Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, India. It is also the district headquarter of East Khasi Hills District and is situated at an altitude of 4,908ft (1,496 m) above sea level.It used to be the capital of Assam from 1874 to 1972. Shillong is located at an altitude of 1496 meters above sea level in the hills of eastern sub-Himalayas. The name “Shillong” was derived from “Leishyllong”, the Superpower or God. Shillong is described as 'Scotland of the East'. This beautiful hill station is compared with Scotland like the way Kashmir is compared with Switzerland. This hill station is connected by a long road in between high hills and deep elevations with the rest of the country through Guwahati, Silchar and Garo Hills.
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.
The city is one of the few hill stations with motorable roads all around. Shillong has no rail lines. There is a small airport at Umroi, around 25 miles (40 km) from Shillong. The tourist towns of Cherrapunjee (around 40 miles, or 70 km) and Umiam lake (around 20 miles, or 35 km) are close to the city. Shillong is also the headquarters of the North Eastern Council, the Eastern Air Command of Indian Air Force, the Assam Rifles, the Assam Regimental Centre and 101 Area. The main university is the North Eastern Hill University with campuses in Mizoram and Nagaland. A bench of the Guwahati High Court has been set up in Shillong. Shillong is a major education center in north eastern India.
Shillong has one of the largest golf courses (the world's wettest) in Asia and the golf course is called "Glen Eagle of the East". Guru Rabindranath Tagore wrote his famous play "Shesher Kobita" (the last poem) when he was in Shillong.
Khasis are the main local people here. They are simple, innocent and straightforward .
Shillong is a female dominated society.
Women earn here in different professions like selling fishes and vegetables to clothes and accessories also in wine shops.
Shillong celebrates Durga Puja and Christmas together with high enthusiasm and great belief.
This peak(top of the hill) gives the top view of the city. This is 1965 meters above the sea level and about 10 km from the city itself.
Ward’s lake:
A beautiful lake covered with different flowers, plants and trees. Ward’s lake, enjoy with feeding the colourful fishes .
Boating is the added attraction here. There is a beautiful garden jest nearby, which is called as The Botanical Garden.
As the name suggests, various trees and plants complement it to give a pleasant feeling.
Lady Hydari Park:
A beautiful rose garden is named after the wife of an Ex-Governor of Shillong , Lady Hydari Park.
A mini zoo with deers will be enjoyable for every one.
Waterfalls:
There are different waterfalls in and around this small and beautiful hill station.
Bishop and Beadon falls, Elephanta Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls (very near to Lady Hydari Park) etc.
Shillong is rich in having caves, too. the way from one side to another of the caves is challenging, exciting and enjoyable.
Golf club:
Shillong is famous for having the biggest natural Golf course of Asia. The greenery of this place is hard to find anywhere else.