The declaration of the independent state of Meghalaya by the late Mrs Indira Gandhi brought into focus a small, yet extremely charming destination by the name of Shillong. The capital of Meghalaya, where the clouds reside, or the abode of heavens, is what aptly describes this small town – now almost a city. It is a two and half to three hour journey by road from Guwahati. The drive itself, with its breath taking beauty prepares you for the lovely destination beyond. Almost as a gateway to Shillong and enhancing its beauty is the huge Barapani Lake which also happens to be a major source of water to these hilly areas. The uphill drive thereon mingled with tall pine trees and the unmistakable chill in the air announces the arrival of Shillong.
Like most other hill stations, Shillong is marked by its rambling houses and small flower pots which carry more flowers than they can hold. The air of Shillong almost hits you with its freshness and sudden chill. Unlike most hill stations in India, Shillong is quite big, not only in size, but also in its wide roads and ample shopping destinations. The beauty here is not only restricted to its locales but also intricately connected with its people. Inhabited mostly with the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia tribes, Shillong is almost the face of the north east. The predominant Khasi tribe, which is incidentally matriarchal, shows off its ladies with great panache. A walk in the brightly lit ‘Police Bazar’ streets is a must for witnessing the highly fashion conscious beauties of Shillong. Walking down its enchanting roads, rather than driving around, is the way to experience the true essence of Shillong, like exchanging pleasant “Khubleis” with the betel nut stained, pretty Khasi’s carrying babies on their backs.
Like most tourist places, Shillong has more than its fair share of attractions. Built by the British as a summer capital and education centre for their children, Shillong boasts of some of the biggest and best convent schools.
Other places of interest like Wards Lake, Shillong Peak and the three magnificent waterfalls of Bidon, Bishop and Elephanta, make for a full itinerary. Most tourists visit upper Shillong, the beautiful golf course and graceful churches. The uniqueness of Shillong comes from the fact that one never gets bored here. Even a month long stay seems not enough to appreciate its true beauty. The more one sees, the more fascinating it becomes.
As in most hill stations, night comes on suddenly and with great stealth. Gazing down the hills, you can witness the mesmerizing sight of millions of fireflies lighting up the mountains. One takes back the image of a charmingly, refreshing place where the orange blossoms vie with the forget-me-nots and tiny children in their blazers walk up the lovely streets.
By: Maitreyee Chowdhury
Posts Tagged ‘Indira Gandhi’
Shillong – The Scotland of North East India
December 17th, 2009Fun Facts About India
December 1st, 2009
DID YOU KNOW…
India is a “big paradise” in Asia. Exotic culture, priceless art, modern cities, national parks, and friendly people make the India an excellent destination for tourists…a vast space of immense beauty.Throughout the 21st century, India still maintains traditional lifestyle. The Festival of Laxmi is one of the most well-know religious festival in the Hindu religion.Laxmi is the Goddess of the peace and prosperity. The Festival of Laxmi plays a profound role in the lives of many Indians.
India is known in history as the birthplace of Mohandas K. Gandhi, whose legacy was the democracy. Once Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”.
DID YOU KNOW…
Since 1947, India, an ex British colony, is a democratic country in the Third World. Different from Pakistan(dictatorship), Bhutan ( absolutist monarchy), Nepal ( absolutist monarchy) and Myanmar ( military dictatorship), India did not have dictators.
From 1900 to 1947, the country had one of the worst famine in the modern history. At that time, India was one of the most poorest countries in the world. After 1947, the government expanded “The Green Revolution”.During this period of time, India´s export to world included sugar, corn, and cotton.Since then, India´s economy witnessed the most rapid growth in its history.By the mid-1990s, the economy was industrialized However, India´s human development system is considered among the worst in Asia.
DID YOU KNOW…
There are many women that have made themselves known in Bombay or Bangalore and abroad:
Rohini Hattangady (actress); Nandita Das (actress); Nazzia Hassan (singer); Usha Rai (journalist);Balasaraswathi (dancer); Kavita Srivajtava (women´s rights activist); Jessica Dragonette (actress);Sarojini Naidu (poetess);Devagmita Patnaik (dancer); Shantala Shivalingappa (dancer); Poolan Devi (women´s rights activist); Indira Gandhi (former Prime Minister of India); Maddhur Jaffrey (actress);Karnan Malleswari (sportswoman); Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (writer) and Shanta Rao (dancer).
DID YOU KNOW…
India has won five Miss World titles and two Miss Universe titles.
Since 1990, Miss Venezuela and Miss India are rivals in the beauty world.
1966: London, England. Miss India, Rita Faria, was elected Miss World.
1994:Manila (Philippines).Miss India, Shusmita Sen, was crowned Miss Universe.
1994: Sun City (South Africa).Miss India, Aishwarya Rai, won the Miss World pageant.
1997:Mahe,Seychelles. Miss India, Diana Hayden, was elected Miss Asia and Miss World.
1999:London, England. India´s Yukta Mookhey won the Miss World title.
2000:Nicosia, Cypruss. Miss India, Lara Dutta, was crowned Miss Universe.
2000:London, England. India´s Priyanka Chopra was crowned Miss Asia and Miss World.
In 2004, Julia Roberts, American actress, said, “Aishwarya Rai is the most beautiful woman in the world”.She was Miss India-World, Miss Asia and Miss World (1994). Currently, Aishwarya is a famous actress in Bollywood. She has won several awards in her country and Asia.
DID YOU KNOW…
India maintains good relations with the United Kingdom, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Canadas, Maldives, Mexico, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh Germany and the United States.
DID YOU KNOW…
“Gandhi” a film by British director Richard Atenborough was inspired in the life of Mohandas K. Gandhi ( 1869-1948). “Gandhi” won 8 Academy Awards in the 1980s.
DID YOU KNOW…
From 1900 to 1976, field hockey was the national sport in India.It won seven gold medals in field hockey in the Olympic Games history. India´s national field hockey team won its last gold medal at the 1964 Olympic Games.
DID YOU KNOW…
The Indian film industry makes more films each year than the United States, France, Italy, and the People`s Republic of China.
DID YOU KNOW…
The Parcheesi is the national game of India. It is a board game. Since 1990, Parcheesi is very popular in Europe and the United States…
By: Alejandro Guevara Onofre
Air Travel in India
October 21st, 2009
Various domestic airlines reign in India, which functions their leading flights in India . There are many direct airlines which associates leading urban centers and townsfolks located within the native district of India. Numerous facilities are allowed to the people which too includes the tourists from distinct functions of the world to reach their desired destination within stipulated time-period . The airlines in India has a signification of connecting a connection with the people located in various areas of the state .It helps riders in acquiring the accurate timings of their craved airlines as per requisite
The updated data necessitate to be restrained by the inhabit considering revised information by all the internal flights relating divergent parts by India. The altered information regarding divergent airways helps the people in traveling through airways in emergency .
Many airlines are obtainable in India which alleviates national besides external airways
Air India is identified to be among the starring airlines obtaining in India .It’s identified to be government owned airlines and being specified as interior carrier .Air India was introduced in the year 1932 with Tata Airlines .It is known to be incorporated with Indian Airlines which controls domestic airlines from different urban center located in India
The main hubs for Air India are located at Chatraptai Shivaji international Airport and Indira Gandhi international airdrome colonised in Delhi respectively
The deductions allowed in Air India is 25% with the maturate standards of lower than 30 years . The travelers need to accept a pay sheet from the business office of Air India and submit the filled up form along with identity validation via fax back to the Air India agency in order to acquire redeemed air ticket.
Deccan Airways is generally acknowledged by the figure Air Deccan . Deccan Airways is identified to comprise one of the unmatched cheapest airlines acquirable in internal soil of India Deccan Airlines was inaugurated in August 2003 . Deccan Airlines is generally suitable to middle class people domiciling in the area due to very comparative and cheap aviation tickets.directed by Deccan airways on consistent grounds from distinct urban center and associates the main cities specially metro cities on consistent basis.The principal bureau of Deccan Airways is located in Bangalore .The main center of Air Deccan is located in Chennai . Deccan airways never differs in fares of international tourists.
By: Rachel Myers
