Northeast Diaries E04 : Shillong – Scotland of the East

Home to the indigenous Khasi people, the state capital of Meghalaya is a multicultural hub along with its picturesque beauty and the salubrious climate. Also known as Scotland of the East, Shillong has an abundance of waterfalls, lakes, coniferous forests and mountains. The city still retains the lifestyle of the colonial British mainly in terms of architecture.

Also profoundly nicknamed as the rock capital of India, Shillong hosts a number of western rock events attracting many die-hard fans of the western cultural from its neighboring northeastern states and also from the rest of the country. With foreign tourists staying as guests the whole year long, Shillong gives you a snapshots of memories as you start exploring the local architecture, indigenous people, bazaars and the traditional dances of the folks.

One of the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunjee is just some 60Kms away from Shillong. Having rainfall throughout the year you are very much assured of witnessing a pristine beauty. Cherrapunjee holds the record of receiving the maximum rainfall in a year (1860 – 61) and also for receiving the maximum rainfall in a single month (July, 1861).

Excluding the aesthetic hotspots and the stunning glimpses of the nature, the city of Shillong will inject you with the enthralling milieu of rock music. With the advent of the nationwide craze for Western music, Shillong annually hosts innumerable rock and cultural events whose counting beats all the odds in the whole of India. Artists both local and foreign sets the stage ablaze with their electrifying performances whose tunes shall whisper in your ears even after days of many decades. The artistic society from this region has been exceptionally applauded by the global community. The popular threads bears the name of – Lou Majaw, Shillong Chamber Choir, Afflatus and Soulmate. Trending events in Shillong are the – Bacardi NH Weekender and the Annual Autumn Festival.

Having a perfect blend of unparalleled landscapes Shillong gives you a number of experiences which you shall cherish forever. In this land of cloud and sunshine make sure you keep you travel plans very flexible. The hide and seek of the rains and sunbeam shall show you some unannounced and unforeseen events of climate.

The traditional Black & Yellow Mini cabs plying in the busy streets of Shillong adds more to the decoration of the city.

Here the picks you shall look out for during your stay at Shillong –

• Shillong Cathedral

Located at the heart of the Shillong city, the cathedral of Mary Help is the seat of the Bishop of Shillong. It caters one of the largest crowds in the Asian continent during its mass prayers and in the festive season of Christmas.

• Police Bazar

Always busy in the hustle and bustles, the Police Bazar is one of the popular attractions in Shillong. The streets in and around the Centre Point Mall of Police Bazaar sees a huge crowd throughout the stretch of the working hour of the day. And when it comes to a weekend date or any festive season, you shall find hardly any space to step foot on the roads.

• Mawlynnong Village

Having the honor of being Asia’s cleanest village, here you shall see the literal meaning of ‘cleanliness’. Very much sticking with the quote of Cleanliness is next to godliness, the residents of this village ensures and relies upon themselves that the village and its surroundings is kept clean all the time.

• Shillong Peak

Letting you experience the breathtaking eagle view of the whole Shillong city, this vantage point is parallel stunning during the night hours. An ideal spot for family and the travelling groups, the Shillong peak offers you a perfect spot for picnics.

• Elephant Falls

Getting its name from a large elephant–shaped rock that sat over the place and got destroyed during a severe earthquake, the Elephant falls lets you have an awe-inspiring moment of appreciating the nature.

• Barapani Lake

Barapani or the Umiam Lake of Shillong is a getaway when you are travelling to Shillong. While travelling from Guwahati to the city of Shillong, do stop by this place. With its variedness of fishes and the blue water the lake expresses the zeal to observe the scenery. Covered with the evergreen coniferous trees the lake is indeed a special stopover during your travel towards Shillong.

The food joints here are an icing to your hunger. Try out the momos, pork ribs, hotdogs, chicken steaks and the Shillong special noodles and khao-suey. Very much keen in serving you some of the best tastes, the cafes and the food stalls won’t disappoint an inch in satisfying your tummy. Having some pubs and clubs in the market area, you shall see a crowd of football-loving people and along with it some of the best names of alcohol beverages.

So when you step foot on this destination, make sure you enjoy the city who shall shower you with a refreshing bath. Climb up to the Shillong Peak to feel the panorama, take some strolls in the famous Shillong golf course and offer prayers with the local masses in the Shillong cathedral. And most importantly don’t forget to take away some ethnic memorabilia which shall keep the pages of your Shillong travel diaries refreshed forever.