“U Blei Shillong” God of Khasi tribe and from it Shillong derives it name, also known as Yeddo or Lewduh. A high elevated town, pine trees, well groomed gardens, centre of mesa and surrounded by hills. Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, also gateway to the state. It has tallest waterfalls, beautiful landscapes and blend of cultures. Shillong is also the educational hub for eastern states. Rich in harvest of fruits with pleasant weather it’s called abode of clouds. It has been awarded with so many names due to its pleasant and eco-friendly environment. It once served as the capital of Assam.

Luring limestone in khasi hills bought many invaders like, Europeans, The British, the French, the Portuguese, the Greek and the Americans. It was the Britishers who captured this region in their ruling tenure. During British regime Shillong was the capital of composite Assam. It was a civil of Khasis. David Scott, the British civil servant of East India company, was the agent of Governor-general north east. For trade benefits while connecting Assam to Sylhet path Passover Khasi and Jaintia hills. Khasi protested the intervention of Britishers on their land. Calling war, but British army was a strong opposition for small khasi tribe. But later due to resistance Britishers shifted their headquarters to Cherrapunji. Climate was a no match to Assam, hence they shifted to “Shillong”. Shillong remained capital of consolidated Assam until autonomous Meghalaya wasn’t formed. In 1972 Meghalaya was a full-fledged state. 

Inhabited by Khasi tribe, people are generally Christians. Interestingly in Khasi tradition mother is the head of the family and the youngest daughter inherits the family’s assets. It’s called matrilineal society. 

Festive celebrations in Shillong

• People in Shillong celebrate festivals with zeal and performing traditional dance forms. 
• NONVKREM DANCE is a festival where people pray to God for good harvest. Men and unmarried women perform dance shoes and they even sacrifice goat. It is celebrated in the month of November or October. 
• SHAD SUK MYNSIEM is a thanksgiving festival. Due to adaptation of Christian culture it is a prominent festival. Celebrated in April. 

Popular sports in Shillong

Shillong is a place for several sports. From adventures to adopting sports professionally, there are several sports you can indulge in. 

• FOOTBALL is the heart of this place. Three football clubs participate in I-league belongs to Shillong itself. Rangdajied United FC, Royal Wanhingdoh FC and Shillong Lajong FC, these three have home station at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. 
• ARCHERY is another famous sports in town. Even tourist can enjoy and try their hand on aiming. 
• GOLF is a prominent sport in Shillong. Having largest natural golf course in Asia. It is a sight for tourists as well. 
• WATER RAPPELING is an adventurous sports to move downwards from top of a mountain, with the help of a rope. 
• CAVE EXPLORATION is a unique adventure in this town. You are taken to a cave and treasure hunting expedites your heart beat. You also get to see how people lived survived livelihood. 
• CANOEING AND TREKKING are a bonus adventure on hilly places.

Local cuisine of Shillong 

Mix of veg and non-veg Shillong has its own speciality. Chowmein, Jadoh, Dohneiiong, Jungrymbai, Do-o-pura, momos. Are few local food delicacies. Police Bazaar and local city centre will give you food at nominal rates. Strawberries, raspberries and pineapples are three major fruits you will find with so many vvarieties

Shopping places in Shillong

• Police Bazaar is a place famous for shawls, stoles, woolen clothes and other ornaments. 
• Second Bara Bazaar is a food bazaar. With very narrow lanes and overcrowded this place is not for claustrophobics. You will find organic products and fruits just landing from farm. 

Places to visit in Shillong

• ELEPHANT FALLS: Three step waterfall is a tourist attraction and delightful places to visit in Shillong. Located in outskirts it has three layers of falls. First being broad but not visible, second being inconsequential and third fall is the tallest and looks splendid with crystal water falling over oodles of rocks.
• SHILLONG PEAK: It is the highest point in the state and bas a panoramic view.  Whole city is visible from this place. River umiam originates from here and flows through different parts of state. 
• LADY HYDARI PARK: Away from hustle and bustle of city life. A well-maintained park with a mini zoo to indulge kids in activities. This park is a famous picnic destination and kids favorite places to visit in Shillong and it is also called the lungs of Shillong. 
• MAWJYMBYUIN CAVES: Most extensively visited tourist grounds and top most places to visit in Shillong, this place is famous for its stalagmite formation.  It is in the shape of Lord Shiva, this type of formation is rarely seen in the world. 
• DON BOSCO CENTRE OF INDIGENOUS CULTURES: Providing you glimpse of seven sisters of Northeast. This seven storey building is a museum inhabiting artifacts and culture of the region. It is the most popular places to visit in Shillong.
• WARD’S LAKE: An artificial lake also known as Pollock lake or non Pollock, located in the center of the city, it is serene and peaceful. Boating and cherry blossom are two major activities and attraction of park. 
• MOTPHRAN: A monument dedicated to 26th Khasi labor corps who carried arms and ammunition for British soldiers during first world war. It is also known as “Monument of France”. Located in the city itself. 
• SHILLONG GOLF COURSE: Largest natural golf course in Asia it is as lush and sprawling as you can sight. It was built by Britishers. Immaculate and well maintained place in town. 

JOWAI, CHERAPUNJEE AND JAINTIYA HILLS are few nearby destinations in radius of 70 kms. All these serene and spellbinding places are must visit and can be included in itinerary. 

How to reach Shillong?

• AIRPORT: Umroi Airport located 30 kms away from the city, is the nearest airport. But no proper air connectivity and very fewer flights operate via here. 
• RAILWAY: There is no direct rail connectivity to Shillong. Nearest railway station is Guwahati. 
• ROADWAYS: NH-6, NH106, NH206 are National highways crossing Shillong. Roads are well maintained and connected to other northereast areas. 

Best time to visit Shillong

September to June is ideal time to visit Shillong. 

• SUMMER: Temprature ranging from 15°c to 25°c. (Pleasant and extremely enjoyable) 
• MONSOON: Temperature ranging from 12°c to 16°c ( Heavy downpours)
• WINTER: Temperature ranging from 2°c to 22°c (cold but tourist friendly)