Shillong Sojourn

Have you ever felt the urge to sketch a picturesque scenery or compose a poem but someway was unable to verbalize,then,a visit to this blessed spot of nature in the North East of India where nature is at its bounty with lush green vegetation,meandering lakes,cascading waterfalls,smoky hills,thick woods,winding roads is sure to muse you.Truly an artists galore and a poet's profuse,this small hill station,Shillong was often our ideal weekend gate away during our stay in Guwahati(Assam) which is also the sole gateway to the entire north eastern states of India.

A 3 hours drive from Guwahati would take us to the Abode of Clouds...Meghalaya,the capital of Shillong.Guwahati is well connected by rail and air from all parts of India.

After driving leisurely up the winding roads with verdant green pines on one side and terrace cultivation (also called Jhoom) on the other for about 2 hrs,you will reach Nongpoh,a stop for sipping a hot cup of tea and some snacks.And don't forget to load some fresh local pineapples and oranges and some pickles prepared at Khasi homes on your way back home.

Just about 15-17 kms before reaching Shillong is the gorgeous Umiam Lake(also called Barapani).An artificial lake built by constructing a dam across the Umiam river.A day spent in the Orchid lake Resort overlooking the lake would be worthwhile where you can enjoy a few water sport activities like water boats,sail boats,water scooter,etc.A picturesque beauty with the reflections of the mountain in the shimmering waters of the lake will make you spell bound.

Our preferred hotel in Shillong was always Centre Point,as the name suggests, it is located in the heart of the town with market places at close proximity.A stroll through the crowded streets of Police Bazaar in a chilly evening can be a pleasurable experience.A perfect place to hunt for souvenirs-a chequered shawl handcrafted by the local Khasi's,some woolens from the Tibet market,bamboo artifacts from small shops near our hotel,imported fancy shoes and handbags from Glory's Plaza have always been my favourite.Another cherished choice was the Bara Bazaar, a women influenced market where one can shop some local honey,oranges, khasi knives and feast upon some piping hot momos(dumplings).

There are numerous hotels to suit every one's budget like the Pinewood(a govt.owned heritage hotel),Polo Towers(a luxury hotel),Alpine Continental(in the lanes of Police Bazaar),Pegasus Crown(centrally located),to name a few.

Since Shillong was like our second home,we were not much concerned about local sightseeing,instead preferred to move farther upwards to Upper Shillong.However,there are various things to do for an explorer like boating at the Ward's lake or feeding the multicoloured fishes there,a walk in the Lady Hydari park with a visit to its zoo,a photo shoot at the Botanical garden's exotic display of flora, prayer session at one of the various churches and a visit to the Central Library or State Museum can be an interesting one.My pictures are sure to allure to this serene and stunning beauty in the clouds.

If you wish to extend your stay by a day or two ,then,don't forget to try your hands at Shillong's natural Golf course or Archery but opt out of night life though there is a night club as it might not be safe for tourists.

A favourable destination throughout the year,Shillong may be visited at any time of the year.However if you enjoy the rain,opt for the monsoons when it may drizzle any moment and may be bright and shiny the next moment.An umbrella and light woolens always comes handy whenever visiting this hill station.

No doubt why the Britishers called this lovely opulent green meadow of pines enshrouded in clouds,the Scotland of the East.If you wish to know more about this scenic location,then remain hooked till I come back with next posts of Upper Shillong where one can explore azure blue skies,gorgeous waterfalls,exotic limestone caves and much more besides a trip to the wettest place on earth -Cherrapunji.