Shilong Hill Station
Where the clouds kiss the sun Land of
pines and firs, a third of the state of Meghalaya is forest land. The people
belong to the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hill-tribes, each as attractive as the
other. A cheerful, music-loving people, there faces and zest for life add to
the charm of the region.
Shillong,
the capital, is often referred to as the "Scotland of the East",
in view of the similarity of the terrain. Situated at a height of 1500
meters, it is a beautiful hill resort set amidst hill and valleys, running
books and waterfalls. The pride of Shillong is its 18-hole golf course and
popular tournaments.
Meghalaya is literally the 'abode of clouds'
and Cherrapunji, the world's wettest spot, can be visited on an excursion
from Shillong.
WHAT TO SEE»
Ward Lake for boating.
» Lady Hydari Park,
gardens and waterfalls (Elephant Falls and others).
»
Bara Bazaar. Crowds of tribal people in there traditional dresses can be
seen here.
» Shillong Peak, 1960 meters high is
revered as the 'abode of the gods'.
» Shillong Golf
Course, one of the best in the region.
» Arunachal
Pradesh and Meghalaya State Museums.
EXCURSIONS
» Cherrapunji (56 km.), at the altitude of 1300 meters is the
wettest place in the world receiving 1140 cm. (450 ins.) of rainfall.
»
Mawphlang (24 km.), rich in botanic wealth, especially orchids.
»
Jakrem Hot Spring (64 km.). Jowai (64 km.) in the Jaintia Hills with
excursions beyond to Thadlaskein Lake, Nartiang Garampani etc.
»
Guwahati (104 km.), the gateway to Assam and the state of the
north-east. It is a city surrounded by hills. Once the ancient city of
Pragjyotishpur, "the light of the east", it is an important place
of pilgrimage.
» Kaziranga Game Sanctuary (294 km.),
home of the one-horned rhino. All animals and birds here can be seen from
tree-houses.
SOME
OTHER PLACES IN EASTERN REGION» Kohima in Nagaland,
where the Japanese army was halted in their invasion of India. Famous for
its tribal culture and villages.
» Imphal, the
ancient capital of Manipur, rich in dance (of classical Manipuri style),
colourful festival, handlooms and handicrafts.
» Aizawl
(in Mizoram), a hill station. Crisscrossed with ridges and valley,
Mizoram has great natural beauty.
» Agartala (in
Tripura) and its environs, rich in scenic beauty and old monuments.
FESTIVALS
OF SPECIAL LOCAL INTEREST» Shad-suk-Mynsiem
(April). This "Dance of the joyful" held at Shillong, is a time
for dancing and merry-making.
» Behdeinklam
(June-July). It is a festival of the farmer, but spreads goodwill to all.
For four days there is continuous music, dancing and revelry (Held at Jowai
64).
» Nong Krem Dance (June-July), when sacrifices
are made to ancestors and to the deity. Dancers were their dresses and
jewellery.
» Wangala Harvest festival (November-December),
also known as the Dance of the Hundred Drums. Held in the Garo Hill, 11 km.
from Tura.
SPORTSGolf Tournaments in the
season.
Bull fight are held at Mawsynram, 56 km. from Shillong, after
the Bahdeinklam festival.
SHOPPINGThe
Jainsem (dress of the Khasi women) suitable for the western wear,
bamboo-work, rare butterflies pressed in glasses, Chinese shoes, bamboo and
rattan handicrafts are some of the good buys.
