Places of Interest
Shillong Peak
An ideal picnic
spot, 10 kms. from the city, 1965 meters above sea level, offers a panoramic
view of the scenic country side, and is also the highest point in the State.
Obeisance is paid to U Shulong at the sanctum sanctorum at the peak's summit
every springtime, by the religious priest of Mylliem State. In the evening the
city lights below appear like a star-studded abyss.
Cherrapunjee (Sohra)
56 kms from
Shillong, situated in one of the rainiest rain-belt in the world,
1,300 meters above sea level. A pleasant drive to see roaring water falls
leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang falls. The lovely
town is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. Centre of Khasi
culture and literature, it also has the oldest Presbyterian Church and also an
establishment of the Ramakrishna Mission.
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Sohpetbneng Peak
1,343 meter, 20 kms
from Shillong, regarded as sacred by the Hynniewtrep people, is set amidst a
beautiful scenic view against the backdrop of a sacred forest. This 'Navel of
Heaven' as per Khasi mythology is a heavenly peak which offers to fill the
spiritual void and emptiness, to those who seek and desire solace and peace of
mind.
Ward's
Lake
Located in the heart of the city, popular
for short garden walks and boating, celebrated its centenary recently.
Umiam
Lake
Umiam Khwan (Barapani), 17 kms from
Shillong, offers water sports facilities including sailing, water skiing, water
scooter The Orchid Lake Resort and the adjacent Lum Nehru Park is an ideal quiet
holiday resort.
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Botanical
Garden
A secluded but
captivating spot with plethora of indigenous and exotic plants and is located
just below the Ward's Lake.
Lady
Hydari Park
A popular charming tourist draw, the
adjacent mini zoo is an added attraction.
Golf
Course
The third oldest golf course in India.
Developed in 1889 as a nine hole course, was later converted to 18 holes in 1924
by Captain Jackson and C. R. Rhodes. It is termed as the 'Gleneagle of the East'
at the United States Golf Association Library and Museum.
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Cathedral
of Mary Help of Christian
At Laitumkhrah, it attracts devotees and visitors alike.
Bishop
and Beadon Falls
Both cascade down
the same escarpment into a deep valley, the mass of water dissolving into misty
sparks.
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.
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Mawsynram
56 kms from
Shillong and is known for the giant stalagmite formation shaped into a
Shivalinga, called locally as 'Mawjymbuin'.
Jakrem
64 kms from
Shillong, a popular health resort having hot-springs of sulphur water, believed
to have curative medicinal properties.
Ranikor
140 kms from
Shillong, is a scenic spot and an angler's paradise of carp and mahseers.
Dawki
96 kms from
Shillong, is a border town, where one can have a glimpse of the neighbouring
country of Bangladesh. The colourful annual boat race during spring at the Umgot
river is an added attraction.
Mairang
40 kms from
Shillong, capital of Nongkhlaw states. Home of the legendary U Tirot Sing Syiem
(Raja of Nongkhlaw), who spear-headed a war against the British invaders to
defend the territorial integrity and cultural identity of the Hynniewtrep
people. He raised the battle cry on April 4, 1829, but was finally captured and
died in captivity in Dhaka on July 17, 1835.
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