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::
E A S T I N D I A >
S H I L L O N G :: |
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Brief
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Tucked away
in the hills of eastern sub-Himalayas, this capital city of
Meghalaya, Shillong is a beautiful city and surrounded by
pine trees, virgin forests, high plateaus, tumbling waterfalls,
crystal clear rivers and meandering streamlets. When viewed,
veiled in clouds, it provides a welcome relief for the sore
eyes. This capital of Meghalaya derives its name from the
deity Shyllong or lei Shyllong, who is worshipped at the Shillong
Peak. It is dotted with neat Victorian Bungalows and little
churches and has a golf course, which is one of the best (and
also one of the wettest) in the country. |
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History
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Shillong
in Meghalaya was initially a part of Assam. After the Burmese
invasion in 1824, the British conquered it and annexed it
to British India, with Shillong as capital of Assam in 1874.
It remained so till January 1972, following the formation
of Meghalaya. |
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Culture
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Music, Crafts
and Costumes, Songs and Music all describe the cultural heritage
of this capital city. The Khasis and Jaintias are particularly
fond of songs praising the nature and also expressing love
for their land. Weaving is an ancient craft of the tribals
and be it weaving of cane or cloth, the Khasis are famous
for it. They also weave the material used for their costumes.
The Khasi ladies are a fond of dressing and indulge in extravagant
costumes and jewelery. |
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Climate
& Geographical Location - |
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Summer has
a pleasant and perfect climate while the winters have frosty
mornings but sunny days. Shillong is located at an altitude
of 1496 meters above sea level. |
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How
to Reach - |
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Shillong
in Meghalaya does not have an airfield of its own. By air,
the nearest airport is at Borjhar in Assam about 124 km from
Shillong. By rail, there are several trains, which are connected
with Guwahati; from major cities of India. By road, an excellent
National Highway - 40 connects Shillong to Guwahati and National
Highway - 44 connects Shillong to Silchar in Assam, Aizawl
in Mizoram and Agartala in Tripura. Day and night bus services
are available from Shillong to all major towns of Meghalaya
and also other capitals and important towns of Assam and North
Eastern States. Additionally, Helicopter Service is available
between Shillong to Guwahati and Tura on Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday and Friday. |
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: T O U R I S T P L A C
E S : |
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Wards
Lake - |
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Located in
the heart of the city, it is popular for short garden walks
and boating. A pleasant beauty spot, Wards Lake with its gradually
undulating grounds, hemmed in by lush greens, has a charming
winding walk-a-walk in the midst of rolling flowerbeds and
fairyland lighting. The 100 years old lake also has a strikingly
beautiful arched bridge. Boating is allowed on this lake. |
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Cherrapunjee
(Sohra) - |
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Better known
as Sohra, Cherrapunjee is known all over the world as the
rainiest place on the planet. A pleasant drive to see roaring
water falls leaping into deep gorges, including the famous
Nohsngithiang falls is certainly an ever-memorable visual
treat. The town now known as Sohra, and the village of Mawsynram
on a neighboring hill, it is also famous for its limestone
caves, orange, honey, a headquarter of the Syiem of Sohra
and a Centre of the Khasi Culture and literature. 12 Kms from
Cherrapunjee is situated a beautiful Park Thangkharang. Besides
housing a bird sanctuary, the spot commands an imposing almost
180 degree view of the plains of Bangladesh. The ideal time
to visit is during the monsoons when the gorges become resplendent
with several seasonal waterfalls. |
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Others
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CASCADE
COUNTRY - LAND OF SILVERY CASCADE - A captivating
uphill drive through the idyllic country scenario will take
you to the picturesque Elephant Waterfall - a real feast to
the eyes and mind amongst the colourful blooms of Rhododendron
and cheerful chirping of colorful birds. |
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GOLF
COURSE - Termed
as the Gleneagle of the East at the United States Golf Association
Library and Museum, it is the third oldest golf course in
India, with a unique look and natural surrounding. |
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MAIRANG
- Capital of Nongkhlaw state, Mairang is home
of the legendary U Tirot Sing Syiem (Raja of Nongkhlaw), who
spearheaded a war against the British invaders to defend the
territorial integrity and cultural identity of the Hynniewtrep
people. |
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MEGALITHIC REMNANTS - NARTIANG -
Nartiang was the summer capital of the Jaintia Kings, of Sutnga
State. Huge monoliths, form the striking landmark of the village,
said to be erected by Mar Phalyngki, a Goliath of yore. The
Nartiang menhir measures 27 feet 6 inches in thickness. |
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SHILLONG
PEAK - An ideal picnic spot, 1965 meters above
sea level, Shillong Peak Offers a Panormic view of the scenic
countryside and is also the highest point in the State. |
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SOHPETBNENG
PEAK - Regarded as sacred by the Hymiewtrep
people, Sohpetbneng Peak is set amidst a beautiful scenic
view against the backdrop of a sacred forest. |
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SYNTU
KSIAR - Syntu Ksiar, which means golden flower
is a vast pool of calm water, where the river Myntdu which
almost encircles Jowai, appears to come to a sudden halt. |
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THADLASKEIN
LAKE - According to legend this lake was dug
with the ends of bows by members of 290 clans of U Sajiar Niangli,
a rebel general of Jaintia Raja, to commemorate the great exodus
of the clans. |
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