VISIT THE WORLD THRU THE EYES OF MAHESH AND DIVYA : Shillong – Scotland of East India (Part

Monday, July 7, 2014

Shillong – Scotland of East India (Part – I)

North East

1. Shillong - Part I
2. Shillong - Part - II
3. Cherrapunjee
4. Guwahati

We had been planning to visit Shillong & Cherrapunjee for the last one year, finally we decided to go in Dec.2009 but the program was preponed to September 2009 as just after the rain the greenery of the hills & the waterfalls were in their full swing.

Seven Sisiters & One Brother

The Seven Sisters of India are the seven relatively unexplored and isolated Indian states -Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh & Sikkim is smallest state and brother of seven sisters

Shillong is capital of Meghalaya. It is situated at the height of 1500 m above the sea level. It ia also known as the Scotland of east India. It. Shillong was a small village until 1864, when it became the new civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia hills. 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 capital of the new administration. An earthquake destroyed the city in 1897, necessitating its complete rebuilding. In January 1972, Shillong became the capital of the newly formed state of Meghalaya.

Shillong is subject to vagaries of the monsoon. The monsoons arrive in June and it rains almost until the end of August. The climate is hot and humid during summers but quite cold during winters. October-November and March-April are the best months to visit Shillong.

Shillong Attractions

• Shillong peak
• Elephant Fall
• Don Bosco Museum
• Ward’s Lake
• Butterfly Museum
• Lady Hydari Park
• Crinoline Fall
• Golf Course
• Sweet Fall
• Tripura Castle
• Bara Pani

Day 01 (Gurgaon – Delhi – Guwahati – Shillong)

We started our day at 8.00 am from our home Gurgaon to Delhi Airport as our flight was at 10.00 AM. Journey from home to airport was smooth except 10-15 mins. waiting time at Gurgaon Highway Toll.

Toll (Gurgaon - Delhi Highway)

Our Flight was from Delhi Airport Terminal – 1 D. After clearing all the formalities, we had 45 minutes in hand before boarding the flight hence both my daughters enjoyed the kids Zone.

Delhi Airport - Kid's Zone

Delhi Airpot (Kid's Zone)

Flight was on time, we reached Guwahati at 12.30 PM and departed for shillong by a taxi. On the way we had our lunch at Hotel Lotus – Guwahati.

Guwahati View - from Flight

Guwahati View from Flight

Guwahati - Shillong Road view

NH 40 connects Guwahati to shillong. It is about 3 hrs journey from Guwahati to Shillong. We reached shillong by 6.00 pm. On the way we halted at Bara Pani where we were welcomed by my wife’s sister & her husband. My wife’s brother in law is in army, he arranged boating for us in Bara Pani.

Bara Pani

Bara Pani is also known as Umiam Lake. It is a spot around 15 Km away from Shillong where a massive hydro-electric dam has been constructed across the Umiam river stream. The Lake is popular for the Water Sport and adventure facilities that it offers. Kayaking, Water cycling/ scooting and boating are a few of the facilities available at the Lake.

Bara Pani

Motor Boat - Bara Pani

After enjoying motor boat ride we left for the residence of my wife’s sister.

Bara Pani

Day -2 (Shillong)

In morning I woke up at 6.00 AM, sun was so bright. In North –East there is early Dawn & Dusk. After having the breakfast we left for Shillong Sight seeing.

Shillong View from relative's House

Shillong Peak – This is the highest point in the state. Shillong Peak is situated about 10 kms. away from which the city derives its name. This peak rises to 1960 m. It is referred as the ‘Abode of the Gods’ and offers excellent views. Since the area is at present under the Air Force, visitors have to stop at the barrier and enter their names and addresses in a book.On 16.02.07 , Our first Indian on the moon, Rakesh Sharma, inaugurated Shillong Peak Viewpoint located in Upper Shillong which gives you a bird’s eye view of the entire Shillong.

Shillong View from Shillong Peak

Khasi Gals :-) - Shillong Peak

Elephant Falls – It is situated about 12 kms. away from the city and is a short diversion from the road to Cherrapunji. It is a scenic spot with two high falls, surrounded by fern covered rocks. You can walk down to the lowest pool by wooden steps and bridges and get a good view.

Elephant fall

Elephant Fall - Ist Step

Elephant fall - Step II

Elephant Fall - Step -III

Air force Museum – It is open only for half day on Sunday. So we were not able to see inside the museum, decided to come again before leaving shillong.

Air Force Museum (Pilot- Mahesh Semwal :-)

Air Force Museum

Airforce Museum

Tripura Castle - We had our lunch in Tripura Castle, the interior of the hotel & food was amazing. Tripura Castle is spread over 9 acres of forest and is situated at one of the most serene and environmental friendly locales of Shillong . Tripura Castle was built in the early 1920’s by Maharaja Bir Bikram, who came to Shillong at the age of 10 for martial training. The Castle is built in Tripura style architecture unlike the British style.