Shillong Calling- a Soulful Journey to the Scotland of the East

 

When the hills sing a song and the clouds come down to welcome you, you just realize that you have entered the land of Shillong — the capital of Meghalaya, the land of North East raw beauty.

The Scotland of the East, Shillong, is not merely a travel destination, but it is a feeling, an experience yet to be endured, a song you did not know that you knew.

The Journey In

Shillong Calling is not a mere term, but it is a calling. A typical commute to Shillong starts at Guwahati in Assam, at approximately 3 3-hour scenic drive through the East Khasi Hills.

The roads curve up and the pine trees line the path, waterfalls can be seen behind rocks, and the clear air becomes filled with picture-perfect wild orchids and rain.

The road to Shillong is an overture to a mystical experience, whether you are on a road trip, on a bike, or in a tourist cab.

First Visits: Haze and Sound

You get greeted in the city by random rains and the muffled sound of people strumming their guitars and playing in cafes along the road.

The place is well known even because of its music background, there is no unusual sight of the Bob Dylan cover drifting out of a hillside pub or a band of locals starting spontaneous choir rehearsals.

The colonial buildings of the city, the very clean roads with a cold, almost European-like, air have lent the city something that is different and distinct from the hurry and bustle of most Indian hill stations.

It is well structured, civilized, and very active.

Sights and Sensations

1. Ward’s Lake

View an idling walk through this artificial lake in the heart of the city. The willow trees bend down to the water, and paddle boats play along the water as the best place to stop and feel the beat of the city.

2. Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls

The Shillong Peak is a place, which is at a height of more than 6,400 feet; the Shillong peak gives a panoramic view of this city and its environs a sweeping view of clouds, forest, and hills far-away hills.

Elephant Falls, a three-layered fall, is also very close, just a short drive away, but ideal in picture-taking and quiet privacy.

3. Police Bazaar

It is the pulsating heart of the local life of Shillong. It is a fashion, food and street culture market.

Order custom Khasi meals such as Jadoh (rice and meat), Dohneiiong (pork with black sesame), or even momos and thukpa available in the street food stands.

Also, remember to buy handwoven stoles, bamboo crafts and funky winter wear.

4. Don Bosco Museum

An incredibly modern and well put together multiple-story museum explaining the history of North East India, its tribes, heritage, and anthropological abundance.

Then it is not only informative but immersive.

The Spirit of Shillong: Tunes and Rain

Shillong is the unofficial rock city in India. In this case, love of music cuts across all ages, language, and genres.

The city is awash with songs, with the local heroes such as Lou Majaw and the young street musicians.

Getting a live act at Cloud 9 or Café Shillong is like catching luck, but you can even catch a homegrown fest like the NH7 Weekender North-East edition.

And then there is rain, it does not simply rain, it does not simply perform. It is an experience by itself to rain in Shillong. Soft at other times as a lullaby, wild at other times like a drum solo.

Always have a raincoat, not to avoid getting wet, but in order to be able to dance a bit without catching a cold.

Excursions Anterior Day Trips

Your access to other wonderful places to visit is through Shillong, too:

• Mawlynnong- the cleanest village in Asia with hanging roots and stone paths.
• Dawki- the Umngot River is so clear that people can only see the boats floating around in thin air.
• Cherrapunjee (Sohra) — to see living root bridges, falling water, and caves full of echoing stories.

Visiting time

September to May is the ideal period to visit Shillong since it is very attractive at all times.

There are monsoons (June-August) that are magic yet can derail travel. Winter seasons are cold and suitable for wrapping around fireplaces and drinking local black tea.

Lastly: Let The Shillong Happen to You

Shillong is not a city that yells; it is a city that speaks softly, invites you into its bosom, and keeps you in memory even after you are gone.

It is in the nostril of pinewood, in the mouth of smoky pork, in the sound of far-off drums, and in the vision of a single cloud caressing a solitary hilltop.

Therefore, do not only pack your bags the next time you hear the hills calling.

Bring your poetry, your playlists, and your peace since Shillong is not something that you cross off your traveling bucket list.

It is a place to which you come back- to memories, to stories, to dreams.