One of the most remarkable states of India can rightfully be called the state of Megalhaya. Located on a high plateau, this state is also called the “Land of the Clouds”. The largest city, and concurrently the capital of the state is the city of Shillong.
The British, who owned India for a long time and now visit it as tourists, often compare the climate of this city, located at an altitude of 1.5 kilometers, with the humid and cool climate of Scotland. It should be noted that in this comparison they slightly exaggerate the humidity of Scotland, because it is in Megalhai that the place is located, which is considered the wettest in the world – Cherrapunji.
According to the latest census, about 250 thousand people live in Shillong, most of the population belongs to the Khasi people, which is not surprising, given that it was the Khasis who in ancient times founded a village on a mountainside, from which this wonderful city later grew. At the time of the British occupation, Shillong was the summer seat of the government of Asam and East Bengal.
Shillong city in India and its sights
Shillong is famous, first of all, for its nature. Lake Varda is located in the very center of the city. This place is very popular with tourists and locals. Its shores are constantly full of vacationers who come here for a walk or a picnic, making promenades on boats.
Near another popular place for walking – Lady Heidri Park, the beauty and pride of the state of Megalhaya – Crinoline Falls are located. It is here, tired of the summer stuffiness and heat, that locals and numerous tourists prefer to relax. In general, the mountainous city, located in the “wettest” place on the planet, is famous for its large number of waterfalls. Two of them – Bishop and Bidon carry their waters into the same valley, bizarrely merging into one stream.
Shillong city in India and its sights
The best view of the city is certainly from the nearby summit, Shillong Peak, the highest point in the state of Megalhai. The flat top, located at an altitude of 2 km, every spring becomes the site of a religious ceremony, the main purpose of which is to give praise and glory to the deities of this place.
In addition to natural beauties, there are also man-made attractions in Shillong: this is the State Museum, which presents a wide exposition of household items of local peoples and the Botanical Garden, planted with a huge number of exotic plants.
