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Best time to visit: October to November and March to May. Avoid the heavy monsoon showers (June-September).
STD Code: 0364
Population: 2.60 lakhs
Weather: In summer: 15°C to 24°C.
In winters: 4°C to 16°C.
Rainfall: 2,200 mm
About Shillong
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, one of the smaller states in India. It is also the district headquarters of East Khasi Hills District and is situated at an altitude of 4,908 ft (1,496 m) above sea level. The city has a population of approx. 260,000 according to the 2001 census. Shillong has steadily grown in size and significance in its own traditional way from a mere village as it used to be when it was made the new civil station of Khasi and Jaintia Hills in 1864 by British. It remained the summer capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam for many years. In 1874, on the formation of Assam as a Chief Commissioner's Province, it was chosen as the headquarters of the new administration because of its convenient location between the Brahmaputra and Surma Valley and more so because the climate of Shillong was much cooler than tropical India. Shillong remained the capital of undivided Assam until the creation of the new state of Meghalaya in January 21, 1972 when Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya and Assam moved its capital to Dispur.
The city, as the legend goes, has derived its name from Leishyllong, the Superpower or God, who is said to be dwelling on the Shillong Peak, 1965 metres above sea level, over-looking the city, the highest point of Meghalaya. Interesting Trivia: Shillong would have been called Iewduh but as Tokyo was called Ido in nineteenth century, the British decided to change Iewduh to Shillong.
Shillong is popularly described as "The Scotland of the East" and Shillong, its capital, has its own charm distinct from other hill stations. Shillong presents beautiful natural scenery dotted with a number of waterfalls, brooks and pine groves. It has an old world charm and is one of the biggest educational centers in the North East.
Tourist Places
The Central Museum It is at lachumiere, visit: 100 - 1600, monday to saturday except 2nd saturday and all government holidays. entry - free. it has ethnographic and ...more
For internal transport, Shillong has a large fleet of yellow and black taxis, which are regularly available. Share Taxis also run on fixed point-to-point basis and charge a flat rate. The State Transport Corporation covers a few routes while the Shillong City Bus Syndicate runs regular bus service. Mini buses are also available with same fare structure.
How to reach
By Air:
Borjhar Airport in Guwahati, Assam, is the nearest airport. You can get to Shillong in four hours from there in a hired taxi or a chartered bus.
By Rail:
There are no railway lines inside Meghalaya. The nearest railhead is Guwahati, 128 km from Shillong. Regular buses and taxis ply to Shillong. It takes about 4 hrs from Guwahati Railway Station to Shillong.
By Road:
The drive from Guwahati to Shillong takes 4 hours and Silchar to Shillong 9 hours. Roads are well maintained though narrow in certain parts. Guwahati is connected by National Highway 40 while Silchar is via National Highway 44.
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