Shillong Travel Information

Shillong, the capital of the 21st State of the Indian Union - Meghalaya derives its name from the manifestation of the creator called U Shylong.

Situated at a height of 5,000 feet on a plateau of gentle hills, there is a striking similarity between the mountain scenery of the Khasi Hills and those of Scottish Highlands. The city has been aptly named as the Scotland of the East. One of India's premier hill stations, Shillong enjoys a bracing climate throughout the year. Free from population, dotted with gardens and surrounded by pine groves, Shillong is the ideal destination for both short, exhilarating visits or long and leisurely holidays, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The city is one of the few hill stations with motorable roads all round. It has an abundance of natural scenic beauty and serves as an ideal holiday resort throughout the year.

Shillong is connected by a good arterial road with the rest of the country through Assam. The nearest rail-head (104 kms) being Guwahati. An Airbus / Boeing whisks a tourist from Calcutta to Guwahat in an hour's time. Regular flights are also available from Delhi. Various forms of transportation are available from Guwahati Airport to Shillong.

The Road (NH 37) runs through awesome scenery, cliffs on the right and gorges on the left, together with murmuring rivulets, swift-flowing streams and gurgling waterfalls. The journey is an exciting and refreshing experience, especially as one approaches Umiam Lake-a massive expanse of captive water nestled among pine-clad hills.

The Meghalaya Transport Corporation, Assam Transport Corporation and a number of Private Tourist Busesply hourly service, between Guwahati and Shillong. The distance is covered in just over 3 hours. In addition, private tourist taxis, Sumos, and Maruti Vans are also available. All these forms of transportation start from just outside the Guwahati Railway Station.