Shillong was capital for composite Assam during the British regime and later till a separate State of Meghalaya was formed. David Scott, the British civil servant of the East India Company, was the Agent of the Governor-General North East Frontier. During the First Anglo-Burmese War the British authorities felt the need for a road to connect Sylhet and Assam. The route was to traverse across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. David Scott overcame the difficulties his administration faced from the opposition of the Khasi Syiems – their chiefs and people. Impressed by the favourable cool climate of Khasi Hills, they negotiated with the Syiem of Sohra in 1829 for a sanatorium for the British. Thus began the consolidation of British interests in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
A serious uprising by the Khasis against foreign occupation of their land followed. It began early in 1829 and continued till January 1833. Eventually, the Khasi confederate chiefs were no match against the military might of the British. David Scott negotiated for the surrender of the leader of the Khasi resistance, Tirot Sing, who was then taken to Dacca (present-day Dhaka) for detention. After the resistance of the Khasis a political agent was posted in the hills, with its headquarters at Sohra, also known by the name Cherrapunjee. But the climatic condition and facilities of Sohra did not make the British happy. They then moved out to Shillong, which was then known as Yeddo or "Iewduh" as the locals call it. The name "Shillong" was later adopted, as the location of the new town was below the Shillong Peak.
Nongkrem Dance - Nongkrem Dance is a religious festival in thanksgiving to God Almighty for good harvest, peace and
prosperity of the community. It is held annually during October/ November, at Smit, the capital of the Khyrim Syiemship near Shillong. The dance is performed in the open by young virgins and men, both bachelors and married. The women dressed in expensive silk costumes with heavy gold, silver and coral ornaments dance in the inner circle of the arena. The men form an outer circle and dance to the accompaniment of music of flutes and drums. An important feature of the festival is the 'Pomblang' or goat sacrifice offered by the subjects to the Syiem of Khyrim, the administrative head of the Hima (Khasi State). Ka Syiem Sad, the eldest sister of the king is the chief priest and caretaker of all ceremonies. The festival is conducted alongwith the Myntries (Ministers), priests and high priest where offerings are made to ancestors of the ruling clan and the deity of Shillong.
Shad Suk Mynsiem - One of the most important festivals of the Khasis is Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem or Dance of the joyful heart. It is an annual thanksgiving dance held in Shillong in April. Men and women, dressed in traditional fineries dance to the accompaniment of drums and the flute. The festival lasts for three days.
Flora
Shillong and Meghalaya are truly adorned with the grand plethora of flora and fauna. The cities are at their natural best with all kinds of charming flowering shrubs and rich wildlife. Its rich treasure trove of dense endemic and cultivated flora is what that adds to the nature’s verdant. The plantations vary between tropical and sub tropical and between temperate or near temperate. The astounding arrays of flowering owes to the abundant rainfall, diverse physiology and significant weather conditions.
Based on the different scales of weather fluctuations, Meghalaya and Shillong are home to plant kingdom of Parasites, and Epiphytes, Succulent Plants, Trees and Shrubs called Phanerophytes. Besides that, the cities are home to a large collection of Orchid species. Other flora includes edible fruits, sweet peas, Bougainvillea, Rosa, Jasminum, Chrysanthemum, Pansy, Salvia, Dahlia, Canna, and so on. The forests of North East are rich in economically important plants like Sal, Teak, Timber, Tea, Bamboos, and much more. The state-capital region is also rich in medicinal plants like Croton oil, Taxus baccata, Eucalyptus, Castor oil, Solanum khasianum, and so on.
Fauna
North East is home to some of the rarest wildlife creatures which one would not like to miss on their Shillong and Meghalaya trip. Apparently, 50 % of the world’s total mammal population is under the wildlife reserves in Shillong and Meghalaya. Various wildlife sanctuaries and parks are the focal highlights of North East India tourism. An array of nine peculiar are found in the Meghalaya jungle such as Cannomys, Micromys, Chiropodomys, and so on are found in the Meghalaya jungle. Choose your best North East tour package to witness them all.
Other wildlife species found in the wildlife reserves of Shillong and Meghalaya are Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Black Beer, Barking Beer, Pangolin, tailless ape, Golden Cat, Golden Langur, Serrow, Assamese Macaque, and much more…
Embark on a jungle safari tour on your Shillong and Meghalaya trip to witness the ultimate beauty of nature’s diversity.
SHILLONG
North East Shillong tour seems feasible as one can reach the megacity of Shillong via air, rail, and road. Transportation is convenient and smooth with barely any hassle, adding to the joy of a hassle-free Shillong tour with our North east India tour packages.
By Air:
Shillong Airport is situated 40 km from the city in Umroi. Shillong Airport is only connected to Kolkata. Guwahati Airport is the better viable option connecting Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and other metropolitan cities. Cabs are available from the Guwahati airport to reach you to Shillong within 3 hours.
By Road:
The main government inter-state bus stand is located in Guwahati. Private buses also connect to Guwahati and Shillong. However, bus journeys along the steeped pathways remains a danger.
By Rail:
Meghalaya has no rail connectivity. Guwahati railway station is the nearest railway station from Shillong. It is connected to the major metropolitan cities.