Your guide to reaching Shillong…
Transport in India has improved, thanks to direct, connecting flights, well connected railways and wide national highways. Everybody has their own choice when it comes to travelling. Here’s your guide to reach Shillong with making use of all possible transport options.
Shillong, the beauty off Meghalaya, which is also known as ‘Abode of Clouds’ is a gorgeous hill station in the North East of India. It is one of the most ideal destinations for people looking for a getaway, travellers, nature enthusiasts and vacationers. The place is perfectly linked with multiple cities in India, via rail, road and air. Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest railhead (135 km). Travellers can reach Shillong from nearby cities and towns using Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) buses. The Shillong Airport in Umroi is about 35 km away from the city. Here’s how you can reach Shillong via rail, road and air.
By Rail:
At a distance of 135 km, the Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Shillong. It is well connected to all the major cities in India via and extensive and strong rail network, thanks to Indian Railways. Premium trains like Rajdhani Express takes about 34 hours to reach Guwahati from New Delhi. The minimum duration from Mumbai to Guwahati is 45 hours if you travel in the Kamakhya AC Express; other trains take around 52-55 hours to reach there. From outside the station, driving from Guwahati to Shillong via NH 40, takes around 3-4 hours to cover 135 km.
By Road:
For extreme travellers, or road journey lovers, Mumbai to Shillong is around 2,849 km, and is a long journey of 55 hours. From New Delhi, Shillong is approximately 2,004 km and takes 37 hours to reach. A number of Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) buses operate from Guwahati to Shillong. By road after a rail journey, the distance is 135 km and depending upon budget, travellers can choose sleeper, luxury, air-conditioned and Volvo buses. Driving down via NH40 takes approximately 3-4 hours.
By Air:
Shillong Airport is located at a distance of 35 km away at Umroi. It is a domestic airport and connects the hill station with Kolkata. A bigger and convenient airport, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati, and is approximately 130 km away from Shillong. Major carriers operate regular flights from here. Carriers include AirAsia India, GoAir, Air India and Jet Airways from here for Delhi, Bagdogra, Imphal, Bangalore, Agartala, Kolkata, Silchar and Mumbai, to name a few destinations. Once you land, options like state bus services, hire taxis are available to reach various destinations. As per budget, cabs can be hired too, the fares aren’t that costly.
Travelling to Shillong is an amazing experience, the scenic beauty enhance your journey, no matter which mode of transport you are using. Reaching Shillong from any part of the country isn’t a difficult task and we hope the information provided here is helpful enough for your upcoming trip to Shillong.
Pack your bags and get going, happy journey…!
Your itinerary for a trip to Shillong…
A gorgeous hill station in northeast India, the capital of the state of Meghalaya, Shillong is a perfect destination which offers an old world charm along with the wonderful natural landscapes. ‘Shillong’ literally translates to ‘abode of clouds’ and offers what it is named as. The ‘Scotland of the East’ has sparkling waterfalls, azure lakes, lush-green gardens and a distinct culture. Witness the natural charm of this wonderful hill station and give yourself a lifetime experience of being at a naturally rich destination. Know more about Ashoka Waterfall in Igatpuri.
It is suggested that one must visit Shillong during the months of September to May as the climate there is very pleasant during that time. Moderate rainfall adds a cheery on the cake. The monsoon season (June-August) is also a good time for nature lovers but torrential chances may disrupt travel plans.
One of the most scenic locations of Shillong, the Elephant Falls is a must visit if you are visiting the hill station. Admire the beauty and the serene sound of water dropping in layers. The dense surrounding vegetation takes you on step closer to the nature. You can also enjoy shopping for souvenirs from local shops. Get a bird’s eye view of the astonishing hill station up from Shillong Peak. It is located at an elevation of 6449 feet and is surrounded by fog. Pay a visit to the Umiam Lake, which is popularly known as Badapani. This sprawling man-made water body is dotted with a number of small islands and the Lum Nehru Park gives you an added advantage of strolling and picnic.
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Don’t miss out on the grand white marble building, the Mary Help of Christian Cathedral. It is one of the most famous churches of Shillong, add a visit to the local Police Bazaar along with the church visit to buy local artefacts and handicrafts. The Shillong Golf Course gives you a picturesque view of a beautiful and green landscape, which is known as the wettest golf course on Earth. For the nature lovers, trek enthusiasts, and peace seekers, Laitlum Canyons is the place. Ward’s Lake is one the most famous tourist spots, which is located at the heart of the city.
Enjoy natural beauty, spend picnic time, relax at the cafeteria and have a lazy day.
Lady Hyadri Park is named after the first lady of the province – Lady Hyadri. The park boasts rose beds and a play area for children. A mini zoo inside the park houses more than 73 species of birds and 100 species of reptiles. History buffs should not miss out being at the State Museum, which is also known as Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum. One can dive right into the cultural diversity of Shillong and can find a collection of antiques, jewelry, traditional tools, musical instruments and dinosaur models on display.
Mawjymbuin Caves can prove to be a surprise to your tour to Shillong. The stalagmite and calcite formations can leave you wondering about nature and its peculiarity. The most eminent attraction inside the cave is the Shiva Linga made from stalagmites. Shillong offers a lot of surprises; so pack your bags and explore one of the most irresistible hill stations of the country!
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