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City and state capital of Meghalaya, India
Photo: Windrider24584 at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Shillong (shih-LAWNG), the capital of Meghalaya, is often called the Scotland of the East because of its rolling hills.
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There is a huge collection of different types of butterflies. Students of zoology will find them interesting. This place is also attractive for adults where they can see the natural beauty and play with the beautiful and colourful butterflies. This museum presents some of the finest and rarest species of butterflies.
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong which covers the Khasi and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya. The Cathedral is the principal place of worship of the over 300,000 Catholics of the Shillong Archdiocese which covers the Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills of Meghalaya. It is one of the most beautiful churches and is perched on a hill. It is located in the Laitumkhrah locality in Shillong. This Cathedral is named after Mary the mother of Jesus Christ. Besides being the pride of the Catholics of the region, the church has also become a great tourist attraction.
Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures
Run by the Salesian order of the Catholic Church, the Don Bosco Museum is a truly amazing repository of information on the entire North Eastern region, covering the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura. Located within the precincts of the Sacred Heart Church, Mawlai, the edifice is shaped like a spiral and its distinct form is discernible from quite some distance away. It has an amazing collection of attire, accoutrements, weapons, ornamentation and rare photographs. This is also the largest cultural museum in Asia. Fr Sebastian is the priest who has taken up the cause of preservation of art and culture with missionary zeal.
Shillong golf course is located at an altitude of around 5200 ft. This is the first golf course of India which has 18 holes in it. This place is like a dream come true for the putters. This golf course is so beautiful and located at the unique location that some time it is compared with the “Glen Eagle Course” of the UK.
The park has a variety of local flowering plants and orchids. It also has a small zoo within it. Children will like it as there are few swings, sea-saws, slips for them. It is a famous picnic spot for local population. This park is named after the Lady Hydari, the first lady of the state, wife of the Governor of Assam. This park has a mini zoo and a deer park, which is spread over more than one kilometre.
The official residence of the Governor of Meghalaya appointed by the President of India, formerly the Raj Bhavan. It was built in 1903 as the Government House, resembling a typical English country cottage. It was designed to be earthquake-proof.
India's only glass mosque, and one of the largest in the Northeast.
The highest point in the state of Meghalaya (1965 meters above sea level). There is a view-point where you can get breathtaking view of Shillong city. Peak is easily accessible from the Upper Shillong or Jowai Road. The city view during night is a scene to remember. It is host to a radar station for Indian Air Force and tourists are advised to declare their cameras while reaching view-point and not to take pictures of radar facilities.
A beautiful lake north of Shillong, which resembles the 'Lochs', or lakes of Scotland, and is a must-see for all tourists. This lake is man-made and is better known as 'Barapani' (big water) for its sheer size. It was created by damming the Umiam river in the early 1960s. There is a water sports complex with sports such as kayaking, water cycling, scooting and boating. There is a garden (Lum Nehru park) by the side water sports complex.
This horseshoe-shaped artificial lake is below the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s Residence). Boating facilities are available in the lake and surrounded by a fairly large garden. It has a wooden bridge at the middle. The winding walkway around the lake's periphery provides an enchanting experience of passing through flowerbeds and fairyland lighting with gradually undulating grounds, hemmed in by lush greens. Lots of lotus plants with leaves are there on either side of lake. One can find lots of colourful fishes (mostly grass carp) in the lake. A cafeteria is there to provide refreshment. A fountain dancing to the tunes of song is also there.
Located in Suna valley, these two are very beautiful falls. Suna is the home to wild animals such as deer, leopard, langurs, wild cats and numerous bird species.
It is in the Upper Shillong area which also houses the Eastern Air Command of Indian Airforce. The scenic fall is not continuous and more of collection of smaller falls. It has a footpath leading to bottom of the falls where it reaches a small lake. Its name "Elephant Falls" was given by the British, because there was a rock by the side of fall which resembled an elephant. The rock was destroyed in an earthquake.
Located in Happy Valley, it is a very steep fall. Extreme caution is advised as there are no barricades and rocks are nearly always slippery (due to rain or dew).
Polo Ground
A football stadium.
Vintage sweet shop in Shillong, famous for its jalebis.
Great food at reasonable prices.
A fast food joint and lodge.
Fantastic place for casual and fine dining with a tasty multicuisine menu.
Police bazar
This small but busy place in polica bazar serves some authentic south Indian dishes like idlis, dosas, and vada. Dosas are their favourite and are crispy and hot. They also serve some south Indian rice dishes.
Munchies Cafe Awesome location & outdoor eatery with parking space.Friendly setting for some truly good comfort food. Lively, chilled out atmosphere with music. Everything is simple, homemade & fresh.
Serves South-east Asian cuisine including traditional tribal food. Newly opened and offers an interesting menu including the Jaintia thali.
For all those who look for vegetarian food. Serves decent food, marwari thali priced at ₹40. Good food for veggies.
Place to get Khasi delicacies.
Matter of Taste
Matter of taste, MOT, is an amazing coffee shop which serves pastas, sandwiches and pizzas too. Irish coffee is a must try.
Swish Cafe is a favourite haunt of youngsters and anyone who wants a good cup of coffee and some tasty snacks. It's a cute little coffee shop with a lot of character!
Dylans is a popular cafe and a tribute to Bob Dylan.
Also includes Kenmore Restaurant, which serves mouth-watering food from Chinese, Indian and other cuisines.
GS road Police bazar
Laimukhra.
MG Road,
Polo Road,
Rather run-down institution run by the government of India. Obvious choice for budget traveler, but do not expect to meet up with international backpackers. Instead, figure on sharing a room with 15 or more Indian people.
3 star.
Shillong`s only 4-star hotel.
very resort-like.
Clean and comfortable B&B with friendly, helpful owner located in quiet residential area. They also have one dormitory for ₹300 per person.
One of the few luxury hotels in North-Eastern India.
By plane
Guwahati (GAU, 104 km from Shillong) is the nearest international airport, with flights from Bangkok.
By bus
The main interstate bus stand is located right next to Guwahati railway station.
By car
Shared taxis are quite easily available from Paltan Bazar area, which is adjacent to the railway station in Guwahati.
By train
There are no rail lines in Meghalaya. The nearest railway station is Guwahati, 105 km away (~4 hours via taxi, 500 rupees). Guwahati is very well connected with all major cities of India.
By bus
For places within city limits, city buses are good options. There are two kinds of buses that pass from Shillong - City bus and Bazar bus.
By taxi
Black and yellow unmetered shared taxis ply within city limits. These are faster and are always shared; rates may vary from ₹20 to ₹50.
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Shillong · Regional · SHL
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