Shillong is the shining capital of Meghalaya and it is beautiful in so many words that will leave you spellbound. Located at a height of 1496 m, it is a heat relieving destination for people and people find it amazing to spend their summers here to save themselves from the scorching heat. Shillong is loved by people because of its picturesque landscapes and surroundings. The climate remains soothing all through the year making it favorable for visitors to come to Shillong. One can find Mylliem, Khyrim, Maharam, Langrim Tribes inhabiting in Shillong.
If you are planning of visiting Shillong, do so in the months of September to May. One can experience slight rainfall that adds to the mesmerizing beauty of the place. The beauty of Shillong is highest during monsoon season adding to the lush greenery and waterfalls and ponds providing panoramic scenarios. Shillong has wonderful waterfalls that are a contribution to the scenic beauty. The mountain peaks, crystal clear waterfalls, golf courses are some very reasons for people choosing Shillong as their holiday destination. Apart from the beauty, the wide culture and the jolly nature of people is to look out for. Shillong follows the western culture giving young vibes to youth as well as the elderly coming to Shillong. Shillong is also known as the music capital of India with prominent singers visiting Shillong ever Christmas and New year and also on special occasions. Music Events keep happening in Shillong making it a lively place to be.
Shillong was a small village until the Khasi and the Jaintia Tribes came here to settle turning it into a new civil station in the year 1864. In 1303, Shillong belonged to the territory of Muslims when Shah Jalal tried to conquer the local Rajas of the region. The first-ever recorded Assamese contract with the Catholics was done in 1627. This was possible when Stephen Cacella and John Cabral planning of visiting Kamrup and Goalpara while they were traveling to Tibet. In 1707, Ahom King Rudra Singh invaded Jaintiapur belong to the Khasi and Jaintia Tribes. The Khasi Tribe came to be known in the world by signing the contract with the British in 1765. The Khasi and Jaintia Tribes became popular in the rest of India as well. Not just the Hills, but the Khasis also invaded some Plains of Assam. The Khasi tribe can be still seen cultivating in those lands even today.
Limestone was famous in the Khasi Hills and they were sent to West Bengal to fulfill the demands of the Britishers. The birth of Shillong was when Capt. Rowlatt was asked to submit a map of the district by including its area, civilization, and cultivation and the height above sea level as no survey was conducted then. After passing on the map, he was asked to make Shillong the headquarter. Also, a small cottage was built there. It was confirmed by the British that Yeodo Valley would be preserved as a cantonment for the Sick European troops. Yeodo was later changed to the Shillong district in 1866. The old city of Shillong was the main water supply source with Crinoline Falls being they're in the South and Umkhrah Brook was located in the North. Col Hopkinson planned out ways of providing fresh drinking water and its storing which later came to be known as Hopkinson’s Tank. But the Great Earthquake of 1897 destroyed the tank and the stored water gushed and damaged the iron bridges which was connected to the Polo Ground on Umkhrah brook.
The culture of Shillong is vastly recognized with the people of Shillong well educated and they celebrate all of their festivals with togetherness. The people of Shillong are very friendly and calm natured. You are sure to enjoy a good time if you happen to sit near a person residing from Shillong. English is the main language spoken in Shillong and Hindi is also provided equal importance. The local people of Shillong use their regional languages as well like Khasi and Garo Language. Assamese is spoken in some parts of Shillong. Khasi is known to be their main language with Jaintia Language making way as second in the list. Christianity is the main religion of the people of Shillong. Three Fourth of the People of Shillong is Protestants while One-Fourth of them are Catholics. The people of Shillong celebrate Shad Suk Mynsiem with great enthusiasm and it is their main festival. Dancing is important in the festival and people of Shillong dance thanking God for everything that they have. April is the month of celebration of this festival. Shillong also has their journey in the field of music and art.
Shillong is widely popular because of their bamboo products and also Khasi Artefacts. Handicrafts are recognized mostly in Shillong and people come from different parts of the world to buy their handicrafts. Explore the markets by indulging in various handicraft products like furniture, wood carvings, thugi baskets, Tibetan shawls, pickle, forest honey, bamboo shoot and so many more. The Khasis are experts in weaving a special cane mat called Tlieng that shoppers are excited about buying. The Garo tribe weave Dakmanda is used in covering shirts, bedsheets, covers, etc. Their baskets are called Meghum Khoks. The pokerwork of the Khasi Tribes is simply amazing when they burn pointed rod red hot and make designs in bamboo with the same. Bamboo Fishing Traps are made especially by the Jaintia Tribe in Meghalaya.
Shillong mixes different flavors and elements of popular dishes to create authentic Meghalaya cuisine. Shillong is home to many delicious dishes like Tungtab which is a dish prepared from fermented dry fish. Shillong is also famous for its wide varieties of momos. Tarumbai and Dohneiiong are equally known in the region. Dohneiiong is made using local spices and also the main item in the dish is pork. Kyat is prepared using rice and is a refreshment beverage. Kwai is another refreshing element prepared using betel nuts. There are many restaurants in Shillong serving Tibetan and Chinese cuisine as well. The cost for two is about Rs. 400-2000.
Shillong has so many places of staying for all kinds of travelers. For the budget travelers, the hotels cost around Rs. 200-1200 with all basic amenities. When it comes to mid-range travelers, the cost would be around Rs. 500-2000 and the staff are welcoming and friendly. There are many guesthouses and homestays in the region making it easy to find accommodation in Shillong. It takes around 5-6 days to visit Meghalaya and Shillong and if you want to cover the off beaten road as well, plan for at least 10-14 days.
Shillong is a true nature’s paradise rightly called “The Scotland of the East”. The place is filled with sheer serenity and greenery. Plan your trip soon to captivate your soul in Shillong!