Fall in Love With Nature in Shillong: The Scotland of the East

Ascertained in the North East of India, and embedded in a mountainous range, Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is a reminder of the turbulent aristocracy of Anglo-Burmese war and many other important events. However, apart from war memorials and museums, Shillong is Meghalaya’s most otherworldly destination cocooned-in fog, fluffy clouds and ridiculous natural beauty. It is a beautiful hill station that I highly endorse to travellers and eco-activists. Snugged down beneath steep hills, Shillong looks much as it did a thousand years back. 

Besides the wild streaming Umkhrah and Umshyrpi rivers, the city is mounted by slanting roof houses, clifftop nature trails and Nartiang, the tallest monoliths in the world. It is a backdrop that does India proud. In the town, Shillong thrives with a flourishing tribal scene, manicured parks, calm streets, musical traditions and amazing cuisine.

No matter where you choose to go, you will be chased by sapphire blue skylines and unique culture to lift your spirits higher. The cultural reverberations of this ‘abode of clouds,’ can be felt by taking a journey into its profoundly sculpted valleys, along steep mountainsides and through flower dotted pastures. The poetic landscapes will have you yearn, to surrender into those inviting off-beat corners of the hill station on a bicycle or in hiking boots.

Shillong

The staggering hills encompassing the town evoked the Scotland vibes, hence, the Brits named Shillong as the Scotland of the East. In the 18th-century, during British Raj, Shillong served as a civil station, administrative capital of Assam and the summer capital of Bengal. Meghalaya was built in 1969. Despite the expedited development, this enthralling northeastern hill station perseveres its tribal culture, traditions, temples, cuisines and lifestyle. During formation of Assam, Shillong became the HQ of the new administration because of its central location connecting the Brahmaputra and Surma valleys. Shillong continued to be the capital of undivided Assam until the origin of Meghalaya in 1972.

Shillong_views

Even today, Shillong retains its fascinating old-time charm and a mighty spirit of uniqueness and diversity. Although a fresh whiff of architectural air is sweeping across the city, drawing a delightful union of the modern and historic. Some of the most eye-catching icons in Shillong are Don Bosco Museum, Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Shillong Peak, Laitlum Canyons, Ward’s Lake, Mawsynram, Eagle Falls, Meghalaya Museum, Kyllang Rock, Khasi Hills and Police Bazar. Some of the souvenirs you can purchase in Shillong are bamboo artefacts, cane accessories, and cotton and silk textiles. The slender lanes of Police Bazaar offer a wonderfully rich touch of aesthetics.

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Shillong Food

Apart from the scenic charms, Shillong also has a fascinating cuisine that ensures the return of tourists. Even though Khasi and Jaintia cuisines take down a notch in Shillong, some of the other culinary influences take their inspiration after Assamese, Bengali and China. For an authentic culinary experience, visit one of the many reasonably priced food stalls in Police Bazaar or the city centre.

Some of the best dishes to eat in Shillong are; Momos, crispy Jalebis, Tungrymbai (fermented soybeans), Jadoh and Pukhlein (rice specialities), Dohneiiong and Dohkhlieh (pork dishes), Chowmein noodles, Smoked Meats, Pineapples and Betel Leaf. In this food lover’s paradise, you will be spoilt, for ample dining choices.

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