As we planned our trip, people kept telling us, "There is nothing much to do in Shillong". On the other hand, friends who had studied at the North-East Hill University or had family there kept on insisting that it was one of the most beautiful places in India. It was with these contrary impressions that we made our way to this hill-town. Let me say this for once and all to all the naysayers out there – Shillong is beautiful, period.
The hospitality and cheerfulness of the Khasi people is truly unparalleled (though, again, the North-Eastern states are famous for their welcoming embrace and I may not know what I am talking about). Three hours by road from Guwahati lies Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. The drive is justly famed as being very beautiful. Little shacks selli
+ more about ShillongAs we planned our trip, people kept telling us, "There is nothing much to do in Shillong". On the other hand, friends who had studied at the North-East Hill University or had family there kept on insisting that it was one of the most beautiful places in India. It was with these contrary impressions that we made our way to this hill-town. Let me say this for once and all to all the naysayers out there – Shillong is beautiful, period.
The hospitality and cheerfulness of the Khasi people is truly unparalleled (though, again, the North-Eastern states are famous for their welcoming embrace and I may not know what I am talking about). Three hours by road from Guwahati lies Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. The drive is justly famed as being very beautiful. Little shacks selling pineapples and local pickles line the highway and in the months of Feb-Mar you can bargain for their famous orange honey. During the monsoons, numerous waterfalls greet the visitor. The landscape changes dramatically from plains to verdant hills as you cross the Assam-Meghalaya border. As you drive by, the factory town of Jorabhat (one of the major transport hubs within the state of Meghalaya) soon gives way to tree-covered foothills.
The best way to ‘see’ Shillong is to take a walk. The town’s up and down byways lend themselves to a leisurely stroll. Just observe the fiercely well-dressed college students or the traditionally cloaked Khasi women pass you by purposefully. It provides good entertainment.
Ward’s Lake in the middle of the city invites you to sun-bathe and enjoy the Melody Fountain playing pop hits from the nineties. Shillong has numerous cathedrals and museums (most notable being the Museum of North-east Culture). The quaint town squares feature colonial era statues. For the more adventurous, a drive down to Cherrapunji (or Sohra) and Umiam Lake (Bada Paani) is just the thing.
The believers in retail therapy should head down to Police Bazaar and the Bada Bazaar (Iwe Dah market). Once in Shillong, try out the local jadoh or rice cooked with pork blood. The place is a meat lover’s delight with momo stalls and meat-selling shacks lining the lanes. You will see old ladies sitting in rows along the pavement selling the local paan or kwai. Be warned, the lime in it will sear your taste buds but it will be the best saada paan you would have ever eaten.
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