You'd expect a travel writer to suggest hill-stations in blazing summer, not in the monsoon. But then, Shillong is unlike all the others. As capital of Meghalaya – India's rainiest state – it is best experienced yet.
The Shillong area is all hills and vales, covered by heatherand fir trees. If you're reminded of Scotland, you're right – Shillong iscalled the Scotland of the East. It is the home of the Khasis – one of India'sbest educated and civil communities, much like the Goans. Getting to Shillongis relatively easy. Flights or trains from most Indian metros will take you toGuwahati, from where taxis will get you directly to Shillong. If you preferbackpacking, you can try the rickety state buses.
Shillong is quite the tourist trap (much like Goa again), soit has much in common with other Indian hill-stations. It has a boating lake(Ward Lake), children's park cum mini-zoo (Lady Hydari Park), botanical park,native bazaar (Iewduh) and numerous 'points' from where to see the neighbouringhills. Ideal for a family vacation.
Shillong has a lot ofbars and discos, and many Kolkata and Guwahati folk go there for adrinks-and-wild-frolic weekend party. (Not unlike Bombayites jetting it toGoa!) But like Goans, Shillongians are a neat and peace-loving people and don'tapprove of mindless frolicking.
I suggest you try a different itinerary like visiting thewaterfalls around the city, many of which are sacred to the Khasis. At ElephantFalls, you'll see a unique three-step waterfall but do not bathe there orlitter the place (the fines are quite stiff). Shillong is surrounded by organicfarms, where you can buy veggies like carrots, potatoes and chow-chow. Walkalong the streets and there's lots of local shopping to do – Meghalaya's owntea (with a unique flavour), traditional and modern clothing, handicrafts,spices and a lot more.
Being the North-East's cultural capital, Shillong has manymuseums. The Meghalaya State Museum has a good collection of ethnic weapons,utensils, fabrics of the Khasis, Garos and Jaintias. You can also visit the DonBosco Museum, which has exhibits from all North Eastern States. The RhinoMuseum chronicles the Bangladesh war of 1971; the Air Force Museum has acollection of old planes, photos, models, uniforms etc.
And finally, Shillong biggest USP - its several rock musicfestivals, that attract talent from around the world.
