Megahalaya Shillong
Facts and Figures
Area
10.36 sq km
Altitude
1,520 metres (4,990 feet)
Population
1,31,719
Languages Spoken
English, Hindi, Khasi, Garo, Assamese
Religion
Christianity
Annual Mean Rainfall
2,954 mm
Maximum Temperature
24.95°C
Minimum Temperature
4.64°C
STD Code
0364
Best Time to Visit
October–November and March–April
Introduction
The romantic city of Shillong has been one of the important tourist destinations in the northeast. It is often referred to as the “Scotland of the East” due to its striking similarity with the Scottish highlands. The city derives its name from “Leishyllong”—the Superpower or God who is believed to reside on the Shillong peak, overlooking the city. Lying in the cradle of the tall pine conifers and pineapple shrubs, Shillong’s undulating terrain is a constant source of attraction for tourists from both home and abroad. The Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes add color to this hilly city.
Location
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong lies on the eastern part of the state. Perched at an altitude of 1,520 meters (4,990 feet) above sea level, the city stretches for about 6 km on an elevated tract. It is situated on a plateau bound on the north by the Umiam gorge, on the northwest by the great mass of the Diengiei Hills that rise up to a height of 1,823 meters (6077 ft.) above sea level, and on the northeast by the hills of the Assam valley. The Umshyrpi and the Umkhra rivers, which finally merge and form the Umiam River, water it. Shillong is at distance of 104 km from Guwahati, 295 km from Kaziranga, 578 km from Siliguri and 658 km from Darjeeling.
History
Shillong was a small village until 1864, when it became the new civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia hills. It remained the summer capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam for many years. In 1874, on the formation of Assam as a Chief Commissioner’s Province, it was chosen as the capital of the new administration. An earthquake destroyed the city in 1897, necessitating its complete rebuilding. In January 1972, Shillong became the capital of the newly formed state of Meghalaya.
Climate
Shillong is subject to vagaries of the monsoon. The monsoons arrive in June and it rains almost until the end of August. The climate is hot and humid during summers but quite cold during winters. October-November and March-April are the best months to visit Shillong.
Shillong is subject to vagaries of the monsoon. The monsoons arrive in June and it rains almost until the end of August. The climate is hot and humid during summers but quite cold during winters. October-November and March-April are the best months to visit Shillong.
Attractions
Waterfalls
The Crinoline Falls is about 12–13 m in height and lies to the west of the Survey of India Office. There is a swimming pool at the base of the falls. The Gunner’s Falls 1 is about 24–26 m in height and is near the military establishment on the Upper Shillong road. It is about 1.6 km from the GPO. The Gunner’s Falls 2 lies a km away from the Happy Valley amidst picturesque locales.The Spread Eagle Falls or Sati Falls is located about a mile away from the Polo Ground. It is a famous picnic spot.The Sweet Falls (also called “Weitden,” in the native dialect) is the most beautiful of all the waterfalls in Shillong. It lies about 5 km from the Happy Valley and is about 96 m in height. The Elephant Gait and the Elephant Falls are located near Upper Shillong. These are beautiful sights especially in the rainy season and are favorite picnic spots among the locals. Beyond the Elephant Falls, one can also view the Upper and Lower Elysium Falls.The Beadon Falls lies about 2 km from Bara Bazaar. There is a hydroelectric powerhouse at the base of the falls. The Bishop Falls is also nearby and together they mingle and flow into the Umiam River.
Peaks
Shillong Peak, the highest point of Shillong, is located 5 km to the south of the city and is 1961 meters (6,433 feet) in altitude. Being the highest peak in the district, it is often surrounded with fog. The peak itself is not steep, but rather semi-circular like that of a crown placed on the flat and extensive top of the Shillong Hill. The peak is accessible via the Upper Shillong or Jowai Road.The Sohpetbneng Peak is 1,343 m in altitude and is regarded as sacred by the Hynfiiewtrep tribe. It is a picturesque location.The Dingei Hill is situated near the Umiam stream. Two paths lead to this hill from Shillong. One is the narrow tract that leads straight to the gorge through Umiyangka village. For a height of 1,000 ft on either side of the stream, the gradient is very steep and precipitous and makes for excellent mountain climbing. The second route begins at Barapani on the GS Road, about 16 km from Shillong. During the upward journey, one is provided a captivating view of the Bhoi district, which lies 300 ft below the summit of the Dingei Hill.The Dumpeep Peak is the highest in Swer and is 5100 feet above sea level. The Kyllang rock lies 78 km from Shillong. The rock is a steep bare cliff of granite, 200 m in height and rises abruptly from plain grassy downs.
Lakes
The Ward Lake is an important tourist site of Shillong. It is a horseshoe-shaped artificial lake lying beneath the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s Residence) and the Accountant General’s (AG) Office, with little isles and a bridge over it. The lake abounds in fish (grass carps) and feeding the fish from the bridge is a favorite pastime of the tourists. It is said that a Khasi prisoner, who requested for any kind of work to get him out of his cell, initiated its construction. The lake has a c@����8@S�walk-a-way in the midst of rolling flowerbeds and fairyland lighting with gradually undulating grounds, hemmed in by lush greens. Boats are also available, while the cafeteria provides refreshments. Seventeen kilometers before Shillong is situated Umiam or Barapani—a large lake formed after a hydroelectric dam was built across a stream. In recent years, this has become an increasingly popular place for outings and weekend visits. The Orchid Lake Resort, designed by the famous architect Charles Correa, and constructed amongst pinewood, overlooks the lake. There are facilities for water sports here: from kayaking and water skiing for the adventurous to water cycling and simple boating for the less brave. The Orchid Lake Resort, run by the Meghalaya Tourism Department, has pleasantly appointed rooms with balconies, a restaurant and bar.
Other Attractions
The State Museum is located at the State Central Library complex in Laichumiere and visitors can catch a glimpse of the heritage and lifestyle of the Khasi tribe here. The Butterfly Museum at Riatsamthiah holds a rare collection of butterflies and moths.The Botanical Garden near Ward Lake has some species of flora of the region. A better place is the Orchidarium of the Botanical Survey of India. It has a rare collection of orchids and is a treat to the nature lover. Near the Botanical Garden, one can find the celebrated Golf Course, called the Gleneagles of the East. The Golf club retains the colonial touch and is the first 18-hole golf course in Asia.Behind the Shillong Civil Hospital, near the Pine Mount School, is the Lady Hydari Park. It has a small museum, a small zoo, an aviary, and a deer park among tall cedars and pines.In front of St. Edmund’s College, one can visit the fruit garden, maintained by the Department of Agriculture. During spring, one can see the trees in full bloom. There are many reservoirs filled with natural spring water that have the dual purpose of watering the gardens and functioning as a nursery—known as “Fishdale”—for the raising and breeding of fish, notably hill-trout and carps. Shillong is also famous for its churches. The most beautiful church is that of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. Directly below the hill is the Grotto Church. The All Saints Church opposite the State Central Library is an attractive structure made out of wood.
Events and Festivals
The festivals vary according to the tribes. Christmas, Easter, Good Friday and the New Year Day celebrations are the most important. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem, or the Nongkrem dance, is one of the most important Khasi festivals. Shad Sukmynsiem is another important festival of the Khasis. Behdiengkhlam, the festival of the Jaintias, is celebrated in July. Wangala is the festival of the Garos and is dedicated to the Sun God.
Shopping
The main shopping areas are Police Bazaar, Bara Bazaar and Laitumukhrah. On Iewduh, the first day of the eight-day long Khasi week, people from all over eastern Meghalaya come to sell their products here. In the centre of Police Bazar, on the corner of Kacheri road, there are shops selling finely woven baskets of all sizes. For hand-woven shawls, handicrafts, orange flower honey and cane work, one can visit the various emporia like Meghalaya Handicrafts, Khadi Gramodyog and Purbashree.
Daylong/Weekend Trips
About 56 km from Shillong is Cherrapunji village (East Khasi Hills district), now called Sohra. Located on the Shillong plateau about 55 km southwest of Shillong, Cherrapunji and Mausynram (another village nearby) are reputed to be the wettest places in the world. The heavy rains here often swell the waters of the Nohsngithiang waterfall. The town is famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. It has the oldest Presbyterian Church. Krem Mawmluh is a 4.5-km-long cave near Cherrapunji.A little further down the road to limestone caves, there is a graveyard where British missionaries and their close relatives lie buried. The visitors are awed by a series of giant pillars or megaliths that have been erected near a stream. Such megaliths are to be seen in different parts of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and are usually erected to commemorate great deeds or to honor dead chieftains. Accommodation is available at the Circuit House. The summer capital of the Jaintia kings, Nartiang, is about 65 km east of Shillong. There is a park of megaliths, some of which are as high as 8 m. A 500-year-old temple of Durga is another attraction at Nartiang.En route Nartiang, 64 km from Shillong, is the small lake of Thadlaskein. It is a beautiful picnic spot.About 13 km from Shillong is the village of Nongkrem. It is the seat of the Syiem of Nongkrem, whose estate extends up to Shillong. The traditional Nongkrem Dance festival is held here around autumn and draws large crowds of visitors.Sixty-four kilometers from Shillong is Jakrem, a popular health resort having hot springs of sulfur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties. Dawki, a border town, 96 km from Shillong, provides a glimpse of Bangladesh. The colorful annual boat race during spring at the Umgot River is an added attraction. At a distance of 140 km from Shillong is Ranikor, an angler's paradise containing a huge population of carp and mahseers.Jowai is a popular and prosperous town situated on a beautiful plateau 1,500 m above sea level. Three sides of this plateau slope sharply down to the Hai River and contiguous areas are rich in coal deposits. It is also an important station on the route to Silchar and Agartala.
Access
The nearest airport and railhead is Guwahati in Assam. The Guwahati–Shillong Road connects the two cities. Pineapple plantations and pine trees on both sides line the road. There are buses every half an hour to Guwahati. Taxi services (Ph. 223895) are also available at cheap rates.
Travel Resources
The Meghalaya Tourism Office (Ph. 226220) on Jail Road in Police Bazaar conducts trips to Cherrapunji. The Government of India Tourist Office (Ph. 225632) at GS Road may also be contacted for help. Travelers’ cheques can be exchanged easily in Shillong.
MEGHALAYA SHILLONG
Shillong the capital of Meghalaya is also the centre-point located at an altitude of 1496 meters above sea level. Shillong, which was made Assam's capital in 1874, remained so till January 1974, following the formation of Meghalaya outside Assam. The capital city derives its name from the manifestation of the creator called Shulong, born to a peasant girl, but he bestowed the art of democratic governance and rule of justice in the formation of the princely State of Shyllong (Hima Shyllong), which subsequently bifurcated into Mylliem State and Khyrim State in 1830.
The place, the people and the climate all combine to create an atmosphere to make Shillong an ideal holiday resort throughout the year. Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth is only 56 kms away from Shillong.
Places of Interest
Shillong Peak
An ideal picnic spot, 10 kms. from the city, 1965 meters above sea level, offers a panoramic view of the scenic country side, and is also the highest point in the State. Obeisance is paid to U Shulong at the sanctum sanctorum at the peak's summit every springtime, by the religious priest of Mylliem State. In the evening the city lights below appear like a star-studded abyss.
Cherrapunjee (Sohra)
56 kms from Shillong, situated in one of the rainiest rain-belt in the world, 1,300 meters above sea level. A pleasant drive to see roaring water falls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang falls. The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. Centre of Khasi culture and literature, it also has the oldest Presbyterian Church and also an establishment of the Ramkrishna Mission.
Sohpetbneng Peak
1,343 meter, 20 kms from Shillong, regarded as sacred by the Hynniewtrep people, is set amidst a beautiful scenic view against the backdrop of a sacred forest. This 'Navel of Heaven' as per Khasi mythology is a heavenly peak which offers to fill the spiritual void and emptiness, to those who seek and desire solace and peace of mind.
Ward's Lake
Located in the heart of the city, popular for short garden walks and boating, celebrated its centenary recently.
Umiam Lake
Umiam Khwan (Barapani), 17 kms from Shillong, offers water sports facilities including sailing, water skiing, water scooter The Orchid Lake Resort and the adjacent Lum Nehru Park is an ideal quiet holiday resort.
Botanical Garden
A secluded but captivating spot with plethora of indigenous and exotic plants and is located just below the Ward's Lake.
Lady Hydari Park
A popular charming tourist draw, the adjacent mini zoo is an added attraction.
Golf Course
The third oldest golf course in India. Developed in 1889 as a nine hole course, was later converted to 18 holes in 1924 by Captain Jackson and C. R. Rhodes. It is termed as the 'Gleneagle of the East' at the United States Golf Association Library and Museum.
State Museum
Located at the State Central Library complex, visitors can get a glimpse of the lifestyle and heritage of the people.
Cathedral of Mary
Help of Christian At Laitumkhrah, it attracts devotees and visitors alike.
Bishop and Beadon Falls Both cascade down the same escarpment into a deep valley, the mass of water dissolving into misty sparks.
Bishop and Beadon Falls Both cascade down the same escarpment into a deep valley, the mass of water dissolving into misty sparks.
Elephant Falls
12 kms on the outskirts of the city, the mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern covered rocks.
Spread Eagle Falls A soothing setting amidst the calmness of nature-a treat to the eyes.
Spread Eagle Falls A soothing setting amidst the calmness of nature-a treat to the eyes.
Sweet Falls
Situated near Happy Valley, most suitable for a day's outing and picnic. Explore it!
Crinoline Falls
Near Lady Hydari Park, a cool spot within the city limits.
Mawsynram
56 kms from Shillong and is known for the giant stalagmite formation shaped into a Shivalinga, called locally as 'Mawjymbuin'.
Jakrem
64 kms from Shillong, a popular health resort having hot-springs of sulphur water, believed to have curative medicinal properties.
Ranikor140 kms from Shillong, is a scenic spot and an angler's paradise of carp and mahseers.
Ranikor140 kms from Shillong, is a scenic spot and an angler's paradise of carp and mahseers.
Dawki
96 kms from Shillong, is a border town, where one can have a glimpse of the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. The colourful annual boat race during spring at the Umgot river is an added attraction.
Mairang
40 kms from Shillong, capital of Nongkhlaw states. Home of the legendary U Tirot Sing Syiem (Raja of Nongkhlaw), who spear-headed a war against the British invaders to defend the territorial integrity and cultural identity of the Hynniewtrep people. He raised the battle cry on April 4, 1829, but was finally captured and died in captivity in Dhaka on July 17, 1835.
Rihana Sings to Her Destiny
Rihana, I hate her! Who am I kidding, I can't. I could not hate the young lady even if I tried. I mean, I want to hate her because she is a mainstream artist in the entertainment world. But I can't! We all know how mainstream entertainment has become out right savage, stupid, vulgar, and dead with cute beats and melodies stolen from actual artists from 20 years previous.
Lets face it! Or, "Keep it real"! The genres of hiphop, R&B, Pop, and Rap has been expressing predatory behavior, whiney damsels in distress, and just plain no inspiration to live life better, give back to the community any of the artists come from, or even becoming better role models for upcoming youth. To tell them to do something a little as pull up their pants has become synonymous with using "Christ" name in vain. But, that is beside the point... the music sound the same! rappers from 2 to 3 different record companies using the same background melody.
Maybe, just maybe a 4th record label decide to be original (with someone else music) and be the first to slow it down or speed it up for "a new sound". I ask you, how many variations of idiocy can one have? Its not like any of them were saying anything different or beneficial.
Rihana and Destiny's Child have something in common. They both had very smart people working around the clock to decide to debut their albums during a time when music was all the same and many adults started to change the (radio) station. The group and singer has their own unique sound and became known for it. their music also carries a message for youthful human beings. You can feel the emotion of smooth R&B jam and understand the lyrics of a broken heart or a shopping spree.
As a fan of Destiny's Child, as a group Beyonce Knowles and Kelly Rolland sang the lyrics defaming male ego and abuse. If you can't be loved properly then its cool to be alone. Don't settle for someone less than yourself! Its not a completely new concept, but it did get the message through to young ladies. One of my favorites is "I'm a Survivor". I loved the fact that part of the message was how not to stoop to another persons level, but have more respect for yourself. Sung by Kelly Rolland: "I'm not gonna dis you on the internet. Cause my momma taught me better than that!"
Following their 10+ year example Rihana debuted her album doing the same thing. Both talents have been well received with great success. Rihanas' voice alone reminds me of a famous one hit jam in the 1980s called "Rock-It". Her voice, to me is reminiscent of a female robotic simulated voice. I think its just so cute and sexy! One of my favorite songs from Rihana's music library is "Take A Bow" and "I Hate That I Love You" featuring Ne-Yo.
Rihana is not just a unique singer, but also a beautiful young lady who may have more talents than what is expressed. If by any chance you don not like Rihanas' singing, then try reading about her in fashion magazines. Turn on your television screen and you can catch Rihana on a cover girl commercial. I for one have not heard Rihana singing any predatory songs about men, or cutting another woman across the face with a shank or performing any drive-byes. Actually, Rihana is one of the rare talent.
Every time I see her she is looking hot! She hasn't been sited by TMZ for drunk driving, binge drinking, or in a club fight/shooting or in court on gun charges.
Rihana is pretty much a good-girl! Of course, by the time she gets a little older she may decide to show her inner "KITTY KAT'. but why age the girl? I love watching her perform. i can't wait to see what she has on now. you can't hate on any of that! Why try?
Check out Vogue magazine pages 4-6 for the Gucci Tattoo Heart Collection to benefit UNICEF. In conclusion, Rihana is just what mainstream entertainment needed to change the "Bull into Woe!" to make entertainment... Well, entertaining! GREAT JOB RIHANA, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK
The name of the game
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, something the Ting Tings know all about as they storm the charts and win our hearts. David Pollock meets the band with the soundtrack to the summer
Walking through Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens with the band who are number one in both the UK singles and downloads chart is a cheerful feeling, and it’s not purely down to the bright, sunny Saturday afternoon weather. Katie White and Jules De Martino, collectively the Ting Tings, are in buoyant mood once they’ve had their picture taken lying on the grass, and they seem glad of the break.
Walking through Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens with the band who are number one in both the UK singles and downloads chart is a cheerful feeling, and it’s not purely down to the bright, sunny Saturday afternoon weather. Katie White and Jules De Martino, collectively the Ting Tings, are in buoyant mood once they’ve had their picture taken lying on the grass, and they seem glad of the break.
‘It’s literally been months since we’ve done that,’ says De Martino as we walk back to Queen Margaret Union, where they will play a celebratory, sold out show later in the evening. ‘Going to the park, lying about doing nothing for a bit. We just haven’t been able to, it’s been non-stop.’
During their photoshoot, certain passers-by – chiefly pairs of student-age girls, it must be noted – stop and rubberneck at the duo, who have worked their way from local notoriety in their native Manchester to national ubiquity with the sassy and immutably catchy ‘That’s Not My Name’, by way of relentless hard touring over the last year. So how does it feel to be number one? The pair glance at each other, as if telepathically weighing up the level of modesty required. ‘It feels,’ they answer together, ‘fucking great’.
White and De Martino – who aren’t a couple, by the way, although they finish each others’ sentences like one – have a mutual history that extends further than just the Ting Tings journey, right back to their introduction at a mutual friend’s party. Their route to recognition has been harder won than most overnight success stories, and well-documented, but the specifics of it define the band that they are today. Even though there are only two of them, that gang mentality which holds the best and most transparently authentic groups together is strong.
Back at the venue dressing room, the pair settle in. White looks for a plug point for her hairdryer, and De Martino – wearing sunglasses outdoors, indoors and usually on stage as well – looks like he still hasn’t recovered from getting back to nature. He kicks his feet up on the sofa, and the pair sit down to chat before soundcheck. The story doesn’t start well; the first chapter is entitled ‘Dear Eskiimo’, the name of the pair’s first group, and ends up being the kind of music industry cautionary tale that many unsigned bands will be glad they haven’t been exposed to.
‘Here’s the perfect example of that time,’ says White. ‘The first marketing meeting we had with our label, I’d made this big book of all my favourite art and photographs. It took me weeks to get this together, to show them what I was all about, and they didn’t even look at it. Instead they said, how much are you willing to get your clothes off in men’s magazines? I said, “you’ve picked the wrong girl for that, fuck you” to them, then a few months later they dropped us.
‘But they’d obviously signed us in the hope they could polish us into whatever they wanted.’ White continues. ‘It was...’
‘...over before it had even started.’ concludes De Martino, right on cue.
What they were left with when Dear Eskiimo came to an end was a rehearsal studio space called The Mill with five months’ rent paid up on it, and an urge to just be playful. White, who would have described herself as a fan of the Spice Girls at the time, began going to see groups like Acid Mothers Temple, and having her mind expanded by the Japanese avant-industrial collective. Meanwhile, De Martino was happy to keep his fun cheap and close to home.
‘I’d just sit about the studio,’ he says, ‘getting drunk with mates. Then more people would come along to these parties, so we started to get beer in and stuck a broken telly in the middle of the room asking for donations towards it. Eventually this money was paying the rent as well, and Katie and I would perform our own jams on the night. Then when the local press got wind of the whole set-up, we had to call our own group something. So we became the Ting Tings. It was all a complete accident, really.’
A happy accident, though. By the fourth or fifth installment of the night, such a buzz had grown about the duo that famous locals like Mike Pickering of M People, now an A&R man, were showing up to give them advice. ‘I don’t follow the fookin’ crowd,’ was how Pickering apparently greeted them, ‘but I think you’re fookin’ brilliant. You need to come and talk to me.’
So they did, and – with assurances from their new manager that the Dear Eskiimo situation wouldn’t be repeated, and Pickering’s recommendation – De Martino and White met Bob Stringer from Columbia. ‘We put our own contract together for them,’ says De Martino, ‘and it was appalling. Our lawyer said, “you’ll never get it. It promises complete creative control over the music, the mixes, the artwork. There’s not a record company in the world that would let you have that”. We sent it off to America and we got it.’
It seems such self-assurance has worked. The pair report their label’s satisfaction at having helped achieved a number one single, but also at the success of their ‘complete control’ experiment. ‘They supported us,’ says De Martino, ‘which is what a label should do. None of that asking for more songs and picking what goes on our album for us. What happened with us is something that other labels should look at.’
‘You know, Jon McClure’s (of Reverend and the Makers, who the Ting Tings toured extensively with last year) mum sent us a card to say congratulations for ‘That’s Not My Name’,’ says White. ‘I’d just done a really shitty interview with someone from (insert name of national music mag here), and then I opened her card. It just shows you that there are nice people in the world, huh? Oh, and Neil Diamond sent us one too’.
‘Yeah, we’re on the same label as him,’ confirms De Martino, ‘although I don’t think he’ll send us another when he sees we’ve beaten his album to number one this week.’
That was back in May – so are the sounds of the summer born.
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