Shillong

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is also the headquarters of the East Khasi Hills district and is situated at an average altitude of 4,908 feet (1,496 m) above sea level, with the Shillong City highest point being Shillong Peak at 6,449 feet (1,966 m). In 1874, on the formation of Assam as a Chief Commissioner's Province, it was chosen as the headquarters of the new administration. Shillong remained the capital of undivided Assam until the creation of the new state of Meghalaya on January 21' 1972, when Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya and Assam moved its capital to Dispur in Guwahati. Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth is only 56 km away from Shillong.

FAMOUS TOURIST PLACES OF SHILLONG

Golf Link

Shillong has one of the largest golf courses in Asia which is also called Gleneagles of the East. It enjoys the rare distinction of being one of the few natural golf courses in Asia, set in a valley covered with pine and rhododendron trees.

Motphran

The "Stone of France", locally known as "Motphran" was erected in memory of the 26th Khasi Labour Corps who served under the British in France during World War I. It bears the words of the famous Latin poet Horace "Dulce et decorum est pro Patria Mori" which can be roughly translated into English as: "It is sweet and ﬁtting to die for one's country."

Shillong Peak

It is an ideal picnic spot, 10 km. from the city and at 1965 m above sea level, offers a panoramic view of the scenic countryside. It is also the highest point in the state and is a vantage point to watch the city at night.

Wards Lake

Known locally as Nan-Polok, it is an artiﬁcial lake with a sprawling garden and boating facility. Located right at the heart of Shillong, it is just the right spot in the heart of Shillong for a leisurely walk.

Williamson Sangma State Museum

It is an interesting place to be in to learn more ethnic tribal culture and traditions. This Govt museum is in the State Central Library complex.

Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji in Meghalaya has several reasons to claim. It is the second wettest place on the planet and the only place in India to receive rain throughout the year. The town of Cherrapunji is nestled in the East Khasi Hills about 50 km southwest of state capital Shillong. The town is also known as Sohra and Churra.

Cherrapunji, which means 'the land of oranges', is at an elevation of 4290 ft. One can see the plains of Bangladesh from the cliffs of Cherrapunji. Cherrapunji held the record for the wettest place on earth. However, Mawsynram, also in Meghalaya, holds the distinction of being the wettest place. Cherrapunji receives a staggering 11,777 mm of rainfall annually. Monsoon clouds that blow inland from the Bay of Bengal are stopped from moving further by the ridges of Cherrapunji. The town receives both southwest and northeast monsoon. Cherrapunji is also famous for its live bridges, a result of bio-engineering practiced by the locals. The bridges can bear 50 people at a time and are spectacular to watch.

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