Shillong : A piece of Heaven on Earth

Ever heard the term "Scotland of East"? Within the extending Pine forests there lies a piece of paradise where the sunshine make hearts warmer, slowly blowing wind transform minds into heavenly calmness; it is Shillong, where stars falls at every single night. It is Shillong, where two skies rise every late night.

Shillong reminded the European settlers about Scotland. So she is locally popular as Scotland of the East. It is approximately 104 km away from Guwahati; the major metropolis of North East India. Once the Guwahati-Shillong journey happened to be a picturesque memory. However now extension of outskirt urban structure of both of the cities is a great hamper for such a refreshment searching journey. However instead of the threat of spreading urbanization Shillong is still a ideal holiday destination throughout the year. Visiting only the main city is not fruitful without experiencing the ornaments of nature around Shillong proper.

Though the nearest airport to Shillong is Umroi(Shillong) Airport (40 km) it is the best option to arrive first at Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport (129 km) at Guwahati due to the frequent inclement weather of Umroi Airport. From there cabs are available to Shillong for an journey of approximately 5 hours; which cost around 1500 Indian Rupees. The cab will drop you at Police Bazar; from where you can go to almost anywhere within and around Shillong. If  an accommodation point have been already chosen, with or without some extra bucks the driver will drop you there.

Within and around the city there lies a number of waterfalls as the holy guardians of Shillong. The major attraction is Elephant Falls. Local people referred this fall as ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew’ which means ‘Three Steps Waterfalls’. The British named it as Elephant falls because there was a elephant shaped rock near the left side of the fall till the earthquake of 1897. The fall is actually the compilation of a number of small falls and does not deluge down in a continuous column. Weitden or Sweet Falls; which is about at a 9 km distance from Shillong is regarded as one among the most beautiful falls; situated near Happy Valley. On the very outskirt of the city there is a waterfall which looks like a flying Eagle; locally known as ‘Umkaliar’ but popular as Spread Eagle Falls. Beadon and Bishop Falls, Gunner's Falls and Crinoline Falls are some other falls easily accessible from the urban hustle and bustle of Shillong; covered with majestic natural scenery. Crinoline Falls is more than a falls. The natural swimming pool is a added attraction to this falls. Tourists like me no doubt should have the utilization of the chance to swim within nature. Besides there is a restaurant to serve delicious foods and a small zoo to have the refreshment of a full day. The waterfalls of Shillong are also the home to innumerable wild animals such as wild cats, leopards, deer, colorful birds, langurs etc. During proper weather the eye catching view of these falls and magical orchids hypnotize visitors not to return from Shillong. Spring is the best season to visit the waterfalls.

Shillong Peak (6,433 Feet) is not only the highest geographical point of Shillong but also of Meghalaya. The peak is located approximately 9 km south to the city. This classical tourist hotspot is the best spot to have a heart throbbing visual experience of the entire city and scattered countryside. During day one can observe the mesmerizing botanical cum urban beauty whereas in night Shillong looks like a miracle dazzling with thousands stars from this peak.

Travelers with some more adventurous attitude can choose well known Marai Cave on Shillong-Jowai road to reach Shillong Peak.

Sohpetbneng (Navel of Heaven) Peak is located at the centre of the Shillong Pleatue. It is believed that a visit to the Sohpetbneng Peak grants answers to all the questions associated with the existence of the Universe to the visitor. This spot is a point of spiritual relaxation and frequently visited by the tourists. The peak is 20 km away from Shillong.

As there are rarely any dangerous animals in Shillong's thin forests, grassland and popular natural tourist spots; for adventurous visitors trekking exploration or forest camping can be a valuable experience. Laytlum Canyon is the best option to have a trekking beyond experience where its feels like walking on the last end of the world. David Scott Trail and Mawphlang along with its sacred forest are other thrilling areas for trekking near to the city.

Khasi Heritage Village which is located in Mawphlang deliver a glimpse of Khasi tradition, culture and practice at a very single spot. The village has shops, food stalls and picnic space with necessary modern amenities.

The romantic Lady Hydari Park (Designed like a Japanese Garden), Ward's Lake and adjacent Botanical Survey of India Orchidarium, Sohliya Strawberry Farm are some of the recommendation for natural refreshment.

The huge water body of Umium is a perfect destination for those who like skiing, boating and angling. Umium or Barapani is a artificial lake which is presently one among the most popular picnic spots of North East India.

A portion of the virgin nature of Shillong was transformed into a Golf Course by a Group of British civil servants in 1898. The Shillong Golf Course- "The Gleneagle of the East" is not only a scenic one but also one of the wettest, largest and toughest golf course of the world.

Apart from tourist hotspots of State Central Library and Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum, Wankhar Memorial Museum of Entomology (Butterfly Museum), Don Bosco Center for Indigenous Cultures and Chrysalis the Gallery a traditional traveler has a lot to see like Rhino Heritage Museum, Zoological Museum, Anthropological Museum, Arunachal Museum, Air Force Museum, Motphran, XSV Adventures Paintball Zone etc.

Police Bazar is the business hub of the entire state and people find almost everything in their shopping list. But it is ‘Lewduh’ or Bara Bazar, the largest street market of North East India which attracts majority of tourist due to the availability of verities of ethnic products; from local vegetable and forest herbs to traditional handloom and handicrafts.

The locality of Shillong has high sense of eating culture. Foods in Shillong are tasty but not cheaper though reasonable. Almost all the noteworthy restaurants of Shillong serve better quality coffee and milkshake at value for money. Eating in Shillong is fun, enjoyment as well as refreshment. Shillong is also a heaven for those who like more alcohol at less price. Street food stalls in Bara Bazar offers real Khasi foods along with other varieties.

Shillong will make you experience and explore a piece of heaven on Earth definitely.

By Arijit Baruah
Edited By Pradyut Pawan Gogoi
Photography By Pradyut Pawan Gogoi and Madhu Manjuri Gohain