DESTINATIONSHOTELSTHINGS TO DOEATING OUTNIGHTLIFEPHOTOSGUIDESVIDEOSNews/Travel/Travel Guide/Shillong Travel Guide/Get The Best Of Shillong In 24 HoursGet the best of Shillong in 24 hoursHengul J Das|Times Travel Editor|ITINERARY, SHILLONG7213814608_14502bcf75_o When a tiny hill station of only 65 square km of land area enjoys sobriquets like Scotland of the East, abode of cloud and the Rock Capital of India, you know that the place is special, very special! Shillong is a one of its kind place where the modern romances the ancient to the background score of many a gifted singer and musician! The former British capital of undivided Assam, Shillong has to be on your priority list if you are planning to relish the unparalleled northeast region of India. Once you land in Shillong, you are most likely to realize that 24 hours is not sufficient to enjoy all that this picturesque town has to offer. However, if you happen to be on a flying visit, here is a selection of the top attractions that you should line up for a single day.1NatureElephant FallsSIGHTSEEING, SHILLONGElephant FallsElephant Falls is situated at the outskirts of the main city of Shillong. It is almost 12 kms away from the city chaos. The unique part of these falls is that, it is a two-tier waterfall set in the dingles of the rocks. ...more2NatureShillong PeakSIGHTSEEING, SHILLONGShillong PeakThe Shillong peak stands massively 2000 mtr above the sea level. It is one of the highest points in the state which offers a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city. Obeisance is paid to U Shulong at the sanctum sanctor...more3North EasternTrattoriaRESTAURANTS, SHILLONGTrattoriaLocated right in the middle of the frenetic Police Bazar, Trattoria enjoys a cult following among the locals who swear by its flavours. Trattoria’s specialty lies in the innovative preparation and presentation of local K...more4Local MarketPolice BazaarSHOPPING IN SHILLONGPolice BazaarBeing one of the chief market places in Shillong, this bazaar is always in a state of chaos. One of the best things to shop for, are the handicrafts and artifacts made by the locals. The tribals here are extremely skille...more5LakeBoating at Umiam LakeTHINGS TO DO, SHILLONGBoating at Umiam LakeLocated about 15 kms north of Shillong, this lake is basically a water reservoir that was formed due to the damming of the Umiam river. Historically this lake holds a special place in North East India, courtesy the fact ...more6Music ConcertMusical sojournTHINGS TO DO, SHILLONGMusical sojourn​Shillong is the unofficial but undisputed rock capital of India with a legacy of musical heritage that runs through the veins of every Shillong dweller. Music is in the air of this beautiful city and get ready to bump i...more7Multi-cuisineLa GalerieRESTAURANTS, SHILLONGLa GalerieHoused in the posh Centre Point hotel, La Galerie is an absolute must–visit for not just the foodie but for every traveler vacationing in Shillong! The hotel that happens to be the proud owner of this multi–cuisine resta...more8NightClubCloud 9NIGHTLIFE, SHILLONGCloud 9A nightclub that pioneered the culture of night crawling in Shillong, Cloud 9 is a place you should not give a miss when in Shillong. Housed in the rather well-known luxury hotel of the region, The Centre Point, Cloud 9 ...moreShillong MapHeading out for a vacation? Take your travel expert with you - download World Travel Guide. Explore other Travel Guide Apps.Was this helpful?From around the webManage your investment portfolios the right wayMPROFITGuwahati Doctor Shocked. Women Loses 20kg in 2 Weeks.TIMESNOW.TODAYDubai Tours From Guwahati Might Be Cheaper Than You ThinkDUBAI TOURS | SEARCH ADSDubai Investment Properties Can Actually Surprise YouINVESTMENT PROPERTIES | SPONSORED LISTINGSMore from HappyTripsTop Highlights of 25TH edition of Dubai Shopping FestivalAssam Tourism hit due to ongoing CAA stirTHE WHAT WHY AND HOW OF NATIVE ADVERTORIAL WITH MEDIAWIREUttarakhand soon to get 13 new tourist destinationsJoin Us On FacebookCloseShare your Shillong Trip ExperienceAdd your review hereMOST READMOST REVIEWEDShillong Travel GuideHow to reach ShillongHotels in ShillongRestaurants in ShillongPlaces to visit in ShillongThings to do in ShillongShopping in ShillongWeekend getaways from ShillongWeather in ShillongDownload Shillong Travel GuidePOPULAR STORIESHoneymoon destinations in IndiaDams to visit in MonsoonKerala's Idduki damTop hill stations of IndiaWeekend getaways from BangaloreVisa on arrival For IndiansTatkal ticket booking rules 2018Popular GalleriesDreamy shots of Cuba's vintage carsThese stunning images of vintage cars in Cuba will never be off our hearts!TRAVEL TRENDS, CUBAThese are the most famous Rama temples in India you cannot miss out on!The famous Rama temples in India that you cannot miss visitingTRAVEL TRENDS, INDIAStunning places to visit in November in IndiaPicture-perfect places to visit in November in IndiaTRAVEL TRENDS, INDIAAmbika Boase makes Rs.15,000/day by working from home.Ad: Career JournalView all »THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO DESTINATIONS, ITINERARIES, THINGS TO DO, RESTAURANTS, NIGHTLIFE AND LOTS MORE!FOLLOW US ONGET TIMESTRAVEL TRAVEL GUIDE APPPlaces To VisitPlaces to visit in BangalorePlaces to visit in MumbaiPlaces to visit in DelhiPlaces to visit in GoaHotelsHotels in GoaHotels in JaipurHotels in ShimlaHotels in MumbaiThings To doThings to do in GoaThings to do in MumbaiThings to do in BangaloreThings to do in DelhiCheap FlightsFlight Bookingmumbai to Delhi flightsDelhi to Goa flightBangalore to Delhi flightsTravel InspirationVisa on arrival for IndiansHoneymoon Places in indiaHill Stations in IndiaWeekend getaways in MumbaiWeatherWeather in DelhiWeather in ChennaiWeather in BangaloreWeather in MumbaiBest BeachesGoa BeachesMumbai BeachesPondicherry BeachesKerala BeachesEating OutRestaurants in BangaloreRestaurants in ChennaiRestaurants in PuneRestaurants in JaipurTrendingHill Station near DelhiWinter trip to LadakhVisa on arrival for IndiansPlaces to visit in KeralaWinter Honeymoon DestinationsUK visa guide for IndiansWinter Trip to ManaliVaishno Devi YatraLong Weekends in 2019Ticket cancellation RulesHill Stations in IndiaHoneymoon Destinations IndiaCopyright © 2020. 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DescriptionMeghalaya is a hilly state in northeastern India. The name means "the abode of clouds" in Sanskrit. The population of Meghalaya as of 2016 is estimated to be 3,211,474. Meghalaya covers an area of approximately 22,430 square kilometres, with a length to breadth ratio of about 3:1. WikipediaCapital: ShillongPLAN A TRIPMeghalaya travel guide15 h flightDESTINATIONSShillongGuwahatiCherrapunji‎MawlynnongDawkiMāwsynrāmNongriatUmiamView allPEOPLE ALSO SEARCH FORMizoramArunachal PradeshNagalandManipurSikkimTripuraAssamHimachal PradeshView allMore about MeghalayaPEOPLE ALSO ASKWhat is Meghalaya famous for?Is Meghalaya safe for tourists?

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The state is bounded to the south by the Bangladeshi divisions of Mymensingh and Sylhet, to the west by the Bangladeshi division of Rangpur, and to the north and east by India's State of Assam. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong. During the British rule of India, the British imperial authorities nicknamed it the "Scotland of the East".[7] Meghalaya was previously part of Assam, but on 21 January 1972, the districts of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills became the new state of Meghalaya. English is the official language of Meghalaya. Unlike many Indian states, Meghalaya has historically followed a matrilineal system where the lineage and inheritance are traced through women; the youngest daughter inherits all wealth and she also takes care of her parents.[7]The state is the wettest region of India, recording an average of 12,000 mm (470 in) of rain a year.[6] About 70% of the state is forested.[8] The Meghalaya subtropical forests ecoregion encompasses the state; its mountain forests are distinct from the lowland tropical forests to the north and south. The forests are notable for their biodiversity of mammals, birds, and plants.Meghalaya has predominantly an agrarian economy with a significant commercial forestry industry. The important crops are potatoes, rice, maize, pineapples, bananas, papayas, spices, etc. The service sector is made up of real estate and insurance companies. Meghalaya's gross state domestic product for 2012 was estimated at ₹16,173 crore (US$2.3 billion) in current prices.[9] The state is geologically rich in minerals, but it has no significant industries.[7] The state has about 1,170 km (730 mi) of national highways. It is also a major logistical center for trade with Bangladesh.[6]In July 2018, the International Commission on Stratigraphy divided the Holocene epoch into three,[10][11] with the late Holocene being called the Meghalayan stage/age,[12][13] since a speleothem in Mawmluh cave indicating a dramatic worldwide climate event around 2250 BC had been chosen as the.Ancient EditMeghalaya, along with the neighbouring Indian states, have been of archaeological interest. People have lived here since Neolithic era. Neolithic sites discovered so far are located in areas of high elevation such as in Khasi Hills, Garo Hills and neighbouring states. Here neolithic style jhum or shifting cultivation is practised even today. The highland plateaus fed by abundant rains provided safety from floods and a rich soil.[15] The importance of Meghalaya is its possible role in human history through domestication of rice. One of the competing theories for the origin of rice, is from Ian Glover, who states, "India is the center of greatest diversity of domesticated rice with over 20,000 identified species and Northeast India is the most favorable single area of the origin of domesticated rice."[16] The limited archaeology done in the hills of Meghalaya suggest human settlement since ancient times.[17]After the Conquest of Taraf in 1304, Shah Arifin Rafiuddin, a disciple of Shah Jalal, migrated and settled in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills where he preached Islam to the local people. His khanqah remains in Sarping/Laurergarh on the Bangladeshi border but the part containing his mazar is in Meghalaya on top of Laur Hill.[18]Modern history EditThe British discovery of Camellia sinensis in 1834 in Assam and later companies to renting land from 1839 onwards.[19]Meghalaya was formed by carving out two districts from the state of Assam: the United Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, and the Garo Hills on 21 January 1972. Before attaining full statehood, Meghalaya was given semi-autonomous status in 1970.[20]The Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes had their own kingdoms until they came under British administration in the 19th century. Later, the British incorporated Meghalaya into Assam in 1835.[7] The region enjoyed semi-independent status by virtue of a treaty relationship with the British Crown. When Bengal was partitioned on 16 October 1905 by Lord Curzon, Meghalaya became a part of the new province of Eastern Bengal and Assam. However, when the partition was reversed in 1912, Meghalaya became a part of the province of Assam. On 3 January 1921 in pursuance of Section 52A of the Government of India Act of 1919, the governor-general-in-council declared the areas now in Meghalaya, other than the Khasi states, as "backward tracts." Subsequently, the British administration enacted the Government of India Act of 1935, which regrouped the backward tracts into two categories: "excluded" and "partially excluded" areas.At the time of Indian independence in 1947, present-day Meghalaya constituted two districts of Assam and enjoyed limited autonomy within the state of Assam. A movement for a separate Hill State began in 1960.[20] The Assam Reorganisation (Meghalaya) Act of 1969 accorded an autonomous status to the state of Meghalaya. The Act came into effect on 2 April 1970, and an autonomous state of Meghalaya was born out of Assam. The autonomous state had a 37-member legislature in accordance with the Sixth Schedule to the Indian constitution.In 1971, the Parliament passed the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganization) Act, 1971, which conferred full statehood on the autonomous state of Meghalaya. Meghalaya attained statehood on 21 January 1972, with a Legislative Assembly of its own.Meghalaya is one of the Seven Sister States of northeast India. The state of Meghalaya is mountainous, with stretches of valley and highland plateaus, and it is geologically rich. It consists mainly of Archean rock formations. These rock formations contain rich deposits of valuable minerals like coal, limestone, uranium and sillimanite.Meghalaya has many rivers. Most of these are rainfed and seasonal. The important rivers in the Garo Hills region are Ganol, Daring, Sanda, Bandra, Bugai, Dareng, Simsang, Nitai and the Bhupai. In the central and eastern sections of the plateau, the important rivers are Khri, Umtrew, Digaru, Umiam or Barapani, Kynshi (Jadukata), Umngi, Mawpa, Umiam Khwan, Umngot, Umkhen, Myntdu and Myntang. In the southern Khasi Hills region, these rivers have created deep gorges and several beautiful waterfalls.Farming on hilly terrain (tea plantation).The elevation of the plateau ranges between 150 m (490 ft) to 1,961 m (6,434 ft). The central part of the plateau comprising the Khasi Hills has the highest elevations, followed by the eastern section comprising the Jaintia Hills region. The highest point in Meghalaya is Shillong Peak, which is a prominent IAF station in the Khasi Hills overlooking the city of Shillong. It has an altitude of 1961 m. The Garo Hills region in the western section of the plateau is nearly plain. The highest point in the Garo Hills is Nokrek Peak with an altitude of 1515 m.The town of Sohra (Cherrapunji) in the Khasi Hills south of capital Shillong holds the world record for most rain in a calendar month, while the village of Mawsynram, near Sohra (Cherrapunji), holds the record for the most rain in a year.[23]Flora and fauna EditSee also: Meghalaya subtropical forestsMeghalaya's forests host 660 species of birds[24] and numerous species of other wildlife. Peacock pheasant (top) and hoolock gibbon (bottom) are found in Meghalaya.[25]About 70% of the state is forested, of which 9,496 km2 (3,666 sq mi) is dense primary subtropical forest.[8] The Meghalayan forests are considered to be among the richest botanical habitats of Asia. These forests receive abundant rainfall and support a vast variety of floral and faunal biodiversity. A small portion of the forest area in Meghalaya is under what are known as "sacred groves" (see Sacred groves of India). These are small pockets of an ancient forest that have been preserved by the communities for hundreds of years due to religious and cultural beliefs. These forests are reserved for religious rituals and generally remain protected from any exploitation. These sacred groves harbour many rare plant and animal species. The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in the West Garo Hills and the Balphakram National Park in the South Garo Hills are considered to be the most biodiversity-rich sites in Meghalaya. In addition, Meghalaya has three wildlife sanctuaries. These are the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, the Siju Sanctuary, and the Baghmara Sanctuary, which is also the home of the insect-eating pitcher plant Nepenthes khasiana also called "Me'mang Koksi" in local language.Due to diverse climatic and topographic conditions, Meghalaya forests support a vast floral diversity, including a large variety of parasites, epiphytes, succulent plants and shrubs. Two of the most important tree varieties are Shorea robusta (sal tree) and Tectona grandis (teak). Meghalaya is also the home to a large variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants. Meghalaya is also famous for its large variety of orchids — nearly 325 of them. Of these, the largest variety is found in the Mawsmai, Mawmluh and Sohrarim forests in the Khasi hills.Nepenthes khasianaMeghalaya also has a large variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects.[26] The important mammal species include elephants, bear, red pandas,[27] civets, mongooses, weasels, rodents, gaur, wild buffalo,[28] deer, wild boar and a number of primates. Meghalaya also has a large variety of bats. The limestone caves in Meghalaya such as the Siju Cave are home to some of the nation's rarest bat species. The hoolock gibbon is found in all districts of Meghalaya.[29]Common reptiles in Meghalaya are lizards, crocodiles and tortoises. Meghalaya also has a number of snakes including the python, copperhead, green tree racer, Indian cobra, king cobra, coral snake and vipers.[30]Meghalaya's forests host 660 species of birds, many of which are endemic to Himalayan foothills, Tibet and Southeast Asia. Of the birds found in Meghalaya forests, 34 are on worldwide threatened species list and 9 are on the critically endangered list.[24] Prominent birds spotted in Meghalaya include those from the families of Phasianidae, Anatidae, Podicipedidae, Ciconiidae, Threskiornithidae, Ardeidae, Pelecanidae, Phalacrocoracidae, Anhingidae, Falconidae, Accipitridae, Otididae, Rallidae, Heliornithidae, Gruidae, Turnicidae, Burhinidae, Charadriidae, Glareolidae, Scolopacidae, Jacanidae, Columbidae, Psittacidae, Cuculidae, Strigidae, Caprimulgidae, Apodidae, Alcedinidae, Bucerotidae, Ramphastidae, Picidae, Campephagidae, Dicruridae, Corvidae, Hirundinidae, Cisticolidae, Pycnonotidae, Sylviidae, Timaliidae, Sittidae, Sturnidae, Turdidae, Nectariniidae and Muscicapidae.[24] Each of these families have many species. The great Indian hornbill is the largest bird in Meghalaya. Other regional birds found include the grey peacock pheasant, the large Indian parakeet, the common green pigeon and the blue jay.[31] Meghalaya is also home to over 250 species of butterflies, nearly a quarter of all butterfly species found in India.Meghalaya is one of three states in India to have a Christian majority. About 75% of the population practices Christianity, with Presbyterians, Baptists and Catholics the more common denominations.[33] .The religion of the people in Meghalaya is closely related to their ethnicity. Close to 90% of the Garo tribe and nearly 80% of the Khasi are Christian, while more than 97% of the Hajong, 98.53% of the Koch, and 94.60% of the Rabha tribes are Hindu.[citation needed]Hindus are the largest religious minority in Meghalaya with 11.52% of the total state's population as of 2011 census[33]Hindus are concentrated mainly in West Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi with 19.11 percent, 17.55 percent and 11.96 percent respectively.The Nartiang Durga Temple in Meghalaya is a famous Hindu temple and it is one of the 51 Shakti peethas on Earth.[34]Muslims constitute 4.39% of the population[33] The Muslims are concentrated mainly in West Garo Hills with 16.60 percent.[35]Conversion from indigenous to Christianity began in the 19th century under the British era. In the 1830s, American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society had become active in Northeast to convert indigenous tribes to Christianity.[36] Later, they were offered to expand and reach into Cherrapunji Meghalaya, but they lacked the resources to do so and declined. Welsh Presbyterian Mission took the offer and they began work at the Cherrapunji mission field. By the early 1900s, other Protestant denominations of Christianity were active in Meghalaya. The outbreak of World Wars forced the preachers to return home to Europe and America. It is during this period that Catholicism took root in Meghalaya and neighbouring region. In the 20th century, Union Christian College started operations at Barapani, Shillong. Currently, Presbyterians and Catholics are two most common Christian denominations found in Meghalaya.[37]State government EditThe Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has 60 members at present. Meghalaya has two representatives in the Lok Sabha, one each from Shillong and Tura. It also has one representative in the Rajya Sabha.Since the creation of the state the Gauhati High Court has jurisdiction in Meghalaya. A Circuit Bench of the Guwahati High Court has been functioning at Shillong since 1974. However recently in March 2013 the Meghalaya High Court was separated from the Gauhati High Court and now the state has its own High Court.Local self-government EditNE Autonomous divisions of India.svgTo provide local self-governance machinery to the rural population of the country, provisions were made in the Constitution of India; accordingly, the Panchayati Raj institutions were set up. However, on account of the distinct customs and traditions prevailing in the northeast region, it was felt necessary to have a separate political and administrative structure in the region.[citation needed] Some of the tribal communities in the region had their own traditional political systems, and it was felt that Panchayati Raj institutions may come into conflict with these traditional systems. The Sixth Schedule was appended to the Constitution on the recommendations of a subcommittee formed under the leadership of Gopinath Bordoloi, and the constitution of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) is provided in certain rural areas of the northeast including areas in Meghalaya. The ADCs in Meghalaya are the Khasi Hills Autonomous District CouncilGaro Hills Autonomous District CouncilJaintia Hills Autonomous District CouncilEconomy Urban areas Culture and society EditThe main tribes in Meghalaya are the Khasis, the Garos, and the Jaintias. Each tribe has its own culture, traditions, dress, and language.

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