Shillong
State capital — the Scotland of the East
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya at around 1,500 metres, was the British summer capital of the whole of Assam and the eastern region, and still carries a hill-station elegance of pine ridges, colonial churches, lakes and a famous golf course. The Khasi capital is the cultural and educational heart of the state and the undisputed music capital of the Northeast, a city of guitars, cafes and choirs.
It is also the administrative and commercial hub of Meghalaya and the base for almost every trip in the state — to Sohra (Cherrapunji), Dawki, Mawlynnong and the living root bridges. The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and a lively student culture keep it young and creative.
What it's known for
- The state capital and the region's live-music and cafe capital
- Education hub — NEHU and many well-known schools and colleges
- The base for all Meghalaya travel (Sohra, Dawki, Mawlynnong)
- The annual Cherry Blossom Festival each November
What to see in & around Shillong
See & do
- Ward's Lake, the Botanical Gardens and Don Bosco Museum
- Laitlum Canyons, Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls
- Police Bazar and the city's live-music cafes
- Umiam (Barapani) Lake just north of town
Getting there
About 3 hours by road from Guwahati; Umroi airport takes small aircraft, and a Guwahati–Shillong helicopter runs some days.