About Shillong
Shillong , the capital city of Meghalaya is also the district headquarters of East Khasi Hills district. Shillong , being a hill town is also a famous tourist hub of Northeast India. The city is known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. As according to belief the European settlers in the past were mesmerized by looking at the waterfalls and picturesque hills and landscapes of the city and that reminded them of Scotland.
History of Shillong
In the year 1864, the British made Shillong the civil station of the Khasi and the Jaintia hills. Due to this, Shillong has over the years grown in size and has become more significant. In 1874, when Assam became the Chief Commissioner’s Province, Shillong was made the headquarters of this new province due to its favorable location between the Brahmaputra and Surma valleys and its pleasant weather. Shillong then remained the capital of Assam until the new state of Meghalaya was formed on 21st January, 1972. After both these states were formed and divided, Shillong was made the capital of Meghalaya and Dispur was made the capital of Assam.As per the historical records, Shillong was also the Summer Capital of Eastern Bengal for several years and the picturesque hill station suffered huge destruction during the 1897 destruction. It was only after Meghalaya acquire statehood, Shillong served as the capital of the new administration.
Shillong Geography
Shillong is located at an altitude of 1496 meters above sea level and spreads across an area of 6436 sq kms, 55km from Mawsynram. This hill station is situated on the Shillong plateau and surrounded by hills on all sides. Shillong Peak is the highest point in Shillong with an altitude of 6449 feet.Click here to read more on geography of Shillong
Culture of Shillong
Shillong is one of the important city in northeast. The people of shilling are very passionate about dance and music. The important festival celebrated in Shillong are Christmas ,Shad Suk, Mynsiem Dance, Nongkrem Dance etc. Shillong restaurants offer you with multi-cuisine delicacies. The local stalls in Shillong offers its people with variety of local dishes like Jadoh, Jastem etc. Trattoria in Police Bazar and Neolith in Motphran, are the two famous restaurants where you can find local food. Some of the popular Chinese and Indian restaurants in Shillong include Yalana, La Galarie, Barbeque , Wok , Kimpao, etc.Shillong Tourism
Shillong is one of the famous tourist destinations in Northeast. The city is endowed with very beautiful natural scenery, waterfalls, architectural monuments and many beautiful villages. Some of the famous tourist spots in Shillong include Elephant Falls, Sweet Falls, Umiam Lake, Ward’s Lake. Apart from these, the city also has a beautiful Shillong View Point atop the Shillong Peak which gives a view of the whole Shillong town. Shillong also houses Mawsynram, the wettest place on Earth and Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia are as There are also other small villages across the town of Shillong. There are many religious centres, churches and cathedrals in Shillong.