Explore the enchanting hills of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, popularly known as the “Scotland of the East,” welcoming you to the steep hills, misty valleys and sparkling lakes. It is a paradise for travellers who want to dive deep into nature, mesmerising culture and exuberant adventure. Whether you are a nature lover or just want a break from your boring lifestyle. We will help you get a visual glimpse of what Shillong is all about.
Let’s dive in! For more insights!
Let’s dive in! For more insights!
Birth of Shillong: Ethnic Land to Hill Capital
Shillong shares a rich history of landscapes. It is a home to the Khasi tribes. Local chiefs previously ruled the area until the British captured it in the 19th century. The landscape and scenic beauty were so captivating to the British. This made Shillong the summer capital of Assam in 1874. After India’s independence, Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya on 21st January 1972.
Your Attractive Heading :
Shillong stretches its land across 64.36 sq km and sits at an elevation of 1,496 meters above sea level. It is encompassed by the East Khasi Hills and lies near the Bangladesh border.
Major Ethnic Groups and Languages of Shillong
Shillong is a cultural melting pot, but it is mainly dominated by the Khasi tribe. Another tribe included the Jaintia and Garo. Here’s a quick glimpse:
- Khasi: Known for their matrilineal society (women inherit family names and property)
- Jaintia: Famous for their vibrant festivals and limestone caves
- Garo: Skilled in bamboo crafts and weaving
Languages:
Khasi and Garo are dominant in these areas. At the same time, English and Hindi are used for communication.
Optimal Time to Visit Shillong
Shillong’s weather is quite pleasant year-round, but here’s a seasonal breakdown:
- March–June (spring/summer): Perfect for sightseeing (15°C–23°C).
- July-September (monsoon): Rain transforms the hill into a lush green paradise (ideal for photographers).
- October-February (winter): Chilly mornings (2°C-15°C), great for cosy stays and foggy landscapes.
Famous Tourist Attractions You can’t miss
Shillong has everything you need to get away from your hectic schedule. From breathtaking waterfalls to mesmerizing sunrises, you have it all:
A. Renowned Attractions
- Elephant Falls: A three-tiered waterfall surrounded by dense forest.
- Umiam Lake: A serene, man-made lake ideal for boating and picnics.
- Shillong Peak: The highest point in Meghalaya- offering an eagle’s-eye view of the city
- Don Bosco Museum: Delve into the Northeast Tribal culture and the indigenous tribes here
B. Hidden Gems
- Laitum Canyons: A breathtaking spot with a view of overlapping canyons.
- Mawphlang Sacred Forest: An ancient forest protected by tribal traditions.
- David Scott Trail: A historic trekking route for adventurers.
C. Local Cuisines you must try: Shillong gives a blend of flavours and tastes that you should not miss. Some of the top picks are
- Jadoh: Steaming red rice served with pork/chicken, which is a staple for the Khasi tribe.
- Tungryumbap: Fermented soybean curry with sticky rice.
- Nakham Bitchi—a tangy fish soup.
Best Places to Relish
Though there are a bunch of places where you can relish or grab a bite, there are some places you should step into –
- Cafe Shillong: Best continental food and live music.
- Trattoria: Authentic Khasi food at one stop.
- Local Markets: you can explore the market and find exotic fruits .
Lesser-Known Facts About Shillong
The locals know some things. but not you:
- Music Hub : Shillong is called the Rock Capital of India for its blend of live music tastes.
- Golfing Paradise: Shillong’s Golf Course shares Asia’s oldest natural golf courses.
- Living Root Bridges—It is one of a kind in the world, where roots entangled with each other form a walking bridge. A must-visit if you are in Shillong.
- Cleanest Village—Mawlynnong, a few miles away from the city dubbed the cleanest village in Asia.
Transportation
- By Air: The nearest airports are Guwahati and Umiam. From there, you can opt for a taxi or a bus.
- By Road—Shared taxis and buses connect the mainland with other cities.
Local Transport: Rent a bike or hire a cab to travel within the city.
Accommodation Options
Shillong provides you with budget-friendly options:
- Budget-friendly picks: Hostels like Backpacker’sCoop// Youth Hostel.
- Mid-Range: Ri-Kynjai Resort, Hotel Magnum.
- Luxury: Polo Orchids Resort.
Cultural Etiquette: Do’s And Don’ts
- Do: Ask permission before clicking pictures of locals
- Don’t: disrespect sacred forests or tribal tradition.
- Learn a phrase: Thank you (Khublei Shibun) will win smiles from locals!
Ethnic Festivals and Events
Plan your trip around these vibrant celebrations to closely examine the culture.
- Shad Suk Mysiem (April): A Khasi dance festival celebrating harvest.
- Nongkrem Dance (November): A 5-day festival with rituals and dances showcasing their ethnic culture.
- Cherry Blossom Festival: A one-of-a-kind festival celebrated in India to represent Japan’s festival to show the coming of autumn.
Travel tips for first-timers
- Pack light: Hilly terrain means a lot of walking
- Carry cash: ATMs are limited in remote areas.
Why Choose Shillong Nomads?
As ShillongNomads, we are passionate about unravelling the soul of Shillong—from the crowded Iewduh to the silent mountains of Laitlum. We want you to witness the beauty of hidden waterfalls, the diverse culture of Meghalaya, and the cosy homestays run by locals. To showcase their hospitality, we invite you to experience the varied festivals that bring the hills to life.
Final Takeaway
Shillong isn’t just a destination. It’s an emotion while sipping tea at a roadside shop. Trekking through the pine forest or dancing at the local festival. This land will leave you spellbound.
Stay tuned with ShillongNomads for more travel guides, stories and insider tips! Let’s explore Shillong together!