Shillong, Meghalaya State

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Shillong is high in the hills of Megahalaya. In fact, almost from the moment our shared Sumo ( a model of 4wheel drive about the size of a Toyota Landcruiser) started out from Guwahati, we climbed slowl, continuously up a very winding and crowded road. Along the way we passed through heavy rain and hail - not uncommon, so it was just as well we were not motorcycling as originally planned!!
Shillong was the capital of Assam state when it encompassed all the "seven sister states" that now make up the North east of India. So it is full of pieces of British colonial legacy: lots of army camps (with manicured gardens), schools, Christians, and churches, and other interesting pieces of architecture. Many of the old houses seem to be part brick, and part wattle and daub construction, in a fairly standard form. However many of these are decaying, and cement cube-shaped houses/hotels etc seem to be swamping the place.
Every building seems to be in some state of decay or construction...perhaps this reflects the Indian familiarity with the impermanence of things, or perhaps it's just a matter of a developing country dealing with growth and a growing population.
Many of the locals belong to the Khasi tribe...and older women wear the traditional long dress, long pinafore, and shawl. But globalisation is here too, and all young women wear either saris, or more often, western jeans and tops .

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Photos

Mushroom seller
Mushroom seller

Edible fungus
Edible fungus

Comments

[Shasta]

Jim, Hello there ... we are getting ready to go to Shillong in about 2 1/2 weeks. What can you tell me about the food, the safety, the transportation ...etc. We have lived in Africa for the last 2 years so accustomed to a lot of things that mist might not. However, you know first hand experience is the best. Thanks. Shasta

[jimguru]

Shillong safety and food..
Hi Shasta..well it's been almost a year...things change quickly..but we felt perfectly safe there, and the food was fine, although I wouldn't say it was stunning, either. Finding accommodation was a hassle - there just seemed to be a shortage generally. It is a nice place and the locals were really friendly. Bo a google for "shillong" and "news" to get an update on any current issues that might have a security impact...and just keep checking local papers while you're in the North East and you should be fine. Try for Arunachal if you can while there - it's brilliant!

[Khasi Dude]

Re: mushroom suppliers
Hi Hsieh Hsiang Chee. I'm from Shillong. I can probably get you a mushroom supplier if you're really interested. Where are you based? Please post your email address here if you want to be contacted further... if Jim has no objections, that is .^_^. Hope you don't mind, Jim. Just trying to help out a fellow mushroom-connoisseur.

[Ragini]

Meghalaya - Where the rain never stops
Check this Meghalaya related travel article also... Meghalaya - Where the rain never stops