“India too has Scotland, visit Shillong!” – I had heard this statement a lot many times but I would often scoff at this – Scotland – really? To either dismiss or acknowledge this tall claim I knew I had to one day visit Shillong and see for myself what the hype was all about. So when my mom insisted on going on a vacation to Northeast India, I agreed without even thinking twice.

To reach Shillong or infact any other state in Northeast India, one has to go through Assam, which is known as the “gateway to Northeast India.”  After reaching Guwahati, we decided to visit the famous Kamakhya Temple before heading off to Shillong. I had hoped for a bumpy drive, but I was pleasantly surprised by the road; it was not just scenic and beautiful but was in very good condition as well. 

Also, if you are on road trip to Shillong, you just cannot miss the small colorful side shops on the roads—I had the juiciest pineapple here. 

We reached Shillong in the evening and were welcomed by a slight drizzle. However, the rain was not a spoiler for any one as the streets were busy and full.

The next day started with a visit to the Don Bosco Church. The blue church against the blue sky almost took my breath away. Note: Photography is not allowed inside the church.

We then got a free entry to Ward’s Lake. We just took a long good walk around the lake, which was beautiful, clean, and well maintained. Note: The lake is closed on Tuesday.

We then visited the DonBosco Museum. No doubt the museum is a center for getting to know the Northeast and the tribes better, but the best part of the museum was the sky walk. You can actually walk on the roof of the museum and treat your eyes to a 360 degree view of beautiful Shillong.

While we were taking a walk through the town, I couldn’t help but notice the pretty houses. Each cottage-like house had a garden plot around it, and almost all the houses had an orange tree. Every house I saw made me silently wish that I could live there. 

Visit to Shillong can never be complete without boating at the Umiam Lake. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the place from Shillong. It is a peaceful picnic perfect place.

In the evening we headed out to the market for some shopping. Please note that a large part of the market in Shillong remains closed on a Sunday. You will find some temporary shops, and if lucky, you will definitely find some things worth buying.

Shillong is a perfect combination of the old and modern. The old churches, the wide and narrow roads, modern cafes, the hustle and bustle of the clean town, and the warm and chill air will stay with me forever. It’s a must visit for anyone atleast once in a life time. 

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