Shillong – The Jewel of the North East

One of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in the northeast, Shillong is a traveler’s paradise. It is the capital of Meghalaya and the seat of the East Khasi Hills district. Situated at an altitude of 1,496 meters, Shillong spells beauty and charm. Its strategic location and mild climate make it one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. In fact all these qualities lead Shillong to become an administrative center. It is conveniently located between Brahmaputra and Surma Valley.

Shillong has always been at the center of the action. Even in the pre-independence era, the British made it the new civilian station of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in 1864. It was once the summer capital of Assam and East Bengal. Even in 1874, during the formation of Assam as the Chief Commissioner’s Province, Shillong was selected as the seat of the new administration. Today, more than two centuries later, Shillong remains a major landmark in the northeast.

Shillong is one of the few hill stations with good motorable roads all around. Shillong has no rail connection yet. Umroi, 30 km from Shillong, is a small airport and most flights to Umroi are only on certain days of the week. Guwahati is the nearest major airport and railway station. It takes approximately 3-4 hours of hilly road travel via NH-37 to reach Shillong.

Public and private transportation is available from Guwahati to reach Shillong. You can also rent or share a jeep to reach Shillong from Paltan Bazaar in Guwahati. A traveler can find a taxi service to Shillong that can charge Rs 110-170 per seat. The bus service is also available and is cheaper and more comfortable compared to the taxi ride. Guwahati is approximately 120 km from Shillong.

There are several interesting places to visit in and around Shillong. Chrrapunjee, 56 km from Shillong, is a must visit. It once held the title of the world’s wettest place on earth. Shillong Peak, 10 km away, is another tourist attraction around Shillong. Ward Lake, Umiam Lake, Botanical Garden, Golf Course, State Museum and Elephant Waterfalls are some of the places you can visit.