Shillong

Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya at 1,525 meters in the East Khasi Hills, often called the “Scotland of the East” for its rolling pine-covered hills and colonial-era character. Founded by the British in 1864 as the summer capital of undivided Assam, the city still retains its old-world charm with stone churches, Presbyterian mission schools, and sloping wooden houses that define any Shillong travel guide. In the matrilineal Khasi society, property and clan identity pass through women shaping everyday life. Shillong’s vibrant indie music scene has produced some of India’s finest rock musicians. Key highlights include Umiam Lake 15 km north, the bustling Police Bazaar at the town center, and nearby attractions like Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak (the highest point at 1,961 m), and the Don Bosco Center for Indigenous Cultures. The surrounding region also features traditional weekly markets such as Iewduh in Bara Bazaar, one of Asia’s largest outdoor markets making Shillong an essential destination for culture, landscape, and heritage.