Shillong Hill Station Abode of Peace
Shillong Hill Station:
Shillong is one of the famous hill stations in India. There are many legends about the name ‘Shillong’, among them one is U Shylong a supernatural half-deity born of a virgin human mother. So from her name Shillong was originated. Still, some believe that Shillong Deity lived in a cave known as Krem Marai near Shillong Peak. In 1864 British Col. Henry founded this city. Henry Hopkinson. He thought that the place was very suitable for sanatoria and holiday home of the British civilians to escape the heat in the plains.
The military cantonment also established to observe in the entire North East areas for security purpose. The place also called as ‘Scotland of the East’. The place situated at a height of 5000 feet on the plateau of gentle hills. The greenery spread around the hilly areas and on its bosom lie several scenic waterfalls. Shillong spread with beautiful Ward’s Lake, the Lady Hydari Park with a mini zoo. The 18 holes Golf course, these all attract people from far and near.
Culture of Shillong Tribals:
The places spread mostly with the tribals. They celebrate their cultural activities on the auspicious days. Ka Pomblang, Nongkrem and the Nongkrem dances are performed by the tribes, these dances attract the tourists with great pleasure. Khasi festival is the mostly celebrating the festival in these areas. Behdiengkhlam is another festival which celebrates in July.
The attractive Places in Shillong:
Ward Lake:
This is an artificial lake, is situated near the Raj Bhawan. This is in the shape of a horse shoe and has a beautiful bridge over it and set in a landscaped Botanical Garden. Boating in this lake makes the visitors very memorable activity.
Lady Hydari Park:
Lady Hydari Park is very near to Ward lake, It is well laid out with its Mini Zoo. This park is designed like a Japanese garden.
Butterfly Museum:
Here Butterfly Museum has a great reputation in India. The scientists breed butterflies as a conservation measure and for commercial use. We can see many varieties of the Butterflies, which brought from India and abroad.
Bara Bazaar:
Here we can find much variety of objects in bright colors. The tribal people around this area come to buy and sell vegetables, spices, pots, baskets and even bows and narrows. The tribal costumes in bright color attract the spectators and tourists.
Shillong Peak:
Shillong Peak has situated about 10 km away from the main city. This peak rises to 1960 m. Here the tribal people believe that this Peak is the ‘Abode of the Gods’. From here we can see excellent views of Landscapes and green belts around it. The places are under the Air Force at present. Before we are going to visit this place, they enter our names and addresses in a book.
Elephant Falls
These waterfalls are situated about 12 km away from the city. It is a very beautiful spot with two high falls, surrounded by fern covered rocks. The mountain stream may dry up between November and May.
Golf Club:
Golf Club is another attraction place and has 18 hole golf course where the competitions also held. The courses always wettest and most beautiful place in the world.
Climate: The climate of Shillong is very pleasant and pollution-free area. In the summer the temperature never exceeds 23 degree Celsius and in winters the temperature varies from 4 degree Celsius. October-November and March-April are the best months to visit this place.
How to Reach:
By Air: Shillong airport at Umroi connects to only Kolkata. Guwahati airport is 100 km away from Shillong. This airport is well connected to many major cities in India. Delhi and Kolkata are the international airports to Guwahati.
By Train : Nearest rail way junction to Shillong is Guwahati, the distance is 100 km only. The Paltan Bazaar Railway Station in Guwahati is a major railway junction and was connected with all the major railheads of India.
By Bus : Shillong is connected to the major city of Guwahati. There are regular bus services to Shillong are available. The State Road Transport and private operators are running the bus services to major cities of Meghalaya and other Neighboring states.
We can find the delicious dishes in this area. Mostly Chinese and Tibetan foods are very popular. The Christian population is very more so the restaurants serve most beef and pork. Cleanness is not properly maintained in small hotels.
4 Star Hotels in Shillong:
Hotel Polo Towers Address : Polo Grounds City : Shillong State : Meghalaya Pin Code : 793001 Phone No. : 0364-2222341, 2220002, 2222863 Fax No. : 0364-22220089 Email ID : enquiries@hotelpolotowers.com Website : www.hotelpolotowers.com Type : 4 Star Rooms in Hotel : 50 Maximum Room Rate : INR 14000 Minimum Room Rate : INR 4000 |
3 Star Hotels:
Hotel Pegasus Crown Address : Ward’s Lake Road, Police Bazar City : Shillong State : Meghalaya Pin Code : 793001 Phone No. : 0364-2220667, 9436304984 Email ID : pegasuscrown@yahoo.com Website : www.pegasuscrown.com Type : 3 Star Rooms in Hotel : 24 Maximum Room Rate : INR 4500 Minimum Room Rate : INR 3000 | Hotel Centre Point Address : Police Bazar,(Khyndailad) City : Shillong State : Meghalaya Pin Code : 793001 Phone No. : 0364-2220480, 2220272, 2225210, 2229839, 2504006 Fax No. : 0364-2220100 Email ID : bookings@shillongcentrepoint.com Website : www.shillongcentrepoint.com Type : 3 Star Rooms in Hotel : 32 Maximum Room Rate : INR 7000 Minimum Room Rate : INR 2400 |
Hotel Alpine Continental Address : Police Bazar, Thana/Quinton Road City : Shillong State : Meghalaya Pin Code : 793001 Phone No. : 0364-2220991-5, 2223617 Fax No. : 0364-2220996 Email ID : alpineshillong@hotmail.com Website : www.alpinecontinental.com Type : 3 Star Rooms in Hotel : 24 Maximum Room Rate : INR 4600 Minimum Room Rate : INR 2300 |