The Scotland Of East (Shillong)
Shillong,a small town in the northeastern part of India and the capital of Meghalaya (which means”the abode of clouds”).The rolling hills around the town truly define its title of ‘The Scotland of East’ and everyone of Scotland.
The roads are well connected to Shillong which makes viable for everyone to reach there.There are two major national highways that connects to Shillong:
1. NH-40 (Connects to guwahati)
2.NH-44 (Connects to Tripura and Mizoram)
I traveled to Shillong via NH-40 through guwahati Shillong bypass which was a distance of 110 km via road.You can directly get local cab or uber taxis from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi international airport to Shillong police bazaar but it will cost you a bit higher around rs 3000-4000. So if you are a budget traveler then you can take a taxi to khanapara (guwahati) which will cost you around rs 500 from guwahati airport,and from there you can get ample of local taxis and public transport to police bazaar which will only cost you around rs200-300.But if you book a private car it will cost you around rs1500-2000 depending upon the car.
That winter morning and the beautiful highway. I’d seriously like to disappear for a while..!!
1. The Umiam Lake Shillong- or also known as ‘BARA-PANI’ which is at a distance of 81.6 KM from guwahati and lies between guwahati and Shillong main town .
You must stop there for a while and see the scenic view and must feel the breeze.
2.Then comes the hustle bustle of the city (the police bazaar).the main shopping spot of Shillong and plenty of roadside eating places and restaurant (such as KFC,Pizza hut,Domino’s and many other)
You can have a comfortable stay in police bazaar there are many hotels available at cheaper rates according to you budget.
You can also get rental motorcycle and vespa in Shillong there many agencies available but we booked it from DAPLIEH TOURS(add-jyllishop,nongthymmai,Shillong meghalaya phone- 08777795391).. It will cost you around rs 400 for 5-6 hrs,and rs 600 for 10 hrs and over night bookings are also available.
*We rented two vespas for roaming around in the hills of Shillong and to see the beautiful street and their locality.
3. Laitlum Canyons- a breathtaking valley which is an hour’s drive away from Shillong right on the mizoram highway and is 6.2km away from police bazaar and can be reached by car and motorcycle which is also a very popular spot for backpackers and trekkers.But proper eatiers are not available so you must carry some with you.
Laitlum Canyons means “end of hills”.The view of the canyons will strongly remind you of the Scottish highlands at their best.And for a bird’s eye view of Shillong’s magnificent surroundings,there is no better place than the Laitlum Canyons.
These is a place worth adding to your bucket list of trekking expeditions in India,it has some of the best views in the world and the freshest air one can breathe.
4. After exploring the majestic valley of laitlum between the abode of cloud,you can head toward a cafe to have some good food and music so the best option would be, ML 05 CAFE which is 14.5 km away from laitlum, having great ambiance between tall standing pines, a little pond and a flower hub right beside the Shillong Sohra road in upper Shillong (AH-1,near eastern air command Mawsynram Shillong road)
5.WARD LAKE –Which lies in the heart of the city also known as Pollock’s lake ,the artificial water body surrounded by an extensive lush garden where you can paddle boats and spend a romantic evening with your loved ones and have a good time with your family.
OPEN– all days of the week
November to February 8:30 AM -5:30 PM
march to October 8:30 AM -7:00 PM
ENTRY FEE– RS 5 per person
RS 10 per still camera
6. NOHSNGITHIANG FALLS
also known as the seven sisters fall or mawsmai falls .It was a great experience travelling there and seeing one of the tallest waterfalls in India ,height 315 meters(1033 ft).it is said as seven sister falls because of it seven segmented water fall located 1 km south of mawsmai village in east khasi hills district.
You can book a local taxi or cab and reach there easily.
SOME USEFUL TIPS FROM MY EXPERIENCE-
**There are many adjoining areas near Shillong which you must travel while travelling to Shillong (such as Cherrapunjee,Dawki, Mawlynnong the Asia’s cleanest village, Double Decker root bridge etc.)
2.Carry your id proofs because its must for check-in,in hotels.
the best time to visit march-September during spring.
3.If you are a budget traveler then Within a budget of 15000-20000 one can easily travel around Shillong and nearby places.
4.You must plan a vacation for 7 days which would cover all the places around.
5.According to my experience its safe travelling their alone and people are also very friendly and guides you in a proper way.
So guys, when are you planning to visit the abode of clouds, the waterfalls and explore the breathtaking beauty awaiting out there for you all.??
Comments
Post a Comment