Shillong

Situated at a height of 1,500 meters above sea level, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. A fresh balmy air and a bracing climate makes Shillong a place for all seasons. The capital takes its name from that of a tribal deity 'Shulong' who is believed to reside on the Shillong Peak. The tribes of Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim trace their descent from Shillong. With rolling green slopes and extensive parks Shillong is also a proud possessor of one of the best 18 hole golf courses in the world.

ACCESS

Shillong is connected with Calcutta by air and Guwahati (104 km) is the nearest railhead from where one can take a bus/taxi. Shillong is also well-connected by road to other neighbouring states and cities.

PLACES OF INTEREST

The beautiful 18-hole Golf Course; the Shillong Peak which gives a panoramic view of the city with the snow-clad Himalayan peaks in the distance; the Wards Lake with facilities for boating. Adjacent to the lake is the Botanical Garden; Lady Hydari Park and the mini zoo within it are equally enjoyable for children too. The State Central Library Building and its museum are a treasure house of information about olden times and the lifestyles then. Lovely waterfalls abound in and around Shillong. To name some: Margaret Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Bishop Falls, Beadon Falls, Elephant Falls and Sweet Falls.

EXCURSIONS

Mawsynram: 56 km from Shillong, Mawsynram is famous for the giant stalagmite formations shaped like a shivalinga, locally called Mawjymbuin.

Jakrem :64 km from Shillong, the place is a popular health resort with hot springs of sulphur water believed to have curative powers.

Umiam Lake : the lake is 17 km from Shillong and offers water sports facilities including sailing, water scooter, and water skiing. There is the Orchid Lake Resort for accommodation to holidayers.

Elephant Falls is 12 km from Shillong.

Mairang - About 14 km from Shillong; is famous for the home of the Raja of Nongkhlaw who spearheaded a war against the British.

ACCOMMODATION

Orchid Hotel, Polo Road, Shillong - 793001. Phone: 24933. Cable: MEGTOURcOR. Telex: 0237-222 PIN.

Hotel Alpine Continental (3-star), Thana Road/Quinton Road, Shillong - 793 001. Phones: 220991 (5 lines), 223617. Cable: ALPOTEL. Fax: 0364-220996.

Pinewood Ashok, Shillong 793001. Phones: 23116, 23765. Cable: PINEWOOD/ Telex: 0237-222.

Hotel Polo Towers (3-star), Oakland Road, Polo Ground, shillong 793 001. Phones: 222340-341-342. Cable: POLO TOWERS. Fax: 0364-220090, 223708(PP).

Centre Point, Centre Point-heart of the town, Phones: 225210/220480. Fax: 227222, 225239.

Orchid Lake Resort, (Meghalaya Tourism) Umiam ( Barapani). Phones: 73258, 73296.

Shillong Club, Kachari Road. Phone: 225497.