Shillong – Meghalaya

posted by kunal

Sep 9, 2017 1859 0 0

Known for its exotic natural beauty is a beautiful hill station located in Meghalaya called Shillong. This hill station also happens to be the capital of Meghalaya. It is located in the East Khasi Hills district at an altitude of about 1,496 meters above sea level with the highest point being “Shillong Peak” at 1,966 meters. Such is the beauty of Shillong that it is commonly referred to as “Scotland of the East”. This magical hill station comprises of beautiful mysterious mountain peaks and magnificent lakes. The presence of a number of breath taking waterfalls only adds more beauty to Shillong. This hill station in Meghalaya is a truly endowed with natural beauty and, if you are nature lover then “Shillong” is certainly a destination then you need to visit.

How to reach Shillong?

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Shillong Map

By train:

The closest railway station to Shillong is in Guwahati. The Guwahati Railway Station is well connected to most of the major destinations in India. Taxi services to Shillong are available from the Guwahati Railway Station. The other option is the Paltan Bazaar Railway Station on the North East Frontier Railway route.

By road:

Many State Road Transport Public buses, as well as private tourist buses, operate from Guwahati to Shillong. Guwahati and Cherrapunji are starting points located in close proximity to Shillong.

a. How to reach Shillong from Guwahati : The shortest route to reach Shillong from Guwahati is via NH6 as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.

b. How to reach Shillong from Cherrapunji : There fastest route from Cherrapunji to Shillong is via SH 5 and the route map is depicted above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.

By flight:

Shillong has its own airport in Umroi but it is only connected to Kolkata. So the closest major airport is in Guwahati. Taxi services to Shillong are provided from Guwahati airport.

Climate and the best time to visit Shillong

Shillong is not only known for its natural beauty but for its climate too which is usually pleasant throughout the year. The temperature during the summer months starting from March and which can extend up to June ranges from 15 degrees to 24 degrees. The rainfall received during monsoons (June to September) range from average to heavy along with heavy winds. Winter season that begins in November and ends in February is exceptionally cold and the temperature can drop to 2 degrees creating an extremely romantic environment and ideal for a newly married couple. The best time to visit this scenic hill station is from September to May.

Places To Visit Around Shillong

Sweet Falls: Located close to Happy Valley, it is a spectacular 96 meters waterfall that are a real treat for the eyes.

Shillong peak: Located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, it is the highest point in the whole of Meghalaya. It offers a splendid view of the city and serves as a good picnic spot. The night view from this point is simply brilliant and must be witnessed firsthand to believe.

Elephant Falls: Located in the outskirts, this waterfall is unique due to the fact that this is a three tier waterfall.

Entomological Museum (Butterfly Museum): It is a private museum that is supposed to be the only museum in India dedicated to butterflies and moths.

Umiam Lake: It is situated in the north of Shillong. It is an artificial lake which is also referred to as the ‘Barapani’ (big water). There is a provision for water sports here. In close proximity to the water sports complex is the Lum Nehru Park.

Other places of tourist interest in close proximity to Shillong include-Herra punji, Sacred Forest, Mawsynram’s Giant Stalagmite formation that looks like a Shivalingathe Mawjymbuin Cave, hot-spring at Jakrem, and the Jaintia Hills that has a lake, a rock garden, and an ancient Goddess Durga temple.